Saturday, March 31, 2012

Won't. And will.

What I won't do:
I won't let drama lovers suck me into their whirlpool of emotion, selfishness and thoughtlessness.


What I will do:
Love them through it.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

right now

Right now the house is quiet.
From my recliner in the living room, I can hear the steady, musical whistle of Stephen's breathing as he sleeps.
From the opposite side of the house, I hear Virgil's deep, even breaths with an occasional snore mixed in.
Even Patch is curled up on the couch snoring.
Only Rainer and I are awake. I am in my recliner. The only sound from me is the clicking of the keyboard as I type.
Rainer is silent, sprawled on the white clothes that were washed earlier, piled on the couch and never folded. I should shoo him off the clothes, but we're content and I don't want to disturb him.
His ears stand up and he cocks his head toward me if I happen to strike a key too loudly.
There has been nothing unusual about the day. Virgil and I worked and Stephen went to school. Stephen walked around town. I prepared supper. There was reading and gaming and TV watching. A typical school night (only no homework due to State testing.)
Yet, sitting here, listening to my family sleep, I am overwhelmed at the wonder of my blessings. I want to savor the moments with my family, however mundane. I want to cherish the happiness, the contentment. I want to recognize my blessings and thank the Giver of those blessings. Life is not static, but whatever happened yesterday, and whatever happens tomorrow, I am thankful for the quiet moments of tonight and the love that lives in our home.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Baby Shower!

Yesterday was my niece Colleen's baby shower! I love celebrating with my family, and I love this girl! I remember holding her on my lap on a swing that hung from one of our big oak trees growing up. And now she is married and having her own baby, but I digress!

Is this diaper cake not the MOST adorable thing? Colleen's friend, Shanda, made it for her. The nursery will be in dinos. And I, of course, forgot to take a photo of the bedding. But, if you click here you can see it!
The theme of the shower was elephants and the colors were white, gray, blue and orange. I love the poms, or poof balls as I prefer to call them, hanging from the ceiling. These are super easy to make. Here's the tutorial I used. I just cut the tissue to different widths to get the various sizes. They come together quickly!
This cake makes me smile! That little squatty elephant on top of the cake makes me want one for a pet. If only they came in this size! HA! My sister, Jill, has a friend who makes cakes so we bought it from her. To see more of her work, check out these Monster cupcakes from my great nephew Aiden's 1st birthday!
An elephant themed baby shower definitely needs roasted peanut and popcorn goody bags!
See that cute rag garland hanging on the entertainment center? I got the idea on Joy's Hope. I love how it turned out! The only things I did differently is that I tied the fabric to twine, and I ripped my strips rather than cutting them - FASTER!! Colleen plans to use the garland in the nursery since the colors go so nicely. That makes me happy!
The shower was fun and I love having my home filled with love! Just about 6 more weeks and we get to meet Mr. Jaxon. Can't wait!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sometimes you just need cake




Sometimes you just need cake. FAST.


Last night was one of those times. After supper, all three of us had a taste for something sweet.


I searched Pinterest, and of course, found a million and one options.


Stephen and I went for this one and in less than ten minutes we made three microwave mug cakes. Less than 5 mintues if you're just making one!



Here's the recipe:



Whisk 1/4 cup flour, 5 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and a dash of vanilla and salt in a large mug until smooth. Microwave until puffed, about 2 minutes.




serves: 1




ENJOY!


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

GENTLE answer


Harsh words are easy. They're spurted with emotion.
I strive to give the gentle answer...the one that requires thought and prayer.

This will print nicely in 8 X 10. I'm going to find a lovely frame for it.
Feel free to do the same. :)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

My Instagram Feed






















I might be a teeny bit smitten with my lil fur babies! [wink, wink]