On Saying Yes.

I could have said no.  It would have been less messy and a whole lot less time on her part.

It started with her asking for the last fourth of the watermelon that was sitting on the counter.  I thought at first, how I knew she couldn't really eat all of that.  But, then I thought how cute she would be putting her whole face into the huge piece of watermelon.

The next time I looked, she was not eating, but working.  Creating.  Dreaming.

As she scooped and mashed and juiced away, I saw delight in her heart.

She said,

"Mom, this is going to be for all the people walking by!"  (to which I thought, 'all the people' meaning, the very few people walking their dogs?)

I could have spoken realism into her hopeful heart. I could have corrected her spelling.

But, then, I wouldn't have had the best watermelon juice I had ever tasted.  And, even though her only customer was her very own Mom, she felt like she had just served the queen.

Sometimes, you have to say no. But not always. And the times that I choose to say yes, seem that much more important.

What are you saying yes to this week?

Going, Going...Not Gone Yet!

I'm one of those people with the awful disease of thinking you have more time than you do.  Like, when I'm going out of town, not only do I have to pack, but I also have to clean the house, get all the laundry done, etc. etc.  Or, when I have an extra 15 minutes, I think that I'll have plenty of time to go to the grocery store really quick just to grab a couple things before picking up the kids...sometimes that works, sometimes, not so much.

We have a month left, folks.  Well, I do at least.  Until school begins again and my "baby" starts Kindergarten.  

It always astounds me how fast the summer flies by.  There are definitely things that I've wanted to do that haven't happened.  And other things that I wanted to finish that are still in progress.

But, about now, I always start to think, "Ok, priority time!!  What are the things I want to do most before the summer ends?"

Here's my short list...

make {and eat} blackberry cobbler

go rock hopping

fly a kite with my kids

fall asleep reading in a hammock

go hiking

watch a sunset with my hubby

What's on your summer punch list?  Because my other sickness is making checklist and checking things off, I might actually print my list off.  I might be a little more prone to make these things happen!  Whether your list would be staying home every day, or hiking the Appalachian Trail, let's make these last few summer days ones we love.

Founders Day Party

Remember when I said I was gonna have a party?  Well, last week we had some friends over for the fourth and we had a good ol' fashion founders day party.   It was a blast! We had sack races, and a watermelon roll, lots of sparklers, and tons of great food.  And, for dessert, we had a pie baking contest...with real non-biased judges and everything!

My daughter is to the age where pretty much any project I can do, she can do even better!  I taught her how to do pinwheels, and she couldn't get enough of them.  We used scrapbook paper we had on hand, and didn't worry about the patterns and colors not being the exact color of the flag.  We accented the centers with cute buttons, and they were fabulous.

In my favorite potluck fashion, everyone brought a side dish and we provided the burgers and hot dogs.  Then, for dessert, those who felt up to the challenge, made a pie for the pie baking contest!  It was great.  We had non-biased judges and everything.

I had fun pulling out all my red, white, and blue anything to make a festive tablescape ready for everyone's yummy food to be displayed.

I always love a bargain...I found some paper fans at Dollar Tree, and with a little ribbon and fabric, they were super cute hanging off my back deck!

With a few things on hand, I  changed my staple of a wreath into a little patriotic decor for our front door.  

More to come on that easy project!

Even though it was one of the hottest days we've had yet, we mainly kept the party outside. The pinwheels made great centerpieces and eliminated the need to spend more on flowers.

We sent people on their way with "cookies for the road". Of course, "Homemade in the USA".

The true test of how much I love my job...I love to do it even for free!

If you're looking for a new twist on your July 4th, this fun for all ages party was a great way to spend the holiday together!

Linking up today with one of my favorite artistic communities over at Studio JRU!

 

So Simple Strawberry Shortcake

The other day, after going on about fresh local veggies and produce, I mentioned that I was going to try out a very simple shortcake recipe.  Let me tell you, it was so easy.  And, it was devoured within minutes...maybe seconds.  The best thing about it, was that it took me about 10 minutes total to get it in the oven, and about 10 min. to bake. So, even though I hadn't planned on having Strawberry Shortcake until I was posting about it right before dinner, it still happened, and was a very delicious ending to our dinner.

Here ya go!  Super fast, and super yummy strawberry shortcake!

simple strawberry shortcake

shortcakes:
2 1/4 cups All Purpose Baking Mix
5 tbsp. sugar
4 tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 c. milk

strawberry mixture:
4 c. strawberries sliced
4-5 tbsp. sugar

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. Stir together ingredients until well blended.

3. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

5. While shortcakes are baking, mix strawberries and sugar together. Chill until ready to serve shortcake.

6. Slice cakes in half and strawberries (or your fruit of choice) and top with whipped cream.

bunnies making room.

My mom always had a tradition of giving the book Pat the Bunny as a baby gift. However, there were some things that she didn't do. Like decorate with bunnies. Which, on most occasions, I do not either.

However, Easter is a special time of year. It makes people do crazy things...like decorate with bunnies. And chicks. And jellybeans.

Our Bunnykins Breakfast Table

I hope you were able to fully celebrate this season!

c.e.l.e.b.r.a.t.e.

Happy Good Friday...I am so excited to celebrate with you all! This week has been completely crazy, but I've been looking forward to seeing and hearing how you all are celebrating this season in your own lives.

If this is your first time hearing about this...you can read this post. In short...I just wanna throw a party. Of course!

If you have a post of something you're doing to celebrate this season (a recipe you're making, maybe a project you're enjoying this Spring, an activity with your kids, a fun Easter tablescape, what have you!) link up in the comment section. Remember, everyone who participates gets an awesome little Easter present from me... (because remember, i love gifts!?! so fun.) And then, three lucky winners will receive one of our below awesome prizes.

1. Grace for the Good Girl (Emily at Chatting at the Sky)

2. Handmade Change Purse (Ellen at Handmade Recess)

3. Bird Pendant (Saucy Mama)

I'll announce the winners Easter Monday!

Welcome to the first Easter Celebration Showcase!

The Great Grocery Store Challenge...

Last week, I was feeling pretty crummy. My annual respiratory virus had decided to come visit...and I was in no state to figure out simple things like meal planning and grocery shopping. As we were driving home that afternoon, I asked the kids what they wanted for dinner...their response? An excited...

"Mac and cheese!"

To which, I kindly replied, "We don't have the stuff guys. How about leftovers?" I used my most appealing voice...however, they were not impressed.

So, I thought...I have no motivation, and no meal plans for this week...how about I let them do the meal planning this week?

They were ecstatic. I told them that each had $30 to be able to plan the weeks lunches and 4 dinners for our family.

It was so cute to see their faces processing, and reading specials.

They had a blast. I pulled out my iPhone calculator, and they figured it out. I'm not a homeschooler, by any means, but I did think how fun it was to be able to teach them first hand about budgeting and meal planning. I did require that they had some vegetables or fruit at each meal, but other than that, it simply had to be enough to feed our family.

It only took about an hour, and they were so proud to be able to take part.

Here were the meals they came up with (remember, their 5 and 8.)

Monday - Mac n Cheese and Hot Dogs, with apple sauce

Tuesday - Rotisserie Chicken, salad, and rolls

Wednesday - Veggie Tacos

Thursday - Turkey Sandwiches and cous cous, with fresh fruit

They were so proud to later tell my husband what they had accomplished. That our meal was all their idea!

* My tips if you try this: have a calculator on hand, get the coupons so they can understand how things go on special, make sure you have a good hour to shop, and keep them focused on the "meals" and not all the food to choose from - good advice for myself as well!

relish + easter + free gifts = fun!

A few years ago, I had an Easter party for my kids and their friends. We go to so many celebrations surrounding Christmas, but Easter many times, gets swept away without much focus at all.

It made me sad to think that what my kids thought about Easter was chocolate bunnies and Easter egg hunts. Don't get me wrong, I love those, too. But, I wanted to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. The fact that our Lord was dead, and then rose from the grave to beat death once and for all, for all who believe? Now, that's something to celebrate.

In an attempt to throw my own little Easter party here, I thought it'd be tons of fun to showcase our own Easter celebrations by linking up in the comments next week. Ok, and here's the fun part...I can't throw a party without having favors. So, everyone who participates will receive a gift from me. And, the three lucky people that link up will have an extra special gift, along with the other freebie.

It's just a little way to say thanks for celebrating life with me. I'll announce the awesome give aways next week...but it'll be good. I promise.

Don't think it has to be major. Maybe, you have an Easter wreath on your door, or just a pretty plant that is adorning your table. You might be doing something cool with your kids that others of us would love.

Or maybe you want to go all out and set a table similar to these beauties by Emily at Jones Design Company! (a little inspiration to get you started!)

How fun are these...

vintage yellow with blue and white polkas

luscious green

cutie pie kids table

teal accents with classic white linens

Can you guess my favorite one?

She has a printable set right now that she's selling over at her place...it'd be sure to look adorable on any table or gift!

Ok, so you have until Good Friday...it's definitely a good day to celebrate.

I'll tell you what the prizes will be next week

So, plan on coming back next Friday to link up.

Then, I'll announce the three lucky winners Easter Monday!

surfaces of happiness

This weekend, i found myself finding happiness in the surfaces in our home.

not because of big, monumental events...

just by little glances of life happening right before my eyes.

...and maybe the chance to get a little extra sleep.

may the surfaces in your life bring you happiness

and blessing today and every one after.

Not Just for Funerals...

It's funny how times change. This past weekend, as my family gathered to celebrate the life of my Grandaddy, my little girl climbed upon my Grandmother's lap, and proceeded to ask,

"Grandmother, how did you and Grandaddy get engaged?"

As my sweet Grandmother retold the beloved story, I sat stunned at all that has changed in the way of weddings. They had been dating for a while, and Grandaddy was in the War. Against others suggestions to wait until after the war was over, they decided on Thursday evening while he was home to get married the next day! They each went home to their families to announce the news, and the following day, told everyone they saw in town to come up to the church that evening for the wedding. The church was just about packed that evening, and they were hitched.

Now days, the first thing my Grandmother will ask me, when inquiring about someone's plans for their big day is, "They're not gonna have black dresses are they? Black dresses are for funerals!" I smile, and reassure her they're not just for funerals anymore.

Many times, brides love the thought of allowing their girls dresses to continue to be functional after the wedding as well as during the grand celebration. So, they suggest for the bridesmaids to simply pick a black dress of their choosing. Or they might choose a bridesmaids dress that looks like a fun black cocktail dress that would be able to be worn time and time again. Either way, black is not just for funerals anymore!

I ran across this collage on Wedding Chicks and loved the varying bouquets with all of the uniform black lace dresses.

Or, you can have the opposite, where everyone's dresses are the same color, but different styles, and the bouquets are uniform. This below storyboard was from a wedding I did this past August. The girls were so cute in their short black dresses and cowboy boots.

I know my Grandmother will never be persuaded about black being a bridesmaids color, but I'll definitely always love the option.

How about you? What colors did you choose for your wedding?

Watched Out The Way

We weren't sure how much longer we would have my sweet Grandaddy when I wrote the below prose a couple years ago. We celebrated his 94th birthday with him this weekend, and we knew all too well it was coming. Thankfully, the Lord took him quietly and without suffering on Wednesday morning.

If I had to say one thing I'm grateful for from his presence in my life, it would be that he never lost his childlike faith and spirit, til his last day. His joy was ever present, even in the midst of barely being able to hold his head up to say hello. He was a such a blessing to know and love, and this weekend, I will be celebrating his brave return home to his Father. Watched out the way, Grandaddy. Watched out the way.

(I couldn't think of a better memory than this.)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Goody, goody, goody" my aging grandfather said,

As he made his way to the candy corn.

His wife watched with a disapproving glare,

And yet, she secretly enjoyed his boy like passion.

He sped to the candy with ease,

And without walker, amazingly enough,

Entranced by this sweet temptation.

And as he grabbed a handful and

Stuffed them in his coat pocket,

All he could say was, "Goody, goody, goody..."

He shoved several in his mouth,

Before he even got back his seat.

She smilingly said, "Shame on you, Jack."

He simply looked over, mouth full of happiness

And barely able to utter the word, "What?"

I laughed as this old man

Had become young again, in heart and mind,

Only, not by choice.

His body showing proof,

That it won't be much longer

That I get to see him enjoy

The simplest of pleasures.

This weekend, I absolutely did.

Good Things...

I haven't done a "good things" post for a while, but I really love this practice that Kari does, and I wanted to add mine in this month. I love the idea of celebrating something about each day... it causes you to think a little bit more and to be grateful for the small things we're given.

Feb. 1st - Announced something new and fun about my business at my networking group, and felt really good about it... (more coming soon on that).

Feb. 2nd - My neck had a pinched nerve all day...very painful...but we made it through. I love it when I'm forced to rest. (sense the sarcasm)

Feb. 3rd - Went to such a sweet rehearsal dinner for the couple who was getting married the next day. So amazing to see how God brings the perfect people together to make a beautiful couple.

Feb. 4th - Did a beautiful wedding of two dear, dear, people. It was simply stunning and was a blessing to be a part of it.

Feb. 5th - Always tired after a wedding weekend... but just enjoyed going to church and then being at home for the rest of the day.

Feb. 6th - I went grocery shopping and caught up on house stuff. Had the kids' favorite dinner of homemade mac and cheese, baked ham, and baked pineapple.

Feb. 7th - Had a quick cup of coffee with Emily and laughed a lot in a little bit of time. Made little Valentine's day treats with Asher and then made chocolate chip cookies! My favorite.

Feb. 8th - Kind of a hard day...but had some really good conversations with my family about all that was going on.

Feb. 9th - Had a blast at a red carpet event with my friend Blair.

Feb. 10th - Dates with the kiddos.

Feb. 11th - Went to donut world that morning with Asher. And rearranged River's room! Decluttered...moved furniture...cleaned...awesomeness!

Feb. 12th - Heard a great sermon on generosity, and then met up with my stepmom, and little brother and sister for lunch at one of our favorite Mexican spots. Loved our women's fellowship at church that night...my sweet friend Shannon gave a great talk on spiritual warfare.

Feb. 13th - Had a really good conversation with River...our private "girl talk" time. Love how the Lord is using her in her friendships already.

Feb. 14th - Randy had yummy truffles and flowers waiting for me downstairs...and River had made homemade valentine's for everyone in our family. Had a last minute lunch date with Randy..and got caught up on Downton Abbey that night!

Feb. 15th - Really good meeting at my networking group...and learned a lot!

Feb. 16th - Had a great morning at my Bible study. Talked about when we first saw God's love for us, and heard amazing stories of how God faithfully pursued them in such different ways.

Feb. 17th - had a great meeting to chat about doing more event design with other planners in the area. i love collaborating instead of competing!

Feb. 18th - I planned a fun day to celebrate Randy's birthday - we ventured down to the best five star gas station you've ever been to...literally... and then went down to Chapel Hill to watch the Tarheel game at Four Corners. we had a blast. Of course, we couldn't leave Franklin Street without stopping by Sugarland to get a sweet treat! We ate a lot of good food...good food = good things.

Feb. 19th - My sweet hubby's birthday...and we got snow!! Best present ever...especially for him. Also, got to celebrate a dear friend at her baby shower...in the snow...did i mention it snowed?

Feb. 20th - Had a snow day!! so fun...first snow day all year.

Feb. 21st - worked on party decor and designing with Krista. And my Tuesday night shows.

Feb. 22nd - was extremely tired this day...but enjoyed talking with Randy about all of it.

Feb. 23rd - got to go have a quick lunch with my stepmom at U.S. Sushi...so yummy!

Feb. 24th - got to chat with my big sis for a bit...much needed.

Feb. 25th - beach spa party...quite fun! it was so fun to be able to celebrate River. Also, had fun going to the farmer's market this morning.

Feb. 26th - Enjoyed my Sunday coffee immensely...and the Academy Awards that evening.

Feb. 27th - Started a new creative and fun project with a fabulous wedding photographer, and also had pizza dinner over at my parents to celebrate River's birthday.

Feb. 28th - My little girl turned 8!! Crazy stuff. Had fun with her...we stayed up until her birth time (9:36), and then she shouted, "I'm 8!!!!" shhh...don't tell her i told you...remember, she's 8...she would be embarrassed if she knew you knew. :)

Feb. 29th - Had a great time catching up with a sweet friend and then got to spend the afternoon with my little sister. happy leap day!

Beach Spa Sneak Peek

About a month ago, my sweet little girl, decided she wanted just a few girls from her class to come have a slumber party for her birthday. But, not just any slumber party. She wanted a spa party...but also a beach party... (can you see where this is going?)

So, we've been prepping and decorating...and getting everything set. We (meaning her) decided to stick with the bright colors, rather than the muted vintage look. She is so excited about turning 8, and I couldn't be happier with how things are going.

She has several snack items that are on the must have list...

We'll have lots of fun girlie activities including nail painting, hair styling, and even a little fashion show of the beach babes...complete with the photo booth.

I'm excited about seeing all their cute feet in these fun DIY flipflops!

I'll give the tutorial on those next week...perfect cheap and easy fun addition to any spring or summertime girlie gift!

Now, after all that sweet stuff, let's hope that there will be at least a little sleeping happening this weekend!

Linking up with Jen at In the Studio today. Go have fun and visit all those artsy folks!

little loves

happy valentine's day to you.

I couldn't think of a more romantic picture than this one. It's a little "sweetheart" table I designed back in the fall.

Yesterday, as I was talking with a dear friend, we were talking about how little you have to do to celebrate with the ones you love. It doesn't take much. I just adore her sweet tradition...after the kids go to bed, she makes one big beautiful ice cream sundae to share, and then her and her sweetie watch a romantic comedy together. love it.

Yes, a beautifully designed tablescape at a romantic spot in an orchard would be ideal, but that's not really what it's all about.

We've never done much for Valentine's Day, simply because we want to truly focus on loving each other in little ways throughout the year. So, I never expect a slew of roses and flowers...but it was fun to walk down and have my hubby making my favorite breakfast of French Toast, and to have a few flowers and truffles by each of our places. (my daughter wanted to know why I had the biggest box of truffles. heehee.) It's little, but to me, it says "i love you." He'll have class til late tonight, so he thought ahead and wanted to do something special for us all.

This past weekend, my hubby took my little girl out to a Daddy Daughter Dance, and I went with my son on a date of our own. They both are so sweet, and just soak up the time we spend with them. And, also, ummm...when did they get so big???

I absolutely love this picture of her...it's filled with excitement and glee, childlike joy, and yet ecstatic anticipation. She knew exactly how she wanted her hair, and couldn't wait to surprise her date with which dress she chose.

I knew he wouldn't care about dessert or conversation, so I spoke his little love language and we went to CiCi's and then onto Bounce U. He thought it was better than anything he could have imagined. I loved how excited he was when he heard where we were going.

My sweet little man.

So, even though tonight I won't probably won't sit at a table like my "sweetheart" table, I'll pull out a few picnic blankets, and have a fun dessert to surprise my sweetie with when he gets home...and maybe get caught up on Downton Abbey.

Here's to hoping your day is filled to the brim with sweetness and love...

and all the mushy stuff, too.