It's Beginning to Rain

I love the rain. I love the renewal of life that it provides. I love it's traveling companions...wind, lightening, thunder.

As I am writing this post, the clouds are beginning to roll across my window and I am filled with the anticipation of a great rainfall.

I think back...

As a child, my Nana had a special song for days such as these. We'd climb backwards on the couch, which was pushed against a window pane, and look outside at the dancing drops.

We'd sing together...

"It's beginning to rain

Hear the voice of the Father.

Saying, "Whosoever will, come drink of this water?"

I have promised to pour my spirit out

On your sons and your daughters.

If you're thirsty and dry look up to the sky

It's beginning to rain."

Are you thirsty today? The Lord provides a quenching water for all who are parched and dry. All you have to do is look up and ask. He'll bring the rain.

He always does.

"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."
Psalm 42:2

Word Filled Wednesday

, hosted by The 160 Acre Woods.

For Moments As These

It's precious moments like this that confirm to hubby as to why I insist on toting my camera everywhere I go. That little finger is evident of his continual exploration and constant curiosity. It's a reminder to me not to become desensitized and overlook the beauty of God's world. Discovery is all around us. Even for adults.

Drum Roll Please

And the winner of a brand new copy of the classic novel, Anne of Green Gables is...






Congratulations, BP!

Thanks to my handsome assistant. Love ya, Honey!

Be Still Sunday

Giveaway Closed

The giveaway is officially closed. Thanks for your participation and wonderful comments. I will choose by way of random selection and post the winner on Monday. Good luck to you all!

100th Post-100th Celebration

Are there events, movies, songs in your past that create a sense of achiness? Not a bad achy, but a deep remembrance and longing of a childhood past. A time when pretend became reality while hunting for that buried treasure. A time when Barbie looked so glamorous while on her date with Ken. A time when I wanted to pack up my belongings in my little red suitcase and go live with Anne Shirley on Prince Edward Island. Yes, that Anne, who spelled her name with an e.

If there is one story that stirs up deep emotions in my soul, it is that timeless tale, Anne of Green Gables. As a child, I fantasized about frolicking up and down the coastline in my Victorian dress with puffed sleeves. I could feel the wind brush my face and tousle my long hair ribbons behind me. How exciting it would be to travel by way of horse and buggy on those bumpy dirt roads. I yearned to have Diana as my bosom friend and a secret admirer named Gilbert. With each turn of the page, Avonlea was such a romantic place and I wanted to live there.

It was my childhood dream to one day visit Prince Edward Island (PEI). My dream came true that memorable summer of 1999. There truly was a sense of mystery and magic on that island.

This being my 100th post, you may be perplexed as to how these two things relate. Well...today marks the 100th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel, Anne of Green Gables (1908-2008). It was 100 years ago that Anne, with an e, was brought to life for generations after generations to come to know and enjoy. There is no better way for me to celebrate my 100th post than to giveaway one of my most cherished childhood stories, Anne of Green Gables.

My hopes for this giveaway is to bring the magic of this story into the hearts and lives of your children and family. This is beginning to sound like a Disney advertisement. Don't be quick to think that this traditional tale is a girls-only book, for the themes run deep: love, family, friendship, and honor. These characteristics are appropriate for all genders.

This is a giveaway for one book, Anne of Green Gables. If you wish to participate in this giveaway, leave me a comment with a brief recollection of your favorite part of the story (if you've read it). Deadline to enter is this Saturday at 8:00 P.M. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. (I've always wanted to say that). The drawing will be via random selection and the winner will be posted on Monday, July 28th. If your name is drawn, I will contact you.

If you are the winner of this giveaway, please promise to read this story with your child/children (if you have any). Reading books together, as a family, forms a special unity and creates wonderful childhood memories. Everyone should discover this classic story through the pages of the book.

Word Filled Wednesday

, hosted by The 160 Acre Woods.

Arte Y Pico Award

Thank you, Melanie, for this unique award. I've gotten to know Melanie just recently. Her blog is a place of inspiration and spiritual filling. A great place to visit for a positive uplift.

I can't continue until this confession is made. When I clicked on the link to read about the award, I panicked. I can't read Spanish. Oh no! I knew I should have switched my high school 4th period elective from French to Spanish. Drats! I eagerly scrolled the mouse down to pick up a small trace of English translation...please, anything, I begged. Something translatable. I can't comment to Melanie, thanks for the award, what does it mean? Help...

Not to worry, there is a small English translation, for which I was very grateful. What a Spanish-illiterate catastrophe this could have been. The next best thing to hoping no one finds out about your inner-deepest thoughts is to post about it on the world wide web. So...here's to openness.

Thanks again, Melanie. This uno-linguistic award recipient will not let you down.

It is my duty to pass this award along to...

Brittany: Crazy Kid Teacher.

Looking past the fact that she is my SIL, I want to take the time to commend her for her inner-beauty. Brittany is the Special Education teacher for a high school. She pours so much of herself into these kids each and everyday. Not only does it take a special person to be a teacher, it takes an extra special person to work with special needs. I don't care what anyone says, it's a calling from above! Brittany is a hard worker, great cook, wonderful housekeeper, and a servant to others. She strives to keep God center of her life, despite circumstances. Brittany has a colorful personality that is contagious and desirable to be around. Did I mention she has 2 other brothers? This girl is a strong woman! Brittany, you are well deserving of this award and I am so proud of you.

Four More, just as deserving...

Angie: Flibbertigibberish

BP: Raindrops & Rainbows

A Woman Found: Meditations and Confessions of a Homemaker

Jamie: Purposeful Pursuit

Some of these women I've known since the beginning of my blogging days, others I have just recently come to know. Each of these woman are artistic in their own right. Whether it's through humor, recipes, prayer, or scripture, these ladies are a wonderful blend of life. I'm so honored to know you all!

Now, the official rules:

To the recipients of the award...share this with five blogs you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community, no matter what language.Name each nominee and link to his/her blog. Show the award and include the name (and link to his/her blog) of whoever presented you with this award. Link to the Arte y Pico blog so everyone knows the origin of this award. Post these rules.

Be Still Sunday

Raise Your Hand If You're Sure

Raise your hand if you have children.

Raise your hand if you have carpet.

Raise your hand if you have stained carpet from your children.

My troubled mothers, I have the answer...



I am raising my hand because I am so sure! (Yes, I realize this is not a deodorant product but the jingle fits the post.)

A Glimpse of the Kindgom of Heaven

I was strolling by the window and saw our dog laying down outside in the grass. This type of canine behavior is quite typical and usually doesn't catch my attention. But this time, he was hovering, as if trying to protect something. This odd behavior intrigued me. I walked outside to find a small wounded bird in the grass. Although, saddened by this injured bird, my mind couldn't help but to wonder if this is a small glimpse of the kingdom of heaven. Peace among enemies. Rivals will be no more. Wars will cease. Dogs will lay down beside birds. What a beautiful sight!

Word Filled Wednesday

Lord, please give me patience while standing in the check-out line at Wal-Mart, even though only 2 lanes are open and 28 lanes are closed.

Amen and Amen.

, hosted by The 160 Acre Woods.

The Birthday Rewind

Finally. Here are a few pictures of our baby's first birthday party. This is the short and sweet of it all.

Plan A...

Because of this...

Plan B...

The Birthday Decor...

The Adult Cake...

Sticky Fingers...

The Baby's Sugar-Free Cake...

A Little Extra for the 4th of July...

Did I miss anything?!? Oh yeah...

The Presents...


Although his little mind may not recall this special day, it will forever be remembered by us as a day of thanksgiving for this precious life. We have so much to be thankful for!

Side Note: I searched and searched for a sugar-free frosting to use for his personal cake. There was so much frosting left over, I made a smaller cake for my dad to eat since he's diabetic. He gave it 2 thumbs up. Here's the recipe.

Sugar-Free Frosting

1 (1.4 oz) package sugar-free instant pudding mix (any desired flavor)

1 3/4 cups milk

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature

1 (8 oz) container Free Cool Whip, thawed

In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix and milk. Mix well and let stand until thickened. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pudding and mix well. Finally, fold in whipped topping. Let set in the fridge until thickened.

Before and Afters

We have been blessed with rainfall from the sky, thus has helped my flowers just burst into bloom. Here are a few before and after shots.

The Zinnias

The Pot O' Randomness

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

Be Still Sunday

Sowing the Seeds of God's Love

The songs have been sung, the crafts have been taken home, and little minds have been filled with the words of God. Vacation Bible School is officially over, however, the seeds that were sown during that week will hopefully blossom and bloom. This week was such a testimony to the leadership and talent of our church members. Much is to be said about how people came together to nurture the young lives of these children. It was a wonderful week!

PS- I am tired!

The Meal Table

I have a friend who is in the middle of completing her graduate thesis...strength be with her. For one section of her thesis, she set up a blog entitled The Meal Table. The purpose of this blog is for others to share their memories, stories, and favorite dishes that were centered around the meal table. Some of you may have many memories of sitting down with your family and exchanging stories about the day. Others of you may have grown up with different traditions. Good, bad, or unusual, please visit her and share your own personal stories of the meal table.

The Meal Table Blog

Happy Birthday, My Precious One!

Your first year of life has arrived at last
How mommy and daddy reminisce about your past

Growing stronger with each day
Many words you try to say

Cackles, cries, clapping, coos
Pat-a-Cake, Piggie Toes, Peek-a-Boo

Those little fingers explore and touch
Those little feet travel so much

To many songs you sway and sing
In my heart that precious voice will cling

Playing ball with Daddy is your game of preference
He helps you throw, catch, and victory dance

My precious baby, your life is loved
May you follow God's path from above

In your heart we hope and pray
You will love God and grow in His way

My prayers for you are just this
That your life be blessed with love, joy, and tenderness.

Word Filled Wednesday

As I mentioned on Monday, this week is Vacation Bible School. The opportunities I've had to interact and talk with the children, I've been reminded of Jesus' special love and tenderness for children. This verse has really been close in my mind. Not all the children that participate in VBS are "church-trained" which can create an uncomfortable feeling in adults. As teachers to these children, we should be reminded to accept and love all children that come through the church doors... especially the unchurched. Before the end of each day, every child should have felt the arms of a loving hug, seen the lips of an accepting smile, and heard the words of Jesus' love for them.


, hosted by The 160 Acre Woods.

VBS Week

This week is Vacation Bible School. My blog contributions and comments may be few and far between...

Be Still Sunday

Then Sings My Soul

Happy Fourth of July!

Cheep...Cheep...

This is what we found when we were pruning some bushes on Saturday.

Word Filled Wednesday

Photo provided by Heartlight

, hosted by 160 Acre Woods.

First Birthday Sneak Peek

If you would kindly take a second to scroll your attention to the countdown bar that is settled at the bottom of this page. Go ahead, I'll wait...

You will notice that the countdown is quickly coming to a close for my baby's first birthday! Now what kind of first-mother would I be if I hadn't been planning this party for the last 2 months...okay 3.75 months. And actually, the first month was spent gasping at prices. Unlike my grocery coupon book, there's really not many clearance offers out there. Either fork it out or don't invite anyone. I'd like to think that I didn't fork it out yet found some innovated ways around this "it-adds-up" event. By the way, this is my first born I'm talking about. Which every time I say that I can hear my father's voice reminding me that what I do for the first born I must do for all proceeding children. Yeah Yeah Yeah.

The Birthday Outfit. I am a sucker for Jon-Jon's and smocking. Most of his Sunday attire consists of those two, gingham or seersucker. I can't help it. I was raised in the deep south. It's in my southern blood to be drawn to such fabrics and designs. So, of course, these were in the fore-front of my mind while searching for his birthday outfit. Now, must I remind you, this is THE birthday outfit I'm talking about. Click Click Flash Click Click. The one that will be embedded in our photos, minds and scrapbooks for all times. The choice for such an outfit is critical and strategic. Oh yeah...it's also going to be worn ONCE.

I'm typing, and searching, and clicking, and mousing over various websites that claim they have the perfect outfit for me.

Oh, look at that one.

Isn't that so cute?

Wait...is that the item number or the price? You have got to be kidding me.

I must admit that I do enjoy the finer things in life. A nice place to dine or those must-have shoes. I also must admit I love a good bargain. Oh yeah, not to forget I'm a stay-at-home mom...budget! I usually by-pass front displays of a store and rush back to the 80% off rack hoping to find that steal-of-a-deal. As most parents, I want the best for my child but I have a really difficult time handing over $90 for something he is going to wear once. So, my mind kicked into resourceful and innovated mode, pondering ways to save a few bucks but yet, be oh so adorable. Did I mention I like things monogrammed? Another southern trait.

With no further adieu, here's your all access backstage sneak peek for the big day.

Because he is becoming a "big" boy, I decided to trade in my love for smocking (temporarily) and go for the sporty look. The shirt itself was purchased for 75 cents at a discount store. The number one is an iron-on sticker bought at a craft store for $2.75 (I had to by the whole da-gum packet of numbers). On the back, sandwiched between two stars, are the raised-iron-on letters spelling our last name. Did I mention I like monogramming? There you have it. A personalized, sporty birthday outfit for under $5.00.

Stay tuned for more to come...