Rain, Rain, Go Away . . .

The rain just keeps on falling.

It looks like our plans to work

in our flower beds on Saturday

will have to wait.

We are going to plant red & white geraniums.

We have decided to plant a vegetable garden this year. I guess you could say it's our version of a 21st century victory garden. Hopefully we'll grow enough vegetables for ourselves, family, & friends. Years ago we grew a large garden & enjoyed it so much we wanted to try it again. Our plan is to grow several varieties of tomatoes, squash, zucinni, & cucumbers. We've already tilled up a small area in the back yard. As soon as it dries out we can get down to business!

Can't believe it's the last day of April!

Enjoy the day!

Leaps & Bounds . . .

Ethan had his 2 month checkup on Monday.

He is growing by leaps & bounds.

He now weighs 14 lbs. & is 23 1/2 inches long.

The doctor said he has had no apnea episodes &

very soon he will no longer wear the

monitor at night.

This is really praise worthy news!

NEWBORN

TWO MONTHS OLD

Of course I had to pay him a visit when
he got home so I could
give him some hugs & kisses.

He was a little fussy
because of the vaccinations,
but mostly he slept between feedings.

Have I ever mentioned that I love being a grandma?

Back To Basics Cleaning #1 . . .

Sunday afternoon I was thumbing through the April edition of the magazine, Real Simple. I found an interesting article about all-natural solutions for making quick work of countless cleaning chores. Today I'm going to share the uses for 3 common kitchen items when it comes to cleaning.

LEMONS

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

and clean that grimy faucet or smelly garbage disposal

while you're at it.

USE THEM TO CLEAN YOUR . . .

COUNTERTOPS: Dip the cut side of a lemon half in baking soda to tackle countertops; wipe with a wet sponge and dry. Don't use on delicate stone, like marble, or stainless steel (it may discolor).

DISHES: To increase the grease cutting power of your dishwashing detergent, add a teaspoon of lemon juice.

FAUCETS: Combat lime scale by rubbing lemon juice onto the taps and letting it sit overnight. Wipe with a damp cloth.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL: Cut a lemon in half, then run both pieces through the disposal. The lemon cleans it and makes it smell great.

PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS: To bleach stains from tomato soup and other acidic foods on dishwasher safe items, rub lemon juice on the spots, let dry in a sunny place, then wash as usual

TABLE SALT

Forget your doctor's warnings about excessive salt.

Go ahead: Sprinkle liberally in any room.

USE IT TO CLEAN . . .

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS: Place the fake blooms inside a paper bag and pour in salt. Close the bag and shake vigorously. The salt will dislodge accumulated dust and dirt.

GLASSWARE: Salt won't scratch the way a scouring pad can. To get our stubborn stains, add some salt for extra abrasion and scrub.

SPILLS IN THE OVEN: If that casserole bubbles over as you take it our of the oven, pout salt on the spill to soak it up. When the oven is cool, wipe with a damp sponge.

KETCHUP

Sure, it's a bottle of ketchup. But it's also a copper cleaner in disguise.

USE IT TO . . .

Remove tarnish from copper and crass cookware. Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to their coppery color in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.

Come back next Monday for info on soda, toothpaste, & vinegar. . .

Have a great start to your week!

Rest . . .

Jesus said,

"Come to me, all you who labor

and are heavy laden, and

I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

How was your week? Exhausting? You come home after a long week and begin the home projects that are always waiting. If you take time to rest, you may even feel a little guilty, as if you are wasting precious time or being lazy. Perish the thought.


God has actually mandated that one day of your week be set aside for rest. It will be medicine to your active mind and body. But, rest shouldn't be relegated only to that day. It's also wise to take a few minutes in the course of every day to pause and take a breather.

Your Creator rested on the seventh day of creation. If Almighty God took time to rest, shouldn't you?




Taken from 'God's Daily Answer' . . .

Big Boy . . .

Ethan is 2 months old today . . .

He's starting to smile . . .

What a difference 2 months makes . . .

Traveling To Turkey . . .

My hubby & some of his buddies are

traveling to Turkey today.

No, no, not the country Turkey!

Turkey, Texas!

Why are they going there you ask?

To attend the Bob Wills Reunion which is held

the last weekend in April.

Who the heck is Bob Wills? Patience my friends!

I'll tell you that in a moment.

He's been attending this event for several years

& always enjoys the music, food,

& fellowship with the guys.

Who is Bob Wills?

I hadn't heard of him either until

I met my hubby in 1975.

The King of Western Swing

Here's a little bit of info on Bob . . .

Turkey is best known as the home of Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing. Wills was a barber in Turkey during the 1920's. In his biography “Hubbin’ It”, Wills said that the lotions and soft-work of barbering kept his fingers pliable for playing the fiddle. It was a trade that many musicians shared, since the day work of barbering never interfered with dances and holiday celebrations. Wills formed the Texas Playboys band and their music introduced a new offshoot of county-western music known as “Western Swing.”
His music continues to influence music today. Bob Wills has been elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Go here http://www.texasplayboys.net/ for more info on Bob Wills.

Enjoy your road trip honey . . .

Sleepy Boy . . .

When I visited Ethan on Wednesday he was doing one of the things he does best . . .

Sleeping . . .

and sleeping some more . . .

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby.

Happy Earth Day ! ! !

Here is your history lesson for today.

Like me, you may have wondered who was responsible for establishing Earth Day.

I did a little research on Goggle & found this article about Gaylord Nelson.

The History of Earth Day

Gaylord Nelson, the man whose work resulted in the creation of Earth Day—an international holiday. Imagine a world without trees. What if the rain forests, and all of the exotic plants and colorful animals that call it home, suddenly did not exist?

In 1962, Gaylord Nelson decided something needed to be done to protect the environment. The work that he began led to what we now know as Earth Day. Nelson realized very few people were concerned about environmental problems like deforestation, the destruction of trees."For several years, it has been troubling me," Nelson wrote in a 1962 article, "that the state of the environment is simply a non-issue in the politics of our country."

Nelson then headed to Washington, D.C., where he hoped to convince President John F. Kennedy to take a stand on environmental issues. Nelson first met with Attorney General Robert Kennedy, who agreed that it was an important issue. It wasn't long before President Kennedy heard Nelson's concerns and agreed that action should be taken.The President set out on a five-day, 11-state conservation tour in September 1963. Although Kennedy's high-profile tour was not a success, Nelson was not ready to give up. Nelson continued to speak to audiences across 25 states about the importance of the environment. Although his point of view began to catch on among most people, politicians still were not listening.

"The idea that became Earth Day," said Nelson, "occurred to me while on a conservation speaking tour out West in the summer of 1969."It was September of 1969, at a conference in Seattle, when Nelson announced that he would stage a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment the next spring. He invited everyone in the audience to attend.

On April 22, 1970, more than 20 million demonstrators and thousands of schools and local communities participated in Nelson's demonstration. The occasion made people sit up and pay attention to environmental issues. Word about the environment began to spread.

On March 21, 1971, the UN Secretary-General signed a proclamation establishing Earth Day as an official international holiday. Now people all over the world are learning about environmental issues in their communities.

Gaylord Nelson died on July 3, 2005, but his contributions will always be remembered as younger generations continue his fight to preserve the world's environment.

Outdoor Plants . . .

One of the first outdoor plants we put out

are the hanging baskets.

This year we decided to go back to

one of our favorite deck plants . . .

the Boston fern . . .

They always make the deck seem tropical & inviting on even the hottest of summer days.

We bought three of these beauties at Sam's for $9.88 each.

The past few years we have hung flowering baskets, but when I saw these at Sam's they called my name & I had to bring them home.

I always have good luck with ferns. By the time the first freeze comes around they have doubled in size.

May 1st we will get busy on the next addition to our outdoor spaces.

Sharp Dresser . . .

I can't resist a man who is a sharp dresser!

Especially when he wears a tie!

Ethan went to church Sunday

wearing his tie shirt & navy pants.

What a handsome guy!

Draw Near . . .

Draw near to God . . .

and He will draw

near to you.

James 4:8

Friday Show & Tell . . .

It's been quite some time since I've

done a 'Friday Show & Tell'.

My mother & daddy owned a shoe store for many years.

One of the shoe lines they carried for children was

Buster Brown.

This clock was on display

in the children's department.

I cross stitched this picture for

Daddy as a Father's Day

gift in 1986.

Have a fabulous Friday!

April Showers . . .

Bring May flowers . . .

Even though today is a beautiful sun shiny day I thought of this

little saying I learned when I was a little girl.

I also thought about one of my favorite movies . . .

What a classic! ! ! Gene Kelly could dance

the soles right off his shoes! ! !

Enjoy the song!

Forgotten Roots ? ? ?

My Uncle Jack sent me this email

& I thought it was worth passing along to you.

Have we forgotten our own roots?

Do you know the Preamble for your state?

Be sure to read the message at the bottom!

Alabama 1901

We, the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956

We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911

Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.

Arkansas 1874

We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government.

California 1879

We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...

Colorado 1876

We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...

Connecticut 1818

The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897

Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885

We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution.

Georgia 1777

We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959

We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889

We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870

We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil,political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851

We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857

We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859

We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891

We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties.

Louisiana 1921

We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820

We, the People of Maine, acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776

We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780

We, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction .

Michigan 1908

We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857

We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890

We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845

We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889

We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution .

Nebraska 1875

We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble We, the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792

Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844

We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911

We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..

New York 1846

We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868

We, the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889

We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852

We, the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.

Oklahoma 1907

Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this

Oregon 1857

Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences

Pennsylvania 1776

We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....

Rhode Island 1842

We ,the People of the State of Rhode Island, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778

We, the people of he State of South Carolina, grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889

We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties .

Tennessee 1796

Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845

We, the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896

Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777

Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man,

Virginia 1776

Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the duty which we owe our Creator, can be directed only by reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other

Washington 1889

We, the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872

Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia, reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God .

Wisconsin 1848

We, the people of Wisconsin , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...

Wyoming 1890

We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! If you found this to be 'Food for thought' send to as many as you think will be enlightened as I hope you were.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

"For the time will come [has come] when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths."

2Timothy 4:3-4,

Home Again . . .

We made it home mid afternoon on Monday from our trip to Houston.

Grant & Kate's wedding was so much fun.

Here are a few pictures . . .

Here's the bride & groom surrounded by the

nieces who were the flower girls & Kate's

nephew who was the ring bearer.

The wedding party . . .

The ceremony . . .

Kate's wedding portrait . . .

The elegant wedding cake . . .

The dinner was delicious . . .

pasta, chicken, & salad

This picture of Elise was taken

Easter evening.

Easter Blessings . . .

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son

so that anyone who believes in him

shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Wedding Bells . . .

We're heading south to Texas today to attend

the wedding of our nephew, Grant.

Congratulations Grant & Kate!

In Your Easter Bonnet . . .

I've always loved musical movies.

One of my favorite things to do when I was a

teenager was to check out albums from the public library for all the

classic musicals like South Pacific & learn all the songs.

Easter Parade was one of the musicals they didn't have,

but I've always loved the movie, Judy Garland was great!

Fred Astaire was a wonderful dancer, not the most handsome dude

in the world, but I still like to watch his movies!

Here's a little info about the New York City Easter Parade . . .

NYC Easter Parade - Fashion Meets Fantasy
"In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,

You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade!"

Irvine Berlin memorialized the event in the 1948 musical with Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Peter Lawford and Ann Miller, but the New York Easter Parade tradition goes back to a much earlier time.

The Easter Parade is a New York tradition that dates back to the middle of the 1800s. The social elite would attend services at one of the 5th Avenue churches and parade their new fashions down the Avenue afterwards.
The less well to do would come to see what the latest trends were. Many handy seamstresses found inspiration for their client's wardrobes at the parade. It was a combination of religious services and haute couture in the days before TV, when only the wealthiest New Yorkers could attend the hottest Paris fashion shows.
While there is still some fashion involved in the spectacle, the modern version tends to be more fantastic. Live birds nest in bonnets of real flowers and pets are dressed in the latest 5th Avenue doggy wear. The flamboyant headgear and costumes are paraded down the Avenue to the delight of onlookers. You don't need a special outfit to join in the fun. Anyone can step out and stroll down the Avenue.

News Flash . . . Rabbits Finally Emerge . . .

Breaking News!

After weeks of hiding from a

spring snow storm, freeze warnings,

and 40 mile an hour winds,

the rabbits and bunnies

finally made an appearance

at our house.

Remember Mr. Bosley Reed?

He was the brave leader who urged his friends & family members to

come out of their warm, cozy hiding places.

This little friend & her dog were among the first to appear.

This proper old gent was the next to take his place in the kitchen window.


This little guy showed up in the old blue cabinet.

Another family member brought some Easter eggs.

"Welcome Everybunny"!

Last, but not least is the littlest member of the family.

Hippity, hoppity Easter's on its way!

Moments . . .

Therefore I will look unto the Lord;

I will wait for the God of my salvation:

my God will hear me.

Micah 7:7

Here's an easy project to make. I found these simple thoughts recently on someone's blog. Sorry I can't remember the person who posted it. This really spoke to me.

Happy Moments, Praise God.
~
Difficult Moments, Seek God.
~
Quiet Moments, Worship God.
~
Painful Moments, Trust God.
~
Every Moment, Thank God.

I copied it onto Microsoft word, changed the font, & sized it to fit this little frame I found at Gordman's for $1.99. I also bought the sweet little bird at Gordman's.

Sunday blessings to you all . . .

First Visit . . .

Yesterday was Ethan's first

visit to Papaw & Nana's house.

He showed up in this cute outfit.

He was so adorable sitting in Nana's bouncer seat.

And of course no visit would be complete
without a nap on Papaw's chest!

Thursday Thoughts . . .

American Idol was good this week.

Next week should be interesting.

They will sing a song from the year they were born.

Bye-bye Megan!
I thought she should have been sent home last week.
I think she really wanted to go home to see her two year old son.




Have a wonderful Thursday friends!

Exciting News ! ! !

Exciting News ! ! !

Tuesday afternoon Kari got a phone call

telling her that Ethan doesn't have to

wear the apnea monitor 24/7 !!!!!

She wasted no time getting that belt off

his little chest . . . that feels go good!!!!

He only has to wear it for long naps & at night! This is the first step in being completely monitor free!

Thank you Lord ! ! !