our summer

swim meets...

fold-out seats...

drinks and sweets...

ferocious heats...

dd competes...

defeats and feats... :)

Mantelmania

Kari and Kijsa had another great idea when they asked us to share our mantels. I decided to get in on the fun and post a mantel of Christmas past. I enjoyed the simplicity of this fruit theme... it took all of five minutes to put up and even less time to take down:)

Time Warp

yes...i know i'm in a time warp because the last time i posted was nearly a month ago - and there is no way it could've been that long ago. where did it go? i don't know!

anyway, i got a forward from a friend of mine who NEVER forwards, so i knew it must be really really good...and it is...


WATCH THIS...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

WOW! WASN'T THAT AMAZING? JUST LIKE GOD!!!

my cardboard testimony might read something like this -

I can't get NO satisfaction...and I tried...and I tried...and I tried
FLIP
Found complete satisfaction in Jesus -
No more searching!

i'd love to hear what your cardboard testimony would look like!

Check out my wall y'all

I have a favorite wall in my house. It's the wall that holds my daughter's artwork. All the years that we've called this place home, my kitchen wall has been our own little art gallery. I painted three rectangles on my wall (three different colors), placed frames on top of the rectangles, and ta da -I ended up with permanent mats! From the beginning, pictures have adorned this space and have been displayed in all their splendor and grandeur! You never know what you might find here... a giant finger-painted butterfly, a floral watercolor, a colorful abstract, or the more refined work of an 8th grade artist (as shown)! This wall has become a wall of memories... when I think back, I can remember gallery worthy pieces that were handmade just for me! Wow! Which brings me to this question...
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WALL IN YOUR HOME? AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

if the shoe fits...

I must say that this shoe certainly does fit my personality, being a lover of ribbon and all. I found these half off - just $16 and some change. And talk about versatile...you can match them to almost any outfit by just changing the ribbon! Aren't they too cute?

The Champ

da da daa dada dada daa da da daa dada dada daa dada da dada daaa dada da da daa da daaaaa...
(That's the Rocky theme song, in case you didn't recognize it...we're singing that at our house these days!)















Yes, we have a champ in our midst. Our DD took first place in the discus event at her track and field tournament ... and, as you might imagine, I'm one proud mama!

Special Delivery

This is what I had delivered for my husband this morning!

Of course, I'm just kidding! I don't even know what that thing is...and it's almost as big as my house. Anyway, I wish I could have it delivered to my husband, because it has reeeally reeeally BIG tires and it's green and yellow...yep! he would LOVE it and LOVE me for it!

Happy Spring

Nothing says spring to me like red geraniums. My mom usually plants these all the way around her patio. They always look absolutely gorgeous, so I decided this spring that I would surround myself with familiarity. I placed these flowers in planters on my front stoop. It reminds me of home...and you know what they say, "there's no place like home"! (even when your all grown up and have a home of your own)

Shades of Rhoda

Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality is such an inspiration to me...she is always making good use of her time. Not long ago she showed us how to cover a lamp shade...so the other day when I was looking at the drab, boring, white shades on my bedroom swing lamps, I thought of Rhoda! I grabbed some fabric and trim that I had purchased, and got busy! Oh... sooooo much better! Thanks a bunch, Rhoda!

Take me out to the ballgame

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."
~Jack Norworth







Tonight we spent a perfect evening at the ballpark! This wasn't just any ballgame...you see, my DD was recognized on the field, along with other students from schools all over our city! I'm soooooo very proud of her!! We had a ball! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

i had almost forgotten...

i had almost forgotten about one of my favorite places to walk. that's because it had been soooo long since i had been there. when i used to homeschool my daughter, we would begin many a day at the park. that's where the trail begins...
today, i rediscovered the charm that had captured my heart the very first time i walked there.
come along with me...walk beside me...let's travel the path together.
i feel the crisp spring air ever so slightly pushing against my back as i head down the long and winding path. this place is a sanctuary for the soul...it is a place that causes your senses to explode! along the path, i hear the lazy creek tumbling over rocks, frogs and birds singing in harmony, and the occasional whistle of a train carrying baked goods to be distributed nationwide. the sights are amazing...a lone cardinal looking for a branch to rest upon, a dogwood showing off it's beautiful blooms, a bunny begging to go unnoticed, vines beckoning all who pass by to venture a swing. the aroma of freshly baked cakes coming from the bakery convinces my mouth that i am actually tasting what i'm smelling. my walk is invigorating, captivating, motivating, exhilarating, intoxicating...i had almost forgotten what it feels like to be alive, really alive... what it feels like to twirl and dance with nature...what it feels like to revel in God's glorious creation!

I LOVE the dollar stop

You know the place...The dollar stop! Every time I go to Target, I get stopped by the dollar stop! (I think this is the idea)...anyway, they always have the cutest things. Last week, they had this notebook for $2.50...and since I was needing a notebook (to improve my organizational skills), I bought it. It was adorable to begin with...but being the ribbon queen that I am, I had to embellish it a bit...so I added the ribbon and a"B" that I printed on my computer! Cute, yes?

Did I really say that?

Did I really say that I would participate in The Eight Week Challenge by sisters Honey Bunch and Sassy?

Did I really say that I would...

1. Go to Weight Watchers

2. Exercise four times a week

3. Eat healthier

4. Drink lots of water

What was I thinking?

The first week, after I got rid of the chocolate chip cookie dough, was a great week! I went to Weight Watchers, walked several times, ate healthier and drank more water than usual! I lost a couple of pounds! Don't get the rah rah thing going yet! The second week, I made up for the first week by gaining back what I had lost , in addition to a few extra pounds! So, today, I'm beginning again...don't they say that today is the first day of the rest of your life?

O.K....I'm BACK! (because I no longer want to be in fear that my buttons will pop off and I'll shoot somebody's eye out...get the picture?)

20 years later...

THEN...


NOW...

Wow! What a difference 20 years makes! Today, my DH and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary! Before we went to Rain (a Thai bistro), we sat down and viewed our wedding on video. It was sooo much fun. It was truly an opportunity to revisit our heartfelt love and the vows we made on that very special day! Today was a fabulous day, too... not because we did anything totally spectacular...but because we shared it with one another. We let ourselves recapture those emotions and feelings that knit our souls together from the beginning. Life has certainly proven itself to be unpredictable, but some things never change...my commitment to my DH...my undying love for him...and most importantly, our joint commitment to our heavenly Father!
All I can really say after all these years is that "Life is Good"!

completely off the wall

My red room is an easy room - life just feels easy when you hang out there. I'm pretty content with my furnishings in this room, but I have this big wall with one picture smack dab in the middle. Do I need to take that picture completely off the wall and do something totally different or do I need to leave it and do a grouping? If I do a grouping, I need suggestions. I've visited enough of your blogs to know that you have extremely good taste, so if you happen upon my blog, please leave your advice...it would be so very much appreciated!
P.S. I'm not a lover of symmetry!






The rest of the room...

nectar of the gods

yep! that's what we call it around our house...nectar of the gods. i'm not sure how anyone can start their day without it. the ONLY (did i say ONLY) thing i look forward to in the a.m. is a steaming hot, large cup of caffeinated coffee! anybody with me?

the perfect giraffe

isn't this perfect? if you knew me, you would know just how perfect it really is...all mixed up...out of the ordinary...colorful ...original...one of a kind...that's what i like about it. but best of all, my creative daughter made it just for me...she knows exactly what i love! as soon as she finished it, i had to frame and hang it. i love the way it looks on my chalkboard walls!

after...

after the before! now isn't that soooo much better? only problem is, now i have stuff that i took out of this closet that i'd like to keep, but where am i gonna put it?
yes, one thing leads to another! so...
another project for another day.

law and order

yes, i do know how to lay down the law so that we can have some order around here. only problem is, while i'm busy preaching that everyone needs to keep their things in a specific place, i'm searching for anyplace to cram my stuff into...like this closet. so today, i pledge to you, on my honor, to do my duty and CLEAN THIS CLOSET...see you after the before!

old friends....

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are-chaff and grain together-certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.
Dinah Maria Mulock Craik


i met her in north carolina...when i took my driver's test, i had to stop by the insurance office...that's where i met my friend. we hit it off immediately...we were both new to town, we had no children, were married to husbands with the same name, and discovered that we were sisters united in Christ. i'll never forget that day...it was the beginning of no ordinary friendship. we spent lots of time getting to know one another and when we had children, we spent lots of time making sure they knew one another. those days were magical...however, life did not stop for us...we now live in different places...different states...talk over the phone and see each other on occasion...BUT the memories linger and the ease of the friendship never changes...no expectations...no conditions...always accepting what is...nothing more.
I treasure you, my friend!

Always Ready For A Party...

I have been having waaaay too much fun lately... creating! My passion is custom children's theme parties, hence the blog title, Queen of Theme. I got my business license a while ago, but I've been waiting for just the right time to take the leap. You see, of course, I want everything on my terms...the perfect number of parties (no stress), the perfect clients (easy to deal with), the perfect timing (when my husband is at work and my daughter has plans and I have nothing better to do), and the perfect financial agreement (little work - lots of dollars). I don't think I'm asking for too much, do you?
No, really, on a serious note, I am very excited about my new business venture. I'm kicking around the idea of classifying this business as a non-profit, so that I can create and throw fabulous custom theme parties and make a difference in a child's life all at the same time. I contacted Ronald McDonald House and have already committed to donating a party for their auction this summer. Although this specific party will not be for an underprivileged child, it will still benefit a wonderful organization.
I think I have a novel approach that would allow people to purchase my invitations, banners, party packs, etc. with the proceeds going to throw parties for deserving children. I'll have to do a little more investigating before I know if it is really feasible. In the meantime, I am in need of any thoughts, ideas or experience in the fund raising department. I need your help! I would LOVE to hear your suggestions!

You CAN!

I wanted to make my gift giving a little different, so I covered a paint can with wrapping paper and
created a "party pail"...a twist on the commonly used gift bag. It's great because you can choose any kind of paper and design it with the recipient in mind! And if I can do it, anyone CAN!

Have You Looked in the Mirror Lately?

My Bible Study this week is on another item that we carry in our pocketbook- the mirror. I started thinking about those mirrors you see at carnivals...you know the ones! One makes you look tall and thin, the other short and wide!

When we look at ourselves and our sin in the tall/thin mirror, we might have a tendency to under-exaggerate our sin. Because we like what we see, we tell ourselves our sin isn't so bad...we don't really want our image to change.
2 Timothy4:3-4 tells us, "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen (SEE) to sound and wholesome teaching (TRUTH). They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers (MIRRORS) who will tell them whatever their itching ears (EYES) want to hear (SEE).
4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. (BY USING TALL/THIN MIRRORS)
****The words in parentheses are MOP (My Own Personal) translation****

On the other hand, when we look into the short/wide mirror, we might have the tendency to over-exaggerate our sin. We might believe that our sin is soooooooooo great that even God cannot forgive us. WRONG! Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for ALL our sin!
Luke 7:47 says, "For this reason I say to you, her sins, WHICH ARE MANY, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Praise God, I've been forgiven much!
Have you looked in the mirror lately...the mirror of God's word? God's word reveals the truth...no under-exaggerations, no over-exaggerations...just the plain old truth! It shows us just exactly what we need to correct.
James 1: 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. ²⁵But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

I'm so thankful that I have The True Mirror that allows me to see what's out of place and correct it.

To My Valentine (The Love of My Life)

This Valentine's Day I did something very special for My Valentine. Persuaded by Gary Chapman, of the Building Relationships Radio Program, I wrote a song for my DH and entered it in the Valentine's Song Contest. Needless to say, I did not win! I'm not a writer or a singer, but I would go to great lengths to express my love for my sweetheart...so I'm proclaiming my love for my DH to the whole world by sharing the words to my song.

My favorite part of me… is you
Man and wife, wed for life,
no longer two.
United as one
Through Jesus Christ the Son
On the day we said “I do”,
And my favorite part of me is now you!

You’re the part that makes me laugh,
You are the part that makes me sing,
The part that makes me sparkle-
You’re the diamond in my ring.

You’re the part that makes me happy
And I know for goodness sakes,
You add the flavor to my life
You’re the icing on my cake.

And I’ve got to let you know
‘Cause it’s true
The very best part of me – it’s you!

My favorite part of me... is you
Man and wife, wed for life,
no longer two.
United as one
Through Jesus Christ the Son
On the day we said “I do”,
And my favorite part of me is now you!

You’re the part that brings me joy,
You’re the part that makes me glad,
You’re my listener, you’re my lover,
The best friend I’ve ever had.

You’re the part that let’s me dream
The part that makes me wanna dance,
You’re my playmate; you’re my soul-mate;
You’re my partner for romance.


Yeah, I’ve got to let you know
‘Cause it’s true,
I knew it from the start,
You’re the keeper of my heart,
And the very best part of me…
My very favorite part of me…Is YOU!

If These Walls Could Talk

If these walls could talk...well, they sort of can. Our bonus room is the fun room in the house, so painting the connecting bathroom in chalkboard paint was just a natural fit. We really do have a lot of fun with it...

• Day #1 - my DD draws a round face and calls him "Bob"
• Day #2 - my DH makes the face square and adds "Sponge" to Bob
• Day #3 - I can't help but draw pants and add "Square Pants"

Yeah, that pretty much sums up our weirdness around here...it doesn't take much to entertain us!

Huck & Chuck

Tomorrow's the big day...Super Tuesday! But today was a big day for me. My family left the house at 7:00 a.m. in the pouring rain to make our way to see and support Mike Huckabee! Everything that I've heard him say, I like. I LOVE his values! Aren't you thankful that you live in America, where your vote counts? I sure am!