The writing on the ...tennis shoes?

Over Spring Break we got to take a little trip back home- to TEXAS!!- to visit my parents.

Princess #1 and Princess #2 sleep in my old room that I had growing up, and in the great "save EVERYTHING you ever owned fashion", my mom still has all my closets stuffed with-"EVERYTHING I ever owned (and made)".

The girl's love to go through those magic closets! I'll admitt, it is fun for me too!

One morning Princess #1 presented me with a pair of tennis shoes, handpainted , all-over, by yours truly!

I was reminded how much I have ALWAYS loved creating, painting, drawing, & everything crafty. I was also reminded that I believe that "love to create" is something God placed in me- a gift from Him. I am at the most peace and filled with pure joy when I am "working".

I often joke and say that I wish God would send me a " burning bush " or just a written note that would tell me if I am doing what He has designed me to do - for His glory!

Well, I guess He has, it's just in the form of "the writing on the tennis shoes!"

May I remember this when I get discouraged, overwhelmed, or just plain "not sure if I am doing what I should be"!

May you have a lovely day, filled with joy and peace, doing whatever you have been created and gifted to do!

Many Blessings!

P.S. I painted those shoes when I was 12- and I wore them ALL through middleschool & highschool!!!!- I brought them home to put in my studio- as a nice reminder- I promise NOT to wear them! (at least not in public!)

Sweet Monday...

This is a VERY important rule in our house!

SO...

to help everyone obey this rule- I made these...

YUM!!!

Dark Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1/2 pound margarine or butter softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups Quaker Oats (I use quick cook)

1 bag Dark Chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Heat oven to 350'.

Beat together margarine and sugars until creamy.

Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

Add flour, baking soda, & salt; mix well.

Stir in oats and chocolate chips; mix well.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly brown.

ENJOY!!!!!

They were SUPPOSED to cool and then make it into here....

but...

remember our rule, in our family that means the "jar" is rarely used!

(except to just sit on the counter and look pretty!)

Have a "sweet" Monday!

Many Blessings!

Give 'em a hand!

I thought I would share one of my FAVORITE ideas for a Mother's day gift! (sharing early enough to actually have it done in time) I gave these to both sets of Grandmother's one year- I framed them to go with their decor- had I done them for myself (which I really wish I had!)they would be in HUGE chunky frames!

I used watercolor block paper for this- it's an actual "block" of paper you seperate with a knife or razor- I love the texture and soft white color! Most local hobby/craft stores carry the "block" style paper- I know Hobby Lobby does.

Here is where the fun begins! Pour black acrylic paint on a paper plate- not too much- or it will just look like a "blob" print instead of a hand-take that sweet, precious hand of your child-hold down in the paint- lift up- place their little hand down on the watercolor paper- be sure and press all their little fingers down- try not to have them "wiggle"- I know, a little hard- I used LOTS of suckers as bribes when we did this- and for the baby I just kept doing it until we finally got one good enough to frame!

After you do both hands and wash them- (I put mine in the tub straight away- remember- acrylic paint does NOT wash out :) !)

I signed each "print" in pencil- just like a "famous" original watercolor-the child's first and middle name followed by the year. Framed them, wrapped them and was super excited that year to give our Mother's day gifts!

Note: if you are wondering why the one set of hands is seperate- it took us YEARS later to receive Princess #2 (our miracle!)- so when we were blessed with her I HAD to add her to the Prince and Princess #1 collection!- I do kinda like the way they look- and it's a great reminder of "Dreams DO come true - sometimes long after you have dreamed them!"

Hope you have a "Happy First Day of Spring!"

Many Blessings!

Going Green!!!

The Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

the rains fall soft upon your fields and,

until we meet again may God hold you

in the palm of His hand.

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

Many Blessings- from an Irish girl to you!

(isn't the little wreath darling??- it's made by my sweet,talented friend- Jes!- you can find her at http://www.kadyhope.blogspot.com/)

Flower Power!

Ahhh!!! The magic of flowers!

Especially when delivered to your bedside while you are suffering from the flu...during Spring Break.....collected with lots of love..... from the Prince & Princess #2....designed and arranged by Princess #1 ( I think she may have a calling- pretty amazing floral design at age 11!) I started feeling better immediately upon delivery! Must be the "flower power"!

Hoping ya'll are feeling well & enjoying the first signs of spring!

Many Blessings!

A few goodies....

F-U-N!

H-A-P-P-Y!

B-R-I-G-H-T!

C-H-E-E-R-F-U-L!

Coming soon........

along with lots of other "delightful happies!"

Ya'll come back soon!

Blessings!

Happy Monday!

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Here's hoping this week you will find great strength and encouragement in whatever tasks, projects or new adventures you might begin!

Happy Monday!!

Many Blessings!