Operation Christmas Child 2013

Yesterday, we went shopping to fill our Operation Christmas Child boxes. It was so much fun filling our boxes and finding just the right gifts to put in them.  My sister, grandpa, mom, daughter, and I went out in the morning, and then Hubs, Baby Girl and I went back in the evening for Hub's box.  

I am overflowing with thankfulness and love and will cherish this memory! 

I wanted to find a little stuffed animal doggie for my box (for a little girl my daugther's age) because Baby Girl loves dogs SO much. I was disappointed in the lack of stuffed animals and prayed while I searched the toy aisles.  I started looking at some small Disney stuffed toys of Mickey, Minnie, etc. when I came across Lady the dog.  At first, I just thought, "Oh, this is so cute. Baby Girl would love this." Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks that this was the dog for my girl box! 

Later that night, one of the main things Hubs wanted was a soccer ball for his boy box because on all of the mission trips and countries he's been to, they always play soccer.  Low and behold there were smaller, real soccer balls that fit perfectly in his box! 

Hearing why everyone picked out what they picked was so encouraging and eye-opening. My mom picked an entire outfit from underwear and socks to a dress and shoes for her boxes. She chose this because as a child, one of her older brothers bought her an entire outfit when her dad died (she was a child at the time), which meant so much to her. I forgot about that story, but as soon as she said it, I remembered her sharing it before. She can still tell you exactly what that outfit and shoes looked like because they meant so much to her.  

I was so glad that my sister and grandpa came too.  Seeing their joy and giving.  My grandma passed away on Sept. 8th. So it's a blessing to include my grandpa in new memories. He told me several times that this was one of the biggest blessings that he's been a part of.  My sister has two boys but filled her box with tons of girlie Hello Kitty items.  It was busting with goodies. When I asked her why she chose a girl box, she said she rarely gets to buy girl things besides for Baby Girl and a sweet neighbor girl.  And she went all out girl style. And in her letter, she reminded the sweet child who will receive her box just how SPECIAL she is to God. 

The whole experience was so touching. 

I think I'm most blessed because I've been reading Franklin Graham's book about OCC. He wrote the book because they're celebrating 20 years and over 100 Million boxes delivered!! This book is filled with amazing, only God could do that, stories....from the receivers, to givers, to distribution planners, to how OCC came to be, to the importance of the logo, to those who follow up with the children and do Bible studies with them.  It's truly ALL God at work through His children.  I wish I could share every story with you. 

I recently prayed that God would use me for what He's doing.  I have no doubt that He put this book in my hand (and that prayer in my heart).  What a blessing to get to be a part of this amazing ministry! I would love to share this book with EVERYONE who wants to read it.  The good news is that it's on sale at LifeWay right now. 

http://www.lifeway.com/Product/operation-christmas-child-P005540523?intcmp=LWMain-Best4-OperationChristmasChild-20131104

"Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer." (Ps. 66:20)

p.s. I know a lot of friends already fill boxes for themselves or with their children. But if you're interested or this is the first time you've heard of Operation Christmas Child, check out www.samaritanspurse.org for all the details of how to fill a shoebox for a child. The children who receive these boxes are so grateful. For many, this is the first gift they've ever received. And with every shoe box, the child learns of the love of Jesus Christ. 

Also, it's not too late to fill a box for 2013. National Collection Week is Nov. 18-25, 2013. You can find where to drop off your box on their website as well.

The Pink and Gold Throne and how it came to be.

My girlfriend, Meg and I recently hosted an over-the-top, Pinterest style, pink and gold themed shower for our girlfriend (who is also Meg's sis-in-law). We spent months planning for this shower, and we were so excited when the day finally arrived.  More on that soon.

But until then, I wanted to share the "throne" we created for this shower.  We got this idea from Pinterest and weren't exactly sure if or how we were going to pull it off.  We even had a simple back up chair if needed.

But a couple weeks before the shower, my mom and I were in a small florist/antique shop looking for something entirely different.  And, BAM!, there it was.  Sitting there.  The perfect candidate for our "throne."

After some time and deliberation, we were able to go back, and pick up the chair.  But how to make it pink and gold? I called a friend.  She's excellent with things like this.  There wasn't enough time (or money) to reupholster. And the chair was too complicated to make or purchase a slip cover.  So she suggested that I google "painting cloth furniture."

And that's when I came across this post called "Painting Upholstered Furniture." Don't you just love blogs? :) It was super helpful.  She had just painted a velvet chair. Giving great tips, her steps were easy to follow.

I went to the store to pick up the paint. They didn't have the exact type she mentioned in her blog. But I found something similar called Tulip Soft Fabric Paint (remember puff paint?! same paint company people!)  I grabbed almost all of it they had in the pink color I was going for and was on my way back home.

That night, I taped all around the wood with masking tape and then covered the rest of the upholstery so I could begin by painting the wood.  Using a gold color spray paint, the wood was suddenly no more.  This chair was already taking shape as our "throne"!!

After letting that dry over night, I took all of the tape and covering off to begin tackling the fabric.  Watering the paint down, I used a paint brush and started painting it on the fabric.  At first, it wasn't the color I was hoping for. But I tried not to panic and just kept painting.  It darkened while drying, which was a relief.

The plaid from the upholstery ended up showing through, but it seemed to give a cool effect to the chair.  We decided not to chance it since it turned out so well and only put one coat on the chair.  You're supposed to sand the fabric a little once it's dry to help it be soft faster.  But it should soften up again with some wear too.  It's not stiff or crusty.  It's just a little not soft.

And when the day of our shower came, it looked so good in the room.  It just POPPED!

Here's Meg testing out the chair, I mean throne, before the party.  I think we were just a little giddy (and possibly tired from running on 4 hours of sleep.) But we were ready and finished with over 30 minutes  to spare before guests started arriving.

This Summer's Reading List

This summer, I have so enjoyed doing a study on Nehemiah by Kelly Minter. It is a book of the Bible that our church covered many years ago but had to cut short. Having never finished it, it's been on my to-do list for some time.  The one thing that stuck with me from my first experience with Nehemiah was that when he prayed and asked God to forgive and help and change the Israelites, he included himself in that prayer. He asked God to start with forgiving HIM.  

After the study this summer, I am more amazed by the guy. He has quickly become one of my favorite men who lived in the Old Testament. I also really like the way Kelly Minter wrote the study. I didn't get frustrated with the questions, and I got a lot out of it. Actually, it's already been a couple of months since I finished this, and I could already stand to go back over it and refresh my memory on what I learned.  I do remember this...it was exactly what I needed when I needed it. Isn't that like God? :)

Thankfully, I did take notes. And I do remember that Nehemiah's prayers were beautiful and powerful. He knew WHO he was talking to... the Creator of ALL!  Nehemiah faced tremendous challenges, but he was was resolved that God would fulfill his vision. "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." I Thes. 5:24.  And when the people worked together, they accomplished great things.  They BUILT the wall and set the gates.  

Putting this into my life, I need to remember that I serve a GREAT GOD.  And not to get discouraged or distracted when I feel a calling in my life. 

The other book in the picture above is called "Love Does" by Bob Goff.  It is so good that we have bought or loaned out our copy to several people. We got it from the church as a thank you for being Life Group leaders. 

I have to say that at first I thought, "Oh, cool. The Hubs will like this." He's a big fan of "Blue Like Jazz" who author wrote the forward to this book.  But once Hubs started reading, he would say, "This is too good. I'm not going to say anything, but you have to read this." By the time we went to bed, he had read three chapters saying, "You have to read this. It's too crazy, but I can't tell you. So read it." And then, he couldn't take it and told me one of the stories anyway that night anyway.  

So, I knew I had to pick it up and start reading to stay up with the stories he was reading. Then we could talk about it together while it was fresh in our minds too. 

And I have to say, I was not disappointed. The stories are so crazy and TRUE...and all about the same guy. What a life and what a way to live your life. Doing Love. Showing Love and Compassion to others. Without an agenda. Just doing love.  It's amazing, and I highly recommend it.  That's all. I can't say anymore. You just have to get a copy and read it for yourself. :)

I have also picked up some "light reading" about babies this summer.  Above is a pic of some of the books others recommended that were helpful to me.  They each had nuggets of wisdom concerning how to take care of a newborn.  Crazy, I know, but the saying that babies don't come with "how-to" manuals is true! 

Let the Games begin!

I am so excited for the Summer Olympics. The Hubs and I both enjoy them. And it hit me today that we will be able share this with Baby Girl. I want to make it an event and a tradition for our household that she will cherish as a growing up memory.

Baby Girl and I dressed to cheer on our team. GO USA!

As a kid, we always looked forward to the Olympics. And already, Hubs and I have great memories of watching the Olympics together. Cheering on Michael Phelps to his 8th gold medal of the '08 Bejing Games.

Since I wrote the above (just before opening night of the Games), so much has happened. We love so many of the sports, especially in the summer Olympics, but one of my very favorites is women's gymnastics. And what a year they have had! I have done my best to not find out the outcome ahead of time, which has made it all the more exciting. I love it that they earned their team gold. It wasn't a fluke, preferential treatment or not messing up as bad as the rest. They earned it because they nailed their routines with such precision!

Two amazing side notes on the girls: 1. They are too young to remember the '96 Magnificent 7 team! Wowzers! 2. Kate (like Will & Kate) came over to speak to them. How cool is that?

Baby Girl watching the Games. She's so observant. She normally flips onto her belly as soon as you lay her down, but if the tv's on, she will work her way around to seeing it.

Lets recap on my favorites...

• Women's gymnastics winning team gold and Gabby winning all around!!! (of course :) 
• Seeing a mini story on the '96 US Gymnasts. 
• Watching the mini story on Olga Korbut, the adorable Russian gymnast who changed the sport with her personality and technique 40 years ago. 
• Seeing Phelps make history...again! 
• I have fallen in love with Missy Franklin. 
• Seeing several great US women's swims.
• Catching some of the syncronized doubles diving on springboard and platform. Amazing! 
• Watching Andy Murray win for Great Britain after losing the exact same match a month ago during the Wimbledon's finals. So happy for him as he will forever be cherished by his country, but also sad for Roger Federer. I was routing for him.  This is the one award that has eluded him, but it was clearly not his day. 
• Go US Women's Soccer team. Would love to see them win GOLD. 
• I am hoping to catch some of the synchronized swimming... also amazing!  

Baby Girl and I dressed up for Natalie's tea party,

which in my heart was in honor of the London Games.

If you can't tell, the Olympics are pretty much all that are on at our house. I am sad to think it will be over soon, and back to "regular programming." Boo!  But for now... bring on Track and Field!

Summer Olympics 2012

6 Days and Counting...

Hot Mama

The Hubs and I went on our first DATE since becoming parents.  This is huge since I have barely breathed the air outside of my house in the past couple of months.  It was great being out just the two of us.

While on our outing, we came across a fun place that I think will become a new love for me.  It's a boutique at the Keystone Fashion Mall called "Hot Mama."  It might even take the place of Ann Taylor LOFT.... seriously.

The salesperson was uber nice, and the clothes were exactly the style I wish I was. My hope is to one day, piece by piece, get there.  Anyway, it seemed like the perfect place to tell my stylish friends about. The reason it's called Hot Mama is because they help moms discover what fits their body best after pregnancy. There are toys for the tots to play with while you shop, and they have drinks to enjoy.

Plus, they host Girls' Time Out parties. They supply the treats and drinks. You bring your friends. It's an after hours party, and everyone gets a 15% discount on purchases that night.  It sounds like the perfect blend of hosting a party (without having to stress over snacks and house cleaning) and girls shopping (except you have the store to yourself!).  So, someday, you may see an invite to a fun gals night to Hot Mama from me.  It might not be for a little bit, but still, be on the look out.

Can you guess where I've been?

I had a great time out the other day just running a few errands.  Come with me, and let's see if you can guess where I went...

Above: Did you know there are entire magazines devoted to aprons? 

And they're so pretty.  I loved this one called "lemonade days." 

Above:  There are also magazines devoted entirely for scrapbooking.  This one was all about Cricket. I think I could really get into the Cricket machine, but I'm not sure I want to invest in all of the extras you have to buy to use it.  Still, it is super cool what all you can make with it. 

Above: This magazine is what brought me to this location.  The Hubs mentioned that he saw it online and would really like to read it.  I wanted to get some fun things for him incase we're at the hospital for a while before the little one arrives. 

Can you guess where I am?

Answer: Barnes & Noble

I love going to the magazine section.  

It was one of the things the hubs and I would do on a date night.  

Above: I love the colors of the dishes in this display.  Aren't they beautiful? 

Above: I also love the dishes above.  They have the most beautiful shades blues and greens.  If only I had more blow money.  I think one of each of these would have made it home with me that day.

Can you guess where I am?

Answer: Crate & Barrel

 

Above: Is this not the cutest girl room and play things? I love the butterfly mobile and all of the great kitchen toys.  Needless to say, I rarely visit this store or at this point, I don't even get the magazine.  It's all too tempting right now and a bit high on the price.  But it sure is pretty.

Can you guess where I am?

Answer: Pottery Barn Kids

Above: It's tradition to make these sour cream sugar cookies each Easter.  I forgot to take a picture once they're decorated, but here's a link to finished cookies from a previous Easter.  I decided to take it easy this year, and I only made one batch.  That is taking it easy because I've been known to make triple batches before to share with everyone.   

Can you guess where I am?

Answer: Home!

Most days, I don't stay out very long.  I just don't have the energy and simple tasks seem to take more time. But that's okay. There's a little one baking in the oven, and she should be ready any time!  I'm 39 weeks today and very ready to meet her.  

Speaking of baking, here's the sugar cookie recipe I use.  

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

3 1/4 c. sifted flour

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. soft butter

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 t. vanilla

1/2 c. sour cream

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Sift flour, soda and salt and set aside. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, egg and vanilla. Add sour cream. Gradually, add flour mixture while beating. Chill. Roll to 1/4" thickness. Bake 10 to 12 minutes on cookie sheet.

** Two things I have learned that help to make this delicious.  Use the bigger cookie cutters to get nice, big cookies. Do NOT roll out the dough thinner than the 1/4" thickness.  They are better a little thicker.

Icing

Ingredients:

2 c. sifted confectioner's sugar

1/2 c. butter

1 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 T. milk


Directions:
Cream sugar, butter and vanilla. Add a small amount of milk (1 to 2 tablespoons).  If frosting is too sweet or thick, add a little more milk.  

A Wise Woman

Last week was Volunteer Appreciation Week at work.  Along with a few other ways of showing our appreciation, we hung inspirational verses, quotes and lyrics in the office.

That is when I came across a site with all Corrie ten Boom quotes (click here for more quotes).

“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” 
― Corrie ten Boom

Her story is so powerful.  If you're looking for a good read, you'll never tire of "The Hiding Place" or any of her other books written while traveling the world after the Holocaust.

It's just so amazing that her story and the choices she and her family made are true.  Nothing is more powerful than followers of Christ living whole-hearted, allowing Christ to move where all seems lost and impossible.

I love this short story from "The Hiding Place" that Corrie shares from her childhood memory.  There's such wisdom in her father's response to her question.  Maybe you've heard this before, but it's so worth reading again:
“And so seated next to my father in the train compartment, I suddenly asked, "Father, what is sexsin?" 
He turned to look at me, as he always did when answering a question, but to my surprise he said nothing. At last he stood up, lifted his traveling case off the floor and set it on the floor. 
Will you carry it off the train, Corrie?" he said. 
I stood up and tugged at it. It was crammed with the watches and spare parts he had purchased that morning. 
It's too heavy," I said. 
Yes," he said, "and it would be a pretty poor father who would ask his little girl to carry such a load. It's the same way, Corrie, with knowledge. Some knowledge is too heavy for children. When you are older and stronger, you can bear it. For now you must trust me to carry it for you."

Enjoying Today.

Week 17--  I went to the doctor this morning and heard the baby's heart beat... 140 beats per minute. wow!  I also could hear the baby moving about.  This is so amazing to me as I haven't felt the baby move yet, and in some ways, it still doesn't seem real.  I'm so thankful for this little miracle.  My mind keeps going to: Children are a gift from the Lord.  so true.  At our next visit, we will find out the sex of the baby.  I'm really looking forward to calling the baby he or she.  I kind of go back and forth on whether I think the baby is a girl or boy.

Above is my blooming cactus I inherited from a friend who moved.  It was in sad shape 

when I got it.  I just love seeing it's bright pink flowers blooming!

I've been reading "Light Force" by Brother Andrew (author of God's Smuggler... a must read).  I love books I get sucked into and have a hard time putting down.  This one has been a real challenge and eye opener as Brother Andrew shares his experiences and insights of encouraging the Church in Jordan and Israel.  As a Western Christian, I feel I've only heard one side of the story.  But there's never one side of a story, and "Light Force" shares the story of Jewish AND Palestinian Christians... the Church.  And all of the pent up frustration, hurt, humility, hatred, anger, etc. on both sides that makes it so difficult for peace.  During a conversation between Christian Jews and Christian Palestinians, one of the men in the discussion says, "I'm a citizen of Heaven."  That can be so hard to remember going through our days, but it's true for every follower of Christ.  

Above are my mums from McNamara.  They're still blooming and beautiful. I put them by the front door to welcome guests, and so I can see and enjoy them.  What a wonderful greeting!

Just Like Jesus.

It may sound funny to say you have a favorite Bible, but I do.  I had a different favorite Bible, which I still miss.  It's like an old friend.  As the words on the page convict or touch my heart (through the Holy Spirit), I underline the words.  Or I might make notes as to the date or why those specific words mean something to me.  It makes it easier to find them again later.  I love the feel of my bible, the size and the translation.  Sadly, several years ago, the binding broke in an unfixable way. .... believe me, I tried the ol' duct tape effect with no such luck.

Now, I'm reading "Grace for the Moment."  It's a daily bible with devotional writings at the beginning of each day by Max Lucado.  These small devotionals are always so right on and easy to read that I decided that I'd really like to read anything by Max Lucado that I can get my hands on. 

My first Lucado book...  "Just Like Jesus."  It was a quick and easy read.  simple, yet profound.  Totally recommend it. 

One of the passages that stuck out to me was is when Lucado shares about how the shepherds, Simeon and even the Magi sought Jesus when he was born.  He writes...

The Magi had the same desire. Like Simeon, they wanted to see Jesus.  Like the shepherds, they were not satisfied with what they saw in the night sky.  Not that the star wasn't spectacular.  Not that the star wasn't historical.  To be a witness of the blazing orb was a privilege, but for the Magi, it wasn't enough.  It wasn't enough to see the light over Bethlehem; they had to see the Light of Bethlehem.  It was him they came to see.

And they succeeded!  They all succeeded.  More remarkable than their diligence was Jesus' willingness.  Jesus wanted to be seen!  Whether they came from the pasture or the palace, whether they lived in the temple or among the sheep, whether their gift was of gold or honest surprise. . . they were welcomed.  Search for one example of one person who desired to see the infant Jesus and was turned away.  You won't find it. 

You will find examples of those who didn't seek him.  Those, like King Herod, who were content with less.  Those, like the religious leaders, who preferred to read about him than to see him.  The ratio between those who missed him and those who sought him is thousands to one.  But the ratio between those who who sought him and those who found him was one to one.  All who sought him found him.  Long before the words were written, this promise was proven: "God . . . rewards those who truly want to find him" (Hebrews 11:6).

It makes me want to keep opening my Bible.

Face of Compassion

I've started volunteering at the local Life Centers branch near my home (you probably know them by their former name: Crisis Pregnancy Center or CPC).  Hearing that someone's started volunteering might sound like a simple statement, but for me, it's been a struggle.  Something I've resisted in my heart.  Simply because it's meant going deeper. It meant getting personally involved. 

I grew up in a home that believed in life (thank you mom and dad!). ... not just for us kids but for all unborn lives.  (I hate the current term fetus.  I know it's a medical term.  But it very much feels like it's taking away the feeling of knowing that there is a living, human being... a miracle! ... growing inside of you.) I digress... Anyway, I grew up with a strong desire to see things change.  I stood outside for CPC's silent vigil for the unborn.  I've gone to fundraisers and run in 5k's to raise money for Life Centers.  I even wrote my Senior paper on Partial Birth Abortion (this was before it was banned by the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003).  I've even felt so strongly that I got involved in campaigns with political candidates to help the cause.  All of this to say that I've been "involved" in helping the Right to Life movement. 

But before 2011, I had never visited a Life Centers branch.  I had never spent time seeing what they see day in and day out.  Of course, I've also had a full time career for the past 8 to 10 years.  But by going to the building and seeing who works there and who comes in for help... This organization is beginning to have a face. 

It's always been the face of innocent babies for me but now, it's become also the face of each mother.  It's the face of the hispanic married woman who only has a grade level education and is looking for a free pregnancy test. It's the face of the unbelievably filthy woman who's smell stays in the room much after she's left, and yet wants to be pregnant for the fourth time. It's the young girl who's only a freshman in high school and is relieved to find out that she's not pregnant.  There are so many faces and so many scenerios. 

And as each face comes into the building, she's greeted by a Life Centers counselor.  Since volunteering at Life Centers, I've been amazed by the compassion of the counselors and their willingness to share the Truth in love. That means loving each woman enough to allow her to walk out of the center and make her own decision. That means trusting that God will be glorified through the organization. It's truly the face of compassion.

The women are offered so many tools to help them with not only the choice of life but also learning of Christ.  It's best described by the following image from Life Center's website...

 On a side note, I also visited The O'Connor House last week. It's a home in Carmel that serves pregnant women over the age of 18 who are in a crisis pregnancy and need assistance in order to choose life for their unborn child. The home also provides shelter and aid to the existing children of these women, which is unique to The O’Connor House.

I hope to share more about this organization in the future.

Slight Obsession...

So, unless you haven't spent any time with me in the past ten years, you're well aware of my love for Chick-fil-a.  My girlfriends and I even spent the night in a parking lot for the grand opening of the Chick-fil-a in Carmel.  By being one of the first 100 guests, we received enough #1 value meal coupons for every week of the year.  OH YEAH!!  Let's just say, that was a very good year for me. :)

I just came across this youtube video and HAD to share it on my happy place.  ... Chick-fil-a makes me happy!  Enjoy!

A New Coat of Paint!

My friend and I attended a Pottery Barn class about paint and colors.  A Benjamin Moore representative conducted the class and gave a coupon for a free can of BM paint afterwards. 

We've been talking about adding a little more color in our living room by painting an accent wall.  This was the perfect opportunity.  I'm happy with the outcome.  It helped us come up with a few new wall decorations and a new furniture arrangement for the room also.

BEFORE


AFTER


We also added a wall transfer in the room, which I've been wanting to do for some time.  I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  Helps complete the room, and I love having the verse in the room as a reminder for our family to keep our eyes on Christ.

Craft Time

I've had this craft brewing in my head for some time.... an organized station for the calendar, invites, pictures, etc.  I love it when we get baby announcements, etc., and I wanted a place to display them... but not on the fridge.

At our apartment, we had a magnetic, white board calendar on the refrigerator.  It seemed to work well at first, but eventually, it became more of a hassle to update monthly than it was worth.  I didn't want to throw it away when we moved because I had plans for it... told ya I've been thinking about this for awhile.

We use to place invites, save the dates, etc. on the side of our refrigerator; however, since we moved, we didn't have a place for such items.  So, my solution was to create my own "station."

I was recently at Hobby Lobby, and everything I bought for this project was 30% to 50% off... my kinda shopping!  I love deals. I think it's in my blood.  Anyway, I digress...  Starting with the magnetic calendar, I found a fabric that I really liked and felt wouldn't be too busy for a background.  I tucked it tight around the calendar and stapled it to the back. 



I found some ribbon to use on half of the board and stapled it tight around the back also to create a partial french board.  Finally, I secured the board in my open frame to hang.  I put a couple magnets on the right side of the board, and I hung it next to our calendar with a tack strip below it.  ...makes me feel like Pottery Barn, but at less than half the price!  Told ya I love a deal. :)

love.

I heart Chick-fil-a.

oh yum!

Will someone come over so I can have an excuse to try making this?



Scrumptious lemony little biscuit cakes piled high with homemade whipped cream and farm-fresh strawberries.

A Couple of my favs...

A Country Farmhouse

I love this blog. Her and her husband bought an old farmhouse and renovated it to this amazing little home with a wrap around porch and beautiful windows, which are all in harmony.  Plus, they have a great view of the mountains in the background from their front porch.  The house could only have been done by someone with a vision and taste.  It's just so beautiful, and I love the furniture and decorations... all seeming to stay with the same style and time period.  The outside of the house actually looks better than before where the windows and the wrap around porch just go together.  If you check it out, there's a link on the right when you scroll down to view the posts about the renovations, each showing before and after pictures.   This is the picture that drew me to her blog, and I've been in love ever since.  ... very close second to my love with Pottery Barn.



Meadowbrook Farm

Here's one more blog that's totally worth checking out.  I am in love with her blog layout, pictures and beautiful flowers.  She and her husband also renovated an old farmhouse, barn and property, which you can all find in the blog too.   I just love old barns, and it makes me sad to see them sagging with their roofs caving in.  Anytime, someone's maintained one, it makes me happy.  They're a dying breed, but just so good to see as part of the country skyline.  There's one on Gray Rd, which I believe is part of the CPMorgan family.  I knew I would love living in our apartment and driving to work partially b/c of that old barn and the small corn field still being plowed on this road. 

Anyway, I think I would like both of these ladies from their blogs.  So accomplished and love their taste.  If you check out their blogs, you may just see a comment from me on there now and again.  My boss says I'm a stalker, but neither of these ladies should worry, as I believe they live on the other side of the country. ...at least, not until vacation time.

and with that, I'll leave you with a picture from the Meadowbrook Farm blog.  With spring finally waking up and the sun warming the land, I love seeing the sweet daffodils popping their heads out from the ground.  Aren't they so beautiful and fragile?

How He Loves

I don't know if I'll ever get tired of hearing this song.  From the CD "Church Music" by the David Crowder*Band, it's worth stopping the busyness of your day and just listening.  Before you know it, you just might find yourself in a one person worship concert.  p.s. this whole CD rocks and is worth the purchase.

Without further ado, and for your listening pleasure...

Click Here for Video of "How He Loves" by DCB

He is jealous for me,

Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

Yeah, He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And Heaven meets earth like an unforseen kiss,

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

Coca-Cola Glasses

While on vacation, we came across Cracker Barrel's 40th Anniversary Coca-Cola glasses. Don't you love them? I thought they were so adorable that we ended up getting a set of six! It has the logo for CB on one side and Coke on the other. Feel free to come over and enjoy a refreshing glass of Coke with us anytime.