Need some help getting ready for the weekend

 

Woo Hoo!!!

Memorial Day plans anyone? Picnics? Family gatherings?

I am sure we all have some wonderful fun planned for this first holiday weekend…the kick off to summer…..but let us not forget the real reason we celebrate this holiday.  Remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Memorial Day

We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As TAPS began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here 'neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you've given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore
By C W J (C W Johnson)- May 1975

"THE PATRIOT"

Memorial Day weekend was coming up,
and the nursery school teacher
took the opportunity to tell her class
about patriotism.

"We live in a great country," she said.
"One of the things we should be happy is that,
in this country, we are all free."

One little boy came walking up to her
from the back of the room.
He stood with his hands on his hips and said...
"I'm not free. I'm four."

Decorating for the occasion

Bringing the patriotic spirit into your home is as easy as hanging an American flag. Complement Old Glory with red accents, such as potted geraniums, a vintage cooler, and red-and-white linens.



A crisp white cottage porch pays tribute to the grand old flag in a casual, homey style. The patriotic look on this porch comes from a strong assortment of patterns. Oversize bunting in stripes and polka dots, a striped rug, and pillows in stripes, polka dots, and gingham emblazon the porch in red, white, and blue.

Put your collection of blue-and-white dishes on display to celebrate a patriotic holiday. For another nod to nostalgia, dress your table in linens from bygone eras -- especially if they feature patterns in red, white, and blue.



Vintage blue bottles reflect the navy in Old Glory. Use the bottles to display a few red flowers or miniature flags. Clear bottles would add variety to the mix.

Are you entertaining?

A white dining room is a perfect backdrop for holiday decorating. This simple summer dining table has been embellished with red, white, and blue accessories for a patriotic breakfast or luncheon.

Did someone say picnic?

How charming is this? So simple but so pretty.

Combine solid blue dishes, red and white flowers, and a blue gingham tablecloth for a patriotic backyard picnic.

Photos Courtesy of Country Living

What about a All-American centerpiece.  Love this.

You can pull together this patriotic decoration in a jiff. Just fill an open chest or basket with decorative green grass, baseballs, and red and blue croquet balls. Top it off with a few tiny flags.

Make your own Americana cake stand….. 


Put a patriotic twist on your cake stand. Create this temporary decoration by folding 2-inch sections of a red, white, and blue streamer accordion style and wrapping each section with a piece of string. Hot glue to the bottom of the stand for easy removal.



Create a cozy outdoor seating area with red-painted chairs, a white table, a vintage tablecloth, and a blue splatter ware bucket doubling as a planter. Don’t forget the watermelon.

Last year I shared some Memorial Day yummies at my cooking blog, so I am linking to them, feel free to check them out.

Hoping everyone has a safe and fun holiday weekend.

Acts 20:24“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

What does your blog say about you?

I decided I wanted to see what my blog said about me

Here it is: (sorry it is blurred but the script they allow you to use unfortunately presents it this way.)
However if you click on the image, you get a clear version.

Want to find out what your blog says about you?  Go to Wordle and type in your URL, and it will give you the most used words/topics on your blog.  It allows you to see just what you are conveying to the world.

Kristy Stephens has posted some wonderful post about “what and how and who” our words effect, with the use of all the social media we have, do we stop and think about what we are conveying to others, through our IM’s, posts, tweets, etc. 

Are we busy building others up and glorifying God or are we busy building ourselves up and patting ourselves on the back.

When words are many, sin is not absent,

but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 10:19

 

Don’t know about you, but I need these reminders, thanks to Kristy for some great thought provoking post.

Romans 12:10“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

What I was looking at

Good Morning ya’ll. 


Since I was sick last week and didn’t get around to doing my weekly roundup I thought I would do something a little different today. I thought I might share with you some informative (fun)blog post by others out there in blogland that I ran across.

Ya’ll I know I have said before that there is so much wonderful information out there in blogland and I am so grateful to the women who put so much time and heart into their blogpost, as well as all their savvy tricks and tips. I seem never to tire of reading them.

Aimee @ Simple Bits did just that when she wrote Eat well spend less (How to store food for maximum shelf life.

 

Gina @ Gina’s Skinny Recipes (one of my new favorite recipe sites)  is awesome.  If you love food and good food that doesn’t add a ton of weight to your body…then check her out.  I can not tell you how many new recipes I want to try. I made her Southwestern Black Bean Salad.  Let me just say, it is a great alternative to chips with my sandwiches at lunch.  However for me, I had to forego the avocado (I love it, but it doesn’t love me back…boohoo) but I will be making this again.  $ Can you see all that yumminess all mixed together there?

Also one of my highlights was posted last week when Amanda at KevinandAmanda.com released a wonderful new set of handwriting fonts for us to  use.   How cool is that? If you didn’t catch these fonts for free download then  I hope you will now. They are from some of our favorite bloggers out in blogland, here is the list below.  Don’t know about you, but I read all these ladies. Excitement doesn’t even describe my feelings over Amanda’s post.

Bridget – Bake at 350
Jessica – How Sweet Eats
Amanda – I am Baker
Rachael – La Fuji Mama
Ashley – Make It and Love It
Sara – Our Best Bites
Jenny – Picky Palate
Rachael – Rachael Rossman
Layla – The Lettered Cottage
Cheryl – Tidy Mom
Maria – Two Peas and Their Pod

Romans 11:33“[Doxology] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Multitudes on Mondays 5/16/11

Happy Monday ya’ll.

It is so good to be back.  Last week, I was under the weather and not feeling all that great.  So it feels wonderful to be up and around doing all my regular Monday chores. Today they don’t feel like chores, they feel like sweet blessings.  After having several days of not feeling well {downright blah} and having no energy…and not being productive an any way, I can’t tell you how good it feels to feel like my old self again and back on track.

Today I am sharing my list for “One Thousand Gifts”, it is where you come up with 1000 things that your are thankful for (gifts in your life). It is to help you better recognize just all the little blessings we have each day that we take for granted.

Ann Voskamp has written a book called just that. She also has a lovely and well written blog “A Holy Experience” if you aren’t reading you are missing it folks. I love reading her blog, many hours have been spent hours there. And she is the most delightful person to listen too. (No, I haven’t met her personally, but I have watched via vblog her series on the book)

One Thousand Gifts .

61.Social media, love chatting with my family at anytime.
62.Making new blog friends
63.Safe travel for hubby
64.Being able to hear my washer and dryer running, means I can hear, and I blessed to have these useful appliances.
65.Inspiring message from my pastor
66.Being mindful to praise God for the little things
67.Reading the bountiful of blogs that bless me daily
68.Clear skies after several rainy ones in a row
69.A connection with a old friend after 20 years.
70.Moments of reflection.
71.Feeling better after being sick last week
72.Really realizing how blessed I truly am and feeling enormous gratitude for it

Edited @ 11:30 5/16/11
I wanted to share a wonderful interview (Ann and Karen) that I just ran across @Karen Ehman’s blog, check it out and try your chance to win a autographed copy of Ann’s book.

On a different note, I have been noticing that a lot of women have been having a lot of trouble with blogger lately, apparently blogger has been having some issues.  Sooooooo I am contemplating moving my blog over to wordpress.  I thought about doing this when I made the last little change, but didn’t but now I’m kinda rethinking my situation.   But it got me to wondering about which platform you all use?  Blogger or  Wordpress.  If you are on Blogger with all the problems there, will you be moving?  Or are you going to stay.  Would love to hear what ya’ll have to say.

I hope your blessed this beautiful Monday.

Zephaniah 3:17“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Multitudes on Mondays 5/16/11

Happy Monday ya’ll.

It is so good to be back.  Last week, I was under the weather and not feeling all that great.  So it feels wonderful to be up and around doing all my regular Monday chores. Today they don’t feel like chores, they feel like sweet blessings.  After having several days of not feeling well {downright blah} and having no energy…and not being productive an any way, I can’t tell you how good it feels to feel like my old self again and back on track.

Today I am sharing my list for “One Thousand Gifts”, it is where you come up with 1000 things that your are thankful for (gifts in your life). It is to help you better recognize just all the little blessings we have each day that we take for granted.

 


Ann Voskamp has written a book called just that. She also has a lovely and well written blog “A Holy Experience” if you aren’t reading you are missing it folks. I love reading her blog, many hours have been spent hours there. And she is the most delightful person to listen too. (No, I haven’t met her personally, but I have watched via vblog her series on the book)

One Thousand Gifts .

61.Social media, love chatting with my family at anytime.
62.Making new blog friends
63.Safe travel for hubby
64.Being able to hear my washer and dryer running, means I can hear, and I blessed to have these useful appliances.
65.Inspiring message from my pastor
66.Being mindful to praise God for the little things
67.Reading the bountiful of blogs that bless me daily
68.Clear skies after several rainy ones in a row
69.A connection with a old friend after 20 years.
70.Moments of reflection.

71.Feeling better after being sick last week

72.Really realizing how blessed I truly am and feeling enormous gratitude for it

On a different note, I have been noticing that a lot of women have been having a lot of trouble with blogger lately, apparently blogger has been having some issues.  Sooooooo I am contemplating moving my blog over to wordpress.  I thought about doing this when I made the last little change, but didn’t but now I’m kinda rethinking my situation.   But it got me to wondering about which platform you all use?  Blogger or  Wordpress.  If you are on Blogger with all the problems there, will you be moving?  Or are you going to stay.  Would love to hear what ya’ll have to say.

I hope your blessed this beautiful Monday.

Zephaniah 3:17“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Under the weather

and

=

  One sick momma

Going on 3 days now….hope to get back soon.

Ephesians 4:32“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Multitudes on Monday 5/9/11

Happy Monday ya’ll.

I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend and a very happy Mother’s Day.  I know that I did.  Saturday was spent catching up on things around here and spending time with my hubby.  We took a long nice walk and even though it was for exercise, I always enjoy that time spent with him.  Saturday kinda flew by in a blur.  On Sunday we headed into church for early service.  I enjoyed the message so much, as our pastor spoke about Mary.  Jesus’  mother, and how she was always in the background of Jesus’ life and HIS ministry and the support she must’ve been for him, just knowing mom was there. 

I try to imagine how Mary must have felt having Jesus as her son.  For me, I know I would have been prideful, even though pride is sin, I wouldn’t be able to contain myself, because I am proud of my own children.  How much more so to be proud of Jesus. 

My children took me to dinner last night, for me, spending time with these young adults is such a blessing and a treat.  I really do cherish the time spent with them, makes me yearn for the days when they were home.  Brings forth lots of heartwarming and enduring thoughts of years past.  Time certainly flies and our children grow up so fast. 

Old adages I have heard all my life come rushing to my mind:

They aren’t this age long, enjoy them while they are at home

They’ll be gone before you know it.
Don’t rush it, enjoy them
You know where they are now
Someday you are going to miss this

Did you hear these types of things too?  So much truth is spoken in those words, I guess that is why they are still being spoken to mother’s everywhere, everyday. 

My children gave me a gift that will help me remember all those times of their youth and I don’t think I have ever enjoyed getting a gift more than the one they gave me last night. They presented me with a digital frame.  I can’t wait to get it loaded up with pictures.  Can you guess what I will be working on today?

Let me close my this post by sharing my “One Thousand Gifts” portion.

Today I am sharing my list for “One Thousand Gifts”, it is where you come up with 1000 things that your are thankful for (gifts in your life). It is to help you better recognize just all the little blessings we have each day that we take for granted.

Ann Voskamp has written a book called just that. She also has a lovely and well written blog “A Holy Experience” if you aren’t reading you are missing it folks. I love reading her blog, many hours have been spent hours there. And she is the most delightful person to listen too. (No, I haven’t met her personally, but I have watched via vblog her series on the book)

One Thousand Gifts

51.My children surprising me with dinner
52.Winning a giveaway
53.Watching the sun come up in the early morning
54.Listening to children's play outside my window
55.Getting all my "to-do's" done
56.sun shining through my office window
57.smells of spring
58.cooking a home cooked dinner for my hubby.
59.seeing him smile because he loves something I prepared for him.
60.Listening the the birds chirping and singing outside my window.

Romans 8:1-2“[Life Through the Spirit] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Weekly Roundup 5/6/11

Some favorite things that caught my attention this week.  All I can say, is there is soooooo much fun stuff out there in blogland.  There is no way to see it all.

Let’s get started

Oh my my, I fell in love when I saw this bookmarks.   Andrea @ Everyday Beauty. 

Not only do I think they are awesome so did Country Living as they were  featured there as well.



Kimberly @ Here on Crow Creek gives a brief tutorial on how she makes her signs.  This is a great alternative if you don’t have a silhouette or cricket machine (and I don’t).  Definitely will give this a try, because who doesn’t LOVE signs? 

And I also found this little idea, I love the way that Suzanne @ Just another hang up created this wonderful wall of accolades.  What a special way to show off your kids and grandkids artwork.

Check this out:

Before I leave you today I want to share with you my latest addiction….it’s called pinning…if you haven’t tried it, you should…but I worn you it’s very addicting.  Make sure you wait until you have LOADS of time…or not…tee hee…but either way check it out, especially if you love saving images and recipes and just things you love from the internet. 

Beth @ The Stories of A to Z has a helpful tutorial on how to use Pinterest.   Also as a bonus Beth has a link for immediate access to the site (instead of having to wait, like I did) .



Now I know my interest where a little all over the place this week, but that is kinda how my head is screwed on lately.   Not to mention, while working on this post I was interrupted like a million times.

James 5:16“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Normal days at home

 

Lately there seems to way to much going on.  Whether it is things to do, to get marked off the infamous “errand list” or places to go for those in need. Many of my family and friends are going through some difficult and painful times, which has added some extra activity.  And top of all that, I have much to do with thinking about “our future move”…to where, who knows…. but I know I have a itch to move on and get settled wherever God decides to plant us.



For me, there really doesn’t look like a lot of slow down time for me in the future.  So for me, today I am thankful for just a normal day at home, just taking care of my home. 

Linking up today with Dayle @ A Collection of this or that  for Simple Pleasures, and also to Thankful Thursday @ Women Taking a Stand, hosted by Laurie.  Thanks to Laurie and Dayle.  Feel free to join us.

Philippians 4:6-7“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy

Decorating with suitcases

 

The last several days my mind has been “going crazy” with ideas.  Sometimes I get so excited when I anticipate  decorating my next home.   Do you get like that too? Can’t be soon enough for me, but whilst I wait, I am searching for new ways to display some of my collections. 

I have a collection of old suitcases that I have acquired via yard sales. {Granted they are all ins storage at the moment} A girl has to love “YARD SALES”.  I do and I am so thrilled  that the season is upon us again.  But will confess that since I’m not sure I should buy anything “big” because who knows if I will be able to use it when I move.  RIGHT? 

Well take a peek at  of a few of them that I found.


 

 



courtesy of Country Living

Do you have any ideas that you can share?  I would love to hear from you.

Romans 12:12“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Have a blessed day!

Cindy

Multitude on Mondays and More

H appy Monday ya’ll.

Today I am sharing my list for “One Thousand Gifts”, it is where you come up with 1000 things that your are thankful for (gifts in your life). It is to help you better recognize just all the little blessings we have each day that we take for granted.

Ann Voskamp has written a book called just that. She also has a lovely and well written blog “A Holy Experience” if you aren’t reading you are missing it folks. I love reading her blog, many hours have been spent hours there. And she is the most delightful person to listen too. (No, I haven’t met her personally, but I have watched via vblog her series on the book)

One Thousand Gifts

41.Productive days
42.Little surprises that hubby brings me home
43.Sharing conversation with hubby over coffee in the AM
44.being creative
45.another day
46.being able to stay at home
47.clean laundry
48. surprise visits from my children
49. couponing with my daughter in law
50. ability to learn a new task.

Now that I have my gratitude list done, I will catch you up on the last several days. Somewhere around the middle of the week, my week took on a unexpected turn, instead of having my days all planned and organized I just kinda fell apart.  Not in a bad way, I just couldn’t stay focused.  I HATE when I do that, because I feel like I am wasting time and the wheels are turning but I’m not getting anywhere. 

On Friday, I ended up getting up at 3:00 AM to watch all the “Royal Wedding” hoopla before the main event…so my Friday was spent being a couch potato. Literally, I didn’t get up except for potty breaks, drinks and some lunch.   You don’t know how happy I was  that the weather was cool and rainy because now I have less guilt about just being lazy.  But we all need days weeks like  that right?  After spending all day watching BBCAmerica, I spent the rest of the evening looking up and searching out more wedding frills like what did the cake look like, Kate’s evening dress…which by the way I loved it too.  I even got hubby hooked and he was looking things up and sharing his finds with me.  

In the mid/late 80’s I lived in England for three years, in the Yorkshire Dales about 4 hours from London.  While living there , I became quite enambered with the royal family and the British Monarchy.  (Doesn’t hurt that I’m a history buff"). The Monarchy fascinated me, and still does.  So Friday was a marathon day, just as it was when Diana died. 

Needless to say after getting nothing accomplished Wed-Friday, I had to kick things into high gear around here on Saturday.  Fortunately hubby was on board, so together we tackled lots of little things that we had been putting off and finished. I LOVE IT when that happens.  Plus I got the entire house vacuumed and dusted, changed out seasonal clothes, hubby washed two vehicles, also got in a nice long walk. 

Woke up yesterday morning, wasn’t feeling all that great.  My back was really giving me fits, think it was all the bending and stooping I had done on Saturday, anyhow, it caused us not to make it to church.  Very disappointed we didn’t make it, but I knew I would have difficulty sitting on the hard pews…So I elected to stay home and take a hot bath, of course, hubby didn’t want to waste our day at home so together we tackled sorting through boxes that are still packed from our recent move in December.  Can you say glutton for punishment?

The little community where we are living is having a yard sale towards the end of May and we are debating on clearing out some more of our belongings.  We really need to, it’s simply amazing me and boggles my mind how much junk treasures one acquires.  Most likely will be sifting through boxes a day at a time, and maybe can come up with some things to sell.

Gonna get going for now, can’t afford another week like last week…so need to start on my Monday.  How bout you?  What ya got going on today?

1 John 5:14-15“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Cindy