Eric Liddell was a champion runner You may remember his story from the movie, Chariots of Fire. Something he said, I will never forget: "When I run, I feel God's pleasure." 
I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination. But I sure do love to decorate!!
Friday I was given the chance of a lifetime! A dear friend, who has seen my house asked if I would decorate a Bed and Breakfast she was renting to throw a 40th birthday party for her husband, Randy. He will also be deployed to Afghanistan in August.  
 
WOOHOOO!!! It was really a dream come true! Since May until now my brain was filled with wonderful decorating ideas about a Chocolate and Wine Tasting party. Since Randy and Laura are big beach combers we went with a vintage beach theme. Oh, it was fun!!!

I chalk painted empty wine bottles and found the cutest candle corks.My daughters were so gracious to give up some sand from their sand box so I could make a wonderful sand "sculpture" at our fourth wine and chocolate pairing.

We hung (Christmas) lights on the pergola and white lamps for some outside ambiance. It really set the mood.
Because it was over 100 degrees that day, I had to bring in all my candles because they turned to liquid!! What an easy problem to solve! I tried to be mindful of my friend's budget, so I worked with what I had on hand and bought only the things to accessorize.

We had plenty of seashells on hand and some wonderful netting for over our burlap table covers. I also took wine corks and cut a slit in them as a place card holder for the wine and chocolates being tasted. Ann was our wine hostess and she instructed us in proper wine tasting etiquette. There was no shortage of chocolate! I made up these cute little bundles of three Hershey's minis and wrapped them in bits of scrapbook paper. Then I tied some twine around them for a little favor.

And of course there was plenty of food! Family made food and did such a fabulous job creating the finished look my friend Laura was going for. YUM!

I chalk painted an old door my mom had stored away in her garage. It was perfect for wine and chocolate instructions! And as I worked throughout the day getting everything ready, I remembered the words of Eric Liddell and knew I was feeling God's pleasure!
Happy Decorating!

Tammy

What We've Been Up To

Sunshine & Rain Makes for Great Planting

Playing & Having Fun

Harvesting the Peonies

Taking Off and Putting on a New Roof

Ballet Recital

Here we come Summer!

When Spring beckons me outside, I throw open every window and door to delight in the sun. See, I’m an outdoor – kinda – girl. The sun greets me as it envelopes the room I’m in. Folds me into its embrace, and I, a grown woman (with a little girl inside) run happily into the sunshine.

 The word “delight” comes to mind.  My five-year-old princess was delighting in our excursion to the Farmers Market this morning. She skipped and gushed, and giggled and glowed. What beauty. I stopped to take her in. She was aglow with mirth and merriment. I recognized the word in her right away. 

When this season comes upon me, I am so delighted to throw open the door to our sun room. It is only a three season room, so for several months in the winter, we don’t get to enjoy it. But come Spring, the path to the outdoors is always through the sun room. 

I remembered this wonderful mosquito netting I had tucked away. The girls had it in their rooms for awhile and then it became too much of a temptation to tug at, so we had to put it away. Now that we are in a new season, I am trying it out in my space. Lovely, don’t you think? It’s the kind of place I like to languish. Now, my girls do too.

Enjoying the sun until our next chat. 

Some of my best thinking ....

I do some of my best thinking on my treadmill. How about you? Do you find you have a quiet time in your day to stop and think? The truth is I am not stopping to think. This is the one time of my day that I can run off that energy that I’ve stored up all night as I slept. I love it. It’s my “me” time. Sometimes I blare some hot tunes, and other times I just want to power walk with my mind in full gear to think. That’s what I did this morning.  What do you do each day for yourself?

This morning I came up with an idea of how to make Jesus “real” to my girls and plan to test it out in the next day or two. The Lord also gave me an idea to cheer up my grandma and bring her a little happiness. Recently she was in the hospital and is now home, but still in a lot of pain. She’s a real trooper and gives her all for the Lord.

Kanaga House Bed & Breakfast

Just in case you are looking for a way to carve out five minutes, let me leave you with some suggestions. Hope this helps!

Take five minutes to “hide out” in the bathroom stall at work. Close your eyes and think on your favorite scriptures. Smile. Remember His love for you is beyond your wildest imagination. YOU are the apple of His eye. 

Instead of walking to a co-workers office down the hallway, walk the same distance outside in the fresh Spring air. Breathe it deep into your lungs. Thank the Creator for the beauty all around you.

Remind yourself of a far flung fantasy that gives you hope and happiness. Skip through a parking lot to your car. 

Swing by a bakery or ice cream shop or candy store. Eat dessert before dinner! Go to the library and listen to a book on tape, the symphony or check out a hilarious video or joke book. Laughing is good for your soul. 

Whatever you decide to do, do it today. Don't wait. Surprise yourself with a little "me" time right now. You'll be happy you did! 

Happy Birthday Gracie

My little Spring chicken is turning seven on April 10th. Hooray for Gracie.Out of all the party themes in the world she could have chosen, she wants an Alvin and the Chipmunks party. Can you tell I am not real excited? I was hoping for a Mary Poppins party or maybe even Secret Garden party (a great book if you haven't read it with your kiddos) or anything pink and girly. I guess I'll have to wait for my winter girl to have her butterfly party.

In the meantime, we've been making plans to have her party at a nearby park and take a nature walk. She likes that idea. There will be a nearby stream with (hopefully) lots of flowers in bloom and tadpoles to count. A scavenger hunt. And of course lots of chipmunk cake and chipmunk food. And don't forget the fabulous fun fort. I hope to create a wonderful, natural table scape.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!!!

birthday presents for me

I am thrilled!!!For so long I have been eying up these wonderful eat napkins at Lemonade Makin' Mama. I was debating if I should spend the money at all. I tried to make them myself. HA! I used regular stamping ink and some cool rubber letters I picked up on clearance and pulled out some canvas drop cloth. My grandma hemmed all eight pair for me and they looked pretty good. Until I washed them! The ink has really lightened and the couple I made without hemming have frayed terribly. The frayed ones went to the rag bag. So I kept going back to Lemonade Makin' Mama's website pining after these professionally done napkins. Hers are silk screened and are so crisp. Finally a few days ago I splurged (after all my birthday is just around the corner I told myslef!) and bought not one set, but TWO!! Afterall, I need eight for my farm table. They just came today and I couldn't wait another second....we used them tonight! L.O.V.E.L.Y.

So then just tonight I found this wonderful fashion blog, Pink Peonies. SOOOO CUTE! I have been looking for just the right pink rain boots for some months now. I wanted it to match my bright pink umbrella I bought not long ago at Target. I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES!! Nordstrum has a half price sale on rain boots right now. IN FUSHIA!! You bet I ordered them. Lickety Split, baby!!! They are on there way even as I type! WOOHOOO! How's that for a little pre-birthday celebration? hee hee
I'll be sportin' the pink boots soon!

Nature Prose

The cool woods sat lonely beckoning me in. My eyes lingered, shielded from  the blazing sun. It had already managed to burn red into the creases on my forehead.

The tall cedars looming before me would be  a respite. “Too much time in the sun,” my grandma would say, “Gives you brown and leathery skin.” Not to mention wrinkled and old- looking, my thoughts echoed in response. I was sure if I had had that conversation out loud, the flickers and chickadees would have went on drumming and chirping. 

They didn’t seem to be bothered by my light tread on the old mulch trail. The sun was behind me. I rushed toward the shade of the looming cedar trees and reached out my hand to tame a dancing butterfly. She danced around me, playfully wanting me to keep playing her game. Her bright yellow wings and long black body reminded me of the burning sun I left behind. The woods were a haven for now. I pulled at the cap on my water bottle. Water, so cool and clean, I could certainly enjoy it now. I leaned against a dogwood and burrowed the toe of my weathered Birkenstocks into a small hole in the base of the tree. 

 A possum or maybe a wayward fox was eagerly gnawing away at the aged bark. I wondered how much of the forest floor was scurried away by animals eager  to build their Spring habitats. Maybe the cracked black walnut shells and empty acorns would lead me to a creature’s home. I was intrigued by  the creation rolled out like a carpet before me. My curiosity would carry me further into the woods...

Recently we took a wonderful nature walk, observing God's good creation. This little piece above is my response to all that I saw and imagined could be.  Just thought I'd share (smile).  By the way, the photos are from a trip to South Africa that some friends took and glady shared with me.

Spring Fling

I have eagerly embraced Spring and am all about the warm weather! Though today was a particularly rainy and stormy day in South Central PA, it was a good day to make a few little changes to the house. I love this picture of my girls. When I look at this picture of them, I feel like they are right there.

This little white table and chairs was given to us by Julie (thanks Juls!) I was delighted at how cute it looks in our youngest daughter's bedroom. This was the perfect touch for her. She loves sitting at it and playing with her dolls or crafting.

We just celebrated my mom's 67th birthday! She does not look 67 at all! We went with a garden and bird theme. I used these cute little bird nests on each plate and these lovely flowering Maple branches from our tree in the backyard to add a pop of Spring color.

We had some wonderful Spring visitors this week too. Much to my surprise I look out my front door just as we are starting our school day, and there on our front lawn are three beautiful mallard ducks. Two male and one female. We spent the next 20 minutes throwing every last morsel of bread to them that we had. The girls and I were beside ourselves with joy.

They were very friendly birds and came almost to our front porch to greet us. This male was very protective of his female and barely left her side. We kept praying them off the road as they wandered that way.

Finally hovering just above some trees at our neighbors were some more mallards and when our ducks saw them, up they flew. We figured the Lord just gave our ducks a little break in our front yard so we could observe them for our science lesson that day! What fun!
Have a happy weekend!

Fashion Forward

Hello Dear Friends --
I've been a little giddy lately about a party I'm going to soon. My dear friend Julie is having a sleep-over, 40th birthday party at a beautiful bed and breakfast. I made a little list of some shopping I want to do.

• Yummy, cozy pj's. 
• A fabulous dress. 
• And some slinky heels. 

I've managed to get one thing on my list: TA- DA ... my jammies! I love them. They are so cozy!

 I also bought this fabulous necklace that I hope I can find a dress to match. Ha! Usually it's supposed to be the other way around (smile).

It's hard to tell here, but it's three strands of pearls and this pouffy little flower hanging off the one side. So feminine. So beautiful. I hope to find my dress and shoes soon and I'll be sure to share those! It's been so long that I have shopped for myself. But these are a few other goodies that I have picked up in the last couple weeks.

Cute, pink sneaks from Target.

Wedge sandals that go with most everything ... and last but not least .....

my yummy, fushia trimmed umbrella! I've always shared an umbrella - black - with my husband, and now this is my very own. It's wonderful to find some things that make you feel beautiful, isn't it? 
Hope you are enjoying your week!

Dinner Tonight

Oh, hello friends! 
I am preparing for a wonderful week of meals! This is always a battle I fight: knowing what to make and making something that everyone enjoys. It's not so much the making of the meal, I like cooking. It's the routine and running out of fresh ideas. But tonight I am prepared! Hooray! 
Monday - Chicken Mexican Wraps: chicken cooked in the crock pot with salsa and taco seasoning. Wrapped in flour tortillas and loaded with lettuce, a little cheese and maybe a touch more salsa. Oh, and don't forget the chips!
Tuesday - Chicken Salad sandwiches: Crock pot cooked chicken, shredded and cooled. Pecans, grapes, mayonnaise, salt and pepper and onions. I made this fresh this morning so all the goodness will meld together until dinner tomorrow night. This just speaks to me of a great Spring time meal. I feel the sunshine already!
Wednesday - Chicken Bundles - I know, I know. Enough chicken already, but I'm on a roll! Ha! Shredded chicken (cooked in the crockpot - how did you know?) and loaded into crescent rolls with a tablespoon or two of cream cheese. Wrap those little guys up and bake in the oven with some fresh parsley on top! YUM!
Thursday - Bar-B-Q
Friday - Pizza Casserole

Three of these recipes are new to us. At the end of the week I'm going to have everyone vote on their favorite and we'll celebrate with rainbow sherbert for a treat!
Have a Yummy week.

Hang or Lean?

I've had this beautiful picture for some time now without a frame. Finally, I looked at my old, blue, chippy shutter and then back to my picture. A marriage was made!

I wanted to get your opinion. Do you think I should hang the shutter on the wall? Or do you like it leaning up on my fireplace mantle? I haven't tried hanging it yet. It's pretty heavy. I'm sure Honey will do it though if I ask. He's that kind of guy! (sigh!)

Have a beautiful weekend!
Tammy

flirty and feminine

I love Ruche.com. They have a sweet look book called A Melodic Daydream. Here are some of the beautiful accessories and dresses you can find there. I would love to own each one of these! Enjoy!

Lovin' it!
Tammy

Party Favors

I've really lost track of how many parties I have hosted since Thanksgiving. It's been a record for me. Every detail has been a joy to create. I finally feel like it's something I am able to do and do well. This Friday we are having a sleep over party for my little girls. A party "just to get us through the rest of the winter season" kinda party. Know what I mean? This one will be a little more simpler and less detailed. I'm tired.

Nonetheless, the party must go on! It's a Veggie Tales Sweet Pea Beauty Party. We are crafting heart mobiles with key Bible verses to remember that our true beauty comes from within. "You are wonderfully and fearfully made" the Psalms tells us. God made us for His pleasure! Imagine that! It makes me so happy to be able to share this good news with precious little girls. Just think how this could change their perception of themselves in years to come. BEAUTIFUL!!

Some of the mamas will even be spending the night. It is sure to be a double blessing!

All photos courtesy of Jersey Icecream Store

Have a wonderful weekend!
Tammy