Day #31 Beautiful Month

So...we made it. Well...at least one of us did....I've managed to successfully blog about all the beautiful things in my life for 31 consecutive days...and I survived.

I learned a few things along the way and I thought that might be a good way to wrap up the month. So here goes...

1. Blogging about one topic...no matter how broad...for 31 days is hard. It's a commitment and planning and scheduling and spell checking...and making that commitment should come with a 48 hour chance to back out.

2. Blogging takes a lot of time. I wanted to be sure that what I was writing was worth reading...and since I second guess what I write most of the time anyway...it took longer to publish a day's article. What you saw was sometimes second, third and even fourth drafts. Gracious....that's a lot of time!

3. Blogging about beautiful things helped me to realize how truly beautiful my life is. It's not so much the stuff or even the people or the things that have happened, but the grace and the love that God has blessed my life with. It truly has made me pay attention to the beauty all around me. And by beauty I'm not talking pretty. Sometimes the most beautiful things are found in the most unlikely places.

4. I realized that people actually read my blog. I watched all month long on my stats page to see which articles people were reading the most. It was interesting to see Beautiful Homes and Beautiful Loved Ones getting the most hits....and since that was largely about having a Christ-like home and loving the special people God places in your life...this made me pretty happy.

5. And lastly I learned that even when I feel weak and inadequate to do something that seems so trivial in the grand scheme of life, that God can use those words to meet someone where they are at, encourage them and bless them. He's so good.

So, it's been a beautiful month...and now we're heading into my fifth year of giving thanks each day in November. I'm excited and hope you'll join, privately or publicly in giving thanks to the only one truly worthy...the maker of all things beautiful in His time, Jesus.

For a complete list of all 31 Days of Beautiful Things CLICK HERE

10 Things...that make my day

I am generally a positive person. Generally. But every now-n-then, just like you, life stumps me, trips me up and instead of looking up, I get down. However, there are a few things that can put a smile on my face pretty quickly...

1. Hearing my kids use good manners. I like this. A lot. I like to hear them being polite and grateful and respectful. Especially when they do it on their own.

2. A Diet Coke from Diary Queen....with their ice...out of the fountain. I would buy one of those machines (ice and fountain) for my house if I had room. Maybe.

3. A new magazine in the mail. Southern Living, Better Homes, Taste of Home...and in a pinch, I'll rate some catalogs as good as a magazine...YWAM, CBD, Country Door.

4. Hearing a favorite artist on the radio....JJ Heller, Jimmy Needham, Merideth Andrews

5. Listening to the testimony of God working in someone's life.

6. Hearing from our missionaries.

7. A new sharpie pen....slight addiction...

8. An empty laundry basket....rarely happens...but when it does we observe a moment of silence.

9. The jingle of keys in the door that signals Bruce is home from work.

10. Time with my church family....truly some of the greatest people on earth!

What makes your day?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I've bought my gloves, my first seeds, a few containers, soil...and all I'm waiting on is February 1st to get here. My first spring gardening catalog came from Gardener's Supply about two weeks before Christmas. Then my onion seed catalog came the first week in January. And now Neil Sperry's facebook posts are starting to entertain thoughts of spring planting...and it's making me super happy.

Last summer we had to cut down 13 pine trees from our yard. I was sad beyond compare because they were one of the reasons we had bought the house. But the drought of 2010 had damaged them so bad that they were a danger and we had to get them removed. Anyway, now that I've recovered from our loss, I've been eyeing the perfect spot in the yard where a garden would get enough sunlight now. I'm pretty excited.

To add to the excitement are all the ideas you can find on Pinterest and blogs. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for container gardening:

Source: raftertales.com via MiSsa on Pinterest

Source: tatertotsandjello.com via Naomi on Pinterest

Source: tokosenyum.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

So, in just a few days, I'll be planting. The feel of the dirt between my fingers, the promise of seed bearing fruit in a few months and the anticipatory waiting period...I love it all...well everything but the Texas heat!

Are you planting this spring? Do you container garden, dig in the dirt, buy plants rather than seed? I'd love to hear what works for you!

After the Drought

Over the last few summers we have experienced a historical drought. In my little 1/2 acre of the world that means we lost 13 great pines...each over 150 feet tall, 10 boxwood shrubs and many perennials. It has been a sad thing to witness.

So today...I started in the front yard...planning, replanting, cultivating. Bruce and I had both worked last week to get the beds cleaned out and the last of the dead stuff pulled or cut out. Today began the new planting season. 

This guy was my little helper all day!

Red and yellow is our color scheme

This is Tucker's climbing tree. He picked the flowers to go under it!

Still need to mulch...maybe Friday?

An old birthbath turned flower container

I spray painted this bench from barn red to this grassy green color.
I hope to enjoy some time out here before it get's too hot!

Journaling Idea

Just passing along a journaling idea that I saw on Pinterest a few weeks ago. Of all the things I've pinned on there the last few months this idea would not leave my mind. It mixes my love of journaling with note-taking, quotes and odd facts and creates a beautiful hands-on notebook, useful for Bible study, teaching and personal reflection. Here's the pin from pinterest:

Source: theredheadedhostess.com via Gina on Pinterest

So after a quick trip to walmart for a leather bound journal and a package of these:

...because journaling is always better with 80's glam sharpies....I started my journal. I'm only a few days in and already feel like this is going to be a perfect fit for keeping my notes and quotes in one place. If you're looking for something a little different to use for notetaking in church or your own personal notetaking at home, click on the journal picture and follow the link to see more examples and ideas of creatively journaling. Maybe this will work for you too!

Do you have a favorite technique for keeping your notes and things you want to remember all together? I'd love to hear your tips.

It Was Sew Easy

My sister in law got me a small Brother Sewing Machine for Christmas. I am thrilled. I've sewn very little but most of the things that appeal to me are very simple. I was thrilled when I was actually able to follow the directions and get the thread and bobbin ready to use in the machine! I kid you not, growing up when I was learning a little sewing from my mom, I could never thread the bobbin.

For Christmas one of my students gave me a gift card to Hobby Lobby so of course I went there to pick out my fabric for my first little project...cloth napkins (my mom would be so proud). I cut an 18 inch square and folded the edges down twice to make a total of a half inch hem.

Here's the finished product:

If you're a seamstress, do you have any suggestions on another easy sewing project for me? Or, what's been your favorite sewing project ever?

Two Books for the New Year

I usually spend New Years Day sitting at a Barnes and Noble looking through books and magazines. I've done this for years. But, living in a small town with no quaint bookstore...not even to mention that it wouldn't be open on Sunday if we had one, I resorted to browsing through amazon today, reading reviews of two books that I've been wanting to read. After reading the reviews, its a done deal. This year I will be reading these two books for sure:

Source: amazon.com via Gina on Pinterest

Source: notafan.com via Gina on Pinterest

Any plans to read anything new in 2012? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Smashing

I've wanted to get back into scrapbooking for over a year. Yet, as much as the desire for the finished product was appealing, the thought of all the mess that is involved and frankly, the perfectionist tendencies that I had when doing it before, all made the idea less than desirable for me.

But....I just found out about smashing. Have you heard about it? From my understanding it's old school scrapbooking, where you take your receipts, snapshots, movie stubs anything and smash it randomly onto cute paper. So it still has the feel of scrapbooking but not the perfection. Here are some pics I found online so you can get a better idea if you're interested:

Source: smashstoriesblog.com via Lashanda on Pinterest

Source: ellesstudio.blogspot.com via Karina on Pinterest

So, this January I am going to give it a try. I'll try to remember to post a picture of what I smash at the end of the month...and I'll give my honest review if this is easier than scrapbooking. And for all of you who are avid scrappers....claps for you...I love looking at the finished project! If you're already smashing I'd love to see your work...send me a link and I'll take a look!

For more pictures of some great smashing check out this LINK.

House Goals for 2011

The Nester blogged about having goals for your home in 2011 and I thought that was a great idea for mapping out how to accomplish all the little things that I'd like to get around the house this year. I'm sure that you can hear Bruce cheering in the background.

So after careful thought, here's my list of projects:

1. Create window mistreatments for Savannah's room and the front living room. You can learn more about window mistreatments here.

2. Pay cash for black bookcases that look like this but don't cost $$$$$$$$$$$.

3. Paint the top of my square kitchen table black.

4. Reupholster kitchen chairs.

5. Add more robin's egg blue to my home decor:

6. Pay cash for 2 upholstered chairs for den. 

7. Organize kitchen cabinets to be more family friendly....not just adult friendly. I do believe in equal unloading-the-dishwasher opportunity employment!

So there you have it! That's probably all my body and my pocketbook will be able to take....but believe me...I have a wish list should I inherit a large some of money. I've always considered my home a work in progress!

What would you like to accomplish in your home this year? 

Satisfying Saturday

This was one of those weeks that just demanded for a slow paced Saturday.

So when I saw that RAIN was in the forecast for this weekend....I just about did the Happy Dance!!!--- and if you've seen me dance...

Thursday I worked from the moment I got home from teaching. Laundry, Bathrooms, Floors, Dusting....the works. I enlisted the help of my kids...and eventually Bruce so that by days end....the house was spic and span, laundry was just about done and the smell of the weekend was in the air. 

As soon as school let out Friday I took Tucker to the grands and Savannah and I headed to my new home away from home....Scrappy K's. I had spotted a chipboard scrapbook that I wanted to try my hand at a few weeks ago. We spent almost two hours browsing over papers, stamps, chalks, stickers, chipboard, tags, embellishments and so much more. It was fun spending time with Savannah that way. We left with a sack full of goodies and headed home to scrap while the guys were still gone. 

The rest of the evening was spent veggin' with the kids while we watched the Ranger's finish up the ALB championship - that in and of itself is a whole different post. 

Today...Saturday..... has been spent printing pictures for my new scrapbook, playing with the munchkins, baking brownies, catching up on HGTV, blog browsing and cooking dinner....and yes, even though I threw a load or two of laundry in the washer, I still feel like Saturday has been satisfied.

What a great weekend! What's your favorite thing about Saturday?

It Came in the Mail Today

My first fall catalog came in the mail today. So, I did what any Autumn Loving Lady of Leisure would do....I cranked the air down to 70, lit the cinnamon apple candle and snuggled up on the couch to browse through the beautiful pages of oranges, reds, and yellows.

With real life temps over 100 today it was nice to escape momentarily to the pages of October, with crackling leaves, smells of campfires and the feel of lightweight flannel draped on my skin.

Hope your mailbox delivers something cooler soon!

Spring Garden

Roses

Snapdragons

           

Something I didn't plant

Sunflower Seedlings and Spring Mix

  Rose Bush

Onions

Corn

Potatoes

Tomatoes

Peas

Watermelon

   Spinach

Main Street

Today is the opening day of Main Street Farmer's Market in my town. I love this place! Step back to street vending and slow browsing. Even if you don't buy a thing, it's worth the short stroll through Main Street to see the fresh veggies, vivid colors and nice farmers.

Connect with them on facebook under Main Street Farmer's Market or go to their informative website for more information: http://sulphurspringsfarmersmarket.com/

New Life...

New life bloomed overnight in my backyard.

Turn the Table

I've had this table for about 2 years. A lady in our previous church gave it to me (Thanks Charlotte Akers) and while I loved it dearly, it lacked the sparkle of a restored antique.

You'll notice there are mulitple drinking glass marks on the top, along with glitter on the sides (hmmm, wonder what 7 year old thought this table would look better all blinged out?)

So on a recent trip to Wally World. I picked up this...and decided to makeover my table

And here's what it looks like now! I love it!

Who knew a dollar's worth of paint could make me fall in love all over again!?!?

Rainy Day Favorites

What do you like to do when it's cold and rainy outside? That's what this weekend is shaping up to be for my part of Texas. Here's my favorites...I'd love to hear yours.

1. Observe a Pajama Day- staying comfy cozy in our pj's with socks or slippers.
2. Make Homemade Chili and Rice- comfort food.
3. Read a good book- I have a few waiting on me
4. Game time with the family- we are on a wii kick right now, but like UNO and checkers too.
5. Catch up on housework/declutter- believe it or now...this is my favorite time to do these chores!
6. Movie time!- rent something off the TV or pop in an oldie but goodie.
7. Sit out on the covered porch and watch the world go round
8. Take a nap
9. Build a tent in the living room for the kids to play in

Hope you enjoy your day...whatever the weather!

Things I like about living in the RV

Since our time in the RV is officially winding down...yes, we are moving into a house on Sept. 1. I thought I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about all the things that have made living in the RV so wonderful.



1. Togetherness...my family.



2. It only take 20 minutes to clean.



3. The canopy off the side. Great for sheltering from the rain.



4. A break from cooking (yes, it's been nice....but guess what???...I can't wait to get into my new kitchen and make some bread).
5. Less of everything...laundry, toys, dishes.



6. Heavy drapes that close out the sun and make it extra cozy for naps, reading and jammie-movie days.



7. Lawncare



8. Large shade trees



9. Cable and Internet hooked up



10. Swivel chairs...I don't know why...I just do.


I am so thankful for the provisions that God has blessed us with during this time. He is looking out for this family.


The lyrics to this Lincoln Brewster song sum it up:


You dance over me,
While I am unaware,
You sing all around,
But I never hear a sound.


Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
How You love me.


You paint the morning sky,
With miracles in mind,
My hope will always stand,
For You hold me in Your hand.


Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
How You love me.


Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
How You love me.


How deep,
How wide,
How great,
Is Your love for me.


Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
Lord I'm amazed by You,
How You love me.
Lord You love me.

Blog Searching

Today I have indulged myself in cyberspace. After a busy week....and an even busier week to come, Bruce boldly suggested (before he walked out the door to go to Casting Crowns without me!) that I take the day off (Nice of him considering- no, I'm not bitter). Anyway, after browsing some of my blogger friends sites, I decided to do a little blog searching for some topics that interest me. So I went to Google Blog Search and entered the following words...

Farmhouse Decorating

Shabby Chic Decorating

Country Living

Primitive Decorating

Buying Homemade

Simple Living

Vintage Decorating

Community Gardening

Children's Photography

And hours later, I came up for air! It was so much fun. The results were a smorgasboard to amazing people (women mostly) who are using their creative abilities to enhance their environments....home, yard, church, school and more. It was awesome! Sure, I could have been doing about a thousand other things, but in the midst of all the serious stuff going on, it was sure nice to escape to a different world....one highly creative and decoratively beautiful.

I suggest you try it sometime. Just type in your favorite hobby or interest and explore the world! I've got lots of ideas to try and the creative juices are now flowing. I'm sure you'll be seeing some of the results!

Happy searching!

Music to My Ears

I love music. Whether it's the radio playing in the car, a cd at home, my mp3 player as I work, playing the piano for fun or for church or listening to my kids sing silly songs, I love it. There's a daily recital of Hannah Montana, The Wiggles, Boz and The Jonas Brother from my kids.They are hilarious with their tinker toy microphones and play guitars. Recently I have developed a few favorites to add to my staple all time favs (besides my kids, that is).

1. Kari Jobe
2. Chris Tomlin
3. Hillsong United
4. Leeland
5. Monk and Neagle
6. Shane and Shane
7. Casting Crowns
8. Laura Story
9. Building 429
10. 5 Browns

I would love to hear your favorites.

Planting Time

The Mission Garden (Mission Field) is almost ready to be planted. We are getting ready for our first community garden. The soil has been worked, we are getting the rock out with a Harley rake next week, and then we will bring in the compost and yes...manure. Funny how that would takes on a different meaning when you are planting a garden!

We are going to be planting tomatoes, onions, potatoes, cucumbers, green beans, squash, corn, watermelons and more. It's going to be an adventure!

Do you garden? If so, what do you enjoy planting? eating? cooking? To me, there's nothing like a fresh tomato and mayo sandwich in the hot summer. Or a cold cumcumber tomato salad. That's good eating!

Above are pics from my garden last year. Enjoy!