How To Throw a Picnic.....

You know by now that I love a party! Any kind, any day, any where! I can think about how to decorate, what to prepare, the table settings, the centerpiece and more for hours! I get excited about this type of situation! I realize not everyone does but I enjoy celebrations! Recently, along with my sister in law, Mary Alice, we put together a very successful Mother's Day picnic for our sweet Baba, our mother in law! In my head, I was thinking about how to make it fun for the guys and fun for her. I found festive plates, napkins, and plastic wear all inexpensively which set the mood! We prepared chicken salad, orzo salad, a citrus salad and served bottled water, white wine, and croissants. Some delicious oatmeal cookies were served for dessert! We searched the day before for a covered picnic table in case of rain and it did rain on the day of our party but we celebrated anyway! It didn't matter because our reason to celebrate was full of love and happiness........that would be Baba! Stress doesn't have to be a part of party planning if you keep the thought close at heart of why you are having the celebration! You would have thought we were entertaining at a five-star restaurant! Everyone was happy and then rain only added to the ambience! Our day had been blessed because our motives were pure. That is what truly matters in any celebration of life! I hope you get the chance to plan a party soon! It's always a treat for me!

More Thoughts on Mothering.....

In the sweet little children's book, THE LITTLE LAMB, the story begins with a little girl, Emmy, visiting some newborn lambs. As the story begins Emmy becomes an adoptive mother! "Mother sheep usually keep their babies close to them. But one little lamb wandered away from the flock. He seemed to be lost. Baa-baa-baa, he cried. Mrs. Wetherbee asked Emmy if she would like to take care of the lamb until he was big enough to come back to the flock. He had a twin brother and his mother did not have enough milk for two babies. Emmy was so happy she bent over and kissed the little lamb. Then she carried him home". This my friend is precious. The meaning is even more precious behind the words because we do not all come to be mothers in the same way. Emmy was the adoptive mother of this little lamb, but the mother lamb who gave him away was just as much a mother. She trusted another with a most precious gift. These women are priceless, the mothers who give AND the mothers who receive. In the Bible, in the old testament, there is a beautiful and loving story of sacrifice of a Godly woman, Hannah. Her story is found in I Samuel 1-2. The culture of this time in Biblical history allowed Elkanah, her husband, to have two wives. The other wife provoked Hannah cruelly because The Lord had closed Hannah's womb. Year after year this continued to the point of Hannah not eating and weeping to the point of bitterness of soul and weeping in anguish over being barren. In all of this, she continued trusting God through prayer and poured out her heart before the Lord for a child. At long last, she did conceive and receive a child and made a vow that she would give him up to the Lord as a minister, even as a child to be reared in the temple. Because of her faith and trust, this child grew in statue and favor both with men and the Lord. God used him mightily as a prophet during that period of world history. Hannah did have other children whom she mothered later, but her release of her child was to allow her child to live his destiny and purpose. I believe that birth mothers and adoptive mothers are very special before God. Children ARE the fruit of the womb and to be loved and to be treasured......this is what Moms do EVERDAY all around the world.....love children! If you are one of these special people God bless you and keep you and may His grace and His goodness give you everything you need to succeed in this most magnificent profession! Enjoy Mother's Day assured that your little lamb was chosen for you and is precious in God's sight no matter how he or she arrived in your arms. Bless you!!!

Our daughter Kristen's newest little gift, our sweet grandson John Brian!

Thoughts on Mothering

Dear Friends......it is almost Mother's Day! The flowers are blooming everywhere and special events such as end of the school year parties and graduation's are also happening! Mother's Day is special for me because I LOVE being a mother! I consider mothering a wonderful, wonderful blessing! Gracious and nurturing mothers build homes that are to their children a sanctuary and shelter, the very heart of the home is centered in the unselfish love that mothers give and provide. As our lives get busier, the place of rest and retreat becomes important. In our homes we dream, we heal, we pray and refresh our spirits! We offer soothing words and hopefully influence others in positive ways. We prepare meals, wash clothes and prepare for both the beginning and the ending of the day. We read bed-time stories, again and again! What is more beautiful than a sleeping child, feeling at peace because he feels loved and safe in a mother's care. That should never really change. When our children are at home, it doesn't matter what their age is currently, they should feel welcomed and loved, loved, loved! I am a mother to five and now a grandmother to six. When I obtained my degree in both early childhood and elementary education, I enjoyed studying about the development of a child and studied with such interest. Did you know that according to documented statistics the first three years of a child's life are the MOST important? This is well documented in a wonderful book by Dr. Burton L. White entitled simply, THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF LIFE. The self esteem is cemented, the vocabulary is established, and the physical development equals this rapid rise of importance in just three years. The mother, according to most child development experts, is the best person to provide this care if at all possible. My own mother reared us as a single mother until I was twelve. She worked outside the home and did the best she could with the help of grandmothers and others. So, when my own opportunity to mother came along, I knew I wanted to be the provider for my children, it was so strong, this instinct, as if it were a full time calling. Perhaps, now as I look back, I understand the wisdom God was giving me to mother a large family. The primary influence so to speak in their lives. The small sacrifices along the way any mother makes does not compare with the joy that is given and a joy that I now have now in seeing my children living as amazing and special adults. The time investment has been returned so many times! I am humbled and grateful that God allowed me this wonderful honor. Now, a few tips: A good mother knows when to button her lip and just offer her hands. She knows support is needed as her adult children become parents.....sometimes even a $20.00 bill for a manicure helps! I know not all families are a PARADISE [we too have had our private trials] but if you have a family and you are a mother, let me urge you to let go of expectations.......accept more, pray without ceasing, and offer your time to baby sit and cuddle and oh yes....cook! A good mother knows when she visits her adult children she must bring something of sustenance! Mothering is full of sweetness, knee deep in prayer time, and a car full of happy children making plans for the future! Yes, dreaming! Enjoy mothering and if you are not a mother, share your time with one. You will be blessed but more importantly you will be a part of blessing and giving to another soul! My heart goes out to mothers who have lost their child, such a tender place, these mothers need you to remember them especially. My porch above is always open for my family and their friends. We have listened there, counseled there, been counseled there by our children or our son-in-laws, and shared many happy moments! Being a mother is like setting in a flowering field and soaking up all the fragrance and beauty around you. I hope by God's design, if you are a MOTHER you have a contentment you never thought possible! Have a blessed and happy weekend my friends! xxoo

PARIS IN COLOR

My sweet Kara sent me this beautiful book by Nichole Robertson. It was a lovely SUPRISE gift to me and nothing could have brought me more joy of seeing photos of Paris! [perhaps seeing Kara] The author says one of the things PARIS taught her was to "take her time". I SO agree.....that is a good reason to go to PARIS! Time is of the essence....I must go soon.....I just wish I had more time! Enjoy my photos below of my own Paris in color!


The HOTEL......be sure you find a quaint one! Location is important in getting around! Plan to walk a lot. You will want this experience!


Every corner is a photograph....happiness is everywhere at your leisure!


Each building seems to be more beautiful than the one before!


Take time to stroll...to soak it all in....to enjoy! I certainly did!


Window displays are the prettiest...each shop keeper goes to great detail!


Enjoy the coffees and the lattes and the conversation! Planning our next museum or garden.......


The stairways in the hotels and homes are magnificent! Very old and lovely!


Take photographs.....perhaps you will go again....but you always remember!


Before you leave.......be sure to have a croissant! Try their Americano coffee! Most of all, savor every moment. Paris, I hope to see you soon!

Little Luxuries......

There are definitely days when we need to add relaxing moments and warming touches to a cozy place of refuge. I know working outside the home and even being at home as a busy Mom or woman that days are hectic. Trust me....I have walked the path of mothering a brood of children. The most rewarding profession around (to me) is being a Mother but whether you stay home or leave everyday for work....you do have emotional needs. For me, the past few weeks have been up and down! Up when we rejoiced over the birth of our new grandson and the blessing of sharing this joy with his siblings and our daughter and her husband. This week though, my precious Grandmother has passed into her eternal home in Heaven with Jesus. My emotions have been tender, raw, and I find myself embracing the love of two generations. It has been a bit overwhelming but with praying friends, my trusty Bible, and the strength of The Savior.....I rejoice in His kindness and goodness. So.....I decided to do a little cozy tea and coffee time. Thinking of my darling daughter Kara in England and her love of tea time...... well......I indulged. I had been wanting to use my newest find, a little antique glass dome just perfect for two yummy cookies! I placed the dome on an antique French limoges I have had since Steve and I first married. The darling cups I purchased fifteen years ago at an antique shop in Jackson, Mississippi! The flowers are from my garden, the linens from my mother in law, and the sterling flatware from a shop in Newport, RI, purchased years ago. There is no doubt, all these little touches together made everything work together for a good afternoon tea time.....a perfect pick me up to a day spent thinking about those I love and have made, or are making, my life worth living! You see dear friend, God goes to enormous measures to bring little things that happen in our lives to a place of working it all together for good. Romans 8:28 says this much better! Each of us must practice the art of contentment, sometimes waiting for it all to fall into place. "Now Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content". I Timothy 6:6~9. Tea time helps the British to enjoy a tranquil and balanced spirit. It is a comfort time for them. I like that! I hope to share tea again with my American-British daughter. I feel better already!!!! Here's to Tea or Coffee! Have a blessed day my friends!

Beautiful Chairs.....for Sitting

Where do you like to sit? A chair, a bench, a beach chair, or perhaps a blanket on the grass! I prefer a nice comfortable chair! Above are some pretty ones from Lee Chairs and my favorites from Hickory Chair. These days most of us do not have the time for much sitting because we are a people on the go. Busy, busy! When we stop and LISTEN, even for a few brief moments, our lives are more balanced and we are wiser when we are refreshed by pleasant and good words. In the Bible in Luke 11:38-42 the true story is shared about two sisters who welcomed a visitor into their home in Bethany.......the visitor was Jesus! Martha was distracted with all her preparations but Mary was seated and listened to the Lord's word. She was seated, the Scriptures say, at His feet! How much more beautiful could life be than to be seated at the Lord's feet? Many overlook the "also" in verse 39, meaning Martha sat too, so both sisters DID listen to Jesus although Martha perhaps was the one busy with all the preparations. Both of these women reveal unique spiritual gifts with which they lovingly served God. They remind us as I stated above the importance of balancing personal devotion with practical duties. Each sister gave to Jesus out of their individual hearts. Such inspiration for each of us today.....give as you can, but "also" take time to listen. Enjoy this wonderful day, my friend!

Italian Cypress

Until I visited France, I had no idea what I was missing! As many of you know......I go on and on about France.....but I love it! The beautiful Italian Cypress trees are everywhere in France, in villages and the countryside used in landscaping and growing naturally. This week I am visiting Austin, Texas where one of my dear daughters lives for my fourth visit to this area. Italian Cypress are found, it seems, everywhere here....... used in landscapes and parks! Very, very beautiful. When I am back home, I plan to plant a few in our yard! The pictures below give you an idea of how they can be incorporated into your landscaping. The first four photos I took in France and the last one also in St. Remy de Provence! The others I found on the Internet and liked the way they were used! Whether standing alone or in a line they seem to really make a perfect statement!































"And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good!" Genesis1:11. God prepared this wonderful world for us to live in long before we had the privilege to enjoy living here! The beauty of the natural world whether it is found in the flowers growing wildly, the fruit from the trees, or the herbs of the fields.....God gave us these natural blessings. We must and should teach our children and future generations the joys of taking the time to grow fruits and vegetables and eat properly foods in their most natural state. Be blessed today my friends....the earth is full of the glory and goodness of the Lord!

Our Newest Family Member

The Lord has blessed our daughter, Kristen and her family with a new baby boy! He is precious! His name is John Brian. Below him are his big brother and sisters! Children are truly a gift! We are so happy for their sweet family!








And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hears us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. I John 5:14-15

Soft Whites......and wise words.....

These images above inspired me and hope they will you....from other places.....Pinterest, Rachel Ashwell, Annelle Primos, and the white flower from my garden....hope you have a blessed and special Saturday!

An Act of Service......

This magnificent work of art is today found in Then Grand Louvre museum in Paris. The appearance of the folds of the fabric in the sculpture and the hours of work so truly obvious show hours and hours of service for this artist who created The Winged Victory! The artist transformed a piece of stone into a beautiful and now treasured work of art! I could never place myself even near this sort of talent but as a seamstress and decorator, I see my job when sharing or designing something for someone's home as an act of service. Listening to what they need, then setting about my work to accomplish their desires. I enjoy serving others. It is a blessing for me, one I do not get to do often enough. There are many more opportunities I pray are ahead to give and share what is in my heart and the many ideas in my mind! Being hopeful about the future is wonderful. It is good. God's words are full of hope about serving others and especially living for HIM as we serve. Romans 11:33 says "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!". He desires to share HIS wisdom with us, to give us opportunities to be of service to others. Where and how does this begin? I believe we first must come before Him humbly, repentant, seeking, and ask. We must be willing to be transformed from a sometimes stony heart by HIM.....every part.....mind, will, and emotions then we can clearly see the will of God and the joys He desires us to share as we go about each day living, loving, and serving those within our midst. Life is about others! I hope your day is filled with an opportunity for a grand victory of loving service! May I share these lovely verses about a Living Sacrifice! 

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

REAL BEAUTY........

Of late, it seems the airways are back at it.....defining "BEAUTIFUL" for our young women and even those of us who are progressing in age! Personally, I feel extremely blessed to be a woman today. Being a woman, being whole, being healthy~ both emotionally, physically, and intellectually~is not always easy but if approached sensibly, we can arrive in a good place. A truly beautiful woman feels good about herself on the inside(her heart or soul). Her life is filled with positive images and positive relationships. It has taken her a while to get there, most often. There are people who sometimes tatter and tear at life and unknowingly at times rip apart the image that God imagined. This can begin many times in childhood and progresses through preteen and teenage years and then on into college and perhaps even adulthood. My heart breaks for a girl or a woman with an image of imperfection and feeling that this will keep her from fulfilling her dreams. I admit, there were times I too struggled, but nothing compared to women today (of any age). The constant need for celebrity updates, the latest fashion trends, magazines with flawless images (which are perfectly airbrushed) add to this trend of being less than beautiful. My prayer and my desire is to see young women and older women return to the right places for their definitions of beauty and happiness. There is nothing like a real example of beauty. If you are a Mother and have a daughter, she looks to you for this image and definition. Words have a lasting impact. A beautiful woman is known by her physical appearance and includes the facets of voice, countenance, and personal qualities that make her who she is. When we look at her we see her as someone unique and special. If you struggle with self-image let me urge you to turn to the Bible for God's definition of beauty. "Look to HIM and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed". Psalm 34:5. Beauty comes from surrounding yourself with the right people, right images and thoughts and the right words. We have to protect ourselves from wrong images and people who seek less than our best. Please do not let another rob you of your joy! Joy and gladness can fill your heart daily when you take the time to fill your spirit with uplifting words, soothing music, and the nature around you! Add a little laughter and you are there!!! It is refreshing to breathe the air and look UP to the ONE who formed you and made you, YOU! Psalm 139

The poster above came from a blog I ran across the other day! It is a blog called Lavender and Lilies! Just simply beautiful!