Blessedmom's Simple Home

The Rest of the Month :)

2012-01-31T20:58:00.000-08:00

Day 24--Color

January is supposed to be a "slow down" month, isn't it? It hasn't worked out like

that for us. Instead it's been a go, go, go month. I feel like I've been running kids

here and there all month long. So glad we've had wonderful weather!

Day 8---Your Sky

I know I've slacked off over here on my blog, but I've kept up with the

Photo-a-day Challenge I told you about at the beginning of January.

This challenge has made me think about taking photos

in a different way. Since I'm taking photos with my ipod,

I'm definitely not getting the quality of a camera, but it's been fun playing,

so I thought I'd share a little bit of what I've been doing this month...

while running kids to and fro :)

The prompt for Day 22 was "Your Shoes"

I caught Milo laughing out loud :) Okay, he was really yawning,

but it looked like a laugh was about to emerge...either that,

or he thought I was telling him to "Say Ah" :)

One day the prompt was "Light"

I took a photo of the lamp next to my bed with the "lights of my life"
in a photo next to it :)

On Day 27 the prompt was "Lunch"

My lunches aren't usually too exciting, but that happened to be the day

my 16 yo daughter decided to cook a full turkey meal, complete

with homemade rosemary bread. It was delicious. Thank you Micaela!!

Each photo can be edited in a variety of ways on Instagram,

so you can get all sorts of looks in a matter of seconds.

There are other apps you can add to your ipod or iphone for free

that make it a bit more fun too.

This was today's photo for the prompt "You Again"

Guess what I was doing?

Waiting in the car for my daughter during her piano lesson.

I'm sure her piano teacher's neighbors were wondering about

this crazy woman, taking photo after photo of herself in the side mirror,

trying to get the desert sky reflection in the background just right, lol.

Do you want to join in the fun? Chantelle at Fat Mum Slim

has created a February Photo Challenge. You don't have to do it everyday,

and it doesn't have to be on Instagram. You can share them on your blog,

Facebook, tumblr, etc.

Here's the February Challenge:

If you decide to join in, even if it's just for a few of the days of the month,

I'd love to know so I can see what you've posted. Go over an let Chantelle know too.

Have fun with it.

If you're on Instagram, find me at mamasmurph.

Happy February Everyone!!

Blessings,

Marcia

♥ Hearts ♥

2012-01-25T22:45:00.000-08:00

Have you picked up your Conversation Hearts yet?

They are definitely a weakness of mine.

Hearts seem to be on our mind around here this week.

Pinterest provides so much inspiration. I really want to make these.

via Pinterest

to learn how, visit Glorious Treats....Yummy goodness :)

Thank you all for your sweet messages of congratulations to Randy and Sarah.

They are so excited....especially Randy :)

Sarah's cousin Ty is a photographer, and took some wonderful photos.

If you'd like to see a few photos and read a little more about his proposal

visit her blog, "Ty LaMothe".

I know I'd planned to do a giveaway this week, but the busyness of life

has kept me from getting it together. It's coming soon my friends :)

I hope you're all having a wonderful week.

Blessings,

Marcia

She said Yes :)

2012-01-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

My son and his girlfriend love Disneyland. We all do.

So today, at Disneyland, he got down on one knee

and asked his sweet Sarah for her hand in marriage...

She said "Yes"!!

We're going to be gaining a daughter (in-love) :)

Congratulations Randy and Sarah

♥ We love you both ♥

(The photo below is from a ride at Disneyland.
You can see Sarah holding up her hand with the ring on it,
and everyone else pointing to it).

Romance is definitely in the air around here :)

I hope you're week is starting off wonderfully too.

Blessings,

Marcia

A Beach Girl :)

2012-01-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, she does, and he's oh so good to me!!

A gift from my dear friend Terri, who knows me so well :)

I'd like to just sit out here with my Big Kahuna,

But we're running errands this morning and watching football this afternoon.

Here's the most recent photo from my Photo A Day Challenge.

The prompt was "Something You're Reading" and since
I've been spending alot of the week running kids and then waiting
for them, I've been enjoying these :)
I snapped this photo with my ipod in the front seat of my vehicle :)
Instagram effect--Toaster
Join in if you get a chance, it's fun!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends,
and remember I'm having a giveaway next week!
Blessings,
Marcia

Turquoise and Jordan Update :)

2012-01-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

My beautiful turquoise necklace was a Christmas gift from my nephew and his wife.

He cut and smoothed the stones, and she made the necklace.

They gave one to each of my girls too.

I keep telling them that they should open an etsy shop. I know it would do well.

I shared these two a while back. They made them for my mom and sister-in-law :)

Aren't they beautiful?

Here I am wearing mine. I used this photo for the Photo-A-Day Challenge

I'm participating in. The prompt was "Something You Wore".

This was taken with my ipod, not my camera. If you want to see what I've

been sharing, you can visit me at Sea Tidings, which is my sample blog.

No bells and whistles, no zoom lens, etc., but it's been fun playing with ipod photos.

At Instagram, I'm mamasmurph.

I also thought I'd share a new photo of Jordan. He's driving!!!

He posted this on his Facebook page. He took his little boy to the beach :)

Isn't that wonderful? :)

He's continuing to improve. The antibiotic beads I told you about back

in November have helped. We're all so proud of him.

Homeschool is back in session around here, and my twins are in a play next week,

so I've been running around more than usual. Guess what they're playing?

Twins, lol. I think they might be typecast :)

I'm having a giveaway soon, so check back next week.

Blessings,

Marcia

Joining Good Life Wednesday at A Beach Cottage.

{Seashell Shadowbox and Photo Challenge}

2012-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

Yes they do, but you knew that already, didn't you?

This started off as a yard sale find. The color just didn't work in my house.

Turquoise leather couches with mauve and green roses just wasn't going to cut it.

I thought it would be an easy change, but that top was glued on tight, so

instead, it just sat in my garage with other "to-do" items.

And then one day, as I was putting some shells in containers,

(I'm always rearranging something around here....just like you),

I thought, "Oh, those might work in that little shadowbox."

So I pried, and pried, and pried some more, and finally got the top off...

without breaking the glass!!!

The roses were glued in there pretty good too.

I had to hunt and hunt to find my rarely used glue gun and some glue sticks,

but I found it, I started arranging and gluing,

and now I have a little seashell shadow box :)

This is about as crafty as I get my friends :)

I've joined the Photo A Day Challenge, hosted by Chantelle at Fat Mum Slim.

Some of you might have read about it on Sarah's (A Beach Cottage) blog.

I'm sharing them on Instagram, and plan on using my ipod for most of the photos.

If you are on Instagram, my name is mamasmurph :)

I'm also going to be sharing them on my sample blog because

I don't use it for anything else but trying out new ideas before I put them here.

It's Sea Tidings.
I don't have any followers over there yet, but if you want to
see my silly ipod photos, you're welcome to stop by.

Maybe you'd like to join in too? It's not too late :)

Blessings,

Marcia

P.S. I'm linking Good Life Wednesday at A Beach Cottage

and White Wednesday at Faded Charm.

Blessings 2012 :)

2012-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from our family to yours :)

May you enjoy the richness of all of God's wonderful blessings in 2012.

Blessings,

Marcia

Warm Fuzzies

2011-12-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

Warm Fuzzies:

The warm, pleasant sensations one feels in the stomach and heart area

when emotionally moved by an act of goodwill or love.

"Urban Dictionary"

I was blessed with alot of "Warm Fuzzies" the past few weeks.

I know I haven't posted in awhile. First, it was just the busyness of the holidays.

Then I got sick....quite sick. Mom's aren't supposed to get sick,

especially the week before Christmas when there are so many things to get done.

My body didn't seem to be at all aware of the calendar though :)
I tried to call attention to this fact, but it would just not cooperate!

That's where the warm fuzzies come in. My husband and children

stepped up to the plate and took care of everything, especially me.

They did it with such tenderness too. I'm so thankful for them.

Christmas arrived with a few things left undone, but you know what?

It didn't matter in the least. We were all together, and we had each other.

My husband wrote me the sweetest Love Letter too.
How wonderful is that? :)

I hope your Christmas was filled with love,
and lots of warm fuzzies.

Blessings,
Marcia

P.S. I am feeling much better too :)

* Hark *

2011-12-14T23:19:00.000-08:00

Glory to the newborn King :)

Don't you just love Christmas Angels?

I found a few of these about 10 years ago. I wish I'd picked up a few more.

They're only about 1. 5 inches tall, but oh so sweet.

I hope she makes you smile too :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Missing the obvious :)

2011-12-08T23:57:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like you're oblivious to the things around you, or is it just me?

I'd hardly even noticed the flowers in our walkway a week or so ago,

but my youngest daughter was paying attention.

She took the camera out there and snapped a photo.

Unretouched, btw :) Isn't it beautiful?

Last month my oldest son and some friends went to see a new singer perform.

They'd discovered her on YouTube. Her name is Jayme Dee,

and she has an absolutely beautiful voice. If you haven't heard of her yet, you will :)

So last week, when an old friend that I'd reconnected with on FB mentioned her too,

I was a bit surprised....until I suddenly realized that Jayme Dee

was her daughter!!

We'd messaged back and forth and she'd mentioned that her daughter sang.
I'd looked at my friend's FB photos of her family,
and I'd viewed Jayme Dee's video with my son.
Somehow I hadn't put two and two together though.

I may be oblivious at times, but I've definitely got my kids convinced

that I have connections to everyone :)

(Btw, her daddy was my college youth pastor,

and her sweet mama has an equally beautiful voice).

Enjoy!!

Blessings,

Marcia

Snowflakes and Starfish

2011-12-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

My little homemade hutch (really a dresser with bookshelf on top)

got a Christmas makeover :)

I'm continuing with the blue and white theme but I was determined to

*Not* spend any money for any decorations this year.

Along with a few blue bits and pieces;

snowflakes, starfish and twinkly lights add a touch of white.

This little tree fit in with the color scheme, and a snowflake

seemed to be all it needed. It sits on top of a candle holder.

This shelf didn't change much, just added a few painted pine cones

and some older blue bulbs.

I've used this little tray for decorations before,

only changing the scrapbook paper to go with the theme.

This time I used some I had leftover from my school cabinet.

It's in the same room, and is where my kids keep their books and supplies.

The inside is always a mess, so hiding it with pretty paper

helps keep things looking neat and tidy,

(if they remember to close the doors!)

I also added some of my snowflakes to the insides of this lantern.

It's been fun going with a different color combo this year.

My kitchen is still red and green though.

My family said they needed to see those colors somewhere in our house :)

It was 25 degrees at our house this morning.
It's sure feeling like Winter here in Southern California.
I hope you're all keeping *warm* :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Linking up with:
Faded Charm's White Wednesday
A Beach Cottage's Good Life Wednesday

All Hearts....

2011-12-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

Come home for Christmas....

so it's time to prepare,

I need to remember to make room....

for the most important part :)

♥ The true Heart of Christmas ♥

Have a Joyous day my friends :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Singing the "SO MUCH" blues :)

2011-11-29T23:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have "those kind of " days. You know the ones. Where

you take the kids to the dentist and while you're waiting you casually mention

that there might be "something wrong" with one of your own teeth,

so they decide to take an x-ray...and it's NOT good news. It's the "You'll be

coming back for at least two more visits" kind of news.

And of course you have an abnormal fear of sitting in the dental chair yourself

because you've spent "SO MUCH TIME" in that chair already in your life,

so now it's a "wondering if the time will come when they'll want to rip

all the teeth out of your head, because you feel like you've been

chewing on borrowed time already".... kind of day.

So you go home and decide to take some photos of the decorating

you've been doing to take your mind off of your fears,

but for some reason your camera doesn't want to cooperate with you,

(maybe because it's been dropped a zillion times by the twins

while making silly videos)

so you borrow your daughter's camera, and you realize

that her's is "SO MUCH CLEARER" than yours, but you still can't seem

to get the photos right, because you can't find your glasses and you

need them to see the photos. So now it's an "Oh no, does this mean cataract surgery

is in your future too?" kind of day.

But then something unexpected happens!

You realize that the jeans you put on belong to your teenage daughter,

and now you feel "SO MUCH BETTER".

Suddenly it's an "all is right in your world" kind of day!!

(and your motivation to keep those extra pounds off just became crystal clear)

Yep, I have those kind of days too....

Aren't they wonderful? :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Linking up with :
A Beach Cottage
Funky Junk Interiors
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Treat time :)

2011-11-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

Breads and cakes, cookies and sweets,

time to start baking those Christmas treats :)

I've lost 15 pounds over the past 4 months,

(exercise and eating right really does work)

now the trick will be to keep it off during the coming month.

Wish me luck ;)

♥ I'm so glad I have lots of others around here to help gobble up the goodies ♥

Have a wonderful weekend dear friends.

Blessings,

Marcia

♥ give thanks ♥

2011-11-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope you make wonderful memories with those you love,

and fill your tummies with lots of delicious food :)

♥ Enjoy your day ♥

Blessings,

Marcia

A Blue and White Christmas

2011-11-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

This is the inspiration for Christmas this year...

*via Pinterest

the colors I love :)

It reminds me of this...

Last year I decorated in mostly red and white,

But this year, I'm thinking a little blue and white (and silver) might be nice,

They even have gift wrap with a nautical theme,

with a little silver ornament it looks so Christmas-like :)

Isn't this lovely?

Of course, I want to make some of these :)

And this simple homemade wreath is just beautiful,

I'm loving this color scheme for Christmas :)

What colors are you going to decorate with this year?

I wish you all a Wonderful Thanksgiving,

enjoying it with those you love ♥

Our family has so much to be thankful for :)

Blessings,

Marcia

* asterisk photos via Pinterest *

The Thankful Season

2011-11-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

Crisp Air + Fading Blooms = Autumn Joy :)

It truly is the "Thankful" Season.

Blessings,

Marcia

♥ Tea, Marshmallow Cookies, and Memories ♥

2011-11-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

Cold weather has come to the desert, so my morning glass of iced tea

is now a cup of hot tea.

You might notice the little tea bag that says "Good Earth" tea.

I'm sure there are plenty of you that enjoy this sweet treat,

but it means a little more to me than just a delicious cup of tea.

You see, it was nearly 28 years ago that I first met my hubby

at "The Good Earth", a health food restaurant, popular in the 80's.
Yes, he was a cook and I was a waitress.

We were meant to be together, don't you think?

This was the tea that we served there.

Most of these restaurants were later changed over to "The Olive Garden"
(a completely different type of restaurant, but also a tasty favorite of ours),

however, the delicious "Good Earth" tea is still sold.
It's a sentimental favorite around here :)

The aroma is *heavenly*. It always reminds me of when we were dating.

It tastes delicious with Marshmallow Coconut Cookies too :)

Have a blessed weekend!

Marcia

An Update on Jordan:
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments for Jordan in my last post.

They discovered that he had some type of infection (perhaps a fungus)

so he had another surgery on Nov. 5th to take tissue and bone samples

and put in antibiotic beads.

He's going into surgery again tomorrow. They will put a rod
coated with antibiotics into his femur bone. Then, in about
8 weeks they will be taking the rod out. Hopefully that
will be his last surgery. He's been in quite a bit of pain,

so please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Veterans Day has a more personal meaning to our family this year.
Thank you to all of those who have made freedom possible,
and thank you especially, Jordan.
We love you ♥

Harvest and Update on Jordan :)

2011-10-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

I'll bet you have a pumpkin patch around you somewhere.

This one is just a few miles from our home.

See, we really can grow things here in the desert :)

There is also a corn maze. I've never been successful

at growing corn myself, but it does grow around here, as you can see.

This is what the pumpkin sees :)

We're still harvesting. We have a late growing season here.

I found a great "Any Kind of Squash" recipe this summer,

and since I still have zucchini growing,

I've made it quite a few times.

You slice up your squash, and put a layer on the bottom of a baking dish.

Cover it with melted butter,

salt and pepper to taste,

a little bit of cut up basil from the garden,

and then layer it with Parmesan cheese.

Repeat the steps with another layer (or two).

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

As you can see, different squashes work equally well.

I almost forgot to take a photo of the finished product. I got a corner of it,

as the rest had already been gobbled up. It's delicious,

even my twins love it!

(I mean, with butter and Parmesan, how can you go wrong?)

I've also been harvesting my own seeds.

These coriander seeds are about to be replanted.

Last year I had cilantro growing late into the Fall,

and early in the Spring.

Now, on another note...
we went to the Drive-In recently :)

Do you still have one of those around you?

It was a beautiful night, and we got to see two movies.

We saw "Real Steel and "Dolphin Tale".

Perfect movies for 11 yo boys...

and their Daddy too!

Our weather has finally cooled off a bit this week.

It actually feels like Fall around here :)

We saw Jordan a few weeks ago too.

He looks great, doesn't he?

He had another surgery on Oct. 19th.

Here is and update from his Facebook Page :)

*So I wish to update all of you and let everybody know I am still very positive and motivated. I came in for surgery on wednesday the 19th to get a revision on my left leg. As the doctors cut me open they found that my femur was deteriorating. So they took a few tissue samples and closed it up. The doctors thought it was due to infection but after testing the tissue samples it was not infection. Yesterday the 22nd they cut me open again to take a small piece of bone for testing because their next theory is that the bone breakdown may be a type of osteoperosis. I will find out in the next few days what the source of the deterioration is and I will keep you all updated. Once again keep me in your thoughts and prayers.*

♥ Thank you everyone for your prayers for Jordan ♥

I know this post was a bit scattered. It's been a while since I've written anything,

so I just included a bit of this and that :)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Marcia

10 Things I Love About Fall :)

2011-10-06T23:49:00.000-07:00

1. Apple and Cinnamon.....anything!

2. Comfy boots and knitted scarves.

3. Hot tea with honey.

4. Flannel Shirts and warm sweaters.

5. Autumn scented candles burning.

6. Pumpkin anything...especially whoopie pies.

7. Snuggling up under extra blankets and quilts.

8. Thanksgiving dinner!

9. Watching my kids jump in piles of leaves.

10. Lighting a fire in the fireplace :)

image: Pinterest

It's starting to feel like Fall here, or do you say Autumn? I like both words.
Extra blankets are coming out,
along with long-sleeved sweaters and jackets.
We were just wearing shorts and flip-flops a few days ago!
We've had some rain, and turning the oven on is a welcome feeling
of warmth, not overbearing heat :)
I'll miss summer a bit, but I love Fall and the changing of the seasons.

What do you Love about Fall?

Blessings,
Marcia ♥

Good Moms...

2011-10-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Simply Designing "Good Moms" tutorial

This little sign made my day,

and I just had to share it with you.

If sticky floors, messy kitchens, laundry piles and dirty kitchens

make for happy kids,

my children must be truly ecstatic :)

I hope Fall has found it's way to your home,

and you're enjoying a beautiful weekend!!

Blessings,

Marcia

Fall....Flowers in Her Hair...Flowers Everywhere :)

2011-09-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, there was a song about "flowers in her hair".

I couldn't remember who sang it, but thanks to Google and You Tube,

I've been humming that song again :)

It was sung by a group called The Cowsills, (their most famous song was "Hair")

and called "The Rain the Park and Other Things." Here it is if you want to watch it :)

You'll feel like you stepped back into the early 70's!

Blessings,

Marcia

The Writing on the Wall (Shelf) :)

2011-09-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it just takes a little frame and a few words to share they way you feel :)

The words in the frame above were just some I typed up and printed.

The Beach Boys kind of hold a special place in our hearts around here.

They were the first band I ever saw in concert.

They were on a come-back tour, and were considered local boys,

having grown up in the same area I did.

In fact my friend's mom had gone to school with them

and used to tell us stories about them before they were "known".

I found the Subway Art on a featured post over at Coastal Blue Ocean.

It was designed by Linda over at Seaside Style.

Thank you both for sharing this project. It was simple and fun,

and fits well in my home. I always have a little touch of the beach around here.

Our weather is still saying "Summer" although we had a little rain today,

and it cooled down a bit. I haven't been motivated to get out the Fall things though,

since I'm still running the A/C :)

We're back at school now, and that does make our schedule a little more "normal",

if there is such a thing. We aren't too normal around here most of the time :)

Wishing you all a lovely week!

Blessings,
Marcia

Visiting with Jordan

2011-08-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

Several blogging friends have asked about Jordan and I wanted to give you all an

update. A little less than 2 weeks ago, he hit a rough patch of grass in his wheelchair,

and fell, breaking his already injured arm.

He was scheduled for another surgery on his leg the following Monday,

so they did the surgery on his arm at that time too.

That was on Monday, August 22.

Jordan, Jenn and Jay

On Friday, my brother called to say that Jordan would be visiting our area on Saturday.

Yes, less than a week after his surgery he was out traveling with his wonderful family!

I wish you all could know what an humble and gracious young man he is,

and his wife Jenn is equally incredible. Their mutual love and respect

for each other is inspiring, as is their devotion to their son. They're a young family

that has faced far more than most of us can imagine, and yet they both express

their thankfulness for the blessings in their lives, and for each other.

4 generations of Maynard men :)

There are so many things we take for granted, and feel a sense of injustice

when those things are taken from us. As I watched Jordan very adeptly

eating soup with his left hand (I'm left handed, so I tend to notice others that are)

I realized he'd had to learn this since the accident.

I marveled at how well he was doing this

(as I can not imagine having to relearn everything with my right hand)

and he just smiled, shrugged, and said

"Yeah, I had to learn to shave too, so I've kind of gotten used to it."

No sense of injustice. Just his kind and gentle nature.

That's Jordan :)

Also, about a month ago, Semper Fi donated this brand new van equipped with

automatic doors, ramp, and hydraulics to Jordan and his family. It has made it so

much easier for them to get around :)

I want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Jordan.

Jordan and his family are very thankful too.

Please continue to remember him, as he still has a long way to go in his recovery.

He's amazing!!

Blessings,

Marcia

Ferris Wheel Fun

2011-08-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

"I see nothing in space

as promising

as the view

from a Ferris wheel. "

E.B. White

I know I've been absent from blog land this summer.

I'd like to give you a good excuse, but I really don't have any.

Just trying to keep a better balance in my life, I guess.

Summer is winding down, so I'll be visiting all of you more often.

Thank you so much for your sweet birthday wishes for my boys :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Growning Up

2011-08-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

It's our "birthday rush" time of year again.

My babies turned 11 today. Happy Birthday boys!

(and yes, I know, they aren't babies anymore) :)

I hope you're all enjoying your summer :)

Blessings,

Marcia

{Blue}

2011-07-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

I'll bet you can't guess my favorite color ;)

I think the *blues* of summer are the best *blues* around.

My girls are home. They had a wonderful time in Hawaii.

It's a busy summer, but we're enjoying it around here. I hope you are too.

Thank you so much for all of the anniversary wishes for my parents.

They were touched by your thoughtfulness.

Blessings,

Marcia

Balboa Pier

2011-07-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

Every time I look through a viewfinder,

it takes me back to my childhood.
Such happy memories of peering through these :)

If you visit Balboa Pier, be sure to visit Ruby's

and have a giant *ice cream*

Messy, but fun.

I just have to add that today is

my parents 63rd wedding anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

We love you both.

(Aren't they cute?)

Enjoy your weekend everyone :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Flowers + Bike = Joy

2011-07-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

I hope you're enjoying your summer
and finding the *silver lining* in everything you do :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Surfing The Nations...

2011-07-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Surfing The Nations...

a non-profit, humanitarian organization delivering the message of love and hope

through the sport of surfing and acts of selfless service.

My girls are on their way to Hawaii right now with HDC Students to spend

a week working with Surfing The Nations. Check out their website :)

We are excited to see how God uses this team of young people

to impact their world for Christ while serving others.

They will be helping to feed the homeless, and working with inner city kids.

I'm so excited for them!! Can you tell? :)

My older two boys came down from the camp their working at this summer

to see the girls off today.

Thanks guys!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends :)

Aloha,
Marcia

Simple Computer Chair Redo

2011-07-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did, I took a little blogging break.

It wasn't intentional, just caught up in the busyness of family life.

My girls are leaving for Hawaii next week,

(I'll tell you a little more about that in my next post).

Anyway, between getting ready for their trip, holiday fun, cleaning out some closets,

and the simple joys of summer, I've missed out on visiting my favorite blogs.

I'll try to get by soon :-)

Now what does any of that have to do with this funky blue chair?

Last night this was a typical black computer chair, kind of torn in spots

from so much use. It's been bugging me, but we don't often

go out and replace a chair that is still pretty useful.

My daughter brought in some fabric a friend had given to us a while back,

and wondered what she should do with it? (Cleaning out closets, remember).

I looked at it, looked at my chair, and started playing.

I do have a staple gun too :)

I wish I'd painted it first, but when you're playing, sometimes things

are completed before you even think about it.

My husband came to my rescue and started stapling

when my hand got too sore to staple anymore.

This stretchy fabric was perfect for covering the chair, and I can go back

and do some whip stitching if I decide I want to get rid of the "staple" look.

While I'm showing you this, I guess I'll show you the little hutch in the background.

Only it isn't a hutch.

It's actually a small bookcase on top of a chest of drawers.

You probably figured that out already :)

The little crochet runner kind of hides the gap :)

Lastly, I picked up this little picture at a yard sale this past weekend.

It reminds me of my hubby with our twins, and the two boys

in the background look like my older boys when they were younger.

The lady selling it was actually the artist, so she told me that she'd

seen a man down at the beach with his twin boys and it inspired her.

I love it!! Maybe it really is my hubby and our boys :)

Kerrie from the beautiful blog Sea Cottage,

is having a wonderful giveaway over at her new blog and etsy shop Seawashed.

Go by and enter today :)

Have a wonderful weekend my friends. I'll be around to visit soon!

Blessings,

Marcia

I'm joining Jami at Freckled Laundry for Air Your Laundry Friday,
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for her Saturday Nite Special
Sarah at A Beach Cottage for Good Life Wednesday
and Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday :)

Picnic Time :) --- Update on Jordan

2011-06-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Are you planning a picnic this weekend?

This is the season for picnic fun.

So grab your basket,

Find your favorite picnic spot, and bring on the treats :)

Betty Crocker had this sweet idea for your celebration,

Fireworks Push-Up Cupcakes :)

Don't they look yummy?

For Fun Printables see:

Tweedle Dee Designs

Sweet Straws are found at:

The Cupcake Social

and no picnic would be complete without ideas from:

Fourth of July Bike Clip Art

Fourth of July Clip-Art Toothpick Flags

Martha Stewart!!

And now, a wonderful update from Jordan:
(via his Facebook page)

hello all, thanks for all the support. as you see i am going strong and healing fast, Its really hard to keep up with everybody individually but once again i want to express my gratitude to everyone and i could not do it without you and of course my wonderful wife and my little helper jay.

Jordan and his son playing ball :)
We love you!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone!

Blessings,

Marcia

Laundry Symbol Help :)

2011-06-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

photo via Torie Jayne

I don't know if it's just me, but lately I've been having trouble reading

the laundry instructions for our new clothes and linens.

It seems that everything is in symbols.

The very talented Torie Jayne came to my rescue,

and did a post this week on this very thing.

I ♥loved♥ it and asked her if I could share it with you, (she graciously said "yes")

because I have a feeling I'm not the only one that is a bit lacking in

"laundry symbol" proficiency :)

photo via Torie Jayne

Aren't they wonderful? She's created 3 different pages,

with many of the symbols you'll want to know.

What a great idea for the laundry room, or if you're like me,

and your laundry room is in the garage, just hang them up above your hamper.

photo via Torie Jayne

You can find all 3 of them on her blog right here.

Be sure to tell her "hi" too :)

Thank you so much Torie Jayne!

Enjoy!!

Blessings,

Marcia

If Summer Was....

2011-06-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

If summer was a flavor...it'd be

lemonade :)

stylemepretty.com

If summer was a color...it'd be

bright!!!

cotton candy flickr photo via pinterest (link)

(You were thinking I'd say blue, weren't you?)

Wishing you all a *bright and sunny* first day of Summer :)

Blessings,

Marcia

Ikea Fun

2011-06-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

A recent trip to Ikea with my friend Jill (from Bailiwick Studio) made for a very nice day.

We always have a great time when we go shopping together.

It's about an hour's drive from here, so this was only my second visit.

I can't wait to go back again! They have great prices and so much to choose from.

Many color selections,

Wouldn't it be fun to have several of those clocks set in different time zones?

I thought about buying one of these pretty chandeliers for my entryway.

Modern artwork and pretty books,

Beautiful photo art...these were very large, and I don't have anyplace to put one,

but I did love them both :)

This swivel chair was so comfy!!

Lots of pretty pillows and pillow covers,

I bought a couple of these tea towels, and....

my little stash :)

Do you see a summer color scheme in my cart?

We stopped at Pottery Barn after this. I'll show you the photos soon.

A lot pricier, but oh, so pretty too!
Linking up:

Blessings,

Marcia

The Most Wonderful Video---Jordan is walking :-)

2011-06-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't showing up quite right, but I don't know how to make it bigger right now

and my computer techy son isn't here during the week, so I'm winging it :)

I think this is the most wonderful video I've ever seen.

Jordan walking again for the first time! It's about 2 minutes long.

That's his little boy in the background.

I hope you can see it :-) He's awesome!!

           allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="224">

Strawberry Pear Crumble Love

2011-06-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

I mentioned a few posts back that our strawberries were coming in like crazy.

I'd had my eye out for different ways to prepare them, when I noticed

one of those "You might also like" links at the bottom of Sarah's recent post.

It said "The Beach Cottage Go To Strawberry Pear & Strawberry Crumble".

It was from a post she did last Fall, because Sarah gets strawberries at a
different time of year than we do :-)
I made it about a week ago, and I only have one complaint...

I took a bite when it was a little too hot, and decided to wait a bit and let it cool.
Big mistake my friends...
I waited too long. It was gone before I got a chance to eat anymore!

I used canned pears, because I had them on hand.

Sarah's oven temp says 200 C., so I baked them at 375 F.
A conversion site said it should be about 400 degrees, but my stove runs a bit hot.

I've made it a 2nd time, and I learned my lesson...

Make two...You might get a little bit that way :-)

It's absolutely delicious!!! Thanks Mrs. BC :-) I've included the link for the recipe
and visit A Beach Cottage and join the Good Life Wednesday Party,
along with Gooseberry Patch to join Recipe Round-Up.
I hope you're all having a great week :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Turquoise Pin-head Map Love

2011-06-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

The Pinterest offer a few months ago seemed to come with a catch,

I needed a facebook or twitter account to sign up. I know everyone has one already,

but I'm a bit behind the times, just ask my kids ;-)

Finally, this past weekend, I joined facebook, which meant I could join Pinterest too.

It's probably not the best idea to join two social networks on the same weekend :-)

I'm a bit lost on both, but muddling through, and I've definitely become a
Pinterest *Pin-head*, even if I'm not a very good Facebook *Friend* yet :-)
Here's my *Simple Summer Home* mood board
(in case you want to take a peek).

I've been looking at map photos (among many other things)....can you tell?

These photos are some of my pins,

and you can learn how to make those pretty coasters at the top of the post *here*.

Aren't they perfect for summer ?
Have a wonderful weekend my friends.
Blessings,
Marcia
*all photos via Pinterest*

Mums in May and a wonderful photo of Jordan :-)

2011-05-31T23:17:00.000-07:00

Can anyone tell me why we're getting Mums in May?

Okay, I know that by the time you read this it will be June 1st,

but they've been blooming all week, and "Mums in May" was a catchier title :-)

I took a few quick photos this afternoon, and they didn't turn out too well,

but you can see their early show of color.

I don't remember ever having them bloom this early before.

Any ideas?

And for anyone who's been following to keep up with Jordan,

this is the best photo of all :-)

Jordan and his beautiful family!!

He's continuing to improve. He just has a few more areas that need to heal,

and then he'll be getting his prosthetic legs. Jenn told me I could share this

wonderful photo with all of you, and she said thank you for everything :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

All Gave Some...

2011-05-28T23:03:00.000-07:00

Victor Black, wounded in WWII, Battle of the Bulge,

and awarded the Purple Heart

(my beloved uncle)

Cpl. Jordan Maynard, severely injured in Afghanistan in March 2011,
and awarded the Purple Heart,

(my wonderful nephew)

And Some Gave All...

PFC Marlin Maynard, Army Ranger,
killed in action, Grenada, Oct. 25, 1983,

(my courageous cousin)

Thank you to all the men and women serving in the Armed Forces...

♥You are our Heroes♥

The leaders of opposing political parties may always argue about you,

and the media may always jump on the latest celebrity story

instead of telling us about your heroism...

but we know;

your bravery and courage have kept us free.

We are forever indebted to you.

and we will

*Never Forget*

California Dreaming...

2011-05-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

Are you planning and dreaming about all of the things you're going to do this summer?

Realizing that it's getting close, and those extra winter pounds will not look good ~~on the beach,~~ in summer clothes, as if anyone will be noticing this middle-aged woman, I decided I needed to start exercising more, and maybe NOT eat quite as many ~~fattening~~ tasty treats.

*Beach vanity* is a bit of an obsession here in southern California. ;-)

Oh, the best laid plans, my friends!

Today while shopping at Target with my girls, my daughter mentioned that she had a Starbucks card and offered to treat us all to something there. We conveniently have a Starbucks in our local Target store, btw.

I'm not a coffee drinker, so I'm no expert on Starbucks, but when we came out both of my girls were sporting a nice Iced Passion Tea, very few calories, I might add....

and what did I get?

A Strawberry Frappuccino.....

with creme!

We won't talk about all the calories in this baby :-)

They really need to take all of those photos of their sweet drinks down off the walls,

because novices like me are ~~gullible~~ suckers for a pretty picture!

Do you have any idea how much walking I'm going to have to do to pay for this?

*The last two photos are from the Starbucks website because you really don't think

I took the time to get a photo before I drank this down, do you?*

And in case you're wondering, no, that isn't my pretty blue sailboat...
Just another "California dreaming" moment, I guess :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

Garden Goodness...

2011-05-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

How was your weekend?

I know I've been neglectful of my blog this week. The weather has improved

and I've been spending my free time out in the garden.

The broccoli and lettuce have been good, the tomatoes are blooming,

and we have so many strawberries!!

They're good in smoothies, on top of shortcake, or dipped in chocolate,

but they're especially tasty right off the plant.

We also have a little garden color right now....

I hope you were able to spend some time outside this weekend too :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

Sunny Day Favorites....and Wonderful News :-)

2011-05-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sunshine, iced tea, and a good book. Just a few of my favorite things :-)

We have close to 300 sunny days on average here.

Last week, we thought the warm days were here to last

and summer had actually arrived. It was in the mid 80's.

However, the cold winds blowing this week

mean I have a fire going in our fireplace tonight!

Who knew we'd be bundling up again?

I guess we won't be putting these away just yet :-)

I have a wonderful update on my nephew Jordan.

He will be moving into a house with his wife and son on Wednesday

& just going to the hospital as an outpatient!

It's been less than 2 months since his terrible injuries, so this is truly amazing.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers!

How's that for Good Life Wednesday news? :-)

Thank you so much to Sarah at A Beach Cottage for

hosting this wonderful linky party.
Thank you all too, for your sweet birthday wishes for my daughter.

Blessings to All of you,

Marcia

♥ Finding Hearts ♥

2011-05-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Spring ♥hearts♥ seem to be cropping up everywhere around here.

Have you found yours?

I'm joining Tricia for Photo Feature Friday,

and Joyce for Friday Pretties.

This one captured my ♥heart♥ 16 years ago :-)

(Her birthday is on Sunday)
Happy Birthday Micaela!!!

I love you :-)

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.

Sprinkles :-)

2011-05-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Asking 10 year old boys if they'd "like" to help me bake

is like asking them if they'd "like" to go to the dentist.

They clear the room in no time flat.

However, when I mention the word *Sprinkles*

(codeword for *Candy* in their minds)

suddenly they're more than happy to help.

Since I love cupcakes, that's what we made.....
we'll I made, and they decorated :-)

I think that more sprinkles may have gone in their tummies than on the cupcakes.

I can't get too mad when they do this though....

So sweet, and yes, their toys are never far away :-)

Oh, and did you know...the little Silver Dragees (beads) that are seen
on cupcakes and wedding cakes all over the world, are illegal here in California?
Only the metallic ones.
Seriously :-)

photo credit Fancy Flours, where you can order yours (if you don't live in California)

See more Friday Pretties here,
more Photo Feature Friday posts here.
and more Sweet Shot Tuesday posts here.
Have a Wonderful Mother's Day :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

For anyone who might not know, my nephew Jordan lost both of his legs
after stepping on an I.E.D. in Afghanistan in March.
I'm continuing updates from time to time here on my blog. This one is kind of long.
Jordan has had a rough couple of days.

*Jordan Update* taken from his facebook page, Wednesday.
Jordan is taking a couple of hits this week. First it was unbearable phantom pain. He was taken into the "pain clinic" where they more or less tortured him for 6 hours. They tried electric shock therapy, a Lidocaine (sp?) injection and acupuncture. He came back to his room in horrible pain and having trouble regaining control of it. In comes O.T. with this technique of tricking the brain into feeling someones else's leg and foot. It was incredible! This guy sits so his legs are along side where Jordan's would have been. Jordan then taps up and down this guys leg as if it were his own. The O.T. guy slowly moves his foot up and down, spreads his toes and swings his leg. After 15 minutes of this "treatment" Jordan was able to get on top of his pain. We can try this technique anytime with any leg available. Crazy!
However, on the heels of that success came disappointing news. Jordan will have surgery tomorrow on his elbow. His right elbow was basically shattered and had to be pieced together with screws and plates. It was originally thought that a skin graft would be done, however, the docs were able to pull the skin together and close the wound. The wound pulled a part and exposed an ever so small glimpse of the plate underneath. Tomorrow they will open the seam, pack the wound with antibiotic beads and close it up. Next week they will reopen the wound, flush out the beads and close the wound again. If everything goes well, that will be the end of it. The concern is that the plate has been exposed which compromises the integrity of the plate and wound. If this surgery does not work they will have to undo the whole elbow and replace the plates and screws and create a skin graft to close the wound.

*Surgery update today*
The surgery on Jordan's elbow went well this A.M. They were able to scrub out the wound, pack it with the antibiotic beads and close it without a wound vac. He will undergo part II of this procedure in about 5-6 weeks. The next few weeks are crucial to how they proceed with permanent closure of the wound. Tomorrow Jordan goes in for another procedure for his pain. It's not technically a surgical procedure but it's handled as such. They would like to try an alternative nerve block procedure for his phantom pain until he can do the electric shock. We'll continue to do the mirror therapy in the mean time.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers :-)

Simple Good Life :-)

2011-05-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

Growing up at the beach meant you could go here anytime.

Living in the desert doesn't afford us this luxury,
or provide this as an everyday view,

my dear hubby is always happy to teach one of our kids to surf ;-)

or this,

although we can drive there in just a little over an hour.

However, my newest patio chairs have become a favorite place to sit,

and enjoy the simple view I have.

They need to be painted, but I'll get around to that.......one day.

(I know, famous last words).

If you're willing to pay a bit of a water bill,

you can even have a green lawn here :-)

I've been sitting out here a lot lately,
which means my house is not being cleaned like it should be :-)
Pretty soon our days will be too hot for this,
but I'll let you in on a local secret......

the summer evenings in the high desert are just ♥ heavenly ♥.

Visit A Beach Cottage to see other *Good Life* posts.
I hope you're all enjoying your week too.

Blessings,

Marcia

*Jordan Update* posted yesterday on my brother's facebook page....Great News!!

"Just spoke with Jordan, he seemed in really good spirits. His legs are closed 100% & all skin grafts done & taking well, stitches removed from his right arm that had been broken. All wound vacs have been removed! He is on the mend! We love you Jordan!"
His address:
Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Dr.
Bldg #1, Ward 4 East, Room #406
San Diego, Ca. 92101
Thanks for your continued support & prayers!

Flower Girl Fatigue :-)

2011-04-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

We are those crazy Californian's that woke up at 3:00 a.m. to watch
The Royal Wedding. That's the time it started here on the west coast.

I must admit I didn't stay awake long enough to see "The Kiss".

I'm thinking this sweet photo will follow this little girl the rest of her life though :-)

When I was a little girl, I was a flower girl in a wedding.
At the reception, a man came up to me and told me I'd stolen the show.
I didn't understand what he meant at the time,
and went crying to my mom, thinking I'd ruined the wedding.
I couldn't help but think of this when I saw this photo.
Isn't she precious?

We're having a yard sale tomorrow with several other families
on our block. It's nice to clear out the clutter,
but I realize that many have lost so much this week.
Please be praying for them.

*Jordan Update* Jordan is to be transported to Balboa Naval Medical Center here in

California this weekend. I'll let you know when I get a new address for him.

We're thrilled that he'll be closer to home.

Blessings to all of you,
Marcia
*photo credit Getty Images/Christopher Furlong

Spring Colors...

2011-04-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Apron strings can be a good thing, especially vintage ones....

in happy Spring colors
for Joyce's *Friday Pretties* party :-)

Tricia at *A Rosy Note* has also started a wonderful blog party

called "Photo Feature Friday".

The theme this week is "Pink".

It's a color that's "Springing Up" all over the place around here,
inside and out...

You know how I love details :-)

and also this sweet Spring quote:

"It's Spring fever. That's what the name of it is.

And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't

quite know what it is you do want, but it just

fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"

Mark Twain

Wishing you much Sunshine , a little Spring Fever,
and beautiful Spring colors, my friends.
Blessings,
Marcia

Great News,,,

2011-04-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

I spoke to Jordan today :-) It was wonderful to hear his voice.

He sounded so good, and although I wanted to be

encouraging to him, instead it was Jordan who encouraged me.

He said that he is supposed to be transferred to California

in a week or two. We are thrilled that we'll be able to go see him

when he is able to have more visitors. My parents are both 85,

and don't get out much, but they want to see him as soon as they can.

Please continue to pray for him. He had skin graft surgery this week,

and he told me it went well (did I tell you how good he sounded ?) :-)

However, I know there is a lot of pain with this, and he has

many more surgeries to undergo.

He also has a friend named Patrick who is there with similar injuries.

Patrick helped save Jordan's life, applying one of his tourniquets;

and then later the same day,

stepped on an IED himself, and was severely injured.

Jordan was able to get into a wheelchair and go and visit him this week.

I know that this was an encouragement to Patrick.
Please pray for him too.

Jordan told me that he'd received lots of cards and notes

from so many of you. He appreciates them all.

Thank you so much my friends :-)

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings,

Marcia

Easter Blessings....

2011-04-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

and then

The Glorious Resurrection !!

♥ Jesus is the Light in the darkness ♥

If you get a chance, watch and see why "He Chose The Nails"...

*but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,

Christ died for us.*

Romans 5:8

Have a wonderful Easter my friends :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

A Wonderful Week...

2011-04-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

A week of vacation was mostly spent at home, and on

day trips here in Southern California.

We visited my brother and sister-in-law's cabin up in Twin Peaks,

then made a stop to visit our son Randy at the camp

he works at all week.

Thank you for that sweet smile Micaela ♥ I just loved this mountain path,

and this pretty mountain chapel.

It was beautiful up in the mountains.

We even found a little snow.....that was promptly used for snowballs :-)

He doesn't look guilty at all, does he?

I was also blessed to win several giveaways over the past couple of weeks.

A wonderful package arrived in the mail from
Melissa at Miss Sew & So.

She is so sweet, and included some goodies for my kids,

along with a couple of lovely Union Jack items from the UK.

This beautiful bag was made by Melissa,

lightweight, and lined, I'm enjoying using it!

The sugar-free butterscotch candies were To Die For!!!

The next wonderful item arrived in person!

Janet, at Cottage Blessings doesn't live far away,

so she and her beautiful daughter delivered this adorable lamp,

and we were finally able to meet!!

She is so sweet, and just a beautiful lady inside and out.

Her daughter Jaclyn was just as sweet and kind as her mommy :-)

My girls just fell in love with her, Janet!

♥ Thank you both for these wonderful gifts ♥

I love them!

I'm sharing them with all the other Friday Pretties at I Love Pretty Little Things!

You all will enjoy visiting all of these lovely ladies...

{Quite a long post, I know:-) }

Blessings,

Marcia
P.S. Thank you all for your birthday wishes, cards and prayers for Jordan!

♥ A Daddy's Love --- Happy Birthday Jordan ♥

2011-04-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

Siblings and son arriving to see Jordan...

A Daddy's Love ♥

The best medicine :-)

Thank you to everyone who has sent cards to Jordan this week.

He's started receiving them, and has been greatly encouraged by your

outpouring of love. If you'd still like to write a note to him, you can find the address here.
He received a Purple Heart earlier this week.

copied from Jordan's facebook page today:

"Jordan's son, Jay, and brother's, Nate and Levi, and sister, Chelsea, arrived in Maryland last night. Jordan was nervous and anxious to see them. We were all a little nervous about how Jay would receive his Dad, but he was warm, gentle and just a little shy. Today Jay was at his Dad's bedside all day, standing on a chair next to the bed or laying on the bed. His wife, brothers and sister went shopping for Jordan's birthday that they will gratefully be celebrating tomorrow. Jordan will be turning 27."

He has had more surgery this week, and his pain is severe.

Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers.

His birthday is a day of rejoicing!

We're so proud of you dear Jordan! We're praying for quick healing, peace for the pain,

and that you are comforted by all the cards and well wishes expressly for you.

You are our family's hero!

Happy Birthday Jordan!!! We love you :-)

25 Years Ago Today....

2011-04-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

We said ♥ I Do ♥

If you haven't read our story and you'd like to,

you can find it here. I wrote it last year on our anniversary.

We had a rough start, but God has blessed us beyond

anything we could have imagined.

I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband,

he's put up with me a long time :-)

I'll love you

♥ "Always and Forever" dear Russ ♥

Love,

Marcia

Friday Pretties and Jordan's Birthday

2011-04-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

The beautiful lilacs and cherry blossoms were a gift from a friend's garden.

They have to be placed high on a shelf though...

because a certain kitty around here thinks that flowers

were created for his consumption :-)

The scent is ♥ wonderful ♥

I'm joining Joyce for her sweet Friday Pretties Party.

I have an address for Jordan and I thought I'd

let you all know that he has a birthday coming up in about a week.

For anyone that would like to write him an encouraging word

or send a birthday card, this is where you send it.

NNMC
8901 Wisconsin Ave
Bldg. 10 Ward 5 East
Rm #17
Bethesda, Md. 20889-5601

If you want to, you can add Attn: Jordan M., although as long as you

have the room number, it should get to him.

I'd love to see him overwhelmed with notes of encouragement, so thank you

to all of you who are considering writing him. We know it's a miracle
that he is able to celebrate this birthday.

Latest facebook update:

"Jordan is doing really good! He had a scheduled surgery this morning, no updates from that yet. But he had surgery Monday morning to cut away dead tissue from his left leg and drain fluids. They may work on his elbow a little today, they may not... He has a gaping wound on his elbow and his bone is exposed, his elbow is also fractured in several different places. So the doctors will be putting plates in his arm.

Siblings and Jordan's son, Jay, will be going to Maryland SOON! Hopefully within the next week or so. Therapist said it would be best for Jay to be there with Jordan and the family to go through it with all of us."

Thank you again for your love and prayers for Jordan :-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Marcia

♥ Young Love ♥

2011-04-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

I asked my twins to help me gather rocks to surround our

newest little tree in our backyard.

This is what I came out to ♥ find ♥

With all of the trouble 10yo twin boys can seem to get into,

they still know how to melt my heart :-)

We also have a bit of young love forming around here:

well actually, they're really bird watching :-)

It's just wishful thinking though...they're both big chickens outside :-)

I have good news about Jordan :-) My brother sent me an email today:

He's doing really good, they gave him an epidural last night & it's taking care 
of his pain now. They did surgery on him this morning & started closing his 
right leg. The left leg is a little worse. They do surgery mon, wed & Friday  to 
wash his wounds. I'll get you the address tomorrow.

He shared an address on Jordan's facebook page today,

but my brother thinks they may move him again

so I'll wait to get a more permanent one.

Special thanks to everyone who has posted Jordan's photo

on your sidebar, and thank you to Serena at The Farm Chicks

for helping to spread the word about Jordan both on facebook

and in blog land.

You're prayers are all helping so much!!

Blessings,

Marcia

Joy :-)

2011-04-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sharing our JOY with you because "A JOY shared is a JOY doubled" :-)

Jordan is in Maryland, and his wife and parents are by his side.

They went to Germany for two days, and then he passed his stress tests,

and they were all able to fly back to the U.S.

He will continue to have many surgeries (he was in surgery this morning)

so please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Here is a photo of him, taken by my brother. I think he looks wonderful :-)

Jordan you are our Hero!

♥We love you ♥

When I get an address to send cards and letters to him,
I'll share it with you.
I'd love to see him overwhelmed with notes of encouragement :-)

May your weekend be filled with ♥JOY♥ my friends!

Blessings,

Marcia

*first photo taken by my daughter Micaela*

Hope

2011-03-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

This week has been a reminder of Who is in control...

our Great and Mighty God. Our Hope is in Him.

We know it is a miracle that Jordan survived.

He is now conscious and has spoken to his family several times!

He's asked that everyone continue to pray.

We are all greatly encouraged.

However, he didn't pass the stress test for his heart, so he was unable

to fly to Maryland this week.

His wife and parents are now on their way to Germany

to be with him.

Please continue to pray for all of them.

I'm so sorry that I haven't gotten back to most of you for your kind words

on my last two posts. I will try to get around to visit this week.
Please know that our family is very thankful

for your love and care, and most especially,

for your prayers.
Blessings,

Marcia

Update on Jordan

2011-03-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

I cannot begin to ♥thank you♥ enough for your outpouring

of prayers and support for Jordan.

Thanks especially to those of you who blogged about him.

Our family has been forever touched by your kindness.

A facebook page has been set up about Jordan,

and I wanted to share the latest update here.
I'll warn you though, it is heart wrenching to read
about what he's already been through.
This is from his facebook page, written on Friday.

"I talked with Jordan's surgeon tonight approx. 5:20 MST (3-25-11) which is approx. 1:30 am in Germany. The surgeon enlightened me on many of the facts which we had been shielded of, from the start. First off, Jordan's heart didn't just stop. Jordan arrived at the first medical facility in Afghanistan with no pulse. The medics there, or doctors, opened Jordan's chest so that they could manually massage his heart. They found Jordan's heart void of blood. In medical terms, Jordan had bled out. They tied off his main artery in an attempt to force and keep blood back through the heart and to his brain.

Jordan was stabilized and transported to Germany but arrived with a fever and he was very sick. The two thumbs up referred to earlier was to determine his brain activity. Two thumbs up is an indication that both sides of the brain were functioning. However, with the lack of blood flow to the tissue in Jordan's left leg, it had become infected, in other words gangrene had set in. Jordan's surgery was an "adjustment". They had to take more of the leg, just about to the hip.

Jordan is in a "medically induced coma". He is being pumped with antibiotics. He still has a fever but the surgeon feels confident that the situation is under control. If all goes well, Jordan could fly out as early as Sunday to Maryland. He will have to go through several more surgeries and skin grafts to his left leg.

This news was devastating since we all thought, and were adjusting to, his injuries being isolated to the loss of his legs from the knee down. Sweet, sweet, sweet dreams my son. Thank you and bless you to all that post here, those that just check in, the gifts and prayers."

Please continue to pray for Jordan and his family,

especially his wife, son, parents and siblings.

We also now know that other families

are going through the same thing.

We've been told that 7 other soldiers were injured.

They and their families all need our prayers.

I will get back to regular blogging soon,

but I know that you understand that Jordan is in the

forefront of our thoughts right now.

Thank you so much.

Blessings,

Marcia

Our Hero, My Nephew...Please Pray

2011-03-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

I'd like to ask you all to pray for my nephew, Jordan.

He's been serving his 2nd tour of duty in Afghanistan.

There is no easy way to say this.
Yesterday, he stepped on an I.E.D. and lost both of his legs.

Now he's fighting for his life.

He is a wonderful young man, willingly serving our country.

He's also a husband, and father to a young son.

Today our hearts are heavy and breaking.

Please pray for Jordan and his family.

We ♥love♥ you Jordan.

You are our Hero!!

Yummy Goodness :-)

2011-03-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to quit taking photos....

and dig in!!

Another temptation from our Betty Crocker calendar

has added some weight gain around here, I'm sure :-)

Last month it was *cupcakes*,

and this month it is ♥Grasshopper Fudge Cake♥.

Yes, those are Andes Mints on top :-)

My daughter made this one, and it's delicious!

You can find the recipe *here*.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Blessings,

Marcia

You Have Blessed Me....

2011-03-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

♥ I wish I could give you all a sweet bouquet ♥

Do you know who you are as a blogger?

I'm an amateur when it comes to decorating,

gardening, photography, and cooking,

but love reading and seeing all of these things on your blogs.

I'm a mom of 6, and a homeschooling mom for 16 years,

but rarely post on the how-to's of homeschooling or motherhood,
yet you inspire me in both of these.

I'm not a writer either. Writer's block is a way of life for me.

I wing it here my friends.

I really have no idea who I am here in blogland :-)

One thing I do know...

that the world has become a smaller place since I started blogging.

You have allowed me to become a world traveler.

You have changed how I view your ways of life,

your countries, and your beliefs. You have taught me so much.

You have encouraged, challenged, and blessed me

beyond anything I could've imagined.

{{You}} are also who I think of when devastation hits your part of the world.

It's an honor to call you *friends*

♥Thank you♥ for sharing your world!

Blessings,

Marcia

Linking to:

Good Life Wednesdays at A Beach Cottage

andWhite Wednesday at Faded Charm:-)

Simple ♥Spring♥ Joys

2011-03-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a beautiful week here in the high desert,

so I've started prepping my veggie garden...

and planting ♥spring♥ flowers :-)

It's hard to stay inside when the weather is this nice.

We have very hot summers, so we really enjoy our mild and sunny spring days.

The little walkway up to my front door is bursting with cilantro.
We just love this in fresh salsa :-)

♥Spring♥ is definitely in the air around here.
I'm joining Sarah at *Modern Country Style* for her Inspiration Journey Party,
and Joyce at *I Love Pretty Little Things* for Friday Pretties.

Sending you all some sunshine this weekend!

Blessings,

Marcia
P.S. Right after I finished this post tonight, I heard the news
about the huge earthquake in Japan and the tsunami that followed.
I've lived in California all of my life and experienced several
strong earthquakes, but nothing like this.
Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers.

Sunny Day Pretties

2011-03-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing you much *sunshine* this week :-)

Thank you for all of your great ideas on vintage dresses

and your sweet words about my daughters.

Your kindness always blesses me, my friends!
See more Friday Pretties *here*,
White Wednesdays *here*,
and Good Life Wednesdays *here*.

Blessings,

Marcia

Advice Wanted...and a Thank You to a Friend :-)

2011-02-28T22:42:00.000-08:00

This is a recent photo of my girls.

They looked like this *yesterday*, really they did :-)

Growing up too fast, I'd say.

you can see Serena's natural streak here. We're all a little jealous :-)

These two photos were taken by McKenna Pendergrass

My oldest daughter is to be a bridesmaid in a wedding this summer.

(How can she possibly have friends old enough to get married?)

(When did that happen?)

The wonderful couple will be having a vintage themed wedding.

The sweet bride-to-be told her bridesmaids to pick out their own dress,

something they love and will want to wear again.

Everyone will be in different dresses. Her only requests are vintage style,

knee length, and a neutral color.

Oh, and she wants them to spend no more than $50.00. She's a budget minded girl :-)

(I don't think that will be possible though)

Now, here's some of the styles we've found,
but they cost a bit more than that!
(these are for style, not necessarily for color, and they are all a bit too long)

Dresses by Nataya

So does anybody know where we can find sweet vintage

dresses for a song? Any ideas? Maybe you know of some vintage shops

or online stores. My sewing skills are not that good,
especially in this type of fabric.

I know that some of you visit my blog from other countries...
perhaps you might know of something
that we here in California might not have thought off.
I'd love and appreciate all of you suggestions :-)

If you have an old dress like any of these hanging in your closet,

we'd be interested too :-)

Also, I want to say ♥ thank you so much ♥ to my bloggy friend P.J.

from *Seens from the back of my eyelids*

She did the sweetest feature on my photography.

I feel so honored :-) I can't begin to tell you what this meant P.J.!

I was so touched by your thoughtfulness.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Blessings,

Marcia

Simple Bulletin Board Vintage Redo

2011-02-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

Some of the *little vintage items* I picked up at the Pasadena flea market

have finally been used for a little bulletin board redo :-)

First, paint while your kids are doing their schoolwork...

(then you're right there when they have questions) ;-)

Measure...

and cut your fabric to fit....

Because I wasn't sure I'd want it to be permanent, ( I change things alot)

I used thumbtacks to attach fabric and lace..

You could use hot glue, but I used scrapbook dots to attach the buttons!

Vintage millinery, buttons and crochet flowers...

The little ones are my friend Terri's sweet children, aren't they adorable?

add photos or other inspirational items...

and hang it on the wall :-)
*I ♥love♥ using things you already have on hand *

I'm linking to Friday Pretties,

Air Your Laundry Friday,

Vintage Inspiration Friday,
Show and Tell Friday,
and Saturday Nite Special.

I hope you all find time to create a little something fun yourselves :-)

Thank you so much to the very talented Brandi
from Don't Disturb This Groove

for the sweet award she recently shared with me too.
She just reached her 100th follower so if you get a chance,
stop by and congratulate her!
Have a glorious weekend my friends...
(and yes, the kitty is still here, thanks for asking Mimi Sue) :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

How Do They Know?

2011-02-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

This little one showed up at our door yesterday in the late afternoon...

my husband said "NO!"

but later he made a little bed for her...

and gave her some food :-)

We thought she'd find her way home...

but she was still here this morning,

We're hoping she and Milo become friends :-)

She's got the sweetest little mask on her face,

and Oh, those eyes!!

these photos were taken by Joshua, my 10 yo son :-)

If she sticks around, and we can't find her home...

what should we name her? Any ideas?

Blessings,

Marcia

PInk Blooms and Presidents

2011-02-20T23:08:00.000-08:00

We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning. It was so pretty,

but is all gone now. Spring is on it's way, but hasn't arrived fully yet,

even here in Southern California.

(That will teach me to brag about our sunshine, won't it?)

Still, a few pink flowers can warm up any day :-)

For my American friends...Happy Presidents Day!

Here's a short, wonderful and lesser-known story about George Washington for you :-)
(We homeschooling moms try to make everything a lesson, I guess!)

One day, during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington stepped out of his tent. It was extremely cold, and the wind was blowing. The demands of leading an army were weighing heavily on him, so he decided to go for a walk around the camp. In his long coat, and with his collar turned up no one could recognize him as the commander of the Continental Army.

Washington came across a group of soldiers under the command of a corporal who was out to show he was in charge. They were building a tall rampart of logs and the corporal kept barking orders, “Up with it! Push harder!” The soldiers lifted with all of their might. The log was so heavy they could not move it farther. The corporal would shout out again, “Up with it! Push harder!” The soldiers could not lift it more; their strength was almost gone, and the log was about to fall.

Then Washington ran up and pushed with all of his might and finally the log fell into place. The men gave their thanks to the stranger who had been so kind, but the corporal said nothing.

“Why didn’t you help your men with the heavy lifting?” asked Washington.

"Why don't I?" the corporal answered, “Don’t you see? I’m a corporal!”

“I see” said Washington. He then opened up his coat and revealed his uniform, and he said, “I am the general. The next time you have a log too heavy for your men to lift, send for me!”

"He that will be chief among you, let him be your servant." Matt. 20:27

I hope your week is warm and sunny...inside and out.

Blessings,

Marcia

California Sunshine :-)

2011-02-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

Mission San Luis Rey

I thought you might enjoy some of our California sunshine, my friends.

I hope your Valentine's Day was perfect!

Here in California, learning about missions is part of the

public school 4th grade curriculum.

There were 21 in all, and while not the most famous now,

Mission San Luis Rey stands out as one of the most beautiful.

Yes, that is an elbow on the right :-)

If you're a homeschooling family...you can make visiting them part of a

family vacation, and call it "History" :-)

Learning and traveling go hand in hand, don't they?

Mission San Luis Rey was the largest of the missions,

and originally had over 950,000 acres.

Quiet reflection

How it looked in 1830

Present day model

Where the laundry was done :-)

Do you want to know another wonderful part about visiting missions?

Most of them are pretty close to this :-)

I'm linking with with Faded Charm for White Wednesday,

and with A Beach Cottage for Good Life Wednesdays :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

♥ Resistance is futile :-) ♥

2011-02-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

The free calendar I received in the mail a couple of months ago

came from Betty Crocker.

It's in my kitchen, on the refrigerator.

When we turned it to February a few weeks ago,

there was a picture of the tastiest looking cupcakes.

They have beckoned me, tempted me, and even taunted me, for two weeks now.

I couldn't resist any longer :-)

Mine don't look quite like Betty's...but they are yummy!

I haven't even checked to see what's coming in March :-)

I hope your Valentine's Day is wonderful

and you're enjoying it with your loved ones!

Blessings,

Marcia

To RussMyHoney,
I Choose You ♥♥♥♥
Always and Forever,
Love,
Me

♥ Candy Hearts ♥

2011-02-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Did you know that blogger has new fonts to play with? They used to have only

a few to select from, but they've added many more options.

I'm sure you'll have as much fun as I did playing around with them.

I'll probably change a few more things too.

In our house, we love these little candy ♥ hearts ♥.

Have you got yours yet?

They taste a little different than they used to, but they're still good to eat.

And lots of fun to play with :-)

See more Friday Pretties here.

I ♥ you all :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

Beauty in the Details

2011-02-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the beauty is in the details...

Even though we think we'd like to see the *big picture*

I think it's better that God sometimes gives us
only a close-up view

If we saw the *big picture*

We might close our eyes and miss

the *wonder* of His creations.

Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.

~A. A. Milne

As one grows older, one should grow more expert at finding beauty in unexpected places,

in deserts and even in towns, in ordinary human faces and among the wild weeds.

~C. C. Vyvyan

"Paws", our 14 yo kitty, thought she'd like to surround herself with some

flowering beauty too :-)

I know that some of you are covered in layers and layers of white fluffy snow,

so I thought I'd share a little color popping up around here.

As you see, it isn't always so pretty when you look at it from afar,

although we often think this is the *better* view.

My garden is a mess, and weeds are everywhere...

there is however...

beauty in the details :-)

Linking to Friday Pretties at I Love Pretty Little Things,
Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage,
Good Life Wednesday at A Beach Cottage,
and An English Garden Party at Modern Country Style.

♥ Have a wonderful weekend my friends ♥

Blessings,

Marcia

February = love, thanks and sweet gifts

2011-02-01T23:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone for your kind words last week. We're all feeling much better now :-)

The love and prayers you shared were such a blessing.

February makes us think of love.

Hearts are appearing all over blog land...

I'll bet some are cropping up at your house too.

I ordered this wonderful little ornament from the talented Lisa Leonard.

It's beautiful!!

Although it's meant for Christmas, I think it will stay out all year...

The people named here (along with my wonderful husband)

hold the keys to my heart ♥

I also recently won a giveaway over at Manuela's beautiful blog,

The Pleasures of Homemaking.

an autographed copy of Wren Bay, written by Clarice of Storybook Woods.

It arrived in the mail the other day. I'm looking forward to reading it!

Thank you so much Manuela and Clarice :-)

February is starting out to be such a sweet, sweet month,

and we haven't even gotten to the "tasty treats" part yet :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

Hot Tea Days :-)

2011-01-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hot tea and a good book always seem to go together. This week they've

been at my side often. I woke up Monday morning with a sore throat and

cold that has kept me inside and bundled up most of the week.

I tried not to, but unfortunately, I shared it with members of my family.

So it's hot tea and bed rest for them too :-)

Thank you so much to Molly at the beautiful blog Birdie Blue, for noticing my absence.

Your sweet comment meant so much to me.

I'm sorry I didn't get around to answering any comments this week, but

thank you to everyone for your sweet words of encouragement.

I'll be around to visit again soon :-)

The teacup is a favorite of mine from my little collection.

Don't you just love those turquoise polka dots?

Valentine's Day is coming up, and this little "Courtship of Miles Standish" book

seems like a perfect read for that...

a famous old poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

I love the *pretty lady* images on these beautiful old books.

Too see more Friday Pretties visit Joyce at I Love Pretty Little Things.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Marcia

Friday Pretties...and a giveaway winner

2011-01-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

There isn't a sewing room in my house, just a little space in our "catch-all" room,

right next to the computer and piano. This little nook looks outside

to our front yard, where I can watch my kids playing there while I sew.

I had a little help with the photos though...

Milo always wants to be in the middle of the action :-)

I'm looking forward to doing a little sewing this weekend...I hope you find time

to do something you love too.

The winner of the CSN giveaway is.....

Becky at Sweet Cottage Dreams!

Congratulations Becky, I'll be emailing you.

Visit Joyce for more Friday Pretties here :-)

Blessings,

Marcia

Simple Little Pearls--Overheard at My House :-)

2011-01-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

A little "Overheard at My House" dialogue...

just to let you know...we are a very real family :-)

Said by one of my twins: "Mom, I want to go to Miagna Falls."

Me: (laughing a bit) "Oh really, Miagna Falls?"

Twin: "Why are you smiling?"

Me: "Well, you're not saying it quite right."

Twin: "Miagana? Miagna? Miagra?, What is it?"

Me: "Oh honey, you're close enough...I like the way you say it; it sounds cute."

(Never say cute to a 10yo boy!)

He takes off, but is back in a minute.

Twin: "I asked "unnamed older brother" (although I'm not sure why I'm protecting his identity) and he told me how to say it right."

Me: "Oh really?"

Twin: "He said it started with a V!"

I had a moment of realization before he blurted out...

"It's Viagra Falls!"

Oh no...that will teach me to try and keep them little and cute :-)

(Not when there are older siblings around!)

Sometimes it's the "simple little pearls" that bring us the greatest joy,
especially when they're said by our children :-)

My Giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight...there's still time to enter my friends.

I'll be back in a few days to announce the winner.

I'm linking to Sarah's new Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays,
because this little story is part of my "good life".
Thanks so much Sarah for starting this blog hop...I hope everyone can take a peek!

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,

Marcia

Lovely Linens

2011-01-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

Many of the vintage linens you've seen on my blog have come from a company

called Euro-Linens.

Although I've never been able to visit their shop, Patine, I've had the pleasure of meeting

Eric and Daniela (Dani) several times.

This past weekend I visited The Rose Bowl Flea Market with my friend Jill,

and I wanted to be sure and stop by their booth. I asked them if I could take some

photos to share with you, and they graciously agreed. Thank you both so much!!!

As always, I was thrilled with the lovely selection of linens they had available.

Many of their items are monogrammed. They also sell fabric such as

vintage French Ticking.

Aren't they all so beautiful!!!

I picked up a few Euro Shams that I'll show you soon. These are a few of the linens I've

purchased from them in the past, that have appeared in previous posts.

Their booth is always busy with lots of shoppers, and Eric and Dani are very kind and helpful.

It was a cold day in Pasadena, but we had a great time.

If you ever get a chance to visit Euro-Linen's store or booth,

you're in for a wonderful treat! I'm looking forward to my next visit :-)

Enjoy your weekend my friends. Don't forget to stop by and

enter my CSN giveaway!

Blessings,

Marcia

{Linking with Joyce for Friday Pretties,
Jami for Air Your Laundry Friday
and Debra for Vintage Inspiration Friday}

Winter CSN Giveaway

2011-01-11T23:25:00.000-08:00

giveaway ended January 19, 2011
thank you to everyone who entered :-)
CSN Stores has graciously offered to give one of my sweet friends

a $65.00 gift certificate!

CSN has over 200 on-line stores that offer everything from stylish home bar furniture,

and great cookware, to beautiful electric stoves.

I found these for my friends who love the color red :-)

Or maybe a beautiful pillow and cozy throw for cold winter days and nights...

along with a pair of warm boots.

I even found a wonderful electric towel warmer.

They have decorative candlesticks, dishes and furniture...

sweet toys for children...

and for all of you crafters, they even have burlap!

This is just a small sampling of what CSN Stores has to offer.

I'd love to hear about what you'd get if you're the lucky winner :-)

The rules are simple:

1. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment.

2. For a second entry, leave another comment to let me know that you're a follower.

3. For a third entry, blog about the giveaway and leave another comment to let me know :-)

Feel free to copy my giveaway photo at the top of this post.

4. According to CSN rules, the contest is only open to the US and Canada.

Good luck everyone! The giveaway ends next Wednesday, January 19th. :-)

Thank you so much, CSN Stores!

Blessings,

Marcia

Simple Homemade Gifts

2011-01-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

I love homemade gifts and I also love *Simple*...

so when I discovered these sweet gift ideas, I wanted to try them.

I'm not one to take on anything too complicated at this point in my life;
the busyness of a large family means I might not complete it,
but these were very quick and easy.

You've probably seen different versions of this diaper burp cloth in blog land,
but there is a wonderful tutorial over at Chickpea Sewing Studio, (thanks so much!).
You can visit the link and get the complete tutorial there.

The stitching is just a simple zig-zag.

She also has a free download for a cute little reversible bib pattern
that takes just minutes to sew up.

I've made several sets of these over the last few months...
it seems a few of my friends are becoming grandmothers :-)

I like to use flannel, but you could use a pretty cotton fabric too.
If you know of anyone having a new baby, these make great little gifts.
I'm joining Jami for Air Your Laundry Friday,
Joyce for Friday Pretties,
and Donna for Saturday Nite Special.

I also finally figured out how to create one of those little blog buttons...

you can see the link on my sidebar :-)

*Have a wonderful weekend my friends*

I'll be back with a giveaway early next week :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Blessedmom's Simple Home

The Rest of the Month :)

♥ Hearts ♥

She said Yes :)

A Beach Girl :)

*Turquoise* and Jordan Update :)

{Seashell Shadowbox and Photo Challenge}

Blessings 2012 :)

Warm Fuzzies

* Hark *

Missing the obvious :)

Snowflakes and Starfish

All Hearts....

Singing the "SO MUCH" blues :)

Treat time :)

♥ give thanks ♥

A Blue and White Christmas

The Thankful Season

♥ Tea, Marshmallow Cookies, and Memories ♥

Harvest and Update on Jordan :)

10 Things I Love About Fall :)

Good Moms...

Fall....Flowers in Her Hair...Flowers Everywhere :)

The Writing on the Wall (Shelf) :)

Visiting with Jordan

Ferris Wheel Fun

Growning Up

{Blue}

Balboa Pier

*Flowers + Bike = Joy*

Surfing The Nations...

Simple Computer Chair Redo

Picnic Time :) --- Update on Jordan

Laundry Symbol Help :)

If Summer Was....

Ikea Fun

The Most Wonderful Video---Jordan is walking :-)

Strawberry Pear Crumble Love

Turquoise Pin-head Map Love

Mums in May and a wonderful photo of Jordan :-)

All Gave Some...

California Dreaming...

Garden Goodness...

Sunny Day Favorites....and Wonderful News :-)

♥ Finding Hearts ♥

Sprinkles :-)

Simple Good Life :-)

Flower Girl Fatigue :-)

Spring Colors...

Great News,,,

Easter Blessings....

A Wonderful Week...

♥ A Daddy's Love --- Happy Birthday Jordan ♥

25 Years Ago Today....

Friday Pretties and Jordan's Birthday

♥ Young Love ♥

Joy :-)

Hope

Update on Jordan

Our Hero, My Nephew...Please Pray

Yummy Goodness :-)

You Have Blessed Me....

Simple ♥Spring♥ Joys

Sunny Day Pretties

Advice Wanted...and a Thank You to a Friend :-)

Simple Bulletin Board Vintage Redo

How Do They Know?

PInk Blooms and Presidents

California Sunshine :-)

♥ Resistance is futile :-) ♥

♥ Candy Hearts ♥

Beauty in the Details

February = love, thanks and sweet gifts

Hot Tea Days :-)

Friday Pretties...*and a giveaway winner*

Simple Little Pearls--Overheard at My House :-)

Lovely Linens

*Winter CSN Giveaway*

Simple Homemade Gifts

Turquoise and Jordan Update :)

Flowers + Bike = Joy

Friday Pretties...and a giveaway winner

Winter CSN Giveaway