tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3450426131882521922024-03-13T09:52:14.178-07:00A Season of GraceFrom the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-68407471297535761732011-06-23T14:48:00.000-07:002011-06-23T14:48:38.189-07:00Heaven on Earth!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTe2KcbTZ4Y/TgOv8n2xnVI/AAAAAAAAAmg/s3S8JQYFLnc/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTe2KcbTZ4Y/TgOv8n2xnVI/AAAAAAAAAmg/s3S8JQYFLnc/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What is it about the ocean, so powerful, yet peaceful at the same time? It is such an amazing force the we can never understand. There are depths to the ocean that have never been reached. When you stand by the sea and hear the roar why does it not bring fear instead of calm? For me, it is the way of My Lord. I can't even begin to fathom His depths, His power, His strength, and where I should be afraid, I am filled with love and peace! The time I spend by the ocean with my family is precious to me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUUdEBh3VFA/TgOu0HXxMSI/AAAAAAAAAmI/k6nhg6910oA/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUUdEBh3VFA/TgOu0HXxMSI/AAAAAAAAAmI/k6nhg6910oA/s320/IMG_2648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I not only get to feel His power by the pull of the waves and the wind on my face but when I look into the innocent, sweet smiles of children.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwfQRlcaNyc/TgOu7ofcq6I/AAAAAAAAAmM/wdTJMyux8m4/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DwfQRlcaNyc/TgOu7ofcq6I/AAAAAAAAAmM/wdTJMyux8m4/s320/IMG_2653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Emma is growing to love the ocean as much as I do. I remember playing on this very beach as a child. I remember how big it all felt!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGx6Q-fqXts/TgOvDcF2Z8I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/CE6B_prYCj0/s1600/IMG_2670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGx6Q-fqXts/TgOvDcF2Z8I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/CE6B_prYCj0/s320/IMG_2670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here we are playing and laughing, just enjoying being a family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NB0jgidm4Q/TgOvOEMGSgI/AAAAAAAAAmU/-IlSjfNxQss/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NB0jgidm4Q/TgOvOEMGSgI/AAAAAAAAAmU/-IlSjfNxQss/s320/IMG_2691.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I am going to blow up this picture and place it somewhere in my home, so that when life gets tough I can rest in the moments God has given me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwP0MwqZlXA/TgOvYwT5QQI/AAAAAAAAAmY/rzvzhcYITfE/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwP0MwqZlXA/TgOvYwT5QQI/AAAAAAAAAmY/rzvzhcYITfE/s320/IMG_2694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Toes in the sand!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8sHjS966y8/TgO0ata17XI/AAAAAAAAAmk/RuSqwfgXLVc/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8sHjS966y8/TgO0ata17XI/AAAAAAAAAmk/RuSqwfgXLVc/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My girls playing with their cousin and having a blast on the beach!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-6704832502754639632011-05-05T23:44:00.000-07:002011-05-06T01:46:51.109-07:00Smore's in a Mason Jar!What do you have for dessert when you live in the South and you are itching for summer. Smore's in a mason jar would be the answer. You can find anything in Bloggerville. The other day I ran across these yummy treats and knew I had to try them.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 441px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603491591984020738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OuqZBCz5tA/TcOZ6hIYfQI/AAAAAAAAAkw/vk7b-OVk8N8/s400/IMG_2166.JPG" />Make sure you have plenty of milk when you serve these sweet treats!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603491589576424402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l-Q_6qVXvHo/TcOZ6YKXe9I/AAAAAAAAAko/zoG42y8OqkU/s400/IMG_2154.JPG" /> My little angel needs to learn a few social skills. I'm thinking we will work on these before she starts dating (or maybe we won't!)<br /><br /><br /><div>One jar will easily feed two but as you can see Rebekah felt she could finish one off all by herself.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603491581219873474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ls5CqQuP9NA/TcOZ55CAosI/AAAAAAAAAkY/m4ShOCjWoL4/s400/IMG_2146.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603491575031323490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCrXqn96-IU/TcOZ5h-i22I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/FCfv9kQKWxg/s400/IMG_2142.JPG" /> Perhaps 8:00pm, after AWANA, on a school night, was not the best time try out this new recipe! However, life is short and precious, kids are only little for a while, and a tummy full of chocolate will always bring sweet dreams!*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-88927108539447113302011-04-29T02:10:00.000-07:002011-05-02T05:14:32.151-07:00My new favorite room!What is more frustrating than a trashed up closet? Everytime I walked into my closet I became anxious! I mean look at this mess - I am rather embarassed to put this out in bloggerville but this is my life. As you can see I did attempt to organize my shoes but couldn't get past all the boxes. If you think this is crazy you should have seen it after my 5 year old took out each and every shoe from the boxes that lined the entire floor.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600932704886968290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3f2vQyaaS1A/TbqCnr2nz-I/AAAAAAAAAhY/NLOhQoDmXoQ/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" /> Needless to say, something had to be done..........................<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqdDU6JBU2k/TbqCfZGcsQI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/A2SSk5uuDL4/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600932562414121218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqdDU6JBU2k/TbqCfZGcsQI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/A2SSk5uuDL4/s400/IMG_1530.JPG" /></a>I approached my fabulous man with my closet vision. It only took a few moments of "bottom- lip-quivering pouting" to melt away his resolve. (And yes, my children are learning from a master!</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCYn6gzzrtw/TbqCfNiFy7I/AAAAAAAAAhI/ZIbxkaQ2Ew4/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600932559308835762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCYn6gzzrtw/TbqCfNiFy7I/AAAAAAAAAhI/ZIbxkaQ2Ew4/s400/IMG_1555.JPG" /></a> So, off to Lowes for wood and screws! I am a shoe lover! I couldn't believe how many old pairs of shoes I got to throw away during this process. I now get to go fill in all the holes left by my purging!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo8r3cHXm0Q/TbqCeyyXOsI/AAAAAAAAAhA/saeAMYZh6j4/s1600/IMG_1562.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600932552129329858" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo8r3cHXm0Q/TbqCeyyXOsI/AAAAAAAAAhA/saeAMYZh6j4/s400/IMG_1562.JPG" /></a> There is nothing sexier than watching the man you love work tirelessly to please you! God has given me such a precious gift in my husband.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J62D8h2r5Xs/TbqCe5dK48I/AAAAAAAAAg4/KoJtZLdKO0Q/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600932553919488962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J62D8h2r5Xs/TbqCe5dK48I/AAAAAAAAAg4/KoJtZLdKO0Q/s400/IMG_1560.JPG" /></a> I didn't take long to put up the shelves. Caulking and painting was another story!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzOYu-w89WQ/TbqCegPkB8I/AAAAAAAAAgw/YV_V9IktH-A/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600932547151529922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzOYu-w89WQ/TbqCegPkB8I/AAAAAAAAAgw/YV_V9IktH-A/s400/IMG_1563.JPG" /></a>I love, love, love this man!!!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiG_5sLDcAw/TbqBbo42tyI/AAAAAAAAAgA/66dMAuOmFmY/s1600/IMG_1838.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600931398420969250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiG_5sLDcAw/TbqBbo42tyI/AAAAAAAAAgA/66dMAuOmFmY/s400/IMG_1838.JPG" /></a> Here is the first glimpse of my new shoe shelves. He built one tall section for boots!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksd4YPbqMKE/TbqBbIqJpXI/AAAAAAAAAf4/deq5TVfj-EQ/s1600/IMG_1835.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600931389769360754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksd4YPbqMKE/TbqBbIqJpXI/AAAAAAAAAf4/deq5TVfj-EQ/s400/IMG_1835.JPG" /></a> I found these great jewelry boxes at TJ Max - my favorite store! They are so smart looking and now I can actually find my costume jewelry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8PHtd_lxE0/TbqBbB6XkFI/AAAAAAAAAfw/XnJhIlTVqD4/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600931387958333522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8PHtd_lxE0/TbqBbB6XkFI/AAAAAAAAAfw/XnJhIlTVqD4/s400/IMG_1837.JPG" /></a> Shoes a plenty, shoes galore! (Just in case you are visiting this site and don't have children the correct title is Pigs a plenty, pigs galore!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlS22i4HupY/TbqBa4SFOCI/AAAAAAAAAfo/ltkbn_yBdaE/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600931385373440034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlS22i4HupY/TbqBa4SFOCI/AAAAAAAAAfo/ltkbn_yBdaE/s400/IMG_1839.JPG" /></a> I really don't mind heading to my "prayer closet" anymore!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHUgg7EtFMA/TbqBah8w5VI/AAAAAAAAAfg/c_4-kc6e3jc/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600931379378447698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHUgg7EtFMA/TbqBah8w5VI/AAAAAAAAAfg/c_4-kc6e3jc/s400/IMG_1840.JPG" /></a> I plan on getting a small zebra print bench to go under the mirror. I mean a girl needs a place to sit while deciding what shoe to wear! I also think above the mirror I will hang black and white pictures of my girls playing with my shoes!</div><br />Don't forget to visit Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/</a> for more Metamorphosis Monday!<br /><br /><br /><div>Thanks for visiting! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-47386330051336001862011-01-07T11:34:00.001-08:002011-01-08T07:11:18.844-08:00Hot Pink Flower Power!I love to duplicate things I see in bloggerville! I saw a post not that long ago on making fabulous flower embellishments. I had to give it a try! I started with biscuit cutters. Yes, that is a strange way to begin but they are perfect circles and graduate up in size.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559540652124303378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSd0xHQ2cBI/AAAAAAAAAfU/vBSt6TyS-2I/s400/IMG_0665.JPG" /><br /><div>I then found some hot pink taffeta and began the transformation. Can you tell I have little girls? I mean, I just happen to have some hot pink taffeta hanging around. Then I cut my circles out and made sure they were ironed. (Later, I found out that the ironing step is really not that necessary depending on how you want your petals to look.)<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwCMb9HMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/-qDzeTaLvPU/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559535448012692674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwCMb9HMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/-qDzeTaLvPU/s400/IMG_0664.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>After the petals are cut you simply use a lighter to burn the edges and the fabric will flip up nicely at the edges. Layer the petals, pop a jewel in the center, and voila, you have an adorable flower to put on anything you please. I used velcro dots to adhere mine to this shirt so that I could remove it for laundering. Also, when the shirt gets stained (as all white shirts do in my house) I can just place the flower on a new bright white one.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwBwPVezI/AAAAAAAAAe8/D3W8YyQczmA/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559535440443570994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwBwPVezI/AAAAAAAAAe8/D3W8YyQczmA/s400/IMG_0696.JPG" /></a> I then layered another flower with organza and made this precious hair clip. My daughter was so excited! She couldn't wait to show off her new hot pink doo at school!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwBpaaGJI/AAAAAAAAAe0/i_ZdjFsQ_Do/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559535438610962578" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwBpaaGJI/AAAAAAAAAe0/i_ZdjFsQ_Do/s400/IMG_0698.JPG" /></a> I am going to be making these for every little girl I know! Isn't is too cute!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwBeNJ7II/AAAAAAAAAes/fYS_rYqTD-0/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559535435602586754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdwBeNJ7II/AAAAAAAAAes/fYS_rYqTD-0/s400/IMG_0724.JPG" /></a> Just perfect for a rock star!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsnjx3hlI/AAAAAAAAAek/IUJjgKnoGVU/s1600/IMG_0703.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559531691887265362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsnjx3hlI/AAAAAAAAAek/IUJjgKnoGVU/s400/IMG_0703.JPG" /></a> Isn't this is a sweet little girl!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsnXn-s-I/AAAAAAAAAec/dmZuwrvAlPw/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559531688624567266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsnXn-s-I/AAAAAAAAAec/dmZuwrvAlPw/s400/IMG_0725.JPG" /></a> Okay, then I thought to myself "I want one," so I found some black lining in the closet and began working more magic. The lining fabric curled up much nicer than the taffeta! I didn't have any organza for this one but I have since been to the store and my next one will be much fluffier!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsmpDx6lI/AAAAAAAAAeM/Oxd71KMIskc/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559531676124703314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsmpDx6lI/AAAAAAAAAeM/Oxd71KMIskc/s400/IMG_0750.JPG" /></a> Playing around with my camera! I love anything in black and white!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsmeyMBdI/AAAAAAAAAeE/NUVZI_Zq2eU/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559531673366562258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSdsmeyMBdI/AAAAAAAAAeE/NUVZI_Zq2eU/s400/IMG_0748.JPG" /></a> Happy Crafting and don't forget to check out all the great Pink Saturday posts at <a href="http://http//howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/">How Sweet the Sound!</a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-91020400877327479352011-01-02T17:57:00.000-08:002011-01-02T19:31:30.498-08:00A New Kind of Metamorphosis!Today I want to share a new kind of metamorphosis I have been working on. At the end of November I spent a week in Haiti with a team of 11 from my church. We were going on a construction trip to build shelters. While there I built shelters and worked in a medical clinic as a nurse. What I saw in that week has changed my life forever and I had to share the metamorphosis that took place in my heart!<br /><br />This is a picture of the ONLY toy I saw in Haiti. A little boy had fashioned this out of a milk container and he was so proud of his creation. I too was proud of this little fellow and the creativity he exhibited. I thought of all us makover divas and wondered if we would have the gumption to make something out of this trash.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557782082903072962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSE1W6Z34MI/AAAAAAAAAcs/Q2NcTlu7igc/s400/DSCF3427.JPG" /> Here I am at the clinic with a precious little baby who kept sticking her tongue out at me. I fell in love with these people and there smiles.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557782076814163474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSE1WjuKfhI/AAAAAAAAAck/uTLCzxiwrKQ/s400/100_5740%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.JPG" />You can't help but be changed when you see children praying with all their hearts. These are a few of the children we saw in the orphanage we visited. It was a fabulous time as we shared the Christmas story and gave them juice and cookies.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557782073539174674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSE1WXhWIRI/AAAAAAAAAcc/YxhEjIEUxLU/s400/SDC12491.JPG" />Here is a woman who got up before dawn and walked several miles so she could sell her eggs at the market.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557782067410526338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSE1WAsKYII/AAAAAAAAAcU/0j_abr0rn18/s400/PB080268.JPG" />After several hours we finished our first tent home and this is the woman who recieved the home. She had a family of 10 that would be living in this tent with her. I was so blessed to have my father along on this trip with me!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557782064681359474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSE1V2hemHI/AAAAAAAAAcM/zfST0m7d5fA/s400/100_5545.JPG" /> The children are so happy and they have nothing. Most eat one meal a day and have very little to no water to drink. How can they smile and laugh and play? Where are the Nintendos? Where are the soccer balls?<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557776110851682290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSEv7Sx3b_I/AAAAAAAAAcE/yfSzroOc1OE/s400/100_5535%2B-%2BCopy%2B%25282%2529.JPG" />My first roofing experience!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557776108365325970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSEv7JhEppI/AAAAAAAAAb8/UcEuR7Stu10/s400/100_5509.JPG" /><br />Look closely and you will see the man helping me in this picture has only one arm. He works all day as a volunteer in hopes that we will have an extra sandwich or bottle of water.<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557776104496384786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSEv67GpSxI/AAAAAAAAAb0/rp0alf4oH7E/s400/100_5486.JPG" /> These children are singing Father Abraham in their language. I love to see the fruits of other mission trips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1<br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557776097487897138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSEv6g_sQjI/AAAAAAAAAbs/aY4kqbEXgh0/s400/100_5444.JPG" /> Finally, this is the moment I was changed forever. We spent a day up in the mountains in Haiti. I thought I had seen devastation in the city but there is no poverty like the remote places of Haiti. We had worked all day in the clinc and were tired. One of the Haitian doctors asked if I would like to pass out some clothes to the children in the village. She warned me that we would have to bring the kids into the tent because a riot may break out in the village if the people saw us giving anything away. She warned me to give to only the children who really needed it since there was a limited suppy. I was pulling clothes out and didn't see the little girl standing behind me. When I turned around I saw the rag she was wearing, no shoes, no underwear. You should have seen the look in her eyes. I have never done anything in my life that will compare to giving that girl clothing to wear!</div><div>This Monday as you look at all the beautiful transformations on Susan's blog <a href="http://http//betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/01/beautiful-kitchen-renovation-welcome-to.html">Between Naps on the Porch </a>please send up a prayer of thanks for all your blessings. Then don't forget to pray for all those who have less!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557776093567782738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TSEv6SZED1I/AAAAAAAAAbk/kor4P58SnAU/s400/SDC12376.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-62178921218022734272011-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:002011-01-08T07:18:07.505-08:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year to all those out in the blogging world. I am so excited to be entering a new season of life. I am in the process of making my New Year New You resolutions and one is to get back to blogging. I love zoning out and reflecting on my life and learning about others in the process. We are having a fabulous time in the South with the snow. We don't see much down here and it was such a gift on Christmas Day from the Father above to be blanketed in the beautiful winter blanket. It was the first snow on Christmas Day since 1969!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557308968193520226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TR-HEAxEcmI/AAAAAAAAAbc/kRrTgUI57pc/s400/125.JPG" /><br />I am especially excited because I recieved a Canon Rebel camera from by wonderful husband for Christmas! I have no idea how to use it yet but I played around with it and can't wait to post beautiful pictures in the future. <div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557308964467292578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TR-HDy4quaI/AAAAAAAAAbU/PhjDsnKIw14/s400/203.JPG" />Isn't it great to see a teardrop of color when the world is white with snow!<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557308958249276370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TR-HDbuLU9I/AAAAAAAAAbE/wI1L53KUqqM/s400/178.JPG" />The kids couldn't wait to ge out in the cold! They built a snowman and the next day the melting process began. Wouldn't this make a great advertising pic for some cold medicine. I am calling this the Snotty Snowman.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557308960851136434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/TR-HDlagj7I/AAAAAAAAAbM/5kLHm9HWHvU/s400/181.JPG" />The new year holds so much hope and promise. This year I am going to try and slow down and enjoy this fabulous life I have been given. As a busy mother I sometimes feel spring loaded! I pray for more peace this year, more time to get to know Christ and become more like him, more time playing with my kids, more time doing for others, and more time blogging about my adventures.</div><div>Check out the beautiful winter scenes in Georgia at <a href="http://http//asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2011/01/15-outdoor-wednesday-104.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ASouthernDaydreamer+%28A+Southern+Daydreamer%29">A Southern Daydreamer</a>.</div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-4648574909957358662010-05-20T05:22:00.000-07:002010-05-20T18:05:54.063-07:00Teacher Appreciation!At the end of each school year you can go into any Michael's or Walmart and see mothers scurrying around to buy towels and totes, mugs and books, or anything that can be given to teachers. Is it appreciation or compensation for spending another year with our children? Whatever the reason, I am always looking for new ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week. This year my a dear friend and I got together to make these lovely gifts.<br />(I apologize for the blurry pics, a Canon Rebel is in my future as soon as I sell a kidney!)<br />I decided to make a flower pot full of goodies! <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsgYYUCeI/AAAAAAAAAX8/9Df0i7jSfhA/s1600/fall+winter+2009+138.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473329856950569442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsgYYUCeI/AAAAAAAAAX8/9Df0i7jSfhA/s320/fall+winter+2009+138.jpg" /></a>I started with a terra cotta pot and spray painted it with chalkboard paint. Then stocked up on gardening things. Gloves, shovel, apron, spray bottle, chalk, all purchased at Michaels. I then stopped by Home Depot for a gift card and Voila, instant teacher gift.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsgJP4ZDI/AAAAAAAAAX0/GygrdYa7AsM/s1600/fall+winter+2009+145.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473329852888671282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsgJP4ZDI/AAAAAAAAAX0/GygrdYa7AsM/s320/fall+winter+2009+145.jpg" /></a>It wasn't easy to let the perfectionist in me stand aside while my daughter added her touch to the pot. However, when she was finished I knew that she had made these gifts priceless!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsfhxgIzI/AAAAAAAAAXs/3ccoR0kmFeM/s1600/fall+winter+2009+144.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473329842292269874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsfhxgIzI/AAAAAAAAAXs/3ccoR0kmFeM/s320/fall+winter+2009+144.jpg" /></a> These pots are for my daughter's Visual Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Exceptional Children teacher. On the back of this pot she wrote "When I need help, you help me." How precious it that?<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsfESHwdI/AAAAAAAAAXk/W1lcVclirYY/s1600/fall+winter+2009+140.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473329834376020434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_UsfESHwdI/AAAAAAAAAXk/W1lcVclirYY/s320/fall+winter+2009+140.jpg" /></a> I can see all the possibilites here. I am going to paint one and place it at my front door with a flower and leave notes for my kids. Something along the lines of - <em>Come on in - I have Brownies,</em> or <em>Wipe your shoes off, it was a rainy day, </em>or <em>Water me before you come in.</em></div><div>The possibilities are endless.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_Use4c2LUI/AAAAAAAAAXc/AFmqsBaX54s/s1600/fall+winter+2009+142.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473329831199780162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S_Use4c2LUI/AAAAAAAAAXc/AFmqsBaX54s/s320/fall+winter+2009+142.jpg" /></a>I hope you can grab a can of spray paint and think of a fun way to personalize your pot!</div><div><div> </div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-9774984062979166532010-05-11T17:24:00.000-07:002010-05-11T19:45:01.921-07:00Spring Porch!I love Spring! Who doesn't? God performs His most fabulous symphony during this season. Everything comes alive and reminds us that He is always at work. His beauty can't be crushed! In this season of my life God is teaching me so much about life and peace, contentment in the little things, and joy.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470183782127274434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-n_KuXMicI/AAAAAAAAAVU/6kcIAVB4GGQ/s320/fall+winter+2009+105.jpg" />I had decided in the bleak days of winter that I was going to pay some attention to my front porch as soon as the weather would permit me to do so! When we built our house, as a young couple without a clue, I knew I wanted a porch. You know, the rocking chair/swing porch, the kind you read about and see in the movies. Where Southern ladies sip sweet ice tea, while lounging around in their cotton sun dresses! (I think I have seen too many episodes of Designing Women- I have often imagined myself to be Susan Sugarbaker!)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470193161157522098" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oHsp-QsrI/AAAAAAAAAWs/RphxrXnZMbg/s320/fall+winter+2009+092.jpg" />I did get a nice porch but I have neglected it for other things! I wanted to make sure that this year it recieved a little TLC!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470187177760875234" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oCQYFVYuI/AAAAAAAAAV0/4M_uC99gJJ4/s320/fall+winter+2009+115.jpg" /> I started with a few hanging plants and accented with black furniture!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470187188016182642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oCQ-SY9XI/AAAAAAAAAV8/MgXcda0Sx5Y/s320/fall+winter+2009+090.jpg" /> I found this at the farmers market and fell in love with it. I had no idea what it was but the blooms were tissue paper thin. The saleswoman said it loved full sun and did not like alot of water. I thought, wow the perfect plant for me! It only took me two weeks to kill off all the blooms and take it down.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470187189024352210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oCRCCwZ9I/AAAAAAAAAWE/69vzZwc7dds/s320/fall+winter+2009+098.jpg" />This is the most precious bloom in my yard. Isn't it beautiful! It is a flower that grows sweeter by the day. It takes alot of TLC and perfers chocolate over water. I have been tending this particular flower for four years and it is, without a doubt, my favorite!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470190088195390082" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oE5yS_uoI/AAAAAAAAAWk/qYLalq-KMdA/s320/fall+winter+2009+094.jpg" /> I love to blog hop and saw alot of ideas for my bench. Some character was definitely needed here.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470183795882284594" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-n_LhmpVjI/AAAAAAAAAVk/yiNXgCsINvk/s320/fall+winter+2009+109.jpg" /> So I found a beautiful tablecloth at TJ Max for $10.00 and proceeded to cut it up to make a bench cushion. I had enough material left over to make a matching cushion for the rocking chair and will soon be making a pillow for the swing! Love that matchy, matchy!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470183807987309794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-n_MOstXOI/AAAAAAAAAVs/qxhU_d1HrDQ/s320/fall+winter+2009+110.jpg" />I then found some table napkins that were on clearance for $3.00 and whipped up two pillows! My mother has an embroidery machine, so I had her stitch one of my favorite verses for all to see when they enter my home.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470190067355763746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oE4kqcRCI/AAAAAAAAAWM/JoI0lUUSutw/s320/fall+winter+2009+111.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470190078653739458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oE5OwFscI/AAAAAAAAAWU/xQqyzKPhqzY/s320/fall+winter+2009+112.jpg" /> Next, I found this table at Good Will for $30.00. It was an ugly yellow, but I saw the potential. What can't be fixed with black spray paint?<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470190082270650002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oE5cObXpI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Tb4SjtxTOBc/s320/fall+winter+2009+116.jpg" /> I am still working on the finishing touches! I have gotten a rug for under the table and finally have some ferns hanging. I found these wonderful iron baskets for $6.00 and filled them with verbena. They fit right over my railing.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470183785486650066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-n_K64IitI/AAAAAAAAAVc/43f7nKOZ-l8/s320/fall+winter+2009+095.jpg" />There is still work to be done but I am pleased with the start!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470195576659764658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oJ5Qa35bI/AAAAAAAAAXM/vNj6TDEzJ8k/s320/fall+winter+2009+134.jpg" />I love to sit out here at night and listen to the sounds of a Springtime night in the country. </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470193175724051794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oHtgPMTVI/AAAAAAAAAXE/Keeyg3VBjV4/s320/fall+winter+2009+131.jpg" /> Sorry for the blurry picture! Boy do I need a new camera! </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470193173291461250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oHtXLN6oI/AAAAAAAAAW8/IksnRmkBv6M/s320/fall+winter+2009+135.jpg" /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470193164733598354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S-oHs3S3SpI/AAAAAAAAAW0/6Tys0VpWQzY/s320/fall+winter+2009+128.jpg" />Thanks for stopping by! Next time call first and I will have some of that Southern sweet tea ready! Don't forget to visit more outdoor fun at <a href="http://http//asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2010/05/512-outdoor-wednesday-70.html">A Southern Daydreamer.<br /></a></p>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-53602728464744897672010-03-07T14:20:00.000-08:002010-03-07T18:43:51.536-08:00Let There Be Light!I have embarked on refreshing my daughters bedroom! She recieved a Justice catalogue in the mail and we both went crazy over all the fun, bright colors. We decided as a team to spruce up her room. I stole an idea I had seen at an antique store not far from the house. I wanted desperately to have a chandelier in my daughters room, but just couldn't make myself buy one. They seem ridiculously priced for a childs room so I improvised and made one myself!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446024119933242434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqFTLUjEI/AAAAAAAAATA/WTaHXjIOeXM/s320/P2120242.JPG" border="0" /><br />A few years ago my neighbors updated their kitchen and were throwing away their very outdated kitchen light. Not wanting anything that still worked to go to waste, my husband put the light in a pile in the garage. I disassembled the light and spray painted the fixture lime green!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqE8KoPPI/AAAAAAAAAS4/-e9cavXO3f8/s1600-h/P2120251.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446024113756323058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqE8KoPPI/AAAAAAAAAS4/-e9cavXO3f8/s320/P2120251.JPG" border="0" /></a> I bought some big "jewels" at walmart on clearance for $3. I then dug into my jewelry making/beading box and whipped up a few strings to tie it all together.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqEb2YEsI/AAAAAAAAASw/VCHH4mLNJWo/s1600-h/P2120255.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446024105081443010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqEb2YEsI/AAAAAAAAASw/VCHH4mLNJWo/s320/P2120255.JPG" border="0" /></a>I tried to find little lamp shades to go on the bulbs but that would have cut the light down. The shades that work only allow 15 watts and that just wasn't enough light for my little princess to play. However, now the light is blinding but it can be switched to 'down light only' if needed.</div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqEH2unOI/AAAAAAAAASo/o6hrq_5Z1dY/s1600-h/P2120257.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446024099714211042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqEH2unOI/AAAAAAAAASo/o6hrq_5Z1dY/s320/P2120257.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love the way it sparkles but is still funky fun for her!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqDtdQZlI/AAAAAAAAASg/XMiI59EhW4c/s1600-h/P2120239.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446024092628051538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S5QqDtdQZlI/AAAAAAAAASg/XMiI59EhW4c/s320/P2120239.JPG" border="0" /></a> The only thing lacking is a medallion for the ceiling to make it really stand out. Isn't is fun to take somebody else's junk and make it work for you?</div><div>Please visit all the other wonderful metamorphosis' at <a href="http://http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/03/welcome-to-60th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Between Naps on the Porch.</a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-21018924075980614662010-02-02T14:07:00.000-08:002010-02-02T19:16:52.565-08:00Disney Memories!We have had a winter storm here in the South. Hard to believe isn't it? I am thrilled to be playing in the snow and cozying up in front of a fire. But the days are getting longer and I am wishing for warmer weather. I am remembering my trip to Disney back in November and thinking of the beautiful weather. So, I am blogging today about our trip and all the fun we had...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433780056964426466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqLCL3auI/AAAAAAAAASQ/ZTPfx6QGx2M/s320/fall+winter+2009+147.jpg" /><br />We had 9 glorious days to play at Disney and here are the girls at the Princess breakfast with Cinderella. This was our first time to the Akerhaus, located at Epcot. I really enjoyed the food and the girls were able to visit with all their favorite Princesses.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqKla38lI/AAAAAAAAASI/pu-6uAY7mVU/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+143.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433780049242747474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqKla38lI/AAAAAAAAASI/pu-6uAY7mVU/s320/fall+winter+2009+143.jpg" /></a> I'm not sure how many of these we actually consumed, but we had chocolate stains on every outfit!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqKXjda-I/AAAAAAAAASA/1aI9pE7KC1M/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+160.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433780045520661474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqKXjda-I/AAAAAAAAASA/1aI9pE7KC1M/s320/fall+winter+2009+160.jpg" /></a> We took one day out of Disney to visit Sea World and it was fabulous. There were no lines and we could pick our seats at every show. Here we are with the cast of the Dolphin show!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqJ0EqNUI/AAAAAAAAAR4/JyJtbABkp7I/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+171.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433780035996235074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqJ0EqNUI/AAAAAAAAAR4/JyJtbABkp7I/s320/fall+winter+2009+171.jpg" /></a> Parade, after parade, after parade...Yes, we saw them all!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqJlFzEzI/AAAAAAAAARw/xFO95Ml_dXw/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+142.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433780031974478642" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2iqJlFzEzI/AAAAAAAAARw/xFO95Ml_dXw/s320/fall+winter+2009+142.jpg" /></a> As you can see, we didn't have any problems with crowds. We had time to hit every ride early in the morning, then we just ate for the rest of the day!</div><div><div><div></div><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433777586807156034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2in7QIerUI/AAAAAAAAARg/3qBnFKXCouM/s320/fall+winter+2009+163.jpg" /> Here is Rebekah feeding the dolphin at Sea World! She is such an animal lover and she was in awe of these gentle creatures! </div><div></div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433777582506447010" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2in7AHHEKI/AAAAAAAAARY/_sRwzDZRNuY/s320/fall+winter+2009+173.jpg" /> It didn't matter what time we went to bed, Emma was up at the crack of dawn. On the very first full day she whispered over to me at 5:30, yes that was 5:30 <strong>AM, </strong>"Mom, I see a sliver of light." So, each and every day she was the alarm clock and we were up and outta' there by 7. On the only morning that we had to be up early, Emma wanted to sleep in. However, the Princesses wouldn't wait so I got to wake up this Sleeping Beauty. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433777578397486098" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2in6wzdTBI/AAAAAAAAARQ/PwBv41yHdbk/s320/fall+winter+2009+176.jpg" /> If you have never been to Disney around Christmas you really should make a point to go. There are such beautiful decorations and trees everywhere. There is a special display called the Osbourne Family Lights that is more than magical. It is millions of lights up and down a street at Hollywood Studios. The lights perform to Christmas music and snow (soap) falls as everyone stares at the display. It is a must see! </div><div></div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433777573217326530" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2in6dgaVcI/AAAAAAAAARI/05OX9efvg8g/s320/fall+winter+2009+177.jpg" /> Me and my man!<br /><br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imH97BVJI/AAAAAAAAARA/9F3JvbKaHx4/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+172.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433775606233912466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imH97BVJI/AAAAAAAAARA/9F3JvbKaHx4/s320/fall+winter+2009+172.jpg" /></a> The teacups were a hit for all members of the family! Well, not me, but I don't like Woozy rides!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imHqBiQ3I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/IQJYSgmT_rg/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+175.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433775600892527474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imHqBiQ3I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/IQJYSgmT_rg/s320/fall+winter+2009+175.jpg" /></a> Chef Mickey was yummy! I mean who wouldn't want to eat at a buffet that included great breakfast food along with cupcakes, doughnut, chocolate, etc...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imHb2605I/AAAAAAAAAQw/w20W4zObJJg/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+169.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433775597089903506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imHb2605I/AAAAAAAAAQw/w20W4zObJJg/s320/fall+winter+2009+169.jpg" /></a> Here is Princess Kitty and Tinkerbelle!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imG28JtMI/AAAAAAAAAQo/wRXQTpCzgpg/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+154.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433775587179738306" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imG28JtMI/AAAAAAAAAQo/wRXQTpCzgpg/s320/fall+winter+2009+154.jpg" /></a> Oh, I miss the warm weather! Not one drop of rain for the entire trip!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imGnENOLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/81qe8pLnDfg/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+151.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433775582918555826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2imGnENOLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/81qe8pLnDfg/s320/fall+winter+2009+151.jpg" /></a> By nightfall I was tired! I finally took possession of the stroller for myself. It wasn't long before there was mutiny among the troops though! I would like to note the toilet paper I have tucked around the toe of my flip flop on my right foot. I thought since it was so beautiful outside I would wear flip flops in the park. What was I thinking? I had a massive blister by the end of the day! Fashionable or not, I wore tennis shoes every moment after that! </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikCYWZSBI/AAAAAAAAAQY/vFJeTlDQcak/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+144.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433773311225579538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikCYWZSBI/AAAAAAAAAQY/vFJeTlDQcak/s320/fall+winter+2009+144.jpg" /></a> Sweet! Isn't it the most precious thing to see the wonder and excitement of childhood in the eyes of your own children.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikBznUILI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/rWnr7h4wA3U/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+141.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433773301364433074" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikBznUILI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/rWnr7h4wA3U/s320/fall+winter+2009+141.jpg" /></a> As some of you know, my mother was battling Lymphoma during our trip and had just finished up her last Chemotherapy. Needless to say, she didn't have any hair and refused to wear hot wigs for the entire trip. So we had a great selection of hats for her. It was a good thing because the children ended up needing to wear them because of the sun! Of course, Emma was the only one who wanted to wear them all at once!<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikBvKO9_I/AAAAAAAAAQI/LAe6zODysjM/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+140.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433773300168718322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikBvKO9_I/AAAAAAAAAQI/LAe6zODysjM/s320/fall+winter+2009+140.jpg" /></a> My sweet Rebekah at the Swiss Family Treehouse! </div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikBfbEUsI/AAAAAAAAAQA/ITQFoxJ5qQo/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+132.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433773295944356546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikBfbEUsI/AAAAAAAAAQA/ITQFoxJ5qQo/s320/fall+winter+2009+132.jpg" /></a>I love Disney, and love the It's a Small World ride more than any other. I guess it is because it is one of those eternal, never changing, things you can count on. I can remember it from my childhood and know that my girls look at it with the same wonder that I saw. </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikA0_X2rI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Yi7kpJVYjTw/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+131.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433773284553906866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S2ikA0_X2rI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Yi7kpJVYjTw/s320/fall+winter+2009+131.jpg" /></a> Here is my mom, who "Fought like a Girl" to go on this magical trip. She had more stamina than either of my children and my husband. I am so glad she was able to go and it wouldn't have been the same without my parents there. We really had a magical time! </div><br /><div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-18514231758987466832010-01-21T12:43:00.000-08:002010-02-02T19:17:51.424-08:00Blinging up the Cast!I am dedicating my blog to my sweetie pie, Rebekah! As many of you know she suffered a stroke in utero that left her with Cerebral Palsy. This requires a whole new world to navigate through as a child and mother. One of the many things we get to share is a bi-yearly trip to the Hospital for Botox treatments. She receives many injections in her arm and leg, with subsequent casting of the lower extremity to stretch out her spastic muscles. (No, I do not get to get any of the extra Botox, just in case you were wondering.) Anyway, we have struggled with cast for most of her life. Casts are hard, ugly, difficult things to decorate. We have been through many phases and colors with the castings, but have finally come to grips with the necessity of this inconvenience! Now it is just an opportunity for glam on a whole new playing field!!<br />We have settled in on a color and typically spend our evening working on a beautiful light blue cast. Imagine our shock and horror when the cast technician said he was out of Carolina Blue. Well, army green and hot pink were NOT options and so we had to go with the dark blue. Okay, dark blue is a color that has been banned from my childhood due to my mother growing up in Chapel Hill. Now the trickle down effect has occured with my daughter. We could not, would not, settle in on a dark blue cast. Something had to be done............<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429363700151656818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S1j5hO_woXI/AAAAAAAAAPw/cvCd3dp83-g/s320/PC290176.JPG" />A trip to Conference store and Michaels just about did the trick!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429306353216178706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S1jFXNA4yhI/AAAAAAAAAPY/IfNE2hkMC1o/s320/PC290172.JPG" />But then we realized there are some people who need a little more direction and may still be confused by the color of the cast. So it was off to my mothers for an embroidered patch........<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429306343732990610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S1jFWpr60pI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/yq0dxCh1Sxs/s320/PC290168.JPG" />A few crystal sparkles hot glued for good measure, a ribbon toe ring, and Voila!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429306365137375682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/S1jFX5bH0cI/AAAAAAAAAPo/j9dNN66NO3M/s320/PC290173.JPG" /><br />(Sorry for the blurry picture but don't you just love the Ribbon toe ring! I have way too much free space in my gray matter!)<br /><br /><div> </div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-63547115403318600362009-12-20T17:43:00.000-08:002010-02-02T19:18:19.603-08:00Christmas Morphing!I love Christmas! Who doesn't love to transform their home into a flurry of color and greenery. There is nothing more peaceful than a roaring fire and the soft glow of fading Christmas tree lights, while listening to Nat King Cole.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501782118325490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7VKu01XPI/AAAAAAAAAOg/W57seVQH9uM/s400/fall+winter+2009+096.jpg" /><br />Here is the beautiful stocking my mother made with loving care for my daughter, Rebekah.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7VKBZ1CaI/AAAAAAAAAOY/gt941rMmvp0/s1600-h/fall+winter+2009+080.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501769925462434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7VKBZ1CaI/AAAAAAAAAOY/gt941rMmvp0/s400/fall+winter+2009+080.jpg" /></a> I usually use quite a bit of ribbon in my decorations and this year was no exception.</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501766641396194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7VJ1K2KeI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/g-Rum7R7ViY/s400/fall+winter+2009+079.jpg" /></div><div><br />Here is a look at my finished mantle. I am looking for the perfect large candles to hang beside the picture. I am also searching for a beautiful picture of the Nativity to hang during Christmas.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501763784706210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7VJqhwiKI/AAAAAAAAAOI/t6RbtthOwNU/s400/fall+winter+2009+077.jpg" />I started collecting Dickens village pieces several years ago and quickly ran out of room. My husband made me a table to display the village on. However, now I don't have any more room so I have had to stop collecting. The new pieces are adorable but I don't have enough house for all my wants!<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501359499895922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7UyIcv5HI/AAAAAAAAAOA/wz84S-4n-zc/s400/fall+winter+2009+075.jpg" />Here is my small display. One day I will have a porch like Susan's to fill with all my pretty things!<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501354196091122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7Ux0sOQPI/AAAAAAAAAN4/xMGXNEi0-YY/s400/fall+winter+2009+074.jpg" />My bannister is short but that has not stopped me from glamming it up! My poor family can't even hold on anymore. The Christmas season doesn't last that long, right? I tell them it is all for the cause of Christmas!</div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501348681259346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7UxgJYmVI/AAAAAAAAANw/EXsUjgWPl-k/s400/fall+winter+2009+073.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501347782588546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7UxczH-II/AAAAAAAAANo/Ml3odImuy08/s400/fall+winter+2009+072.jpg" />Here is the most beautiful decoration in my home. It also happens to be the most precious to me and the one that brings me the most joy!<br /><div><div><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7Uw3weG9I/AAAAAAAAANg/3pDa8uLnLRQ/s1600-h/Copy+of+fall+winter+2009+059.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417501337839344594" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sy7Uw3weG9I/AAAAAAAAANg/3pDa8uLnLRQ/s400/Copy+of+fall+winter+2009+059.jpg" /></a> Please visit other exciting blogs with Susan at <a href="http://http//betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/12/welcome-to-49th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Between Naps on the Porch</a>!</div><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Merry Christmas</span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></span></em> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-47470616533496579852009-09-11T13:11:00.000-07:002009-09-11T13:35:13.380-07:00First Day Goodies!I love to give little gifts. I enjoy surprising people with fun, yummy treats. I always try to pull a little something together to give to my daughters teachers the first week of school. My friends call this my "kiss-up" gift but the teachers seem to appreciate the gesture so I continue to do something small all throughout the year. It is never expensive and just takes a few minutes to put together.<br /><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380306863315652690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqqwlgqGkFI/AAAAAAAAANY/Fu38lmOVKT8/s400/P8220148.jpg" />I found these really cute tins at Michaels on clearance for $2.00. I then went to the dollar bin that was 40% off that day and found a few Crayola note pads and task clips. I already had the popcorn at home and found a candy bar with a little girl on the front for 2/$1.00.</div><div><div> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380306857369971618" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqqwlKgiq6I/AAAAAAAAANQ/I91_hADZJq8/s400/P8220149.jpg" />I was making chocolate covered pretzels for my oldest daughters teachers so I put a few of them in to boot. Of course, the Juicy Fruit was a steal at .25. I just printed their names on card stock and glued the card to a popsicle stick and Voila.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380306846544007826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqqwkiLbkpI/AAAAAAAAANI/3VB2iUsZd0c/s400/P8220152.jpg" />How fun is that!<br /><div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-30982588833246823002009-09-08T09:28:00.000-07:002009-09-08T09:59:29.388-07:00Hereditary Creativity!I have always considered myself creative. I come from a very long line of creative women, who have more ideas and energy, than time. I love to think outside the box and come up with new ways of doing things. However, I think there may be a new Creative Diva in the house!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136163068567202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqaH1yYo3qI/AAAAAAAAANA/7VDgjt3pNbE/s400/P8220157.jpg" /><br />As many of you know me daughter, Rebekah, suffered a stroke in utero. She is a subsequent left Hemiparesis child and has many challenges with everyday living. She does not use her left hand and only minimally uses her arm as an assistive tool. It has become very important that she start lifting her arm up due to shoulder weakness. If she continues to ignore her left arm it could potentially fall out of socket at her shoulder. Therefore, we have been trying to come up with a solution for this all summer. I have discussed modifications that could be added to desks and tables with her father. During one of these lengthy and complicated discussions my brilliant, creative, brain-injured child suggested we Velcro her hand to the desk. I was blown away by her insight and quickly realized that simple solutions are sometimes the best solutions.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqaH1vsLhjI/AAAAAAAAAM4/pnquruypmH0/s1600-h/P8220158.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136162345223730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqaH1vsLhjI/AAAAAAAAAM4/pnquruypmH0/s400/P8220158.jpg" /></a> So, here she is with her new fancy Velcro strap working away on her homework! It has worked so well that she has one in both her classrooms at school and I can really tell the difference with her arm.<br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136150501975538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqaH1Dkh5fI/AAAAAAAAAMw/0mFoJZo0dUI/s400/P8220154.jpg" />And here I thought God gave this miracle child to me so I could teach HER things!<br /><div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-78221411519913644792009-09-04T14:03:00.000-07:002010-02-02T19:18:49.426-08:00I love Fall! I love the weather, the fall colors, the trip to the pumpkin patch, mums and the slight cool in the air in the morning. I took a trip to Michael's today and was so inspired by the fall displays that I knew I must create something for my front door.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377722921586306258" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqGCgTmgrNI/AAAAAAAAAMo/T2t-rsD6ktg/s400/P8250001.jpg" />I used a fun ribbon that I taped to the top of the door to hand this precious basket full of fall flowers!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqGCf1aeREI/AAAAAAAAAMg/fcpXpYE-tYc/s1600-h/P8250005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377722913482753090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqGCf1aeREI/AAAAAAAAAMg/fcpXpYE-tYc/s400/P8250005.jpg" /></a> I had seen a similar arrangement in a magazine and thought I coul pull it off okay!<br /><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqGCfjyoc6I/AAAAAAAAAMY/CFiyLOvlJlk/s1600-h/P8250003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377722908752245666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SqGCfjyoc6I/AAAAAAAAAMY/CFiyLOvlJlk/s400/P8250003.jpg" /></a>My next fall purchase will be a camera! Then I will be a better blogger with great vibrant pics for all my friends to enjoy. Happy Fall Decorating!<br /></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-69871216769963832862009-09-02T19:18:00.000-07:002010-02-02T19:19:50.218-08:00First Day of School!Is there anything more exciting than the first day of school? Don't answer that, we all know there is, but for children it is a monumental day. Rebekah was more than ready to go back to school after spending the summer with her 3 year old sister. Here she is wearing her new Justice bookbag. I looked and looked for a sling bag until I realized that a messenger bag would work out perfect for her special needs! It wasn't a hard sell, seeing as how it is bright pink and has alot of silver bling to boot!<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377063480560006290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sp8qvyWBNJI/AAAAAAAAALw/KU9YRACRA4M/s400/P8150129.jpg" /><br />The first morning she jumped out of bed like a bunny! Not so quick now that she has been back for a few days. </p><p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377063489054910434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sp8qwR_XJ-I/AAAAAAAAAL4/9Yt81OBnG44/s400/P8150130.jpg" /><br />Now, Emma was not so excited about going back to school. She spent most of the summer complaining about a boy in her last year class that apparently terrorized her frequently. I was relieved to find out that he no longer goes to her school and will not be an issue this year. Luckily, Emma has several friends from her church that are in her class!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377063499050167170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sp8qw3Oaq4I/AAAAAAAAAMA/1E1hsmup8Ws/s400/P8230161.jpg" /><br />Emma is going to be my fashionista child. She wanted to pick out all her new school clothes and insisted that she wear a skirt for the first day. "Don't I look pretty mom?" was the morning song.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377063507982946002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sp8qxYgKDtI/AAAAAAAAAMI/49CiXPc7zTQ/s400/P8230163.jpg" /><br />As a mom, I was so excited about the first day back. I planned to eat breakfast with some friends and then do a little light shopping for the first day back. I did not, however, plan on getting upset and crying. When I dropped Emma off at the entrance (as I was instructed to do by the teacher instead of walking her into her classroom) she didn't hesitate to get out of the car. She was excited to be carrying her big girl bookbag with her new mermaid blanket tucked safely inside. She started to walk off and then turned to me and said " Wait, I need to give you a hug mommy." Of course, I grabbed her and insisted that a hug would not do without a kiss and then she was GONE. I watched her take the hand of her assistant and walk right out of my grasp. I spent the next few minutes crying and wondering how 3 years could move so quickly. Children are such a wonderful gift to us. I wish I could hold them forever! I pray that God will give me the strength to let them go when they are ready to fly on their own!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377063510878897794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sp8qxjSmxoI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/m7866mi7pog/s400/P8230160.jpg" /><br />For now, I will cherish each kiss, each hug, each laugh, each tear, each bedtime story, each bath, each dress up, and each <em>first day of school</em>!<br /><br /></p>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-90124785658773393212009-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:002010-02-02T19:02:08.385-08:00Tassel Fun!I was so inspired by the tassels I saw on Metamorphosis Monday (several Mondays ago) at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/07/welcome-to-27th-metamorphosis-monday.html">Between Naps on the Porch </a>that I had to try it for myself. I cheated and used a pre-made tassle and added the ribbon and accent piece.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357173402611327058" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SliA037RoFI/AAAAAAAAALg/MAa3ouAdrt4/s400/P7010004.jpg" />I bought the flower at Michaels for $1.00 and clipped the rod off the bottom. I then placed it down inside the tassel. I am off to the beach today and will be looking for small pieces to top off future projects. I think ornaments would work perfectly!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SliA0afijbI/AAAAAAAAALY/kgtsHSvpaQE/s1600-h/P7010006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357173394710367666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SliA0afijbI/AAAAAAAAALY/kgtsHSvpaQE/s400/P7010006.jpg" /></a> I got the ribbon in the bargain box at Michaels as well for $1.00 a spool.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SliA0F2pclI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Z-b3TIU45I0/s1600-h/P7010003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357173389170143826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SliA0F2pclI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Z-b3TIU45I0/s400/P7010003.jpg" /></a><br />I was tickled with the finished product and have it hanging on my Television cabinet in the living room.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SliAz8cmDSI/AAAAAAAAALI/EQCUIeTTrQ4/s1600-h/P7010002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357173386644950306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SliAz8cmDSI/AAAAAAAAALI/EQCUIeTTrQ4/s400/P7010002.jpg" /></a> I can't wait to make more and give as gifts. Think house-warming!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-47015453432242444892009-07-09T09:48:00.000-07:002009-07-09T11:03:56.806-07:00Tablescaping - Not just for grown-ups!I had the most delightful time Tablescaping today with my 3 year old daughter, Emma. She decided we needed to have a Tea Party in her room and I thought "Hey, it's Tablescape Thursday", hosted by Susan at <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/07/welcome-to-46th-tablescape-thursday.html"><em><strong>Between Naps on The Porch</strong></em></a>. Please stop by and visit all the fabulous tablescapes there today.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356514070135389458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYpKrDNPRI/AAAAAAAAAJw/v1UmsURbCGg/s400/P6290100.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356514079144395346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYpLMnHwlI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/rOrgtOAmgG4/s400/P6290108.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356514058581173218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYpKAAd4-I/AAAAAAAAAJg/8SpZgeosU1I/s400/P6290084.jpg" />I found this little silver tray at a yard sale for $1.00. I fell in love with it and knew I would be able to use it for something one day. I always encourage my friends that if they see something that whispers sweet nothings to them, BUY IT!<br /><br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356514065648010530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYpKaVVRSI/AAAAAAAAAJo/jEktqPCz16o/s400/P6290104.jpg" /></div><div>Emma has a wonderful playhouse bed her father built for her 2nd Birthday. We started out with a Toddler bed in the downstairs and it was a very easy transition from crib to bed. She has since graduated to the loft bed and now has the perfect kitchen for all her entertaining.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356509171136617090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYktg24WoI/AAAAAAAAAJY/FfVo02EDXcw/s400/P6290121.jpg" />Bear Bear and Bitty Baby were excited to receive an invitation to such a lovely Tea.<br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356509167850735842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYktUndyOI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/bVEKqKwiBys/s400/P6290070.jpg" />No Tea Party would be complete without a Silver Bell to ring, when running low on Tea and Crumpets!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356509158041710770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYkswEz8LI/AAAAAAAAAJI/hfdpytoZCrc/s400/P6290089.jpg" />"Would you like 1 lump or 2, my dear?" </div><div></div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356509153322385074" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYksefovrI/AAAAAAAAAJA/l7wskGLtKFI/s400/P6290120.jpg" />Please note the Target birds that were a gift to me from my fabulous friend and blogging buddy at <strong><em><a href="http://sharonschickensinthemist.blogspot.com/">Sharons Chickens In The Mist.<br /><br /></a></em></strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356509133952171714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlYkrWVavsI/AAAAAAAAAI4/0_rA_0wLW1I/s400/P6290102.jpg" />Thanks for having Tea with us, have a blessed day!</div><div><em><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Jill & Emma<br /><br /></span></em></div><div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-58301783660462825852009-07-08T16:02:00.000-07:002009-07-08T17:20:42.801-07:00Outdoor Wednesday!It has been so long since I have posted but I decided to try Outdoor Wednesday. I have been following <em><a href="http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/07/78-outdoor-wednesday-26.html">A Southern Daydreamer</a></em> and love to check out all the beautiful posts there. Of course, I realized that I didn't have any fabulous pics to post this week. So I am just posting a few pics of my outdoor spaces. This is a picture of my home in the country. The picture is about 2 years old so I have made many changes and will post a new pic next week of my updated exterior.<br />I have added alot of black to the porch and it looks much better.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 405px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356234790191457394" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlUrKcLzZHI/AAAAAAAAAIY/Fc2iko6SyZw/s400/622299731206_0_ALB.jpg" /><br />We have alot of azalea bushes around the house and I just love when they bloom in the spring.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356234794421452738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlUrKr8T_8I/AAAAAAAAAIg/apyq4rQQJ50/s400/932299731206_0_ALB.jpg" /><br /><br />Here is an outdoor space for my two girls. It was a birthday gift my husband built for our now 8 year old daughter. My second daughter seems to spend more time there now.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 401px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356234786134651906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlUrKNEldAI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/665Up51uNEI/s400/P6280067.jpg" />Finally, this is a pic of the only hydragnea bloom we had on a bush out front. I have done alot of investigating as to the reason why we only had one bloom and hope to have a bush full in the next few years. However, it is still a beautiful bloom.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356234778542988370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SlUrJwyl3FI/AAAAAAAAAII/PjI_CpB99ME/s400/P6200032.jpg" /></p><p>Have a beautiful summer!</p>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-72952568710420216392009-06-16T12:01:00.000-07:002009-06-16T12:16:41.484-07:00Old Glory!I was so impressed with the post from Alisa at Carolina Panache about Flag Day that I had to go out and take a picture of our flag. Old Glory is displayed proudly for most of the summer but I am ashamed to say that I was not up on the appropriate etiquette. I am planning to purchase a spotlight this weekend. I also liked the idea of small flags place in planters around the house.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjftFk8VLDI/AAAAAAAAAHo/eADy0pbc274/s1600-h/laundry+room+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348003762597604402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjftFk8VLDI/AAAAAAAAAHo/eADy0pbc274/s400/laundry+room+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348003767215792834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjftF2JZIsI/AAAAAAAAAHw/RAeQLiZWZz8/s400/laundry+room+002.jpg" border="0" />I plan to find a few small flags to place in my hanging baskets around the house! I am so enjoying stealing ideas from all the creative ladies out there in the blogger world.</div><div> </div><div><em>Jill</em><br /></div><div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-57597273782037930402009-06-15T16:53:00.000-07:002009-06-15T19:09:42.192-07:00New Laundry Closet!What a wonderful way to start the day!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjK0cZSsI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Dl8rDUTGKm0/s1600-h/laundry+room+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347711382564981442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjK0cZSsI/AAAAAAAAAGw/Dl8rDUTGKm0/s400/laundry+room+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> Everyday holds a possibility of a Miracle - like I will get my Laundry done today!<br />I had finally had it with the disaster that was my Laundry room so I thought I would spruce it up a bit.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjKWngm8I/AAAAAAAAAGo/iZ284Z5zXyE/s1600-h/laundry+room+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347711374558534594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjKWngm8I/AAAAAAAAAGo/iZ284Z5zXyE/s400/laundry+room+008.jpg" border="0" /></a> I found a plate hanger on sale at Michaels and used that for the ironing board holder. Then I just placed a cute Love sign over the unsightly screws.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjKEm0L2I/AAAAAAAAAGg/a_8d8iq3vHQ/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347711369723785058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjKEm0L2I/AAAAAAAAAGg/a_8d8iq3vHQ/s400/2.jpg" border="0" /></a> My husband was kind enough to hang some inexpensive cabinets we found at Home Depot. It is so nice to have all the soap and trash bags hidden. I finished the cabinets off with baskets I found at Michaels for $20.00/3. If that wasn't enough of a steal I added a 40% off coupon to make them even more affordable. I am hoping that the washer and dryer will soon die and I can upgrade to the H5. Yahoo!<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjJ-GRqTI/AAAAAAAAAGY/fV_q4QaW9oE/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347711367976692018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbjJ-GRqTI/AAAAAAAAAGY/fV_q4QaW9oE/s400/1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbgTuTApEI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/UEsSNc5irSs/s1600-h/P5100053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347708236998943810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbgTuTApEI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/UEsSNc5irSs/s320/P5100053.JPG" border="0" /></a> I had to show you the before nightmare that existed in my home. I put wallpaper in this closet shortly after we built the house. Needless to say, after many years of heat, the paper did not want to come off. The Dif you see on the dryer was a joke and after 3 days of pulling off paper I realized that I still had another layer of paper to go. That layer took the wall down to the sheetrock in many places. So after spackling, priming and painting I have vowed to never, never, never hang another scrap of wallpaper in my home. (Unfortunately, I have a bedroom with wallpaper that is in serious need of attention. But that is a project for the fall when the kids are in school)<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbgTPa9hTI/AAAAAAAAAGI/wC5aI5vhyPk/s1600-h/P5100054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347708228710794546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbgTPa9hTI/AAAAAAAAAGI/wC5aI5vhyPk/s320/P5100054.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbgSyxz7SI/AAAAAAAAAGA/IyIg70TGkGI/s1600-h/P5100052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347708221022006562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjbgSyxz7SI/AAAAAAAAAGA/IyIg70TGkGI/s320/P5100052.JPG" border="0" /></a> Do you not just love the organization I had going on here. I am so embarrased to even post these pics but you couldn't appreciate the change without this nightmare viewing.<br />I can't believe I thought wallpapering flower sayings was a good idea for a laundry closet. I am so thankful for home decorating shows and friends who still love you even when you exhibit really bad taste.</div><div> </div><div>Many thanks to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/06/welcome-to-22nd-metamorphosis-monday.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a>. Please visit all the wonderful blogs there.</div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">Jill West<br /></span></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-63305163827775773792009-06-11T17:08:00.000-07:002009-06-11T17:20:53.617-07:00Tagged!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjGeYH9thWI/AAAAAAAAAD4/vZBjoKEK4Ug/s1600-h/IMG_1099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346228369957422434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjGeYH9thWI/AAAAAAAAAD4/vZBjoKEK4Ug/s320/IMG_1099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjGeX5-1djI/AAAAAAAAADw/xW7aJp-ChTw/s1600-h/IMG_1094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346228366204040754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjGeX5-1djI/AAAAAAAAADw/xW7aJp-ChTw/s320/IMG_1094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjGeXj3lAmI/AAAAAAAAADo/jYrkD4xQOtc/s1600-h/IMG_1093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346228360268022370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SjGeXj3lAmI/AAAAAAAAADo/jYrkD4xQOtc/s320/IMG_1093.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Okay, I have been an awful blogger! I have been busy with projects I just haven't blogged about any of them. I got tagged by my wonderful friend at Sharons Chickens In the Mist so I am posting my 6th picture in my 6th file. Of course, I couldn't just post 1 picture. My sweet little girls are too cute not to let you enjoy seeing their faces a few times. Emma is the accessory queen and will put anything on her head. This is an old picture as she is now 3 1/2 years! Wow, where has the time gone? Rebekah is now 8 and getting ready to be home for the summer. I am looking forward to sleeping in, time by the sea, late summer nights cooking out with friends, and lots and lots of ice cream!!!!!!</div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-19225416026694846082009-05-14T12:36:00.000-07:002009-05-14T13:01:16.845-07:00First Tablescape Fun!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2Iq0H9QI/AAAAAAAAADg/sWw_7Zq63u8/s1600-h/P4300032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335769549831140610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2Iq0H9QI/AAAAAAAAADg/sWw_7Zq63u8/s320/P4300032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2IgTEDtI/AAAAAAAAADY/2FLk-GRtX1I/s1600-h/P4300029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335769547008118482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2IgTEDtI/AAAAAAAAADY/2FLk-GRtX1I/s320/P4300029.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here it is, my Mothers Day tablescape. I went several weeks ago to Marshalls after hearing they had the Laguiole knives on sale. I know I will enjoy these many times. I had to have the bird cage and it was my husbands idea to put leaves from the yard in it to add a touch of color. I was impressed that he even noticed the table, much less had a suggestion regarding greenery. I tried to use some of the ideas I have seen along the way for the plates and napkins. I am hoping that I will be more creative in the future and as I look at the pictures today, I can see all types of changes I could make. Happy Tablescaping!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2IYzdlPI/AAAAAAAAADQ/tuybo4VllDc/s1600-h/P4300031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335769544996525298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2IYzdlPI/AAAAAAAAADQ/tuybo4VllDc/s320/P4300031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2IFH4VwI/AAAAAAAAADI/LV9Ty3es0dM/s1600-h/P4300036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335769539713455874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/Sgx2IFH4VwI/AAAAAAAAADI/LV9Ty3es0dM/s320/P4300036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-58725301858347744992009-05-12T11:41:00.000-07:002009-05-12T11:47:33.806-07:00Borrowing ideas!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SgnDZzmCPqI/AAAAAAAAADA/rXR7wz4LE5g/s1600-h/IMG_0921.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335010081710948002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SgnDZzmCPqI/AAAAAAAAADA/rXR7wz4LE5g/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SgnDZ8zrwcI/AAAAAAAAAC4/FLmi-jAroyw/s1600-h/IMG_0920.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335010084184113602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SgnDZ8zrwcI/AAAAAAAAAC4/FLmi-jAroyw/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love to borrow ideas from the sites I visit. I am not sure where I found this one but I thought it was precious. Just start out with any container and take a little greenery, add soap with a ribbon and voila, you have soap for a bathroom display. You really need two bars of soap to complete the look but I didn't have another oatmeal so I will get one on my next visit to Bath & Body. My husband isn't really impressed with the "soap in the grass" look but what does he know.</div><div>Jill<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SgnDZUtQJvI/AAAAAAAAACw/W7WHN2Cf7PE/s1600-h/IMG_0919.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335010073419720434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SgnDZUtQJvI/AAAAAAAAACw/W7WHN2Cf7PE/s320/IMG_0919.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345042613188252192.post-38043484941855505672009-05-11T15:29:00.000-07:002009-05-11T15:31:01.695-07:00Gearing Up for Tablescape Thursday!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginI5xFZQI/AAAAAAAAABw/WnVDJRQ2wGg/s1600-h/P4280001.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginI5xFZQI/AAAAAAAAABw/WnVDJRQ2wGg/s320/P4280001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, I am gearing up for Tablescape Thursday and so excited. I have been shopping around and found alot of treasures for my Mothers Day table. Here are a few of the items I have discovered. You will, of course, have to wait until Thursday for pics of my first real attempt at this Tablescaping thing<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginI3ZGYVI/AAAAAAAAAB4/7aMsrzBTrTU/s1600-h/P4280002.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginI3ZGYVI/AAAAAAAAAB4/7aMsrzBTrTU/s320/P4280002.JPG" border="0" /></a> .<br />First, I found these beautiful plates for $2.99 each at TJ Maxx. I fell in love with the floral design and bright yellow. I was looking for a rose pattern which seemed appropriate for the occasion but when I saw these my color palette changed!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Next, I found this beautiful pitcher for $12.00. You can't beat that! I loved the unique handle and knew my sweet ice tea would be delicious after being poured out of such a treasure.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginJCgjLJI/AAAAAAAAACA/qnI3rk-Us5s/s1600-h/P4280003.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginJCgjLJI/AAAAAAAAACA/qnI3rk-Us5s/s320/P4280003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Since I have been learning from Between Naps on the Porch, I knew I had to have a bird cage. I mean, who doesn't have a bird cage now. I still don't have the Target bird but will soon be getting them. Oh, $6.00 for the cage at TJ Maxx.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginJcbStGI/AAAAAAAAACI/NCNSEEml2CI/s1600-h/P4280004.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TZY09LZwNMc/SginJcbStGI/AAAAAAAAACI/NCNSEEml2CI/s320/P4280004.JPG" border="0" /></a> Finally, I found this on Clearance (my new favorite word) and just had to have it. I thought $5.00 was a steal and I have so many places I can use it when it is not on my table. This would go nicely with my yellow, blue and silver color scheme that I was planning.<br />I can't wait to show you all the reveal on Thursday!<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>*http://www.blogger.com/profile/00558261271983994759noreply@blogger.com2