Home Again!!

I certainly hope your Thanksgiving was a blessing, and that your hearts have been filled with thanks!!! While this is not a photo of the meal we were partakers of (because I forgot to take my camera!!! UGH!!) it's a snippet of what we were offered. We ate at my brother-in-laws' parents' home (his mom is a caterer) and we were served up some 12-14 different dishes that were not only delicious, but beautiful to look at. It was by far the best Thanksgiving meal I have ever eaten. Thank you Bud and Joan for welcoming us in, and for sharing your love, cooking talent, and warmth with us. What a special time!!



Our trip to Texas was great, and the scenery along the way was lovely. We stayed with my hubby's sister and husband, and really enjoyed their company and hospitality!! Thank you so much Melanie and Keith!!

Now on to CHRISTMAS!!! We can't wait to put out our decorations, and we're getting our tree next weekend. YIPPEE!!

Well, it's good to be back in the blogosphere, and I look forward to sharing holiday ideas and pics with you. Have a praise-filled Sunday!!!

Gatorscape!!

So, I guess you can see my fall centerpiece is somewhat different than earlier photos!! This is my "Gator Wrangler's" idea of a real fall centerpiece!! This is what's left of the 10 1/2 foot gator he got a few weeks back. We're now the proud owners!! YAY!! Can you just feel all of my enthusiasm??

The big question is hmmm... what do we do with it now??? It fits in so well with everything on the table, should we just leave it here?

What a wonderful presentation it would be to use it as a platter for the turkey!! We could just carve it and sit it in his mouth!!

Or maybe we should put it here, over the fireplace. C'mon girls !! I need some help here!! I've never had to fit a gator head into my decor before!!

What about here on the table next to "HIS" side of the bed??? Well, this is life with a hunter/gator wrangler/fisherman and after 29 years, I wouldn't haven't any different!!

It certainly is quite a conversation piece to say the least!! Hope it made you smile!!

The rest of the week is going to be crazy getting ready to leave and working on a fundraising banquet, so I probably won't be posting until we return.

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with the love and joy of your family and praise to God for all of your many blessings!!

Happy Monday!!!

Isn't this just simply lovely? This morning I stepped out front to see how chilly it was, and this little beauty greeted me, adorned with fine droplets of dew, announcing...It's a glorious new day!



Out my back door, the sun is peeking through the trees, illuminating the leaves...everything is so beautiful when backlit by the sun! The early morning...the most splendid time of day!!


Today we're beginning to get ready for our trip to Texas. We're all so excited. We haven't made this trip in years, and my 10 yr. old daughter hasn't ever been. First school, then getting out
suitcases, tidying up the house , and finishing up some laundry. We just LOVE roadtrips! This one will be 17 hours! I especially like hitting the road and just keeping on going!! In this "jet age" we find ourselves longing for the slower pace and desiring to take the scenic routes whenever we have the time.

Think about that for a minute...the scenic route...God has surrounded us with so much beauty. What a shame that we don't get to drink it all in more often. Let's be intentional today, and even in running our errands and doing our work and chores, look for the loveliness everywhere! Tell me what you find in your world!!

Have a joyful, thankful, blessed week!

If someone asked you if you felt like your life was blessed, what would you say?

I am so very blessed, I can't even find the words to express the thankfulness in my heart. I had wonderful parents and grew up in a happy home, where we always had what we needed, with love being the only excess. I married my first love and just celebrated our 29th anniversary. I have four great daughters, a loving son-in-law, a precious granddaughter, all healthy and happy. I also have wonderful friends who love me and would do anything for me, money for the necessities and some extras :) clean, running water, food, a home I love, and most of all...my God who will never leave me or forsake me. In a word...PLENTY.



It is my hope today that you will take at least a few moments to consider all that you have to be thankful for, and that you will give a warm hug to someone who might not be expecting it and tell them you are thankful for them.
May all the blessings you bestow on others flow right back to you.

artwork by Ron Jenkins

I saw that someone had made an inspiration journal online, and thought that would be a great thing to do, so here is the first page of mine. It's kind of like an ongoing book of favorite things, themes, colors, anything that inspires me in those times I might have a creative block. The beach is only 30 minutes from here and is a preferred destination of ours!!



A couple of closer views

Now something older. I showed this adorable little box in a previous post and these are pictures of what I keep in it. When each of our three older daughters were born, my Mom brought "a little something" to commemorate the day. The first is a chubby little bluebird of happiness...it's my very favorite. (maybe why I have a chunky bird fetish now ;) The second is an Irish pig, because #2 was born on St. Patrick's day, and I used to collect piggies of all kinds. Third is a precious little fimo piglet in a diaper playing with it's toes. I love them all, and I am enjoying sharing them with you!!!

Also pictured are a fork and spoon that were mine as a child and a crocheted rose doily one of my hubby's relatives made. Precious memories!

Have a grand weekend!!

WE HAVE AN UNSOLVED MYSTERY!

What is this you ask? Just what it looks like.
A mound of fabric softener sheets. After washing a load of sheets, I opened the dryer and saw a fabric sheet in with them. Then another...then another...there were dozens...and lots of little pieces of cardboard. Did my precious little 3 yr old granddaughter throw my new unopened box of dryers sheets in while I went to get the laundry??? Then where is the box? Nowhere to be found!!!!! Yes there were bits in the washer, but none with the label on it, which is bright green and orange. When questioned about our little confubble she got a quite CURIOUS...no no MISCHIEVIOUS, yes VERY SUSPICIOUS look on her face, but she ISN'T 'fessing up!! Could it have been perpetrated by me? Could I have knocked the box in when I put the sheets in? THEN WHERE IS THE BOX, I ASK?? I'll keep you updated on the news as it happens!! Stay tuned!!



TOPIC CHANGE!!!
Last night as I was tidying up for my hubby's return from a business trip, I lit some candles, and turned on some of our soft, mood/accent lighting. Do you have any mood lighting? It just warms up our home and looks so inviting. If nothing else...you can light some candles, or you can throw little white lights inexpensively in or on almost anything. I put some in this tree for the holidays, but the fam liked it so much we left them there. I've even had company go plug in the tree. I'm always looking for ways to make our home a soothing sanctuary for all who live here and visit.

Do you have any ideas to share?

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say I am strong,
Let the poor say I am rich,
Because of what the Lord has done for us...
GIVE THANKS!

This is the song of my heart today. What is your song?


Are you gathering a harvest of love with your life?
This is another pumpkin from my collection, and a great
reminder of what is really important...Hope you're putting
away any quarreling or ill feelings, so you can truly give thanks
for your many blessings.



I have a thing for chunky little birds, and I just love
this one. I have two of them in my fall centerpiece.




My "Welcome" pumpkin nestled in a small wreath my
youngest daughter made.



My fall centerpiece in the dining room...full of favorite things!



Hope you have a wonderful day!

My Mom has been on my heart a lot lately. In 2004 her time on earth lapsed. Her journey here ended and she passed with unspeakable joy into the presence of the Glory of the Most High God, joining the multitude before Him singing praises to His name. Oh how I miss her. She was my close confidant, constant cheerleader, and the Mom of all Moms. In the photo is a picture of her in her youth; beautiful, vibrant, full of life. She lived a full life and loved well. Oh the joy when we meet again! The other photo is of my great grandmother...Mother Fannie. My mother gave me Mother Fannie's engagement ring when she (my Mom) was in the early stages of Alzheimers; a gift I treasure deeply and wear constantly. I tried to take a pic of the ring, but the nearly flawless diamond always caught the light of the flash. Mother Fannie is in her wedding dress (the year is 1907) which won a special award at the World's Fair. The photo is trimmed on the corners with lace from her dress.

The little box is from my hubby's grandma and is quite old. I keep the figurines my Mom gave me when each one of my daughters was born in it. Ladies, if your Mom is still here with you, call her, write her or give her a hug and let her know how much you love her. You'll be glad you did!!



Here is a bigger shot of Mother Fannie in her wedding dress. Her engagement ring is in the forefront, though not very clearly pictured.



This is a vintage look card I made last night. I have to say it is my favorite card to date. It just went with the other things in the picture. Making cards is a current favorite pastime.

Simply Fond of Fall!!

Don't you just love the change of seasons? I am constantly amazed at all the beauty God has surrounded us with! I also really enjoy looking at how people respond to the seasons in their landscape, home decorations inside and out...I find it all so inspiring! The foods of the seasons are tantalizing as well. I think I might have to try this one...how beautiful...you just want to grab a fork and dig in!! I've included the recipe for those of you who would like to try it, too!



Yield
12 servings
Ingredients:

1 (2 1/2- to 3-pound) pumpkin*
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted and divided
2 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
3/4 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 (16-ounce) raisin bread loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
Lemon-Vanilla Sauce
Preparation:

Cut off top of pumpkin, reserving lid with stem. Scoop out pumpkin seeds and pulp, and reserve for another use. Brush inside of pumpkin shell with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Top with lid.
Bake at 350° for 35 minutes.
Brush inside of baked pumpkin shell with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
Stir together eggs and next 6 ingredients; spoon pudding mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square pan.
Bake pumpkin and bread pudding at 350° for 25 minutes. Let pumpkin cool; spoon bread pudding evenly into pumpkin shell. Serve with Lemon-Vanilla Sauce.
Note: For individual servings, substitute 12 (1/2-pound) pumpkins. Scoop out seeds and pulp; sprinkle each pumpkin shell with 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon sugar, and bake with the bread pudding. (Do not prebake as with the larger pumpkin.) Spoon bread pudding evenly into baked pumpkin shells.


Very creative pumpkin topiary




I found this little beauty browsing "pumpkins" online. I may just have to make it and add it to my pumpkin collection!!

Aren't these adorable? May have to add them to Nana's play box!

They both came from this web site. I like a lot of their things!

http://www.colonialcrafts.com/item/_I_N_/19021

Check out my new Fly Lady widget! She'll help us control our clutter and keep our homes organized!

Her website is http://www.flylady.com/

It is a beautiful fall morning, and I hope you all are well! I want to add a smile to your day so here is a picture of our bearded collie, "Cooper" sporting his straw hat. He is ready for whatever the day holds!! (he takes it all with a milk bone and a lap of water anyway!!)



Maybe the hat is for sun protection because he knows I really want to be here....

Wanna come along??

About a week ago, me and my hubby escaped for a romantic getaway. Our place of choice was Jekyll Island Georgia. Tree-lined streets, secluded beaches and picnic areas, miles of bike paths, views of the marshes of Glynn, shrimp boats in the distance, a charming historic district...absolutely breathtaking and refreshing. Enjoy the views as we saw them!!

Our beautifully appointed room!

Complete with fireplace and jacuzzi!! Gotta love that!!

From our balcony

The walkway to the beach in back of our hotel. Can't you just picture yourself down there in a loungechair??

It was just us and them!! Ooo o...Aaaah!

The Sidney Lanier Bridge and the Golden Isle marshes of Glynn

An amazing sunset from atop the Sidney Lanier Bridge

The historic district street

Excerpt from Sydney Lanier's poem "The Marshes of Glynn"

GLOOMS of the live-oaks, beautiful-braided and woven

With intricate shades of the vines that myriad-cloven

Clamber the forks of the multiform boughs,

Emerald twilights,

Virginal shy lights,

Wrought of the leaves to allure to the whisper of vows,

When lovers pace timidly down through the green colonnades

Of the dim sweet woods, of the dear dark woods,

Of the heavenly woods and glades,

That run to the radiant marginal sand-beach within

The wide sea-marshes of Glynn;—

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

And with fall...comes the County Fair!!

There is nothing like the sights and sounds of the fair on a cool crisp fall night!! I grew up going to the youth fair in Miami, but the fair here is special because I've taken all of my children over the years. I'm so proud of my 10 year old and the things she's made. She got 3 first places, one second, and one third. I really enjoyed watching her work, and she put a lot of time into this gingerbread bird house. I think the judges could see that it was a labor of love!!

Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile!