Praying for Oklahoma

 

"Let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive

His mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need."

Hebrews 4:16

 

 

 



"Hanging Around" at Tisha's House

This week I'll be heading to my friend Tisha's house for another visit....along with Patricia.  We're both looking forward to a day of fun, food, and fellowship with our good friend!  I can't wait to find out what Tisha has planned for us.

 

One of my favorite parts of visiting her is seeing what changes she's made to the home she recently moved into.  On my last visit I was very intrigued by the things she had "hanging around"!  Tisha always has some fun ideas!!

 

My favorite...a basket of potatoes hanging from the wall.

A lacy valance....and a pretty bowl.

Lights and oversized ornaments hanging in her studio.

A crystal hanging from a pretty valance.

An old glass light globe....perfect for a tealight!
Love that birdhouse too!

Another favorite...a lacy window treatment, held in place by stones!  So clever!

A branch over the window in her studio holds
many ornaments & trinkets from friends...including me!

A pretty wreath that Tisha found at one of the numerous wonderful shops in her area.

Teacups hanging from a beam...I love the contrast of the rugged wood and the fragile china.



It'll be fun to see what's new at Tisha's...it'll be more fun just to spend time with my friends!

 

 





Back Yard Visitors

When I got home from work on Tuesday, Bill was working in the yard.  I went out to say hello, but instead said "Did you know that there's a duck in our yard?" 

He said, "Actually, there are two ducks in our yard". 

 

We haven't opened our pool yet....so it looks a bit like a pond I guess. 
The ducks seemed to enjoy their little swim!

Mr. Duck entered the pool at the deep end, where the cover slopes into the pool. 
He slid right in!

And then they were done.  They flew off quickly.  I missed Mr. Duck's departure. 
The pool cover is coming off soon, so I doubt we'll see them again.

Two Special Birthdays

Today we're celebrating birthdays for TWO people I love! 

My oldest son Kevin and my oldest granddaughter Charlotte.

 

Happy Birthday to both of you!!!

I hope today is extra special!!

 

Charlotte "posing" with Grandpa before her party (May 5th) began.

See  Pascal, the chameleon?  He's a clue to the theme of Charlotte's party.

It's a "Tangled" party.  I love the cake Katie made! 
She got the idea on Pinterest.

Family friend, Regina, offered to braid hair at the party.  That made some little girls very happy!

Charlotte insisted on being barefoot...'cause "Rapunzel doesn't wear shoes!"

A fun game...."tangling" some of the Dads in crepe paper hair!!

Kevin looks happy to have escaped a role in this game.

Lanterns are a special part of the "Tangled" story. There were a lot of them hanging about,
and the little girls got to decorate their own as well.

One blow....and all the candles were out!

Love this cake!!

Momma and Daddy got Charlotte a bike.  She'll be wearing her helmut in the future.

Gramma and Grandpa got her a doctor coat. 
Her name is on the pocket under her hand
She wore the coat to the hospital when she visitied Lulu!

What a good uncle....poor guy, his birthday has never been the same
since Charlotte, "the birthday stealer", came along!!

 

Love you both!!

 

 



A Change of Space

Ever since Mandy moved into her own home over a year ago...I've been contemplating moving my craft room to her old room.  But given the amount of "stuff" I have, I wasn't quite sure how to tackle it.  But for the past couple weeks I've been working on sorting, organizing, and purging.  This room has been my craft room for about eight years....for six of those years it wasn't a very nice space.  Spring of 2011 marked it's new beginning....new paint, new flooring, and a place for everything and everything in it's place.  I blogged about it HERE. 

 

The past two years has seen a lot of stuff added to this room, and my current sorting has taken a toll on the
"everything in it's place" plan.

As I sort through this space I'm trying to move (into the new space) only the things I plan to keep.
That makes for slow progress.  But I have managed to get through all my fabric, old sweaters, lace,
linens, and baby clothes...that's what's piled up here. 

The shelving unit that used to be here, has already been moved to the new room. Now I
can pile stuff here until I decide where it needs to go.

I honestly feel like this is going to take forever! 

Here's the new spot.  It's in the basement, and that window well offers the only natural light. 
We had two nice, bright light fixtures installed, plus I have some fun lamps that I'll be scattering about.

About that window well....I was working in this room Saturday night. I kept hearing a little thump
on the window.  Yep...toads!  Oh joy!  I love company while I'm creating. 

There's that shelving unit from upstairs.  I'm going to make this corner one of the spaces I store supplies. 
You can see the back of a dresser that used to be in my living room (it has the crate sitting on it). 
The dresser has three really nice, deep drawers in it. Great storage potential! 

This end is not quite finished.  We're putting in some "butcher block" counter top, and some track lighting. 
Curtains will cover the lower cabinets, and two shelves go into each of the side units on top of the counter.

I'm so excited to be moving down here, but it sure has been a lot of work, and there's still a lot more to do!  Forgive me if I neglect my blog every now and then. 

But I'll keep you posted on my progress. 

 

 



Happy Mother's Day to my Mom

My Mom has been a "single mom" since my Dad passed away when she was thirty four years old.  A "single mom" of four young children.  Children who grew up to be pretty decent adults because of her love, perseverance, and example.  Her little family of five grew into a big family of forty-one!  All forty of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren love her a bunch!!!  We all know that we're loved in return.

 

The photo below is of (from the left) Amanda, my Mom, Katie, and Charlotte.  I wouldn't be surprised if my Mom printed it out and displayed it somewhere in her home. 

She LOVES family photos!

 

She has family pictures everywhere...as evidenced by the following photos....and this is only her living room and kitchen!

 

 

 

Mom...I'll send a photo of family member #41 to you ASAP!!

I love you a bunch and I'm so grateful to be able to call you MY MOM.  Thank you for all you do...for all of us!!

 

Happy Mother's Day to You!!

A bouquet from my garden to you!
 



Memories

Hard to believe that he would have

been 38 years old today!

 

 

My First Born

Ronny