19 years ago

Leviticus 19: 25
" But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am the Lord your God. "

This verse is from the "rules" section of Leviticus. Let me tell you, there are some interesting things to read about in there! Lots and lots of rules. I'm glad I wasn't walking around the desert with Moses for 40 years and having to follow all of those rules. First off, I wouldn't remember them. Second, some of them shouldn't be rules, they should be common sense. Third, you really had to keep track of things; you mess up, you could be put to death!! Sheesh! I'm so thankful I live in the "AD" (Anno Domini). Jesus was very specific about what the important rules for us were. And it's pretty simple, starting in Matthew 22: 37, Jesus replies,
" Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. "  I can remember that! These are the rules I'm going to live by.

I'm going be thankful today for my husband!!! (just today, though). JK-Just Kidding!!! Last night at dinner, our family went around the table and shared one thing we were thankful for. There were some good ones. I'm so proud of my family. Yesterday, the Lord put into my heart to remember the blessings, believe it or not sometimes I can be negative!?! I know it's hard to believe...(obviously, if you do find it hard to believe, you're not a member of my family!). So each day this month, I've resolved to remember just one thing (I'm sure there are way more than that), to be thankful for; a blessing that God has put into my life.
So here he is...

My husband!!!
This is a pic from one of our first dates, nearly 19 years ago. 

and here he is, too...

This was our first vacation alone since our honeymoon!
It only took about 15 1/2 years.

but this is how I usually see him...

He's always doing some project around the house.

And he is very good at it! As I type, my dishwasher is running. I have a fully functioning kitchen, for the first time in about 3 years (long story...). The only thing that still has to be done in the kitchen, is the backsplash (which he already started) and some cabinet hardware. I'm so happy, and grateful!  Here are some updated pics of my kitchen. 

I really feel like we're at the finish line!
I can't wait to show you some more pics when it's completely done.

Thank you, Lord, for my husband! I not just grateful for the new kitchen (bonus!!), I'm so grateful for the love and the security, his devotion to me and our children, and especially for his faith. His faith has gotten us through some very difficult times. So, Ladies, back away he's mine!! You can't have him...today.

What are you thankful for today? Name a blessing in your life. Is it a friend, your home, a cup of coffee? (I almost wrote about my coffee this morning, sorry Honey.)  Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you. 

I pray you have a day that is full of blessings to share!

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Jeremiah 7: 29
" Cut off your hair and throw it away; take up a lament on the barren heights, for the Lord has rejected and abandoned this generation that is under his wrath. "

Again and again in scripture, we see God's people all out reject Him and forget all that He has done for them. You'd think that after witnessing miracle after miracle that they'd finally get it. But, they don't. And I hate to admit it, but sometimes (maybe not after seeing the Red Sea part), we forget too, all the things God does for us. Starting today, in the beginning of July, let's try to remember just one blessing, one good thing, perhaps even one miracle in our lives. I know we can do it. Let's start this month out in gratitude and Thanksgiving.

So my "miracle"for today is this one...

Here's a pic just minutes after she was born!

This is my baby girl, born just 2 days after I turned 46 years old. I certainly hadn't struggled with infertility, since she does have 6 older siblings, but sometimes God puts a desire in your heart you didn't even know you had. A year before she was born, I suffered 2 devastating miscarriages. One just 2 weeks after I lost my job: at 16 weeks our baby boy, Angelo, and another, a few months later, much earlier in my pregnancy. I hadn't planned on having 7 children (honestly, probably no more than 2...) but each one of my babies has brought me so much joy, hope and promise.

Here are some more cute pics of her throughout the last 3 years she has blessed our family.

Here she is at nearly 1 year.

Here's my beach baby, in 2014.

You can never have too many accessories!!

And of course this gem from Easter this year.
She's getting so big!!!

The one frustration that I've had with her lately is that she won't let me do anything with her hair. That's part of the reason she has bangs, she won't let me pull her hair back with a cute barrette or bow, and on the rare occasion that she does, it almost immediately gets pulled right back out.

So here was my surprise yesterday...

We found this cute hairstyle on Youtube.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCLgUUX-5Dc)

And, she kept it in ALL day!!!

Here's my little miracle at my parents house enjoying a blue frosted cupcake,
with her hair still styled!

I hope that today's post inspired you to remember a blessing today. It's easier for me to remember my blessings when I write them down. That's why journaling in the morning during my prayer time works well for me. When you journal, you can always look back and see where God is working in your life, and where you may need to spend a little extra time on your knees, too! 

I pray you have many blessings today and everyday, and you take some time to remember to thank God for them.  Thank you, Lord, for my baby girl!

4 for the 4th

Isaiah 11: 12
" He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. "


The Bible verse above is describing the coming of the Messiah written long before Jesus came. In verse 10 of this chapter in Isaiah, he even predicts that gentiles will seek Jesus: the "Root of Jesse".  Thank you, Lord, that you not only came for your chosen people, but you raise a banner, a flag, to gather all of your people, to give us hope and glory through our salvation in Christ.

Happy 1st of July!! I don't know about you, but I have a full weekend ahead. So many celebrations to honor the founding of our great nation. USA, USA, USA!!! As you may know, I love everything patriotic, so this weekend is going to be a fun one for me. Here are 4 things that I'm doing (or wanna do) to celebrate the 4th.

#1  Last year we celebrated the 4th on the 5th. There was a rainout on the fireworks display that we had planned to see. We extended our vacation an extra day to see the fireworks at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's Fireworks and Big Band Night. We loved it! This year we're going back on July 2nd to see them again.

This beautiful view was captured (by me) on the balcony of the Hooper Strait Lighthouse
 that is a permanent exhibit at the CBMM.

#2  On Sunday, we're off to my Uncle's house for a family celebration. I've been asked to bring a dessert to share. Here's what I'll be taking along...

I made this strawberry pretzel pie last summer and I loved it!
Of course it's a Pioneer Woman recipe, click here for details.
To make it a tad more festive, I'm going to add a pint of blueberries.

#3  Of course, I'll need something to wear, hmmm...

This will probably be my sunday outfit. My red, white and blue paisley shorts (that match my SIL's)
and probably a red tank or tee. See Memorial Day Wear for details.

and of course I have a lot of options for the rest of the weekend...

I think this dress would be perfect for Saturday's fireworks at the Maritime Museum.

and, I got this top last year for the Blue Angels and the 4th July.
You can't get much more patriotic than this flag inspired top.
Both of the outfits above, I purchased from my favorite local shop, The Pink Silhouette.

#4  Finally, here are some cute things I have seen this year that would be perfect for the 4th, Labor Day, Election Day and any other time you want to rock the red, white and blue!

OMG! I saw these cuties at the Converse store in Rehoboth. 

and this bracelet from Kiel James Patrick. I'm just in love with this entire website!!

This bracelet is called Nautic America, but there are so many other great options.
Click here to see, all the wonderful things from Kiel James Patrick.

Ah, so many beautiful things, so much fun, so much food, so little time! I hope whatever your weekend has in store for you, you have a blessed one!

Happy Independence Day!!!

She's so popular

Luke 9: 25
" What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?


This is the section in Luke where Jesus is performing miracle after miracle, and then he empowers and sends out the twelve disciples to also perform healings and miracles. Popular couldn't even begin to describe what Jesus has become, even Herod has heard of him. Herod has just beheaded John the Baptist, so you can only imagine what is going through his mind. But Jesus takes this moment, after revealing himself to the disciples to be the Messiah, that he was not put here on earth to be popular, but to be rejected, and killed and raised again. The one who is truly perfect and worthy of our praise and adulation, will take on all of our sins and imperfections so that we will live eternally. Thank you Jesus, that you sacrificed all for us.  Even when we denied you when you were no longer popular, you loved us so much you opened up your arms and breathed your last breath to fill us with everlasting life. Amen.

I was never "popular". I just kind of went through life, loving who I loved, and living how I lived. Did I ever long to be popular? Sure! Probably junior high school was quite the awakening of the pecking order for me. A big part of becoming an adult, is not caring about status, but living the best life you can life, taking advantage of every opportunity you are given and still loving everybody that God puts into your life. Let me tell you, it took me a long time to grow up and I'm still a work in progress at nearly 50!! As we approach the end of June (already!), I thought I'd look back at some of my most popular posts. Some are due to tragic circumstances and sadness, while others were popular for reasons of happiness and hope. They are only popular because you took the time to read them and mourn or laugh with me.

Here are some of our faves...

Mr. Football

10,000

Love me through this

Choices

Shells

Stitch Me Up!

I hope you were able to click on the above links and revisit some of my posts. I know I've enjoyed rereading some of them. It's fun to see how my son has grown over the past year, how with faith, I've dealt with some troubles and sorrows in my life, and what I've liked or worn over the last year and a half. I've noticed a common theme is hope. I pray that through these writings, you always find hope.

Have an awesome week!!

MY 1st day of summer vacay

Psalm 27: 2
" In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves. "


I love this verse, however, the next verse goes on to talk about what a blessing children are... kind of an oxymoron, rest/children... if you're a parent you get my drift. God does want us to rest. The Bible mentions rest (physical rest) 72 times. That's why quiet time, meditation, vacations, and even a much needed nap should be very closely guarded. Our minds and our bodies need this time of recovery and peace. Lord, thank you that you want us to rest. Resting in the safety, peace and serenity of your arms is where you would have us be. Amen.

Yesterday, was my 1st true day of summer vacation. I didn't have any extra children, I only had 3 of my own (I have 3 grown children, and 1 was on loan), and my husband was at work. Whoop, Whoop!! So, how did I spend my day, you ask? (pretend you asked) Did I sunbathe? watch my favorite soaps while eating bonbons? get a mani-pedi? No way...I went to the library to sign my girls up for the summer reading program, I took my 13 yr old to JC Penney to finally exchange a Christmas gift, and then I went to the grocery store, and to cap off my fun day, I took the dog to a meet and greet (yes, that's a real thing!). The fun never ends! So it might not have been my dream 1st day of summer vacation, but it was a good day. Here are some things that I left off the list.

    I ran! in the morning, all by myself!! And then I showered and dressed like a real girl!

I love this romper. I purchased it last year on sale from Nordstrom.
(similar style here- Nordstrom, and here- Nordstrom rack)
Ignore the silly expression of my nearly 10yr old.
 Our outfits were similar in color and style so I thought I needed a pic
(3yr old is wearing this dress- Carter's)

 The library puts some great local coupons in a cute little drawstring/tote bag, 

and we went here after the library.

The holy grail of cupcake shops!!
Flavor Cupcakery

My 3 little beauties!!

And I ate this beauty!!  

Hello flamingo!

Hello marshmallow!!

  I didn't just go to any grocery store. I went to Wegmans. I love their artisan breads and cheeses.

 I made a big pot of chicken soup on Tuesday and picked up some delicious bread there to go with it. 

This is Wegmans Red, White & Blue Bread. So delicious and festive for this time of year.

So, you see, I had a great vacation day! It wasn't as restful as it could have been, but it was chock full of good things that I enjoyed with my family. I pray you set aside some time for rest this season. Whether it's a trip to the beach with your family or just some downtime at home, rest! God said to, you can't argue with that!!

Have a blessed Thursday!

By a hair

Luke 21: 18-19
" But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm and you will win life. "


In this chapter in Luke, Jesus is talking about end of times, the signs, wars, uprisings. I'm not an expert on this subject (or most any other subject...), but I love how he ends this paragraph. "Not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm and you will win life."  I like that. Even in the context of our daily struggles, whether large or small, if we stand firm in our faith, we have the comfort and hope that one day we will stand before Jesus. We win in the end. Victory is ours. Thank you, Jesus.

Um, so this seems kind of silly after that Bible verse. But I'm going to write about my hair today.Yes, my hair. I have a love-hate relationship with my hair. I had bone straight hair growing up and wanted to have beautiful curls, and now that I'm approaching the big 5-0, I have curls and I long for it to be straight. I recently got my hair cut again, even though my goal a few months ago was to grow it long (it was kind of halfway there). I found some super cute hairstyles on Pinterest and took the plunge to short again.

Here's what I loved on Pinterest.

I was looking for something that would be easy with
my new found waves.
(Image found on Pinterest- here)

I really liked this look. This is the pic I showed to the stylist.
(Image found on Pinterest- here)

Here's my before.

My hair is so thick, even at this length it took forever to dry and to straighten.

And after...

                   

Here are the waves.

Here it is straight.

       

















    I'm thinking I might go even shorter...or not. What do you think?  It sure is easier to straighten, and on the days I don't have a lot of time it doesn't take long to scrunch up my curls. What's your current favorite hairstyle? Are you going short, growing it out? Do you love your hair and wouldn't change a thing? (I definitely want to hear from you, you're amazing!). Please comment below, and share your hair thoughts.

I pray you're having a wonderful week!

I got my Fix!

1 Kings 18: 30
" Then Elijah said to all the people, ' Come here to me. '  They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the Lord, which had been torn down. "


You have got to read this story in 1 Kings. Elijah was amazing! He was the rock star of prophets. This particular miracle has fire coming down from heaven, proving to the people assembled (all faithful followers of the god and goddess, Baal and Asherah) that God is the one and only true God. God answered the prayer of a man, to turn the hearts of the people back to Him. Don't underestimate the power of a faithful prayer.

I have no idea what this verse has to do with my post today...just divine intervention I guess. I wanted to finally share my latest Stitch Fix with you. I have shown you bits and pieces here and there. I really think my stylist does "get me".  If I could have, I would have kept everything (you get a discount if you keep all 5 items). Here are the pics of my latest "Fix".

This outfit has "me" written all over it.

This definitely would have been a keeper. I loved the cargo shorts.
The top was absolutely perfect.  Even though I have tops in this exact fabric,
the styling was different with 3/4 length sleeves and  cute button detailing.

I really liked this necklace. I love the tassel detailing.

I'm pretty sure I was yelling at one of the children here...never a dull moment!
This top was not my favorite, but it was a good staple. I paired it with my black shorts and layered it over a black cami.
It would have been great with some white jeans.

And then there was this dress...OMG!

I love this dress! You guessed it, I kept it!!
I normally would wear it with some cute sandals, but we were off to the boat show,
and I wanted to wear some good walking shoes. I think it still works with these espadrilles.
It's hard to see the detail here, but it has a sailboat print on it. It was the perfect dress for the day, and of course I'm sure I'll wear it all summer long.

I had to add this pic of me and one of my photographers.

Isn't she cute? Look out world, she's a teenager now!!

As always, I got a card for each piece I received to show outfit options, as well as some tips from my stylist. I love that I can pair these pieces with things I may already have, and if  I don't have them, I get an idea of what to shop for to build my wardrobe. If you are interested in Stitch Fix, I encourage you to give it a try. I have enjoyed it, finding a box of clothes on my front porch, certainly brightened my day! 

Click on this link to try Stitch Fix-  https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/7443608

I pray you have a terrific Tuesday!