Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Memorial Day Wear

John 15: 13
" Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. "


I hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend.  I also hope that amidst the bar-b-ques and the yard work, etc., that you took a moment and recognized the tremendous sacrifice of those that came before us, and the continued sacrifice of those still serving our nation in the military here and abroad.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I am very patriotic and often cry at the singing of our national anthem, don't even think to sing, "Proud to be an American" around me, I'm done! So it should come as no surprise to you, that I often choose clothing that is patriotic and/or nautical (for some reason they go hand in hand to me) for me and my family. Here are some fun things that me and mine wore the last few days.

I love this tunic that I purchased from For Keeps Clothing Co.
I wore this last Thursday evening to my girls flag football game.
Their team is the Giants (sorry my Ravens!)
Here is my sweet daughter and her bff at our community playground.
My husband and I picked these matching outfits up at Kohl's before Easter.
They have an entire collection of mix and match separates from Jumping Beans.

Of course I had to have nails to match!
These cute Jams are no longer available, but, they have these and these, and even these!
And yesterday at our family cookout, this is what the girls were sporting...

My sil and I found these cute shorts at Marshalls.
And all of us purchased these tops (red and navy tees) at Target.

I pray you have a blessed week!

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

The Blue Angels

Isaiah 40: 31
" They will soar on wings like eagles; "


Last weekend my husband and I went away together, ALONE,  for the first time since our son was born. Our son will be 15 in September! That, my friends, is waaayyy too long to wait. We originally were going to take our children with us because of the event we went to see. We went to an airshow in Lynchburg, VA. We are so glad we didn't take them. Don't get me wrong, we missed our children and brought home some fun souvenirs for them, but we really enjoyed our time together. I kept thinking of how this was truly God's purpose for our marriage, to enjoy one another and to have fellowship with one another. I pray we have more weekends like last weekend. Thank you, Lord, for my husband. Amen.

 The Lynchburg Regional Airshow was so much fun! Who'd've thunk it?! Every year that we have been able to, we've been going to see the Blue Angels perform from the WWII Memorial across from  the Naval Academy during Commissioning Week. (see this post from last year- Blue Angels Day)

This is a picture of  "our spot".
Do you see the garden on the right with the trident in it, in between the wall and the memorial?
That's it!
(pic found here on Google Images)
We are going to miss the show today. My husband has training at work, so this year isn't going to happen. That's what motivated us to go to Lynchburg. I'm so glad we did! Here are some pics from our weekend. 

The day started out cool and dreary. We weren't even sure we'd get to see anything fly because of the cloud cover.
Finally around 1 in the afternoon, they proceeded with the show.
Here are some young recruits being sworn in to join the Airforce. It was so moving!!
And here's some of the action.

There were many exciting acts before that performed. This is the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team.
So cool!

If you told me I'd like to see a "jet truck", I would have laughed in your face.
But....I LOVED IT!
Here's the Shockwave Jet Truck racing a really exciting young pilot, Scott Francis.
(the pic is fuzzy because there was a LOT of exhaust from the truck)
And of course...The Blue Angels!!


Later that evening we went out to dinner.          


I got filet mignon with zucchini and mashed sweet potatoes.
It was also served with salad and rolls.
My hubby got shrimp and scallop scampi
 (also served with a salad and rolls).
We went out right after the airshow, to
The Depot Grille
My husband picked out the restaurant,
it was delicious!!
On Sunday, we checked out of our hotel a little early and went to Appomattox Court House before we hit the road. Here's my fave husband on the porch at The McLean House, the actual house where Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865. The National Park Service is celebrating it's 100th birthday this year. I encourage you to take advantage of all of the history and beauty that our national parks have to offer this year and especially this summer with the kiddos!

 
Isn't he a cutie?
I pray today, that you take a look at your spouse and remember why you are married. Please take a moment and thank God for the blessing that your spouse is, was, and can be (yup, they can be a blessing!). Amen!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!


Monday, May 23, 2016

New teenager on the block!

Genesis 1: 28
" God blessed them and said to them, ' Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.' "


Happy Birthday, to my little Italian Princess! She's not so little anymore however, today she turns 13!!!
Yet another creepy teenager in my house, yay (insert sarcasm here)! I remember the day she was born so vividly because we were caught in traffic on the way to the hospital due to the Naval Academy graduation. I waited a bit too long to wake my husband, he had worked the night before and had quite a long commute. By the time we got to the hospital she was born 45 minutes and 2 pushes later. Our new baby girl. Thank you, Lord, for the precious gift you gave me 13 years ago today! Amen.

Here's my girl today, I have plenty of pictures to choose from because every time I pick up my phone I have a few new "selfies" in my gallery.

This pic says it all.
Love my cute girl! Happy Birthday, Babydoll.

 I can't wait to share with you what I did last weekend, come back this week and check it out. 
I pray you have a blessed week!

Thursday, May 19, 2016

I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy!

Isaiah 60: 12
" For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. "


Well, if that's not a good reason to serve God, I'm not sure what is! Lord, I pray for my nation today. As we are entrenched in our election process this year and emotions are running high, I pray we remember that you are ultimately in charge. We are ONE nation under God, though we seem to be divided now, bring us together to love and serve you, and your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

So, I have to admit, that at my daughter's chorus concert last night they sang two patriotic tunes and I was no more good. I got a lump in my throat and I had to blink back the tears so I wouldn't start bawling and embarrassing my family. Sorry, not sorry. So it should come as no surprise to you that this time of year, especially with Memorial Day around the corner and summer around the bend, I'm drawn to the red, white and blue of our nation's flag. I started pulling out some of my summer decor this week. Even my wardrobe turns patriotic, I love a good flag shirt or a fun nautical dress. Here are some things that make me feel yankee doodle dandy!

Here's my front door today.
I've had this wreath up since Easter, I love to add a patriotic bow to kick off my summer
of red, white and blue.
This was my table setting for my husbands birthday dinner.
It would certainly be perfect for any celebration from now until
Labor Day!
                         
I love this pic of my husband and 2 youngest
daughters from last May.
We always dress up in our red, white and blue to watch the Blue Angels fly at the  Naval Academy.




These were my Jamberry nail wraps last year while I was on vacation.
They lasted the whole week at the beach!
(click here to see what you could get this year!)

Enjoy your Thursday! I pray you have a good one.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Preakness Week

Exodus 15: 21
" Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.' "


Well, I'm pretty sure there will be a wet track for the Preakness this Saturday, and I'm also pretty certain God isn't going to open up the race track like the Red Sea and hurl anyone (horse or jockey) into it. Now that's something we could sing praises about! Considering the amount of rain we've been getting here in Maryland, I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't someone named Noah out there, right now, building an ark!  Rain, rain, go away, Momma needs some sunshine.

Yesterday, in the rain, I helped my mother get a few things for a Preakness party she is planning for Saturday. If I'd only thought to snap a few selfies while we were out. I'm just not part of the "selfie" generation, I never think about it. So you'll have to take my word for it, we found some cute things. The color scheme is gold/yellow and black. And, of course, the official flower of  the day (and the state) is  the Black-eyed Susan. Black-eyed Susans are not in season in Maryland this time of year they actually use a viking pom which is a member of the chrysanthemum family (just a little trivia). The party is for family, so while no one is expected to dress up, we all try to wear our Preakness colors and the girls will don hats. We're a fun group!
Here's a few ideas I have to help my mom have a successful party.

Here's a recipe for a Virgin Black-eyed Susan Crush
(recipe found here on WBAL link)

1.5 oz Soda Water
2oz Lemongrass Simple Syrup
Fresh muddled blackberries
1 Fresh Squeezed Lemon
6 drops Bitters

Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker. 
Shake vigorously. 
Serve over crushed ice with a Sage leaf garnish.

I also love to serve crab dip at a Maryland themed party. A great "twist" (lol), is to serve it with pretzels. A simple alternative to a crab pretzels which are a common pub food here in Maryland. Here's a crab dip recipe straight from a Maryland classic, Old Bay Seasoning.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded and divided
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon McCormick®Ground Mustard
1 pound lump crabmeat
assorted crackers or pita chips

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix half of the cheese mayo OLD BAY Worcestershire sauce and ground mustard until well blended. Gently stir in crabmeat.

Spoon mixture into 1-quart casserole. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and a dash of OLD BAY. And maybe another dash... and if you feel bold one more.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until dip begins to bubble around edges. Serve hot.

Here's some cute decorating ideas too...

Yellow floral inspiration  Candy Dessert Buffet created by Sweet Event Design www.sweeteventdesign.com  for VA Gold Cup Charity Event    Kentucky Derby party inspiration:
Although this looks very fancy, look closer at how simple this snack table is.
Popcorn, black licorice, chocolate donuts, powdered sugar donuts, yellow candies,
marshmallows, cookies and Twinkies.
It looks great because of the attention to detail in the presentation.
(Image found on Pinterest -here)
No-Bake Horse Cookies are a simple way to be festive for the Kentucky Derby or Preakness!:
Anything made with Milano Cookies
goes in my winners circle!!
These are no bake cookies, so fun!
(Image found on Pinterest -here)
The Entertaining House: 20 Winning Ideas for you Derby Party Decor:
My children will be at this party with their cousins.
The age range is 3-15 (that day).
What a cute way to decorate and have fun!
(Image found on Pinterest -here)





I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!

BTW, I'm wearing this outfit today (see Stitch Me Up!)
If you're interested in getting beautiful clothes selected for you delivered right to your home,click on the link below!







Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Exotic

Nehemiah 13: 27
" Must we hear now that you are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women. "


In those days, marrying women of other faiths was a great sin. It would ultimately take men of  faith away from God. Neither were Jewish men supposed to give their daughters in marriage to foreign men. The Jews needed to grow their faith and their families to further the kingdom of God. In this book, Nehemiah is charged with not only rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem , but also the spiritual rebuilding of the Jewish people.

When I was a little girl, I sometimes felt like a foreigner. Most of my cousins were fair, and even my brother, though a brunette, was more fair and freckled. I am olive complected and have dark, dark, brown/black hair. Exotic. Although at the time, I felt like I just didn't fit in.  It wasn't until I was nearly in my twenties that I discovered that way back in my gene pool we were part Greek. I definitely pulled those recessive genes out of the family closet! I've learned to embrace my exotic appearance and especially in the summer sun, love my olive skin. I also love the latest trend of tassels and boho chic style. I think my exotic appearance suits this style. My fave husband, got me a pair of adorable sandals for Mother's Day that suit me and this style to a T.  Here are a few pics of my exotic outfit I put together on a sunny Monday.

I love the color of this top. I actually found it in my daughter's room.
(Thank you, Honey!)
I paired it with some olive linen pants that I purchased from cabi, years ago.
(Similar style here )

Here's the smile you get when your 14 yr old son is making you laugh while he's taking your picture.
And here are my cute new Sam & Libby sandals. My husband picked them up at Target for me.
Click the link above to see them. 

I pray you have a terrific Tuesday!


Monday, May 16, 2016

C'est la vie

John 14:6
" Jesus answered, ' I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.' "


Life isn't like the opening song in Oklahoma,"Oh,What a Beautiful Mornin'".  Don't get me wrong, I still get up each day and thank God for it. Even with the gloom and rain that we've been having the last few weeks, each morning is beautiful as it holds promise and hope. The part of the song I'm referring to is, "Everything goin' my way".  Not in my world, at least. I like things to go smoothly. I like to have a plan. But when you're herding cats like I am all day, things just don't  "go my way".  The French phrase, "C'est la vie" is so appropriate. Such is life, why do I expect anything different? The difference for me, as a Christian, is that I have Jesus. I know that even when life isn't going my way, I can go to him with all of my troubles, my sorrows, my frustrations, my worries, my anger and disappointments and find comfort, forgiveness, acceptance and love. That's how, at the beginning of each  new day, I can honestly say, " La vie est belle". Life is beautiful!

C'est la vie for this next series of pictures. I was going for a French look, like this...

Casual :: Bucket bag & Boyfriend jeans:
Very chic, right?
(Pic found here on Pinterest)
Here's what I came up with...Lol!!!

My favorite 12yr old (nearly 13yr old) photographer captured these... the pictures are fine the lighting is not.
 We tried! 

 I have a lot of striped tees. Most of them are navy and white. This one is black and white. It makes a difference!, (that's what I told my husband).  While navy and white makes a nautical statement, black and white seems very French and sexy to me, hon, hon, hon (French laugh, read it with an accent). I purchased this tee at Target on Mother's Day. I can't wait to wear it with my new black shorts. I think a vibrant coat of red nail polish and lipstick are in order, too. 

I pray your day reminds you that "La vie est belle"!!
Life is beautiful, have a beautiful week, too!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Momiform

Proverbs 31: 26
" She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. "


Hah! I wish!! Sometimes I can't think of a single thing to say, but most of the time I wish I hadn't spoken at all. And sometimes, I say things I never thought I would have to say, like, " We don't lick our shoes!".  I guess in a way that is wisdom...

As a mom, I know I need a quick easy, but smart outfit to pull on each day: a momiform. Sometimes I hit the mark, sometimes, not so much. The easiest piece for me this time of year is a good t-shirt. Shopping with my mom and my sil this past Sunday, we found some great affordable t-shirts at Target. My sil said they were soft and had good motion, lol! Here's a pic of me wearing one of my new tees.
Rain, Rain go away! I have "rain" hair again!!
It's pictures like this, that make me want to get a cute, short haircut.
I love this navy crew neck tee that I purchased at Target. They were on sale this past weekend in lots of different styles, colors and patterns. I'm wearing it here with a classic Talbots skirt (no longer available) and my Sperry boat shoes that I got for Christmas from my mom (similar style available here). I like this casual look for a rainy day at the library with the kids, but to dress it up a bit for date night with my fave husband, I'd add a cute pair of sandals or a dressier flat shoe like this.
Edison Slingback Flats
Edison Slingback Flats- Talbots

Off to the library in my momiform. Maybe I could get some books on how to impart wisdom and faithful instruction! I pray you have a wonderful weekend!! 

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Derby Dinner

Luke 14: 16
" Jesus replied: ' A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. ' "


This is the beginning of the parable of the Great Banquet in the book of Luke. Jesus taught others with stories of things they could relate to. I'll be honest, I have a hard time understanding some of the parables without a pastor, priest, or Biblical scholar to explain them to me. God still teaches us lessons these days, too. He does it through stories and conversations that are shared among friends at Bible study, a sermon that really hits home, or even a facebook or blog post from another follower of Christ. I just read two great ones this morning. There are so many ways you can hear the word of God, you just have to be willing to listen! Thank you, Lord, for your word and for those you have given to us to spread your truth so that we may know your ways and your will. Amen.

I feel like every meal I make in this house is a banquet. I am cooking for the masses here! I do enjoy making my family a nice meal and for the fellowship it brings around our dinner table (some nights when the kids are bickering, not so much...). Last Saturday, I feel like I made a good meal. It was southern inspired for our Kentucky Derby themed evening. Here's what I made...


Derby Dinner Menu

Virgin Mint Juleps
Honey Glazed Ham- (I bought a spiral cut ham at the grocery store and added the glaze packet)
Two-Cheese Grits
Pea Salad- (Yes, this is Pioneer Woman...again!)
Buttermilk Biscuits- (I was pressed for time, I have to confess I bought a can of biscuits!)
Triple Chocolate Pie
I love this easy Kraft recipe.
Traditionally, Derby-Pie would be chocolate and nuts, however my little one has a nut allergy.
This pie was definitely in the winners circle with my family!!

The menu above is filled with highlighted links. Please click on them for the recipes. The Preakness is coming up in about two weeks. I will not be cooking that day, but you know I love a good theme, so I'm going to come up with Maryland inspired menu and decor for that day too. 

I pray you have a blessed day!



Monday, May 9, 2016

Mom

Jeremiah 30: 6
" Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale? "


To be fair to these particular men in this verse, they were living in exile. Unfortunately, Jerusalem was in the path of destruction and capture due to its vulnerable position in the wartorn region between Syria-Palestine and Babylon. But even back then, Jeremiah recognizes the pain women endure to bring children into this world to become mothers. There is no amount of epidural medicine in the world to completely knock out the pain of childbirth (don't get me wrong, it helps immensely!), it eventually wears off and women ultimately still go through the discomfort of healing. The pain doesn't even end there. There is pain in nursing (at first). There are nights when no rest is to be had and the aches and pains of constant ups and downs in the night affect your days. There is pain that we don't physically feel, but we ache in our hearts when our children are hurt, when they fall down and scrape a knee, or fall down and fail at something. There is pain when they go up the steps of the bus on the first day of kindergarten, and walk across the stage on the last day of high school or college. Sometimes the pain is good, it is the pain of the knowledge that our children are no longer children anymore and leave to make their own way in the world. God in His wisdom knew we'd bear this pain for the rest of our lives and countered it with the blessings of hugs and kisses and snuggles, with love and laughter, with memories, and with friendship. To be sure there is more pain to come, but there is also the hope of new days and of new life and eternal love.

I ordered this t-shirt right before Mother's Day and wore it to my daughters' flag football game last Thursday evening. I was going to wear it on Mother's Day, but couldn't wait. It's my new absolute favorite!!

I ordered this tee from shoptaylortots.etsy.com.
Click on the above link and get one, too!

I also want to formally let you know that I had a winner for the 10,000 Giveaway!! Very appropriately for today's post, it was my mom!! Thank you, Mom, for viewing my blog over 10,000 times. Keep it up, Girlfriend!
Here we were yesterday. My mom is receiving her "major award"!!
She selected the striped tee!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom, from one of your biggest pains (probably the biggest). 
And to all of my pains....thank you for the blessings that being your Mom has brought me. I love you all!!




Thursday, May 5, 2016

Stitch Me Up!

Colossians 2: 2
" That their hearts might be comforted, knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the father, and of Christ; " (KJV)


Paul can not be in Colosse in person, so he sends this letter to the Colossians for their comfort, to encourage them. We all need people in our lives, like Paul, to encourage us in our walk of faith. While personal faith is important, going it alone was never part of God's plan. Find a good church, your "Paul" just might be waiting for you there.

I just tried the most fun shopping service this week, you may have already heard about it: Stitch Fix. Basically, Stitch Fix is an online fashion retailer that uses a stylist to choose clothing suited just for you. You fill out a style profile on the site, but they also will look at your Pinterest board and, if you blog like me, they even check out your blog style! For only a $20 styling fee, you schedule your "Fix" and in a little more than a week, you receive a box of 5 items, personally selected for you. You can purchase all or none of these items, and your $20 fee is credited to anything you choose to keep. You also get a discount if you choose to keep all of your items. Here's what I found at my front door on Monday...

A box of new clothes? Why thank you, I'll take that!!
And here's what was inside of it...
This entire outfit: navy blazer, boyfriend jeans, blouse and shoes, were in the box.
I don't know how they did it, but the jeans fit great!

I also received this adorable knit tank.
These shoes were the perfect fit, too.
Not something I would normally have purchased,
but I loved the color and style. 
You also receive a note from your stylist with some suggestions on how to wear these pieces with other items you may already have, or may want to buy. How fun!


 I'd love to tell you I purchased everything, but my budget wouldn't allow that this time. I did keep the coral blouse, though. Shipping the items back to Stitch Fix was so easy. You get a prepaid mailing bag in your box. I just went to the post office this morning and within minutes, I was done. Try Stitch Fix, I know you'll like it. Click on this link to try it yourself:  https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/7443608.

I pray you have a fun Thursday. Please leave a comment today.
 I'm pretty sure we'll hit 10,000 before tomorrow!!





Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Star Wars Day

Psalm 136: 9
" the moon and the stars govern the night; His love endures forever. "


Lord, thank you for the moon and the stars that govern the night and the sun that brightens my days (and even the rain that is making everything so lush and green!). I feel so blessed by the daily reminders of your steadfast love all around me. Amen.

Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you!! In the words of Princess Leia, " Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope. ".  Well, actually God is, but you get the idea. I've got another crazy day on tap here: track and book club meetings after school, HOA meeting tonight, husband won't be home until late because of work meeting, I need groceries, I need gas in my van, and my kitchen has been torn apart again for the final phase of the countertop renovation (it's all for the greater good, but oh so inconvenient). Here are a few pics to update you on my kitchen...

This is what my kitchen looked like in March, somewhat put back together.
Here's what was happening last Saturday...

Here's my fave hubby, applying the dark stain we chose.
The day after his 50th birthday, and I had him working!






















And, here's what it looks like today, after the first coat of sealer was applied last night...

The sealer is an important step to protect the stain.
I think it's starting to look like granite!
And here's where I am currently cooking...
the good news is there is a brand new stainless steel
range waiting to be installed.



 I can't wait to show you some more pictures next week. Enjoy your day, and remember...
"You can't win, Darth. Strike me down and I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine."-
Obi-Wan, Star Wars: Episode IV
  (not sure what this has to do with anything, but it sounded cool, and it reminds me of Jesus)

 ***Don't forget to leave a comment, you don't want to miss out on 10,000!***



Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Horsing Around

Proverbs 21: 31
" The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. "


I may not be running for the roses, but the battle is already won. Victory is found in those that trust in the Lord!! Yay, God!!!

I do not live in Kentucky, nor do I plan to attend this Saturday's 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby (this year). I do, however, love a good theme and I love to dress up. So, while I may not be sipping Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs, I'll have a family friendly evening with hats and dresses, a little off track family bet and some good southern food!

Last week, I showed you an outfit that I "copied" from my latest Talbots catalog (see Catalog Copycat). Today, I copied another. Here's what I found I already had in my closet. I added my cute straw hat, and I'm Derby Day ready.


I purchased this dress years ago for my daughter's ( #2) high school graduation at Ross.
Again, classics never go out of style!

Here's the catalog version...

Talbots- Savor Summer- May 2016 catalog- page 9

Don't you just love the blue and white? I certainly do. While I would love to freshen up my entire wardrobe with all new things, it's just not prudent (Why am I thinking Dana Carvey's George HW. Bush impression here?). Shopping my closet first, is a much better option. 

***Don't forget to leave a comment, any day this week could be # 10,000 ***
I pray you have a terrific day!



Monday, May 2, 2016

Busy, busy, busy

Luke 10: 40
" But Martha was distracted with all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ' Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! ' "


So, who can identify with this story, in Luke chapter 10, of Jesus' visit to Martha and Mary's house?? I would love to say that, just like Mary, I would sit at Jesus' feet and listen to all he had to say. Sadly, no, I would be more like Martha, running around like a chicken with my head cut off (what a graphic expression) trying to tidy up and make sure everyone had something to eat and drink. And I'd probably even have a theme going on like, " Loaves and Fishes" or "The Transfiguration". The second theme would lend itself to costumes, we could all dress up like Moses or Elijah. Fun times, fun, fun times. And something else unfortunate, just like Martha, I too, would be complaining... Forgive me Lord, for my grumbling. I know you have given me gifts and talents to share, and a crazy, busy life with lots of beautiful children, but help my focus to be on you, Lord, and on your blessings. Lord, help me to love and serve you in thanksgiving and joy. Amen.

What a busy weekend, and a crazy busy week coming up. For me, it started last week. My husband turned 50 on Friday!  Even though we had a low key, family evening, I still wanted to make his birthday this year extra special. Here are a few pics of his special day.


 Of course I had a theme! It was a nautical/beach theme. I found the paper plates and napkins at Tuesday Morning (oh my goodness, what a neat store!), made a few crab decorations with my toddler, and got a few things at Dollar Tree.


Add a few presents and the cutest cake ever!! And voila, 50th Birthday fun!!!


Happy 50th Birthday to my best friend, my husband, and the love of my life!!

Join me all week as I prepare for Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you, lol!), Cinco De Mayo, 
The Kentucky Derby and of course Mother's Day!! Oh yeah ,and 2 track meets, Bible Study, and a Flag Football game.
 And...DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT. THIS IS THE WEEK I'LL HIT 10,000 VIEWS!!!

Have a blessed Monday!