my blessed life

This time of year showcases God's handiwork in such a beautiful way! Seeing everything coming back to life after the long winter is like seeing mini *resurrections*. our blueberry bushes budding out the dogwoods blooming out a trumpet vine in bloom our hostas poking thru the ground azaleas blooming The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1

It has been a rough few days around here. I felt pretty cruddy on Wednesday, but then Thursday was feeling better. However, on Thursday morning the Princess woke up feeling bad. She seemed to improve over the day, but by bedtime was feeling yucky again. And I felt like I was dying by bedtime last night. I don't remember when I had such a high fever! It was a pretty miserable night. Thankfully, the fever is gone this morning, but the Princess and I are both still puny (that's a nice Southern word for feeling terrible). Yesterday I made us some (from the box) chicken noodle soup and this morning whipped up some Jello water for the Princess--both remedies from my childhood. In case you're wondering what Jello water is, it's simply the Jello before it firms up in the fridge--you just drink it instead of eating it. I guess my mom thought sugar water was the best thing for a sick kid, and I sure did love it (still do!). Although her potato soup was truly the BEST remedy for w...

I have this very dear friend named Donna . We've been friends since college (which for us, is about 18 years now!! wow!!). Since college days, we've gotten together several times whether in her home state or mine. On one of those visits she gave me this wonderful cookbook and I have really enjoyed it! This week I was looking for a simple way to season a boneless pork loin for our small group meeting. I found the perfect recipe in here. Thanks, Donna! Barbecued Pork Loin A Cleveland Collection, Jr. League Cookbook (marinade) 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup barbecue sauce with mild garlic flavor 1/2 cup dry vermouth or water 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup wine vinegar 1/8 tsp. dried ginger ~~~~ 5 lb. boneless pork loin 1 tsp. cornstarch Combine all marinade ingredients until well blended; pour over meat. Cover; refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 425F. Remove meat from marinade; reserve marinade. Reduce oven to 325F. Bake at 325F for 1 1/2 hours or until inte...

Things are getting back to routine here today. Well...sort of. I feel pretty yucky and have spent a large part of the afternoon on the sofa. Just that lovely achey-tight chest-a little feverish feeling. Tonight I'm staying in from our mid-week church service for a little more rest. I figured the nursery wouldn't really want me around coughing on all of the children anyway. Vince took our kiddos with him, so I'm getting some real rest time. The weather is so nice today, so I'm enjoying sitting here by the open door and listening to the outdoor sounds (birds, dogs, the hum of a lawn mower). The past couple of days Vince's parents were here and we had a very nice visit with them. It was their first time here where we live in Alabama and we probably wore them out a little seeing some of the sights. I know the kiddos wore them out playing! They had a lot of fun! visiting the lion habitat at the University of Northern Alabama at UNA with Meme & Papa playing Elefun...

Whew! This past weekend was quite a whirlwind. My parents and sister were here for several days and we had so much fun. My dad was here for an extra couple of days, so we got to have a little more fun with him at the park. We had some beautiful Spring weather for flying kites! Mr. B with Papi The Princess running with the wind On Saturday we had some Easter egg hunt fun in the backyard. It was the first time Mr. B has really done one and the Princess probably doesn't remember the last time she did; they had such a blast! gathering eggs Easter morning came early, but the kiddos were so ready to wear their new clothes. Mr. B said "I look just like Daddy" (even though my hubby didn't actually wear a suit yesterday:). Easter morning finery wishing Papi & Nana a safe trip back home telling Aunt Kari goodbye The family fun is still continuing...Vince's parents arrived today for a visit. It's been a long time since we've seen them, so we're enjoying our ...

Today my first precious child from God turned 5 years old! I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone by already. She is such a little treasure from the Lord. The Princess getting ready to open her gifts The Princess with her new *big-girl* bike & helment the Princess & Mr. B wi th their new Playhouse The Princess blows out her candles a wonderful family celebration You may remember me talking about making those lamb cakes . Well, I decided to make a bunny cake and a lamb cake. They aren't professionally decorated, but they are made with much love. If I had more time, I would've tried to make that Wilton Cake-Decorating class instructor proud, but there wasn't time for piping a million stars...The kiddos loved them though. To quote Mr. B (when he saw them), "Oh. My. Goodness!" a close-up of the bunny cake a close-up of the lamb cake The Birthday/Easter cakes

Some vintage Easter greetings.... "....I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die...." John 11:25 Have a blessed Easter!