"...kills ants too!"

We are very thankful to have been blessed with great friends, one of which is none other than Levi (aka, "Ivy" as our girls call him)! We love him and his wife and daughter for so many reasons, but this week in particular I've been singing his praises, for this spring along with the April showers, we've had a couple of unwanted visitors...ants! Urghh! And years ago Ivy gave me a great tip on how to rid them!

I'm not overly organic (not that you are either, Levi, but...), but I am sensible and cautious to care for my family, and I'd rather choose to not use extra chemicals and pollutants in our house to rid ourselves of bugs, so I turned to Ivy's wisdom regarding ants...

Once at a party in our yard, he showed me an ant pile and said that if we'd sprinkle a little Sweet'n'Low on the pile that we'd see that "it not only kills humans, but it kills ants too!"

We have cracked up about that whenever we think of Sweet'n'Low, and this week I decided I'd try it! While I was out one day, I snagged a couple of packets from the restaurant where we were eating, came home and drew some lines 'to not be crossed'! I still can't believe it myself...it works! I've heard that there are rumors that Aspartame was originally designed as an ant poison, and I don't know if that's true or not, but I do know that if you have any unwanted spring-time visitors, try it; it works!

Jen Daniels' new CD release!

A friend of ours, Jen Daniels (who just had twins! congrats again!), is releasing her newest CD, titled "Come Undone." I placed a widget on blog's right sidebar...listen, take, and/or share! I'm sure that you'll enjoy her music as well! And as one that's not a regular concert-goer (unless one can visit/move about freely! ;), I highly recommend your catching her next in concert!

PRE-ORDER through PayPal her New Album "Come Undone"
$16.50 - all pre-orders ship April 1

Or check out some of her other songs at http://www.myspace.com/jenniferdaniels. Some of our favorites are: It's a Good Day to Live, Welcome to Your Life, and In My Coat!

BOGO Coffee!

Hey there, my fella~coffee~lovers (Christina & Co.)!

I've had several good coffee comments from the gals that were over here last Monday night for Jan and Brite's baby shower. Several of you commented on how good the coffee tasted (I think it had a lot to do with the co-old temps!), but I thought I'd let y'all know that right now it's BOGO at Bi-Lo! That evening I served New England Coffee's French Vanilla Decaf. Although my favorite is their Hazelnut Crème.

And if you go here, you can receive a $.50 coupon, which of course one may double at Bi-Lo! And if you're into personality testings, here's a fun coffee quiz on their website!

Hoping you stay warm,
Me, a hazelnut married to a Columbian Supremo!

Nourishment of the heart and soul

What a great day Miss Craig had today...Doctor Henry came in today to say that her heart rhythm's were looking great and that she hadn't had a fever in almost 24 hours, so he said that she could go home today or tomorrow...her children wanted her to stay at least until Monday, so we think she'll most likely come home tomorrow. As a treat to her close friends and loved ones, her children have "given her permission" for her to come to our home versus going to a rehab, and I think she'll do just great! What a treat this is for those of us who have usually been on the receiving end of her sweet love...e'hem...custard, anyone?!?

Yes, I'm confident and trusting that she'll do really well in making a full recovery to her usual busy self! And if I do say so myself, I come from a rich heritage of ladies that can make a mean pallet on the divan (must be said with all of southern accents) as Alal always called it. She's already looking sooo much better! I've got the house ready, menus planned, a fire in the fire place, and she's sure to have plenty of rest and recovery...although I've teased her about having quite a bit of laundry to fold in her awake hours! [;)] Seriously, I'm just kidding!

Back to her day today, I have to say that the hospital does have a problem or two here and there (what hospital doesn't?), but to hear scripture and prayer over the PA system really struck a tender nerve with me...how priceless is that?!? And this afternoon, it was so wonderful to see those, dressed in their church clothes, coming to visit their loved ones...and then the pastors that also came to minister to the weak. I just really enjoyed observing the nourishment that so many of the patients received both in heart and soul. Yes, it was an unusual Lord's day, but a blessed one at that!

A whirlwind of a week and a day!

Whew, doggy, have the days sped up! Every year at this time (beginning of fall) as the days grow shorter, the to-do lists seem to grow longer! What's the deal?!?

Last week we 'almost' finished up the fall cleaning (I'm almost caught up on my laundry...and by that I mean 'under five loads' to do! I still have hope that I'll get there!); we had our first day of prairie club; the girls and I manned the house while Ricci was away on a business trip! Then Meems and P-Daddy came to visit...Mimi's annual October 'flee from town so that no one throws me a surprise bday party' visit! And before I knew it...the week was over, my head hit a pillow, and I was out! Too much to do~Too little time!

What a fun visit we had while Mimi and PawPaw were here! On Friday, Dad was able to spend some time out on their property while Mimi, the girls and I hit the town looking for deals, eating at Taco Roc (of course!), and meeting L and kids at the playground for an impromptu play date.

Of course, there were several funny things that occurred while they were here, but one really funny thing was that Mimi brought me a 'bag of stuff' that she had found under my bed at home...in that bag was a ton of notes written in high school. Why I saved them back then? I don't know! But it was fun going through them...most of them written between myself, Lorrie, Chip, Adam, and I haven't finished going through them...they are too funny! "If I knew then, what I know now!" Anyway, while I was reading them...out of the blue, Mom asks, "Have you ever heard anything from Eryn Ferguson?" I told her, "No, I don't think that I've seen her since the evening we graduated from high school." Then as I walked into the family room (where our computer is)...there were TWO emails from Eryn Ferguson! Aghhh! ISN'T THAT CRAZY?!? I screamed and told mom, and she knows that Jen and I always kid each other about our lives seeming as if we're on the Truman show (you know...that our entire life is actually a TV show). So she kiddingly acted as if she was holding something up to the lights as if they were our sponsor for that episode! Aghh...yes, we have a crazy (FUN!) family!

Then after Ricci returned home from his trip, we went to the corn maze...lots of fun getting lost and riding the hay rides! Then we attempted to make it into the Wilderness Temple downtown; we waited in a slowly moving line for about two hours, and as the sun set we grew cold, tired, and hungry! We were probably going to be the next in line, but we all decided at the same time...we were out-a-there! (Has anyone been yet? Is it worth our going back?) So Dad took us all to dinner, then we went home and had a little bday party for Meems!

"If you are experiencing a mental health emergency..."

I just find it amazing the way God made men and women so differently! You know...the way men have to rationalize and 'fix' things while women are more emotional and often turn things into something irrational and make it a bigger deal than it actually is! "Bless our hearts!"

Yes, us women are pretty emotional at times, but how I love being a woman, a weaker vessel. I can't imagine carrying the weight of the responsibility for an entire family! I guess that's a reminder for us wives to pray more fervently for our dear husbands.

Within the last two days, I've had two good girlfriends call and say that they were basically getting ready to freak out....well, let me join the club! Please!!! Perhaps it's just the business of this time of year...or perhaps it's the change of the season...I don't know, but I feel it too!

As a wife and mother, there are many stresses that can pull us down (duties in the home, caring for our loved ones, friends, extended family, commitments in the church and community, etc.), but somehow we manage!

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

I Corinthians 10:13

I'm so very thankful for this promise! He does always provide us a way out; doesn't He? I also find it amazing the way we can feel our blood pressure drop... by smelling or just holding a sweet baby (shout out to Baby Kate!), seeing a cute puppy, or just laughing with good friends.

At the end of one of my phone calls, my sweet friend and I were laughing so hard about her calling her insurance company about something totally unrelated to what she heard on the other end of the phone..."If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please hang up and dial 911." Now that's funny!

A sweet act of love...

I have to post this, for I just think it's one of the sweetest gifts of the week/month/year....and I've been in puddles over here...and I think you might be too!!!

Knowing that some of our dearest friends had opened up their home this week to a little girl in need (the girl's single mom works outside of the home and needed childcare for her daughter during her school's fall break...my heart is already saddening), yesterday Ricci came home and told me a sweet story about something that had happened.

After a couple of days of my friend's watching this little girl, the little girl is really enjoying the new atmosphere in which her mom is leaving her every day. So one day, it was apparent that the girl needed extra love (she was wearing the same clothes from the day before,...), so my friend initiates the gentlest, overwhelming gift of love...she offers the little girl a bubble bath!

What a kind gesture of love! When Ricci told me this...I burst into tears! Isn't that precious?!? There are opportunites all around us to show God's love to others, and this one just hit me like a ton of bricks! I just found this kind gesture overwhelming, for it was so gentle and yet so impacting! What a sweet way to show God's love to this little girl in an effective way. She (her clothes, spirit, etc.) was washed and made new!

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:12-14

Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Matthew 18:5

Friend, you are truly a friend to have, and I'm so thankful to call you mine....you know who you are! I love ya!

A fun CM week!

What a fun (and busy!) wrap-up to a great summer we have had!
As the leaves are already starting to fall and the rest of the growing season is wrapping up its final showing, we're relishing these last few days of summer! (After all, fall is my favorite season, and I'm eagerly awaiting it!)

One afternoon, a good girlfriend called upon several of us other gals to come and help her carry her burden of blueberries! Uh, yeah...we're there! So the next morning we all adorned ourselves with our buckets tied around our necks (like professional berry pickers) and met up with everyone to help out sweet Joanna! What a fun time we all had! It was so sweet of J to open up her yard and her home to all of us...and our kiddos in tow! The kids had the best time playing, and we would all pick for a while and then go outside and 'sit a spell' while we cooled off and had some tea, scones, cookies, etc. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Isn't this the cutest berry-picker you've ever seen?!?

And as we started off our new school year, two girlfriends and I hit the road for an impromptu over-night trip. We learned of a great SCM conference, settled our fams, and hit the road! We had a great time yackin' all of the way up there and back! We rushed out of town so quickly so that we could make it to our hotel in time for happy hour, and after enjoying some time relaxing, we went to a wonderful restaurant...I have no recollection what the name of it was, and I paid cash, so I have no receipt, but here's a photo of it...it's down on the bottom left! Oooh, and I'm still craving their chicken with capers! It was soooo good! It was served over a bed of angel hair pasta with a lemon and white-wine sauce and with the most gently sauteed green beans and red tomatoes on the side!

After we ate and laughed til we could eat and laugh no more, we giggled our way back to our hotel room, stayed up way too late, and got up way too early the next morning. After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, we were off to the conference! (Notes to be posted later!)

Blessed with a bounty of food and friends!

A sweet, dear friend suprised us today when she dropped by to share some goodies with us.

Every Wednesday afternoon, several of our hippie friends stop by a local drop-off and pick up their produce from a co-op that they are all in (Y'all KNOW that I'm kidding about the hippie-thing! And some of you may take that as a compliment [;)]). And throughout the summer, when our itty-bitty garden isn't producing what I'd like for it to be producing, I have to admit that I do get a eensy-teensy bit jealous!

So this afternoon, I was thrilled when Elaine stopped by and sweetly gave us what we wanted out of her basket!

There was so much bounty...full of amazing color, texture, shapes, etc.! (Our God is so good to give us what we wouldn't expect!) Now I'm excited about serving them to my family...and of course, Nick and Elaine too! Since they aren't feeling too well these days and don't feel like 'dealing' with these great foods, do you think if I prepare them some yummy things that they'll stop by next week?!? I won't count on it!

Here are the names and some pics from their shared bounty!

- Delicata Squash
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
- Zephyr Squash
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini or Sweet Peppers
- Hot Peppers
- Eggplant
- Okra
- Genovese or Cinnamon Basil

Isn't it all gorgeous?!?

Thank you sooo much, Nick and Elaine!

"Today on Antiques Roadshow, we'll have...!"

Life here is so busy, yet God still gives us those little surprises! Well, I think this is a huge one...today, I'm off to the Antiques Roadshow! I can't believe it, but late last night, our friend Dan called and offered us two tickets to the show, which is here in town! He said that his wife remembered my saying how much I would have liked to have been able to go, and I don't even remember speaking to her about it! (Urghh...that thyroid of mine! Man, am I glad that Paula can remember things!) But the Lord (and Paula!) knew how much I wanted to get a sneak-peak inside!

Well, Dan was given these tickets by an old friend of his from high-school, which is now one of the Antique Roadshow's producers! And Dan said that his only motive was just being able to catch up with his friend, and he did that last night at a special party, so he gave us his tickets!
Eric really wanted to go, but he has a lot of work to do today from home, so he EVER-SO-SWEETLY has offered to stay at home with the girls (oooh, I'm praying that they'll stay busy and quiet so he can get his work done!), and I'm taking Miss Craig with me...she's one of my 'bestest' friends, who is 85, and Antiques Roadshow is just about all she talks about (even when the show isn't in town!), so I called and offered to take her...I thought she was go to have a heart attack from her shock and excitement! The only thing....she wants to get there before the doors open! Aghhh!

I'm taking my great-great grandmother's wedding purse and an old Shakespearean book of Eric's! I'll post the details and the rest of the story, when I get a chance! (I sure hope that my things DON'T get me on TV!)

June is for daylillies, weddings, and fun!

I just love that God gave us different seasons to enjoy (He must have known that we'd grumble even more if we had to live with the same temp/light every, single day!), and along with these seasons I love the different blooming cycles of different plants, trees, flowers,...! April brings us an amazing show with the azaleas, and in May I love to see the Roses of Sharon come alive while in June the daylillies give their daily spectacular displays of color!

The beautiful daylillies that are seen on every corner and in every yard are one of my reminders of the week of our wedding in June of 1996! And this June it was such a joy to be a part of another special wedding, the marriage of Tom and Ivey! After many prayers for Ivey's perfect match, she lolled in fove with her prandsom hince! There were lovely bridal showers, and then the day finally arrived!

The day of the rehearsal arrived, and it was such a joy to get dressed up to join the two lovely families that were happily merging together! What a perfect evening it was for the outdoor rehearsal dinner, and if the toasts didn't have us crying from laughing then we were crying for joy!

Dr. Phil and Tressie taking a spin on the dance-floor!

With twenty flower girls and two adorable ring bearers, the wedding was more than special! What an honor to have that many little girls' looking up to dear Ivey...the children were from Ivey's Sunday School class, Tom's family, and our gals.

A fun slideshow!

Although that weekend will also always be synonymous with the word "heat wave," that day could not have been more lovely! The reception was held at the bride's family's home, and it was hotter than hot, but it was unbelievably wonderful! There was a 21-piece orchestra, lots of dancing, such great food, and we all indulged ourselves in more than enough sweet tea (I did accidentally gulp down a glass of champagne...oops! Oh, well...it was too hot to matter!)

Thank you, Tom & Ivey, for allowing us to be such a special part of such a glorious day! Ivey, God has truly blessed you with the desires of your heart; Tom is just what you ordered [;)]! And Tom...take care of our girl! We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your family! Thanks for such a wonderful day!

Two things one can't live without...friends and flowers!

After a long week/end, I decided that my thyroid levels must be out-of-whack once more, for I could barely get out of bed, and I rested for most of the day on Sunday! Perhaps, we're just doing too much these days, but we surely can't stop now! Ivey's wedding is next week!

So after doing this and that during the day, I ran over to return some borrowed gardening tools to a good friend of mine (who sent them back home with me....she's so generous!), and that sweet thing sent me home with three huge bucketfuls of luscious, green perennials! She divided her Black-eyed Susans, Obedience Plant (just lovely when in bloom!), and a new aster that I've never had, Stokesia Aster! Of course, Eric new that he was in for another little project, when I pulled into the driveway and asked to borrow a shovel! (We're going to be such a great older couple [as if we aren't now!], for we do love to garden together!) I was really eager about getting my new gifts into the ground as soon as possible, so we did, and they love their new home!

Thanks, Elaine, from the bottom of my heart! I will always cherish our friendship as well as these lovely perennials!