Wednesday, September 15, 2010
MISSING IN ACTION
I've been missing in action for quite some time. Thought I might catch you up and let you know why. It's been a WONDERFUL summer.....much time at the pool with children, grandchildren, and just husband and me :) It has been so nice to have the kitchen area and bathroom out at the poolhouse so we wouldn't have to come in unless we wanted. There's even a TV hanging on the wall now......that's for my sweet husband.....however, I am enjoying it too. I know that swimming for this year is coming to a close. The water temperature is dropping but we're enjoying it while we can. NOW....the main reason I've been absent from the blog is I'm about to open my own business. I have wanted to do this for years, but never felt that I should until a few months ago. After praying for quite some time I know that God has opened the door and I had to decide whether to walk through. Oh, sure I wanted a big neon sign to appear with the wording...."Open that business.....this is God".....but it didn't. However, I know that He has spoken to me in too many ways to ignore. The business will open October 19th and I'll sell Children's, Heirloom, and Quilting Fabrics, sewing supplies, and gifts. There will be classes taught also.The name is "SEW CLOSE TO HOME". Isn't that neat? My sweet daughter came up with the name because she has heard me say many times that I wish I had some place close to home to buy fabrics, etc. I will post here occasionally to let you know how things are going. My inventory is beginning to arrive and I'm so excited. We're working on the building and it will be ready to move in soon. Right now my dining room looks like a storm has hit. If you have a Facebook page you can visit me there.....it's Sew Close To Home.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
GARDEN KEEPS ME BUSY
I tried a new recipe from another blog for canning salsa. It took quite some time cutting up peppers, onions, and chopping the tomatoes with the other spices but it really is good. I think it's worth the trouble. I might even attempt to make another making later on if my tomatoes continue to produce. If you've never tried canning okra it is so worth it. I used to try freezing it to fry later but never really liked the way it tasted or looked. Once I started canning the okra I have fried okra throughout the winter months and it is 'almost' as good as fresh from the garden. Gardening is hard but something I enjoy so much.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
FAMILY FUN
Two weeks ago we had no plans to leave home for the 4th of July holiday.......however....we received a very special invitation from our precious granddaughters that we couldn't refuse. So.....Granddaddy & I.....along with our daughter, her husband, and three sons spent this weekend in Louisiana with our son and his family. We had SO MUCH fun and the weekend passed too fast. Saturday was spent on the lake in front of their house riding in their boat, tubing, and swimming in the lake. The picture above is Griffin as he is about to tube in the lake.
Shawn, Amy, and Zack are enjoying the boat ride.

Granddaddy had fun tubing and it was my turn next. He hit a wave and off he came which made me decide that I enjoyed riding in the boat too much to get in the water.

Granddaddy had fun tubing and it was my turn next. He hit a wave and off he came which made me decide that I enjoyed riding in the boat too much to get in the water.
Late Saturday afternoon, Randy & Kim (our son's in-laws) took us out on the river in their party boat. We spent 4 hours riding, eating, looking at BEAUTIFUL homes along the river, and spotting alligators later that night.

The kids are all watching for gators and seeing the fish as they jumped out of the water. The weekend was spent with people we love and this will be one of our favorite 4th's to remember. Thanks Amy & Chris (and Randy & Kim) for a great time!
The kids are all watching for gators and seeing the fish as they jumped out of the water. The weekend was spent with people we love and this will be one of our favorite 4th's to remember. Thanks Amy & Chris (and Randy & Kim) for a great time!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
PUBLIX TRIP
I saved $73.49 and only spent $10.35 out of pocket for all these items. Tell me that couponing is not worth it!!!!!
Monday, June 21, 2010
THIS FATHER'S JOY
"Children's children are a crown to the aged" Proverbs 17: 6a
How true!! See these six "crowns" above? They bring us so much joy. Yesterday was Father's Day and we spent the afternoon by the pool. After church we stopped by KFC and bought a bucket of chicken and sides to make it easy on this mom. By the time we got home the three boys above were already in the pool with their dad, but we had no trouble getting them out to eat. Having the three girls here would have made it even better. However, we did spend some time with them a few weeks ago. After swimming most of the afternoon, our daughter and her family left and it was just us. It sure was quiet, but we both spent time expressing how blessed we are. Children (and grandchildren) are a blessing. Hope your day was wonderful too!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
CRAWFISH BOIL
Here's the chef. I caught him with his mouth full. 
The highlight of the night for the little kids was the slide. It was SO SCARY from the top....but with "swimmys" & tubes.....they mastered the slide. This is Mattson about to hit the water.

So many of the guys have children about the same age. Ella, Taylor, Maddie, Mattson, & Griffin are having a little chat.

The best behaved little ladies of the night were Sophie & Natalee. No trouble at all.....didn't have to worry about them jumping in the pool.
The highlight of the night for the little kids was the slide. It was SO SCARY from the top....but with "swimmys" & tubes.....they mastered the slide. This is Mattson about to hit the water.
So many of the guys have children about the same age. Ella, Taylor, Maddie, Mattson, & Griffin are having a little chat.
The best behaved little ladies of the night were Sophie & Natalee. No trouble at all.....didn't have to worry about them jumping in the pool.
I loved seeing the guys together again and hearing them talk about their days back in school. SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
BEAUTY IN BLOOM
This is one of the beds at the corner of the pool area. It has just an assortment of flowers. The red ones above have been transplanted several times and originally came from my mother's yard.
I believe the white petunias might be my favorite right now. They are loaded with blooms and will continue throughout the summer as long as I pull the dead blooms off daily. I've always had colored petunias but love the white ones. These baskets are hanging on my side porch by the pool. It's nice to see all the beautiful colors as all of my flowers are blooming now.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
TODAY
Friday, May 7, 2010
MOTHER'S DAY
Sunday is Mother's Day......such a special day. I remember 1996 and dreading this day. It was the first Mother's Day without my mother. It was so difficult sitting in church that day knowing that there would not be a visit that afternoon with my mother. When I sat down after praise and worship there was a card on top of my Bible from a sweet lady in church. It just said that she was thinking about me today. Hope she knows what that meant to me. Mother's Day is much easier for me now. Sure I still miss my sweet mother so much. There are days when I want to pick up the phone and talk to her and almost find myself reaching for the phone. Then I am reminded that she is in a much better place. I am so thankful for precious memories and the things she taught me. I am also very grateful for the gift of my children. Being a mother has definitely been the greatest joy in the world. I thank God for my children and grandchildren. Mother's Day is a time that I can now celebrate having a daughter AND daughter-in-law who are wonderful mothers. These two have given me six precious grandchildren. I will be wishing both of these young mothers a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. I love you both...... Amy (my daughter) and Amy (my daughter-in-law).
Friday, April 30, 2010
I'M ADDICTED
Sunday, April 25, 2010
READY TO SWIM
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
SWEET WEEKEND
Friday, April 9, 2010
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT SPRING

........Planting Flowers
........Longer Days
........Warmer Days
........Flip Flops
........Irises
........Having my windows open
........Dogwoods blooming
........Smell of freshly mowed grass
.......Grilling & Eating outside
........Hummingbirds
........Ferns hanging on my porch
What do you like best about spring????
Sunday, April 4, 2010
EASTER WEEKEND
After church today our family went to my husband's brother's home for food and hiding eggs again. Above you see Keith & Griffin looking through their eggs for money. Our neighbor fills eggs with money and the kids throw the eggs stuffed with candy aside as they look for coins and dollar bills.
Friday, March 19, 2010
SHOES MADE FOR WORKING
I really like spring because I enjoy working outside. Yes, I really enjoy the dirt and planting flowers and watch them as they grow. Yesterday I received the BEST surprise from my neighbor. Look at these CUTE shoes. Do you not love them??? They are so comfortable and all you have to do is just hose them off. I love them so much that I have them on a work today.....it's casual day. Thank you so much, Sally. You really know when I need a "pick me up".
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
EGGS EVERYWHERE
Saturday, March 13, 2010
WELCOMING SPRING
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
REMEMBERING AUNT ROSIE
It becomes easy to come home from work and prepare a "quick" supper....especially when you have a husband who never complains about a meal. Many time it is he who will say, "Don't cook a big meal....I'm fine with ____". He had a men's meeting at church last night (they always have a meal at their meetings) and I told him that I was ready for some country cooking. Actually I said, "I'm like Aunt Rosie. I want something boiled." My aunt was 93 years old when she went to heaven, but at age 92 she would cook cornbread and vegetables several times a week. I can hear her say that she got tired of eating sandwiches....."I need something boiled." Guess that's me today. I wanted something that took a little more time to prepare, but delicious......so it's country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, field peas, and turnip greens. Aunt Rosie....you would be proud. I wish you were here to enjoy them with us.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
I WON

I am so excited because I was the winner of this beautiful necklace that Shannon was giving away. You can see where she is getting this piece of jewelry and visit that blog also. I had no idea that I even had a chance to win....especially when I saw that over 200 people had entered. This goes to show that you should visit blogs and enter their giveaways. You will love Shannon's blog. She is so creative and is expecting a little boy soon. Her nursery is just precious. Leave her a comment and tell her that I sent you.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
WHAT WE DID
Last week my husband and I spent several days keeping our granddaughters while their mom and dad were out of town. We had such a good time and I wanted to share some of the fun we had with you. There are many pictures but you will be able to see just how much fun two grandparents can have with three special little girls.
The older girls had school (and preschool) during the day. Below you will see Breanna as she was ready to catch the bus.

Here's Maddie all ready for preschool. Wish you could see her pink boots she has on.
Here's Maddie all ready for preschool. Wish you could see her pink boots she has on.
Granddaddy is getting some good lovin' from Emma. She loves her Granddaddy!
This next picture may tell just why she loves him so.......I was folding clothes and had the girls panties all folded. Emma gets two pair and puts one on Granddaddy's head and another pair on her head. (This picture was made before she discovered how to put them on her head). I told Granddaddy that this picture would be on my blog....don't know if he believed me.
The girls also played "beauty shop" and they each fixed Gigi's hair.
We traced each others hands......over and over and over and over!
Granddaddy stayed in the floor most of the time doing whatever Emma wanted. This is a picture of her telling him they needed to do the puzzle AGAIN.

Emma playing with her toys.

Emma playing with her toys.
And.........the first thing every morning we played with the cat.

The week was great. It's so much fun being grandparents.
The week was great. It's so much fun being grandparents.
Friday, February 19, 2010
THIS IS IT!!
This is a slice of hot bread with the honey butter on it. Oh, my goodness.....THIS IS THE ONE!!!
Mrs. Linda's Bread Recipe:
Starter: 2 cups warm water, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp. yeast, 3 Tbl. instant potato flakes (not flavored). Put in quart mason jar with little holes in the lid and let stand in a warm place for 8 hrs.
Dough: 6 cups bread flour, 1 Tbl. salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 1/2 cups starter. Mix and cover with a towel to rise for 6 - 8 hrs.
Punch bread down and divide into 3 greased bread pans. Let rise 6 - 8 hrs.
Bake at 325 for 30 minutes. DELICIOUS!!!!
By the way....it's ok if you go over the 8 hrs. by a little. I let mine rise for about 9 and it was fine.
HONEY CINNAMON BUTTER
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (more if you like)
Combine and beat until light and fluffy. I leave mine out in a covered container so it will be soft.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)