.

2012-01-26T15:15:00.002-06:00

Projects Are Fun!

My sister, Sherrie from A Ruffled Nest,

is becoming an expert at furniture painting.

She has discovered,

through Carter's Cottage,
where she sells her beautiful things,

Annie Sloan's paint.

It is chalk paint.

Avid painters love it.

So...I decided to try it.

I love it too!

It is fun to work with and

I love all of the colors that are available.

This pure white is definitely a pure white,

which I Love!
This bookshelf was dark red.
It did take three coats.
Next time I would prime it first.

Have any of you tried this paint?
Let me now what you think.
Joyce

Peace & Calm

2012-01-23T08:47:00.002-06:00

So Peaceful...

This makes me happy.

Every Girl

2012-01-19T06:33:00.000-06:00

Some things that I wish every girl knew.
Find someone who treasures you
and treasure them back!

2012-01-16T08:17:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the Prettiest Cakes you will ever see...

Check it out Here
Of course,
you have to go far, far away,
to the land down under,

Sydney, Austrialia

to taste these beauties.

ENJOY!

Always Adjusting

2012-01-13T06:04:00.000-06:00

My life keeps readjusting.

It is good to remain flexible because,

one thing in life is very consistant,

Things Change.

Staring at the end of last August, until

last Friday, I have been working at my

husband's office.
I was a temp until they found someone full time.

Life is very different as a working wife and mother.

I have always respected those brave women

who have worked outside of their homes,

and now I respect them at a new level. :)

So, I am again readjustng to life at home.

This is not a hard adjustment.

It feels good.

But, I did make some new friends and I

miss seeing them.

And, surprisingly,

(because I wasn't sure)

I had so much fun working with my husband.

He is a really nice boss.

I learned so much about his world.

I guess the word Respect is the word I would

choose watching him work so hard.

Anyway, I am back...

Back to Bible Study with my Buddies.

Back to Blogging with my Blogger Friends.

Back to Cleaning my House.

Ha Ha

Back to My Projects.

BACK!

Love,

Joyce

A Sweet Surprise

2012-01-12T10:28:00.001-06:00

My sweet kids, Aaron & Jessica,
picked out this beautiful tea cup

and delicious tea for me for Christmas.

I love it and it looks so pretty on my counter.

And, the tea is Yum Yum!

I also bought myself this "tea flower".

It opens up into a pretty flower,

but I need a clear glass tea cup for it.

Do you have a favorite tea?

2012-01-10T18:11:00.002-06:00

Oh Man...

Those tempteing Etsy shops

on all of your creative blogs...

Temptation!

Well, I couldn't resist this from

Lieslmade

Her Weekender Bag

I love the fabric, the design and the size-

Perfect!

I am in LOVE...

And, she gave me

these cute, cute coasters.

So Sweet!

Do you love?!?

And, her thank you-

Need I say more?

Presentation Matters.

Thank you, Liesl.

I love it!

Flowers...

2012-01-08T13:24:00.000-06:00

PRETTY FLOWERS...

In the winter I miss the colors of

Spring & Summer.

The snow is beautiful,

but it is all the same color.

Ha Ha

I like lots and lots of colors.

So, instead of going outside to admire

the summer blooms,

I will look through my pictures.

This one makes me almost able to

smell that beautiful flower!

I hope that you all enjoy it too.

Love,

Joyce

2012-01-06T16:11:00.000-06:00

VINTAGE FABRIC & FRINGE

Who could ask for more?

Possibilities make me smile ...

Christmas In The City

2012-01-01T19:16:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

This is a little Merry Christmas from

Me to Me!

It isn't one of the big boys like a lot of you bloggers have,

but it is perfect for me!

I am so excited to learn more about it.

Both my oldest son (whom I bought it from)
and his girlfriend know a lot

about photography and cameras,

so I am hoping that they will teach me lots!

The City

My oldest lives in Chicago and had to work

on Christmas Eve and he couldn't come home.

So, instead, we went to him!

Some friends so generously lent us their condo.

It was so beautiful and cozy.

We loved it!

Our view from the 33rd floor.

I brought along a little Christmas tree.

Christmas morning needs a tree!

My sister and her family,

along with my oldest son and his girlfriend, Jess,

met us downtown for the afternoon .

We had lunch together and then went shopping.

Soooo Funnnn!!!

We were also blessed to spend some time with

Jessica's mom on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning,

It was a wonderful family time!

Hope your Christmas and New Year's was

Wonderful!!!

And, here's to

2012!!!

it is going to be a great year!

Love & Prayers,

Joyce

Pretty Packages...

2011-12-03T08:47:00.001-06:00

Presentation matters...

I ordered a Christmas surprise for someone-

Shhhhhh...

and the package arrived from

Katie's Rose Cottage.

This is how the surprise

was packaged.

Who cares what's inside when the wrapping is so gorgeous!
But, what was inside
is as gorgeous as the outside.

SNOW PRETTY

2011-12-01T09:44:00.001-06:00

Here we go...

So pretty in December.

Not so pretty in March.

But, it's where I live...

I might as well soak in

the beauty of God's handy work

and thank Him for each and every day,

whether is it's

80 and sunny

30 and snowy.

2011-11-15T14:56:00.001-06:00

Challenge One- Part One
Here was my challenge-

And, here is what I produced-

I challenged myself in my last post to two ongoing projects.
I am a wee bit behind in both, but-

not completely behind.

Challenge Two-

right

HERE

Day 5

Day 6

And, just a few more pictures of June June.

I think she likes the modeling business.

I WILL make myself complete
both of these challenges,
even if I finish late!

Next on the quilting project-

The spider Web Block is the next on the
Mini Patchwork Sampler Quilt Series

I will keep you posted on my perserverence.
It's somewhat questionable,
but I am really going to try.
Love, Joyce

Random Fun...

2011-11-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

Are you wondering why

the random pictures?

A self-portrait-
kind of.

But I had just had a pedicure
and wanted to share my joy
with you of my red toenails.

This is one of the simple things in

life that just makes me happy.

What I wore to work on November 2nd.

There are suppose to be clouds in this picture,

but the sky was a beautiful blue and cloudless.

I thought that that was worth celebrating.

Something green...

And, here, just below, is the reason

why I have posted these pictures...

I started four days late,
so I am trying to catch up.

If this looks like fun to you go and visit

White Peach Photography

HERE

I also found this little follow along project.

Once a month you make a new square and will

have a little quilt at the end of the year.

Mini Patchwork Fence Rail Block Tutorial

by Liesl

Take a look right

HERE

I think that I can handle both
of these small projects

And this-

Oh My, Oh My!!!

I cannot express how much I love this.

Now all I need are some antique baby booties.

No problem...

Ha Ha

To take a look at this Tutorial go to

Katie Rose Cottage

HERE

I hope that you enjoy all of this randomness...

Love,

Joyce

Happy Little Surprises

2011-10-28T16:05:00.000-05:00

Last Spring I worked at a

local, seasonal greenhouse.

One day, while I was working,

a girl, who brought plants up to

the retail store from the greenhouses,

brought up a hanging Geranium plant.

As she was hanging it she discovered

these two little pretty eggs.

So Pretty!

The young lady took the plant

back to the greenhouse

where the frantic bird parents

were searching for their eggs.

A couple of days later the girl told me

that she went back to check on them,

to see if they had hatched,

and there was a third egg.

It will be awhile before I have

an experience like that again.

Old Man Winter is revving up

for a cold, snowy season here

in the Midwest.

Burrrrrr

I feel cold just thinking about it!

January 2010

I know that there are many

"Winter People"

out there, my middle son is one of them.

Let me just say-

I Am Not

But, I will try my hardest to embrace the season

and not be a complainer, at least until March 1st.

Then, YES, I will complain.

Wedding Bells...

2011-10-24T16:09:00.001-05:00

Saturday night

my hubby and I went to a wedding.

It was at

The Blue Dress Barn

Pure Charm & Whimsy...

I absolutely Loved everything
about this wedding.

The guys had on black slacks,
white shirts and lime green ties.
Love It!
And, the Bridesmaids
all had on black dresses
but each dress was different,
with green shoes.
And, of course,
the Bride looked beautiful.

Sadly, I don't have a picture of the Beautiful Bride.

What was I thinking?

If I were getting married again,

I would totally copy this wedding.

The Bride thought of every detail.

Everything was simple, charming,

and at the same time, elegant.,

just like the bride.

She is a doll!

The groom's family was part of the entertainment!

FUN!

Yum....Cupcakes!

They were the Best Cupcakes I have ever had!

Vanilla, chocolate, carrot or red velvet.

Can it get any better than that?

This was the Bride & Groom's little cake.

So Pretty!

An antique bird cage held the cards

This was the guest book-

Everyone stamped their finger

or thumb print and then,

we wrote our names around the print.

Look at this adorable Candy Bar.
Are those little bags the "Sweetest"?

The flowers were Gorgeous!

Once again,

Simple & Elegant.

My favorite combo.

Here are a few more shots of the grounds.

This barn was

part of a group called

"The House of David".

It has quite a history.

You can read about it right

HERE

My husband grew up in this area and

remembers going to this barn with

his parents to buy milk.

Lovely...
Congratulations to
Sharlee & Benjy
Here's to your
Happily Ever After!

Baby Love

2011-10-13T18:41:00.003-05:00

Do you remember my little friend,
Rebekah,
whom I called the

"Hippy-Chick Bride"
You can read about her Pretty wedding right
Here & Here

Well...
now that Pretty Bride is going to be very
Pretty New Mommy!

Her lovely best friend, Amelia,
who happens to also be her sister-in-law
(how convenient is that?)
and I had a baby shower for her.

This is my right-hand-man, Jer.

I couldn't have done it with out him.

Very Helpful! :)

Rebekah loves nature and muted colors,

so I thought an Autumn theme would be perfect.

But me being me,

I always need just a touch of pink.

Here is a group shot of the

Lovely Girls who came to celebrate.

Here is my wonderful co-hostess, Amelia,

and the soon to be mommy, Rebekah.

And, below, Amelia handing out a prize

after one of her creative games.

Rebekah with her sweet Mama.

And, Rebekah with her

very talented Mom-in-Law

My youngest son casually walked through,

and look what happen to him-

in the pictures of Rebekah's shower.

Only for her!

ENJOY YOUR FRIDAY!!!

For my "Friday Pretties" Girls-

I am having some Linky issues,

and am Very frustrated.

I am rethinking this plan...

Much Love,

Joyce

Autumn Joy

2011-10-11T18:02:00.000-05:00

It's That Time of Year...

Snuggling In

Caramel Apples

Pumpkin Donuts

The Fireplace

Early Crisp Nights

Leaves Falling

What do you love about Fall?

Happy, Happy Friday Pretties!

2011-10-06T15:27:00.002-05:00

You know, my blog is named

I Love Pretty Little Things,

because I truly do

Love Pretty Little Things.

Pretty,

Nonsensical,

Unneeded,

Probably never to be used because

I like having them.

Pretty things...

Is it O.K. to buy and to own things

that you own only because you like them,

you think they are pretty,

but will probably never be able to
actually use them,
because they are too pretty to use?

Well, right or wrong,
that is a part of my life.

I'm not a hoarder,

but I do

Love Pretty Little Things!

What about you?

Side note-
If you live in the Chicago area
make sure that you check out this Amazing Sale!

My sister has some
beautiful painted furniture for sale.
This sale is worth a road trip!!!

Join me with your Friday Pretty

by linking up below.

Everyone is welcome!

Friday Pretties...Come and see

2011-09-29T20:35:00.000-05:00

It is time again...

Time For

Friday Pretties!
Find a

Pretty

and post about it on

Friday.

From Sherrie's blog. Take a look right
HERE
Then come on over

and link on to my

Friday Pretties Party!

I can't wait to see you all again!

Hugs,
Joyce

Coming soon...Friday Pretties

2011-09-27T19:24:00.000-05:00

FRIDAY PRETTIES GIRLS...

ARE YOU STILL OUT THERE?!?

This Friday is the first

Friday Pretties

of the fall.

STAY POSTED!

A Sweet Homecoming

2011-09-22T18:41:00.001-05:00

A year ago today

My Sweet Mom went to Heaven.

Her favorite place on this earth

was at the beach.

Do you think there are beaches in Heaven?

If there are, I know that's where she will want to be.

She told my sister's pastor that she doesn't

need a mansion in Heaven,

but would love a little cottage by the sea.

April 11, 1936-

September 22, 2010

Tonight at 5:05

we let go of 6 balloons representing our family.

One was for Junie the Wonder Dog,

because Mom Loved Junie.
And, Junie Loved Mom.

I attached a little note on mine.

I LOVE & MISS YOU

MOM!!!

"There are many rooms in My Father's house.
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going away to make a place for you.
After I go and make a place for you,
I will come back and take you with Me.
Then you may be where I am."
John 14:2-3

Beautiful People

2011-08-29T19:53:00.000-05:00

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have

known defeat,

known suffering,

known loss,

and have found their way out of the depths.
These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity,

and an understanding of life

that fills them with compassion, gentleness,

and a deep, loving concern.
Beautiful people do not just happen.

--Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

B.B. Stand For Blogger's Block. Help Meeee!!!

2011-08-22T07:36:00.000-05:00

My Goodness !

I have been in such a Blogger Dry Spell.

I think about blogging.

I plan on blogging.

I want to blog,

but I just don't know what to blog about.

Blogger Block.

It's painful...

I guess I need to just jump back

into the Blogging Pool,

but I also don't want to

bore people to death.

So, do I just blog to blog

or should I wait for something interesting?

I will keep trying,

and I am going to start

Friday Pretties again soon.

I will have to gather my

Faithful Friday Pretty Girls

from the far corners of Blog World

and hopefully grab a few new ones along the way.

Don't give up on me!

I am still out here in Cyber Land.

I have just sunk

Deep into Lazy Summer Mode.

I really like it here.

But, Autumn life is calling.

Back to real life soon...

Time flies Soooo fast when

you are having fun!!!

Please feel free to share any tips

you have for getting unstuck.

Love, Joyce

Our Annviversary

2011-08-11T07:54:00.004-05:00

"We are all a little weird

and life's a little weird,

and when we find someone whose

weirdness is compatible with ours,

we join up with them

and call it love."

-Dr. Seuss

Today is our 27th anniversary.

You can see my post from last year
Here
But, for today, I have re-posted just a bit of
last year's post-

Twenty-six years ago today

two very young kids got married.

Those young kids,

who thought that they were Very grow-up,

were Big Jer and I.

We were 21 and 22.

Some would say that that is not so young...

We were!

And, now that I have a 21 year old

I really know how young that is.

We stood before friends, family

and most importantly, before God.

and vowed to

Love and Honor

each other.

We promised to be married until

Death.

Do 21 year old "Kids" really understand

"Until death do us part."

Well, through all of these years together,

all of our big and small events,

all of our unbelievable joys

and some heartbreaking trials,

we have,

By The Grace Of God,

stood the test of time.

We do not take any of these years for granted.

We are thankful, every day,

for August 11, 1984 until today.

We are even thankful for those heartbreaks,

because through adversity

strength is truly born.

Love You Jer!!!

Full Nest...Empty Nest...Full Nest...

2011-08-07T08:22:00.007-05:00

For a whole week
my husband and I had an empty nest.
It was a test.
How will we do when that time comes?

Well, we filled it up with fun and
tried to keep busy,
but our nest felt Very empty.
Our two older boys have moved out
and our youngest was on
a mission trip for a week.
We had adjusted to only having
one at home-
but there was a a huge hole
in our world with our youngest gone!
Well...
He is back!
And,
Our middle son has moved back in
for a little while,
so...

Our nest feels full again.
See that chick with his mouth wide open
waiting for Mom to feed him?
I so get that!
Ha Ha
Boys are always HUNGRY!
But, I am thrilled to be able to feed them.
Now I just need to formulate a plan to get my third chick home...

Children are a gift from the LORD;
they are a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3

Another Summer Read...

2011-07-31T07:54:00.000-05:00

This has been a reading summer for me.

I love it!!!

It has been such a peaceful, happy

and restful summer,

full of trips, family, fun and lots of rest.

Not every season is like this,

as we all know who have lived

a "bit" of life,

so we also know to

Enjoy Fully the Peaceful Seasons.

That is what I have been doing,

with lots and lots of books!

The Midwife's Confession

Dear Anna,
What I have to tell you is difficult to write, but I know it will be far more difficult for you to hear, and I'm so sorry…
The unfinished letter is the only clue Tara and Emerson have to the reason behind their close friend Noelle's suicide. Everything they knew about Noelle—her calling as a midwife, her passion for causes, her love for her friends and family—desc
...mor

ENJOY!!!

Summer

2011-07-29T06:57:00.000-05:00

Summertime

In the Summer,

I am

HAPPY

I Love Wilbur...

2011-07-20T22:50:00.003-05:00

'Wilbur blushed. "But I'm not terrific, Charlotte. I'm just average for a pig."

"You're terrific as far as I'm concerned," replied Charlotte, sweetly, "and that's what counts. You're my best friend, and I think you're sensational. Now

stop arguing and go get some sleep."'

Birthday Girl!

2011-07-18T18:23:00.001-05:00

Is solace anywhere more
comforting than
in the arms of a sister.

~Alice Walker

My wonderful sister just
had a birthday.

After such a crazy year,

I am

CELEBRATING

HER!!!

Last year at this time
she was at the beginning

of her chemo treatments.

She is cancer FREE!

So...
Do either one of us complain
about turning another

year older?

No Way!

Do we take any year, month,
day, minute for granted?

No Way!

Every breath is a gift.

Celebrate every birthday
with Enthusiasm!

Thank Our Father
for the gift of life.

And, today,

I am Thanking
Thanking
Thanking God

for the gift of My Sister!

I LOVE YOU SHERRIE!

Visit her at her blog-
A Ruffled Nest

Sherrie is the Little Sis in this picture.

So, So Cute!!!

Lacy's Wedding Part II

2011-07-09T14:08:00.001-05:00

What an Amazing,

Wonderful, Magical,
Weekend FULL of FUN!!!

Lacy & Adonis are married!

They were so sweet to include Sherrie,

Allie and I in every event they had.

Sherrie on the right. I am on the left.

This is Sherrie and I getting ready

to go to the rehearsal dinner.

Sherrie with our cousin, Becky,

who is the Mother of the Bride.

They are two amazing Beauties,

inside and out!

(Becky looks like she could be the sister of the bride, don't ya think?)
We were served Lebanese food. Lots and Lots of it!
Made by Ado's Mom and helpers.
DELICIOUS!!!

From left to right is our Gorgeous Allie,

(Sherries daughter)

Sherrie, Sweet Bride, Lacy ,

with her soon to be hubby, Ado.

Ado and Lacy did not, in any way, make this wedding

weekend about themselves.

They honored their parents, siblings, friends,

family and God so much.

Their words to their parents and siblings at the

dinner were priceless.

They are Wonderful Kids!

This is Lacy's Daddy seeing her

for the first time in her wedding dress.

Sisters, Mindy & Becky, waiting

for the wedding to begin.

Lacy with her dad and two sisters.

There is so much genuine love and

respect in this very special family!

This is one of my favorites-

These two are hilarious together.

And, I have to tell you all,

Lacy was the sweetest, calmest bride I

have Ever seen!

She made the day so pleasant

and enjoyable for all.

Look at the faces in the pictures.

Her calm shows on every face.

Why not be nice?

The only music was this cellist.

BEAUTIFUL!!!

Their ceremony was very simple

but very God centered.

Her dad married them, and his heart

and words were so dear and

so honoring of marriage

and of his own wife.

He talked a lot about servant hood

and respect for each other.

And, here is the

Happy, Happy Couple

dancing their first dance!
Funnest reception ever!
Great food, great People and
we danced for four hours straight!

There is so much more I could share,

so there may be more to come...

Much Love,

Joyce

Lacy's wedding

2011-06-27T15:59:00.001-05:00

Well...
I am off and running!
My Sis, Gorgeous Niece & I
are taking a road trip!

Our Beautiful Cousin Becky's,
Beautiful Daughter,
is getting married!
She is marrying a wonderful guy
that we all love.

Off to Virginia we go to
The Wedding of the Year!
Well, at least to us...

Pics & Memories to follow.
Much Love & Lots of Hugs,
Joyce

2011-06-23T12:04:00.000-05:00

"I wonder what Piglet is doing,"

thought Pooh.

"I wish I were there to be doing it, too."

-Winnie the Pooh

A Summer Read...

2011-06-22T06:06:00.001-05:00

Here is another good read.

Just a warning...

It is heartbreaking and intense,

so if you what a light, feel good book

this may not be the book for you.

But, I Loved it!

There are some lines in this book

that hit my heart so hard.

This is also one of those book that

you don't want to end.

I really, really wanted to

know what the future held

for these people.

I wish that she had an epilogue

describing them in 20 years.

Let me know if you have read this,

and what you thought.

Happy Reading,

Joyce

P.S. I just found a blog called
Small Things.
Join her for her party
Yarn Along

FUN!

Home is a place...

2011-06-14T21:09:00.002-05:00

"Home is a place

you grow up

wanting to leave,

and grow old wanting

to get back to."
John Pearce

How true is this statement?

I no longer have my childhood home

to go back to.

It is still there,

stilled owed by the family,

but no one lives there.

To even think about that house

makes me so sad.

Sometimes in our lives

we don't realize that the last time

is the last time.

I don't remember the last time that

I was at my parents house

before my Mom became so sick,

and then my dad...

So...

I feel an Extra Blessing that I

have my sister's home to go to.

Her wonderful, charming,

warm and loving home

fills that void of a lost

childhood home.

I LOVE to visit her.

I walk in her back door and

all the troubles of the world

melt away, replaced with

So Much Fun

and

So Much Laughter!

It Fills Me Up!

I am here right now,

filling up with some
Love From Childhood.

(Miss Sherrie taking "lovely" picture of me.)
All of the pics on here are of
Sherrie's wonderful home.
:)
Visit her at
A Ruffled Nest
Also, I am linking up with
A Beach Cottage
for
Good Life Wednesdays
Go and take a look!
Have a wonderful, summery week!

SUNSHINE!!!

2011-06-09T10:19:00.011-05:00

You are my sunshine,
my only sunshine.
You make me happy
when skies are grey.

You'll never know dear,
how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.

The other night dear,
as I lay sleeping,
I dreamt I held you in my arms.
When I awoke dear,
I was mistaken,
So I hung my head down
and cried.

You are my sunshine,
my only sunshine.
You make me happy
when skies are grey.
You'll never know dear,
how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.

2011-06-02T21:02:00.000-05:00

Hello Blogger Friends!

I realized the other day that I have been

doing Friday Pretties for over a year-

I have posted 50 plus

Friday Pretties.

I have decided that, because my life has

suddenly become very busy,

that I am going to take the summer off from

Friday Pretties.

I have enjoyed

Friday's so much with all of your

PRETTY, PRETTY PRETTIES

and

I have made so many new friends,

but I feel like the time has come
for a little break.

Thank you all for participating in my little

party every week and sharing your lives

with me and with each other.
And, hopefully,
I will be back with
Friday Pretties

in the fall.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Joyce

Aaaaahhh...What a Life...

2011-06-01T20:18:00.005-05:00

BUMBLEBEE

I was out weeding the other morning.

I stopped to look at a beautiful
Iris that had just opened.

I was startled to see this

Big, Fuzzy Bumblebee

lazing around inside
of the flower.

He didn't care at all that I was there,

even when I got closer and closer

to take a picture.

He just kind of lulled around and

looked at me with not a care in the world.

With that kind of reaction I thought that

maybe he was spending his last

Big Fuzzy Bumblebee

moments,

his last breaths,

in a place that was like Heaven to him.

I thought-

"What a perfect place for a Bumble Bee to die...

A happy, peaceful place."

So, I walked away to give him his dignity.

I turned to weed some more,

and like a super hero from a cartoon,

off he flew like a shot!

He had just been throughly and completely

enjoying his experience inside

that beautiful Iris-

Can you blame him?

What a Life...

Friday Pretties at the Farmer's Market...

2011-05-26T21:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday Pretties!

Big Jer, my youngest and I went to our

local farmer's market on Saturday.

It has been a long, cold winter and

this Farmer's Market is a

breath of fresh air.

F-U-N!

A favorite spot that I found on this

shopping trip is

Shower Treat Soap

Wouldn't these be great gifts?

I think that I need to think ahead.

Everything smells soooo

YUM!

And of course...

I love all of the plants and flowers.

Things are really greening up in my gardens

with all of the rain we have had-

especially my lovely weeds...

But, I don't want to complain because

I know that there are many, many

devastated families and friends

who have lived through the

very destructive tornados around the country.

To any of you out there that have been touched

by these disasters please know that

my heart goes out to you.

Sunshine & Rain...

2011-05-25T12:05:00.001-05:00

I Love Sunshine Days

But, an occasional rainy day is O.K. too...

Friday Pretties Luxury...

2011-05-19T18:12:00.003-05:00

To me...

a lush carpet of pine needles

or springy grass

is more welcome...

than the most

luxurious Persian rug.

Helen Keller

Happy Friday Pretties!

Please visit the other blogs

on my sidebar for many more

PRETTIES!!!

Summer Friday Pretties...

2011-05-13T16:13:00.000-05:00

Summer Friday Pretties...

are so naturally pretty....

no words are needed.

Summer image's

speak for themselves.

Carefree...Warm...Wonderful...

Pretty...Colorful...Lovely

The Magic of Summer!

Aaaahhhh...Happiness

2011-05-11T10:19:00.001-05:00

Spring Has Sprung,

and

Summer Is On It's Way!!!

This is Most definitely my

Happy, Happy Time!

Mother's day

2011-05-08T07:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day

My Mom went home to

Heaven in September.

The firsts are hard.

This is the first Mother's Day without my Mom.

But, I am going to honor her today by

enjoying my own family.

That is what she would

LOVE!

Enjoy your day.

Give Your Mom a Hug!

Friday Pretties Dreaming...

2011-05-05T20:26:00.000-05:00

Here I go again...
Dreaming of a little cottage on a lake.

What are you dreaming of?
Visit the links on my
Friday Pretties!
&
Have a wonderful
Mother's Day Weekend.
Celebrate Your Mom!

Images from Here

Summer Reading & "The Little Things..."

2011-05-04T21:33:00.000-05:00

Summer Time Reading

I just read four good books.

The Sky Is Everywhere

By: Jandy Nelson

Left Neglected

Still Alice

By: Lisa Genova

Last year I also read

The Help
By: Kathryn Stockett

I read this book last year and loved it.

I decided to buy the audio version of it

and am listening to it in my car
as I drive around,

and also as I sew.

The audio is so, so good.

The different voices add so much to the book.

I highly recommend the audio version.

Check your local library.

And, I just saw that it is being made into a movie.

I CANNOT wait!!!

P.S. I do want to let you know that all four of these
books have some language in them.
Just a forewarning.

Any Suggestions from fellow readers?
Share your favorites.
I have so many that I hardly
know where to start...

A"Little Thing"
that I love
is really a big thing to me...
READING

Read
by Ann Turner

Do you remember
learning to read?
That book full of squiggles
like ants, escaped.
the teacher's big thumb
on the page,
your heart beating inside
afraid that all you'd ever see
was ants---
Then a word popped out.
"See," and another, "cat,"
and my finger on teacher's
we read "I see cat."
I ran around the room
so happy I saw words
instead of ants.

I remember this moment.
My life changed dramatically
when I learned to read.
Freedom to go anywhere...

Join Cassie at
Serenade For Solitude
for
"The Little Things..."

FRIDAY PRETTIES

2011-04-28T20:36:00.005-05:00

FRIDAY PRETTIES!!!

Things that make me happy

in the summer...

These two little rascals are now 19 years old.

Every summer they would play for hours outside.

Wonderful Sunny Memories.

My husband and I,

almost every warm night,

take Junie the Wonder Dog out

for a walk on this bike path.

It's Wonderful!!!

The local Farmer's Market opens on Saturday.

But, the Prettiest of all Pretties for me
this week were some very
important words that I heard-

My sister's went in for another
set of 3 month scans.

It's been 6 months since
she finished her chemo.

Those Beautiful words were-

Clear Scans!

Anything Prettier that that?

No Way!!!

I am so grateful.

This is my sister with her new
Cute, Cute Hair and her
Beauty of a daughter!
I L-O-V-E those two!!!

ENJOY YOUR FRIDAY!

Love,

Joyce

2011-04-26T19:48:00.000-05:00

I LOVE GOING TO

MY SISTER'S HOUSE!!!

And,
that is where I am headed tomorrow.

I am so Happy!!!

I haven't seen her for a long time.
Yipppppp
Yeeeeeeeee!!!

Easter Celebrations

2011-04-24T06:42:00.002-05:00

"For to this end Christ died

and rose and lived again,

that He might be Lord of

both the dead and the living"

Romans14:9

Since September 22nd of 2010,

the day that my Mom went to Heaven,

my thoughts, especially on holidays,

are about her.

On this sacred holiday,

the day that Jesus conquered death

and rose from His grave,

I have thought about

what that celebration

must be like in Heaven.

It must be Glorious!

And,

She is there!!!

What is she seeing, doing, experiencing?

It is so beyond my comprehension,

but, I do like to try and imagine it all.

I want to take this day to be

THANKFUL

for God's Amazing Gift.

He gave us His Son to live and die for

each one of us.

Thank you Father.

Thank you Jesus.

"Christ never sinned but

God put our sin on Him.

Then we are made right with God

because of what Christ

has done for us."

Colossians 2:13

Just accept and believe...