When It's a Snow Day...

If your day looks like ours today,

You might want to check out this Quick and Easy CrockPot Carmel Apple Cider recipe by Stephanie O'Dea. Ummm....delicious!

Encourage One Another!

Lots of Dots

My UPS man just brought me some new bundles of Ta Dot fabric by Michael Miller in some wonderful new colors.

We have been in a deep freeze here in Arkansas, and these Spring-colored Ta Dots definitely make me happy.

With names like Candy, Berry and Minnie Red, this grouping could fit the bill for that Valentine's Day dress or project that you may be getting ready to work on.

So, grab your cup of hot chocolate, sit by the fire, get comfy in your sweats, and stop by the shop and see all the wonderful new fabrics that I've got listed. You don't even have to leave the comfort of your home!

And, think Spring!

Encourage one another!

Birthday Surprise!

You can only imagine my surprise when I saw that my sweet daughter "hijacked" my blog yesterday. As a mother, I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present... to have such sweet words come from my grown daughter and, of course, my picture with my precious granddaughter.

I was, also, really surprised by the new look that my daughter gave my blog:) I have to say, she is pretty talented, even if I am a little prejudice. I know it took a lot of time that she doesn't always have with 2 toddlers...so it is SO appreciated. I hope you all like it as much as I do.

I usually don't let birthdays bother me, but this one was a little tough. It's the last year before I enter another decade. I'm not going to tell you which one...I'll just let you guess:) But, I started thinking, hey, Moses was 80 years old when he led the Israelites out of Egypt!

We also have a friend that's 89 years old, and he quite often drives a Red Cross van to pick up blood from the blood bank in another city, when needed. Now, I'm not quite there, in age yet, but it definitely gives me hope.

I've decided, as long as the Lord allows me, I'm only going to let age be a number, and not let it limit me to what I can do. So, overall, I had a wonderful birthday with lovely wishes from family and friends. How blessed I am!

I saw this poem, recently, and I got quite a chuckle from it. I thought it might give you a smile, and I certainly thought my daughter and son might enjoy it..hee hee!


When I'm An Old Lady
by Joanne Bailey Baxter

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

I'll write on the walls with reds, whites, and blues,
And bounce on the furniture.....wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
And when that is done, I'll hide under the bed.
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat.
I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry...I'll run....if I'm able!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

I'll sit close to the TV., through the channels I'll click
I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids...)

And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"



Encourage one another:)

To my mom on her birthday

I've managed to hijack my mom's blog today to wish her a very Happy Birthday! Don't worry mom, I won't share how old you're turning.

While searching for a photo of my mom to share, I discovered just one I have of her by herself from this past year. And since I think she'd kill me if I shared it, I thought I'd be nice on her birthday and instead share this one of her and my sweet baby girl from this past summer.

During childhood I think one barely realizes the blessings they've been given. While I've always been thankful for my mom, it wasn't until I entered the adult world that I realized not everyone had it as good as I did.

I had a mom who wanted to be a mom. That's what she was meant to do.

I had a mom who sewed beautiful clothing for me to wear, often topped with a matching bow.

I had a mom who paid attention to what I was interested in, and encouraged me to pursue those interests.

I had a mom who stayed up half the night helping me with school projects while I was fast asleep.

I had a mom who taught what it means to have a relationship with Jesus, and how that relationship will be the most important relationship I'll ever have.

I had a mom who came in an instant when my world would seem to be crashing down.

I had a mom who taught never to settle. To pray for the man that God had for me, and wait for him.

I had a mom who I could call to talk about anything. Even if it was nothing.

I had a mom who flew across the country to be there for the birth of my children. And I am forever grateful.

I have a mom who is my best friend. I love you Mom. Happy Birthday.
Love, Marianne

HAPPY 2011!!






Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
~Martin Luther~



Encourage one another in this new year♥♥