"Happy Mothers Day" . . from Jeremy

My son, Jeremy, brought me these stunningly beautiful roses today for Mothers Day!   He was so proud and so happy to present them to me.  He is 38 years old, has Down Syndrome and lives his own life with a 24/7 caregiver.  He lives just a few miles away so we see him on Sundays and other times as well.   He has been a true treasure and gift from God!

When I think of Mothers Day I think of those other moms who are or have raised disabled children, those who have lost a child, those who are hurting for their kids for some reason or another. And for the kids who are hurting for or really missing their moms.  Being a "mom" isn't about all the pretty stuff you give your kids or all the fun and wonderful times you have with them.  It is about the relationship, about the time you spend with them, the time you spend on your knees before the Throne of Grace for them, for nurturing and loving them!   It's about holding them close but letting them go . . . into the arms of the God who created them and who loves them FAR BEYOND what we can love them!  Trusting Him with them and their lives and their hearts . . . our children are a GIFT to us from GOD!   THANK YOU, DEAR GOD, for the gift you have given me in my children!  THANK YOU FOR ROBIN!!
THANK YOU FOR JEREMY!!
THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME AND TRUSTING ME ENOUGH TO BE THEIR MOM!!!

The Lovlieness of LILACS

Lilacs are one of my favorite flowers and I just love that they are one of the first flowers of spring . . . bringing that glorious scent and heavenly beauty to the canvas of our Creator.

These are my lilacs . . yes, they are white.  But they are no less wonderful in their scent and beauty.  This is the first spring that they  have actually bloomed because the bush is quite young and I was so totally excited when I walked out to see them in bloom.   I've been waiting and nurturing them through to see their first blooms!   I am rewarded!  THANK YOU, LORD, for this wonderful Spring Reward!

and the WINNER for the Giveaway is. . . .

KRISTY THOMAS is the winner of the "Stitching and Crafting Giveway" as described here.  CONGRATULATIONS KRISTY!!!!  I do have your address in Melvern . . unless you've moved.  If you have, then you'll need to email me your new address.

I'll finish getting the package together and in the mail by the end of the week.

THANKS SO MUCH to everyone who posted comments here.  I wish you all the fun, fabulous creativity possible in all your projects!!!

CHERRY BLOSSOMS and YELLOW IRISES

Our Creator just does the most amazing and beautiful things with green, flowering and growing things!  Even though I've known that about our God and Creator all my life I am still in ABSOLUTE AWE at the things He blesses my day with!   Now is the season for all the fruit trees to be blossoming and I'm surrounded by fruit orchards . . . cherries (sweet and sour), apricots, plums, peaches, pears and many, many varieties of apples.  I step outside and the sight is all around me and the fragrance on the air is heavenly!   But it is also the time when I see new green growth coming up in my flower beds which means I have to get out and start getting my "gardening" muscles back in shape after their winter rest.  There is a lot of work to be done to get the old plant/flower matter out so the green, fresh and new can blossom and grow.  The first flowers to show their gorgeous faces are these yellow irises, which I believe are a variety of German Bearded.  I have other yellow irises but they are different and come a bit later.  THANK YOU, DEAR GOD, FOR THE "CREATION CANVAS" YOU PAINT FOR ME . . FOR US!!!!

Blossoms on our cherry tree, which are sour/pie cherries

One variety, and the earliest, of yellow irises that grace my garden every spring

Photo Book - "TENT GLAMPING"

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly offers exclusive layouts and designs so you can make your book just the way you want.

STITCHING and CRAFTING "Surprise" Giveaway

ENTRIES CLOSED!!!
I will post the winner tomorrow, Tuesday, MAY 1st.  Thanks to all for "playing".  Enjoyed reading about all the fun things you're up to!
THANKS!!

I'm going to give away some Stitching and Crafting goodies, but it will be a surprise package.   Possibilities are books, including recipe books, papercraft supplies, sewing notions, other craft supplies  - who knows what it will be.                                                          TO ENTER: please leave a comment here telling me if you went shopping for Stitching and Crafting supplies, what are TWO things (please just tell me TWO) that you would want to purchase.  DEADLINE to Enter is: APRIL 30th.

Farmgirl "KINDRED" Spirit



Marilyn, Debbie, Sharon and CJ at "The Farm"

There is nothing like the kindred spirit that draws us together.  The spirit that speaks of friendship, fun, farmgirl-ish lifestyle, laughter and a heart!   I had the extraordinary privilege of spending time with my farmgirl friends last week.  We had the best time!   We met for lunch and wore our aprons . . . and sharing lunch, laughter and love.  My friends, Marilyn and Debbie, visited for a couple days from the Colorado Springs area.  My friend, Sharon, lives here and I get to see her frequently  . . . which is such an honor.  I'm SOOOOOOOOO grateful for these friends and the time we share together!!! 

Marilyn, CJ and Debbie and Branble