I won!

I was surprised by an email from the Nester last week. I had won a platter in her Dayspring giveaway. It arrived yesterday and she was right, I do love it! I do have a thing for platters too! I hung it in a corner of the dining room and for now it seems happy to be there. Thanks, Nester!

So how do you capture a child on the move?

I sure can't do it with my camera! I wanted to be able to show Hannah modeling her new outfit but just could not catch her at the right moment as you can see.

I really think she was trying to crawl into the pages of that Vogue magazine on the floor!



We enjoyed some wonderful time with this little lady! What fun when language enters the scene! She can communicate so well! I can tell her mommy and daddy spend a lot of time talking with Miss Hannah. The greatest joy was having her express excitement to see me! I was so afraid she would be shy since we are far apart but she wasn't. We had a blast! It was wonderful to spend time with her mommy and daddy too!

We also got to enjoy time with Tom and Gina! Soon we will be cuddling with their new little one as well! As an added treat we went to see Forbidden Broadway in Philadelphia. It was a great show and even more exciting when the pianist/musical director is your daughter by love!

Today was a great day to reflect on how blessed I am to be the mother of these wonderful men and to share in the love of their wonderful wives. (Being a grammy is indescribable!) Since it was Mother's Day I spent a lot of time on our ride home contemplating my experiences as a mom. I have concluded that there are many things I would like to do over knowing what I know now, but I have also concluded that I had a lot more energy to be a mom then than I do now! Mothering is tough work but OH SO WORTH IT! Despite my mistakes in this learn-as-you-go job, I have two wonderful sons that I would not change one smidgen. Love you guys so much!

Happy Mothers' Day!!

Being a mom has brought me the happiest moments. Time spent with my sons (and their dad) are my favorite. I only wish I could go back and relive those early years (and do some editing because I am so much wiser now!).

Learning to be a mom starts with your own mom. My mom is a wonderful person to have learned mothering from. I love her and cherish the memories she created for me. Happy Mother's Day, mom! I wish I could spend the day with you. Let's plan a fun day together really soon!


Celebrating new moms in our family this day as well.

Sharon is a wonderful mom to Hannah! I can't wait to meet her new little one!

We can't wait to meet Gina's son face to face!


I am so thankful that my grandchildren have such talented, loving and beautiful women as their mothers! Happy Mothers' Day!

National Day of Prayer

I understand that the Whitehouse is not recognizing the National Day of Prayer this year. We are praying at our house today. I would encourage you to take time to pray for our great country today.

Happy Anniversary!

Three years pass quickly and so many wonderful things have happened in those three years! I pray that you will share a lifetime of wonderful experiences together. We love you both so much!

I have a delivery to make..

I can't wait to see if it fits!
(and I think you will get a better look at it with a model in it!)

Planting and Puttering

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:12

Today I planted some annuals.....



And then sat, enjoyed the view and dreamed of planting azaleas down by the trees so I could enjoy their blossoms next spring.

I love days like this!

The best $4 I spent today...

We happened upon a yard sale where I was able to pick up these 4 bone china teacups for $1 each. Think I'll sit down and have a cup- with an ice cube-it is warm here today!

I have to interject....

Michelle Obama was caught wearing $540 sneakers to a Feed America event. I could care less what she wears on her feet. I do care that some people are untouchables. Do you remember how Sarah Palin was raked over the coals for money that was spent on her wardrobe? Why are some people above the scrutiny of the media and others hounded? No matter what your political affiliation, you have to see these discrepancies.

And now with a Supreme Court justice position up for grabs I fear what I feared the most with this election. Impacts far greater than money will be felt for generations to come. With the way things are going it is highly likely that the decisions made by the future nominee will erode families and this great country. I will continue to pray, knowing Who is ultimately in control. Yet I ask again, what is so wrong with some good old fashioned values?

So what's wrong with old fashioned values?

There is something to be said for good old fashioned values. This story about the Amish and banking tugged at my heart strings as the Amish were our neighbors. Too bad more Americans have not adopted their work ethic! This Saturday is a big flower auction in Lancaster county and I will not be there. Darn! (Think of me, Ken!) For years I have visited my favorite greenhouses and nurseries owned and operated by the Amish. I am now having to discover new sources for plants for our new home. I doubt that I will have the same barefoot service of Amish children delivering my flats to the car, always with a smile. Yet, now that we are on the topic of service, I have to share with you that I have seen a level of service here in NC that was rare in most of the retail establishments I frequented in PA. People are friendly here! They smile and say welcome when I enter their store (even at Goodwill!) Employees have conversations, offer to carry bags to the car, bag groceries and thank me for shopping in their store! What a novel approach! Does anyone else experience this same pleasant approach? I am wondering if it is the nice southern culture OR a sign of the times. Are people finally realizing their retail jobs are dependent upon sales which are dependent upon good customer service?

Speaking of values, and as a former Pennsylvanian, I am disappointed in Arlen Specter. I actually have been for a very long time and am sad to say that I have in the past actually voted for the guy. He is a prime example of what is wrong with today's politicians. They don't care about us, only about saving their own jobs. That problem persists on both sides of the aisle and I say we need to let them know that we are tired of it!


On a lighter note, I have to share these whimsical birds that I loved when I saw them here. I made one that flew up to my kitchen chandelier.

I think she needs a friend...perhaps I will make another.