I'm still alive...

I just moved! After some reflection, time, and - oh yeah! - the birth of my son, I feel called to start again. Thank you so much for following me on this journey here :)

Please feel free to join me for a (slightly) new journey over HERE

Love and all that good stuff!

Right this Second

I'm sitting in one of my favorite chairs in the house, in flannel pajamas that came in a thoughtful Christmas package intended for Husband, stolen by me, and so big that they swallow me and the bump whole, drinking my favorite roast of starbucks coffee (decaf of course) that was on sale at the grocery store today, brewed in the french press I got for Christmas from my Daddy, with the delicious knowledge that this is day one in the second 4-day weekend in a row, while Husband is within arms reaching watching what promises to be one of many, many football games to be watched today and Baby Boy it poking what used to be my belly button. And I'm drinking in the overwhelming feeling of comfort.

Yeah, my to-do list is pretty long, yep my nose is stuffy, yes I'm starring at a fully dressed Christmas tree that needs to retire today, yeah I need to get up like right now and put supper in the crokpot if we plan on eating it before bedtime, but right this second, everything is right with the world. And I am so very, very comfortable.

Happy New Years Friends!

P.S. I'm so freakin' excited about a fresh new year. I'll have to check back in soon with some of the ways I plan on filling it up :)

Mercy

"Who has given me anything that I need to give back..."
Job 41:11a

Occasionally, I have this tendency. Maybe (hopefully, cause I'd hate to be the only one) you do too. It's called, getting the idea in my head that God owes me something. As if attempting (and that's putting it politely) to be "good" and live in His will somehow entitles me to things. Things that I get all uppity about when I don't get them. Like when life's just the teensy-est bit hard or when things aren't perfect and I launch straight into "Are you kidding me?!? C'mon!"

Please don't stop reading because I sound like a horrible person right now. It's just my flesh, I know better, I promise.

And it's not always. It's just the sort of thing that creeps in before you realize it's there in the first place.

Anyway, I was reading through Job, and if you can make it through Job's whining and his friends' preaching, it starts getting pretty freakin' awesome. Because God shows up and lets loose. And the verse from above hit my poor little human heart, and I might have audibly gasped a little at it's implications.

Because do you realize how preposterous it is to even begin to feel entitled when it comes to God? Like He owes me something? When it's actually the other way around and I owe Him absolutely everything, except that nothing I have to give even comes close to being anything He's worth? Yeah. Let that sink in for a second.

But that's not even the best part.

The best part is that He gives me a bunch of the stuff I feel "entitled" to all the time, even though He's completely aware that I'm being such a big misguided baby about it. And, and, He doesn't give me what I actually deserve, which (in case you were wondering) is a kick in the pants followed by an eternity without Him. That, my friends, is mercy.

Case in point:

My camera's been missing. And I know it's "just a camera" and there are actual tragedies occurring at this very moment, but I've basically been a basket case about it, because it's not the sort of thing you just "lose" and it's certainly not the kind of thing you just replace on a moment's notice, and I couldn't even begin to think of where else to look, and the holidays are coming up, and I'm going to have Baby, etc, etc, etc

So after a an emotional conversation about all the above, this is what followed...

Me: (To God) I know You don't owe me anything, and it's just a camera, and You've obviously got bigger things to do, but I'm feeling absolutely defeated about this, and -

Husband: Are you sure you checked under the cushions of the chair?

Me: (To Husband, as I begin digging in the chair for the millionth time) Yes, I took all the cushions off, and dug all around, and - wait - there's a divot under here!

And out came the camera I hadn't even finished praying about finding.

That's just showing off.

And some of you may be thinking "It's just a camera" and yeah, maybe it is just a camera, and not finding it wouldn't have been the end of the world. I'd still be happy and healthy and pregnant and blessed, BUT that's why, for this little pregnant lady in that moment of (albeit superficial) desperation, it is mercy.

Over the top, undeserved, mercy.

Is God awesome, or what?

If you're unsure, check out the book of Job, starting around chapter 38 :)

Coffee and a Confession

Hey strangers! It's me. I know you may not remember me because, as I so often tend to do, I completely abandoned this poor little blog for awhile.

If we were really having coffee this morning, I would start by letting you share your heart because, when it gets to be my turn, I have a little confession to make. I would use the golden opportunity of some girl time to talk to you about my little blog here. I could give you a bunch of excuses as to why I haven't been around - especially in one of my favorite seasons to blog. I could say that it's because I'm growing a person and I simply don't have time for such things (untrue - not the person growing part, the other part -it's really not that time-consuming). I could say I just haven't had anything to say (also untrue, I have been cooking up a storm, and I freakin' love Fall!). I could say I just haven't felt like it (again, also untrue, I've been missing you guys).

No, the real reason I haven't been around is....I lost my camera. Yep. Because you can't write one of those "cool" blogs that people want to read unless you post "cool" photos with every post. I mean come on, everybody knows that. Hip blogger 101. Pretty silly, huh? But that's actually what's been swarming around in my mind. (Okay, this is the part where I play my pregnancy card to excuse myself for not firing on cylinders both mentally and emotionally, did it work?) So I guess you could more accurately say that I haven't been blogging because I've lost my focus.

About a kajillion of the bloggers I admire most attended Blog Sugar a few months back (of which, I am insanely jealous because, let's face it, I live on the other side of the country so that was totally not happening). A bunch of them came back and started blogging about purpose. How we all begin our blogs with one, whether we realize it or not, and how it can evolve over time, and how easy it is to lose sight of it. As embarrassing as it is to admit that I'm one of those people, somewhere along the way of collecting comments and counting followers, and throwing myself into every linky party I could find, and reading pots on "how to get your blog noticed," I couldn't even remember why I started blogging in the first place. Because, let's face it, I don't think any of us start our blogs with those things in mind. Heck, we're not even sure what most of those things are when we sign up for our very own blogger account. But we learn, and oh boy do we learn quick. (The English major in me wants to correct that to "quickly" but it doesn't pack quite as much punch. Just wanted you to know that I know it's not exactly correct)

And so, here I am. Photo-less and transparent. Because I really want to come back. I want to blog again. Do you know why I started this blog? Because I remember now. I started this blog because I wanted to be a better person. A better Wife, a better housekeeper, a better cook. A better enjoyer-of the little things in life. A person who lived in daily gratitude for my sweet house and my sweet husband, and for baking sweet things. And I wanted to help other people be those things too. I wanted to create a place where we could share that journey together, whether any of us succeeded in being June Cleaver or not. And if God wanted to occasionally use those things, all the better.

So here we go again, if you'd like to join me, I would love to have you! Because life is too short to do it alone and to do it without enjoying it. Where's the fun in that?

Hello little blog, welcome to the first day of the rest of your life...

P.S. Just to be clear, I'm not beginning to say that pictures, linky parties, etc are wrong - AT ALL! I'm merely speaking about MY intent. And I totally plan on utilizing both...as soon as I find that darned camera........I knew you'd understand :)

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My pumpkin stand trip last year

Happy Sunday Friends! Have you been enjoying the season so far? I have! But I'll let you in on a little secret: the only yearly thing I love more than Fall, is...Christmas!

Did she just say the "C" word in October?

Yes, she did, but she's making a point.

I've been jonesing, pretty badly, for "the most wonderful time of the year," but my parents raised me with a healthy respect for all seasons and I DO NOT indulge my Elfish tendancies until the turkey has been carved, Miracle of 34th Street has been shown, and Santa wraps up the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I know, my self-control is awe-inspiring. That, coupled with my recent realization of how fast time goes (a Baby in your tummy will do that) I've decided that, instead of wishing my second favorite season away, I'm going to throw myself headlong into all the festivities this lovely time of year has to offer. The way I see it, there are 53 days left to get it done.

Sound like a plan?

That being said, I give you...

To do this Fall:

( ) Visit my favorite pumpkin stand

( ) Make caramel apples

( ) Use all the junk I already have to make bunches of fabulous decorations

( ) Find new comfort food recipes for cozy suppers

( ) Use all the old candle wax I've saved up to make my very own candles

( ) Make cinnamon rolls from scratch

( ) Have Trick or Treaters

( ) Come up with awesome preggo halloween costume

( ) Bake apple crisp

( ) Go to a home game in Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide!)

( ) Make something for at least one of the many meals we will attend on Thanksgiving

( ) And finally, participate in this fabulous par-tay...

So, that's the plan of action.

What do you think?

What are some of the fabulous Fall things on your list?

There's always room for more on mine :)

Hello Friends! It's Saturday, and better yet, the first Saturday of Fall.

How did you celebrate yesterday?

I tried to soak it in. Alabama cooperated and gave us a bright cool day in honor of the occasion. I spent a lot of it grocery shopping, which may sound a little sad, but I get a secret kick out of it. I ran all over town in search of the best deals. Did you know that Target gives you a discount for bringing your own bags?!? Okay, so it's only five cents per bag, but this girl will take what she can get. As if I needed another reason to be in love with Target.

I took a beautiful lunch break - broccoli cheese soup, what else - to keep my strength up and go over my grocery list. (See picture above for deliciousness)

Then it was home for some hot cocoa, coffee, and girl talk with my sissies. Followed by cleaning like gang busters until Husband got home. We spent the rest of the evening at a local high school football game, armed with my chunkiest sweater and more hot chocolate.

*Insert cool picture of my bundled up legs, carafe, and football field that I meant to take, but forgot, cause that's what I do these days*

It just seemed like the perfect way to wrap up the first day of Fall.

Hope yours was equally delightful.

Stay tuned for my list of how I plan to absorb everything the season has to offer.

Happy Saturday!

Coffee

Good morning friends, I'm so glad you're here! Time for coffee. Actually, this is my first coffee in awhile. Apparently Baby is more the Hot Cocoa type. Anyway, if you were here for coffee today I would ask if you mind if we watch Julie and Julia while I fold my laundry, since I can't ever seem to be able to decide what to wach when I end up with spare time and I just end up in a revolving door of about three or four movies so I don't have to make any decisions (other titles include: Sense and Sensibility, Meet Me in St. Louis, Run Fatboy Run, and, more recently, Tangled)

We would probably discuss the weather, since I'm super excited about the coming of Fall. I got up super early this morning with Husband and it was still nice and dark as I ate a candlelit breakfast after he left for work. It started raining profusely, looked like it would never stop and, just like that, the sun came out. Crazy September. I'm still secretly keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be nice and crisp today. And you would probably agree with my because Fall is the best. I've been doing my very best to pace myself too. I think you would be proud of me. I haven't stopped at the pumpkin stand once! I haven't gotten any of my decorations out, I haven't even cracked open my October issue of Country Living. I have a will of steel.

At this point I would probably excuse myself to use the ladies room for the fourth time or so. I love being pregnant though. Okay, so maybe I had a phase of over-thinking everything, and reading too far ahead in my books, freaking out a little that there is no way I can adhere to the suggested pregnancy diet, feeling like I need to be doing something. My intentions were good, I was just excited and wanted to do everything right. Luckily, it was brought to my attention by someone who loves me very much, which caused me to do some thinking and take a serious prenatal chill pill. I'm not making any promises that I will now be one of those perfect pregnant women that glow, and look cute and put together, and laugh in the face of prenatal to-do lists, however, I am going to rest in God and enjoy this process........and maybe wait a few more months before I start worrying about whether or not to use disposable diapers. Just sayin'.

I would probably take this opportunity to brag on Husband a little. Cause let's face it, nobody makes me happier that man. I mean, come on, he's a keeper. It's okay to be jealous.

And what about you, friend? What have you been up to? And, after you answered that, it would be over. So sad. But laundry's calling, and I've got dinner to prep. What's on your to do list today?

I'm so glad you stopped by for coffee, have a fabulous Tuesday Friends!

Weekending

Nothing like homemade roadies and (winning) college football watching for a Saturday.

How was your weekend?

Blog Love

One of the most precious bloggers I know recently awarded me this...

You should definitely go see Breeann like, right this second!

The rules for this award are:

1. List 7 random facts about myself
2. Link back to the sweetheart who gave me the award
3. Pass it on to 8 other sweethearts

Randomness...

1. Fall is my favorite season (after Christmas, duh!). Something about the cool weather, and the soup eating, and the pumpkins, and the baking, and the sweaters. I don't know, just seems mighty festive, no?

2. Before I got married, I had never sat through an entire televised sporting event, and only a handful of live ones. Then I married a man who wakes up to ESPN, plays fantasy sports, and is a faithful southern college football fan. I really just participated in the beginning to humor him....but the truth is.....it kinda grew on me...a little....okay, a lot.

3. I used to hate ketchup. Everything about it. Now that I'm pregnant, I could eat Idaho out of french fries, just so I could eat them with ketchup. Only with french fries though.

4. My only pregnancy food aversion is fried fish ala Captain D's or Long John Silver. Weird too, cause I used to LOVE it. But now, just typing this is making me feel icky...

5. I recently got a library card for the first time in almost three years. I might be a little bit of a fine collector....keeping track of things is not really my forte. However, it's a new day and I'm attempting to rack up some responsibility. In fact, I need to return some today.

6. Between my childhood and High School years I wanted to be a teacher, lawyer, baker, actor, novelist, singer, journalist, store owner, wedding planner, personal assistant, psychologist, and Homeschool Mom. So far only the Mommy part is sticking.

7. I got my wisdom teeth out almost a year ago, at 22-years-old. Despite my "David after the dentist" expectations, I didn't say anything funny when I came too. I cried - uncontrollably. Apparently it's a common side effect for women

And now my lucky ladies...

1. Melinda at Fine as Frog Hairs
2. Ariel at Void Between the Stars
3. The Frat Pack + Me

4. Heather at Life Made Lovely
5. Alyss at Roots
6. Mandy at Mandipidy
7. Heather at Finding Beauty in Ordinary

Have a great Thursday Friends!

Hormones

So, I had what I would consider my first real pregnancy-fueled, emotional, mood swing today (okay, except for the fact that I may, or may not, have cried watching "Tangled" yesterday).

It wasn't over anything major, of course. Just an ecstatic morning, moderate noon, and an afternoon of being tempted to tears. And then something kind of amazing happened. God showed up. He reminded me that, pregnant or not, I am not a slave to my emotions. He reminded me that there was a roast waiting for me in the crockpot at home. That work is not forever. That those little twinges in my tummy is the precious Baby I've been waiting on. That Fall is coming, and it's pretty gorgeous. That Husband's red truck would be waiting in the driveway when I got home, and his arms would be waiting inside. And mostly, that He loves me, and His strength is perfected in my weakness.

And I realized, maybe "bad days" aren't really worth the energy....

p.s. Figured out what happened to my sidebars. From now on, if you're looking for followers, labels, etc you can find them at the bottom :)

S.O.S.

Um, not sure exactly what I did to merit such a response..but...Blogger ate my sidebars! Does anyone more versed in Blogger know what the issue might be, and how I can fix it? Thanks Friends!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes....

A bun in the oven!

*Insert picture of me (which sadly does not exsist) and my newly developed and completely adorable baby bump*

I was waiting for a cute picture before I posted, but heck, I can't find my camera and a girl can only wait so long.

After a wonderful marriage of almost three years with the man of my dreams, our little family is finally expanding. We are due in March, which means we're just peeking our heads into the second trimester, which is especially exciting since our first trimester was a little bumpy. And of course while I'm typing this I can hardly believe that this is really happening - God is so good! There has been so much baby buzz going around, most exciting some heartbreaking, that it makes me feel especially grateful, humbled, and a little amazed that God would see fit to bestow such a blessing on us. I cannot wait to see where this little journey leads!

I know I've been absent awhile. I was going to blame it on the baby thing, since it was a pretty huge secret and I'm pretty terrible at keeping my own secrets, but let's be honest, I've been away a bit longer than that. And I've missed you. I don't really have an excuse. Maybe it was because (and this may shock some of you) Summer doesn't really inspire me that much (see, told you). I'm really more of a cold weather girl. In the summer, I basically just sit around and melt....and read other people's blogs. But now that it's September, and the Alabama weather has condescended to lower itself to about 60-degrees, and I'm sitting here in my scarf, and it's almost time to make apple crsip, I can make a fresh start. Plus, I now have a new and never-ending pool of inspiration growing inside me.

What do you think?

What fresh things are you beginning with this change of the seasons?

Periods of Peace

Why do bad things happen?

That's the million dollar question isn't it? That's what everyone wants to know. Why does God let bad things happen? And to "good" people no less! I've been there.

Funny thing is, we never seem to look around and ask why good things happen. When things are going well, do I take the time to seek God's purpose?

2 Chronicles talks about the life of Asa, one of the only (mostly) good kings of Judah. His reign was fraught with war and turmoil, but then in 2 Chronicles 14:5-6 it says,

"...So Asa's kingdom enjoyed a period of peace. During those peaceful years, he was able to build up the fortified towns throughout Judah. No one tried to make war against him at this time, for the Lord was giving him rest from his enemies."

King Asa was given a "period of peace" by God and instead of sitting on his hands, or reveling in his free time, he got to work preparing for the future. He fortified and built up when he didn't need it, so that he would be prepared when he did. God knew what future struggle Asa would face, and He knew that he would need time to prepare, to build up his defenses.

God has blessed me with some amazing seasons of life. I am so incredibly blessed! But the second I'm faced with a "rough patch," when my emotions get the best of me, when the enemy attacks, it is so incredibly easy to just start floundering around like it's the end of the world. You know why? Because my defenses are weak. In the periods of peace that my God has blessed me with, I waste time. Instead of resting in Him, stocking up on scripture, and seeking the Spirit to fill me, I sit on my hands. Not to say that life is all work, that God doesn't want me to enjoy what He's given, that I have the power in myself to make life go the way I want. Nope, nope, and super nope. No, it's just that God wants more for me than a good time. More than ease. It's better than that. God wants me to live a life of purpose, a life worthy of His call. A life of peace that's not dependant on my circumstances. And that is only found by letting Him fill me - in good times and bad. God has known everything about me since before the world began. He knows what I need and when I'll need it. What an amazing God!

Wherever we are today, on the battlefield or in green pastures, I hope we take a minute to look around and ask God, "What do you want from me while I'm here?"

Have a fabulous day friends!
xoxo

The Now, Dahhling

source

"I never look back darling, it distracts from the now"

Funny how easy it is to get dsitracted from the now, huh? Personally, my now is pretty amazing, but it's hard to realize that when I'm busy running to and fro. So, why not have a blog feature dedicated to soaking in "the now," no? So, now......

South Pacific. Popcorn.

"I'm as corny as Kansas in Augsut, I'm as normal as blueberry pie!"

Iced chai sweet tea. Fan blowing.

Off work early. Coupon madness. Husband almost home.

Mentally preparing myself to run the dickens out of the treadmill at the gym.

Happiness.

Quick Hello

Hello friends!

I know, I've been pretty absent this month, and honestly don't have that much time to hang out now, but I just wanted to drop in and let you know I'm still alive and well.

Very well.

Husband and I have kicked off our long weekend right, and it's been lovely.

For now, I'm enjoying some "Moose Tracks."

I originally bought it as a pick-me-up for Husband...until I realized that he's a man, and therefore basically immune to edible pick-me-ups, haha.

Ice cream for moral support's more my domain.

Oh well, any excuse for ice cream, no?

How are you?

Have a delicious holiday weekned, and I should be seeing you for coffee on Tuesday!

Coffee Date

If we were really having coffee this morning, you'd probably want to roll up your sleeves...

Coffee, Josh Turner, and getting my clean on!

What are you up to today?

Recipe Swap!

Good morning! It's such a beautiful day here today! I hope your weather is fine too.

What are you planning for your Tuesday?

One thing I'm planning?

Recipe exchange!

One of my bloggy idols, Casey Wiegand, is hosting a Tuesday recipe swap and I'm joining in!

Even though it's about a million degrees outside, I just haaave to post this cozy recipe. I waited my entire life to cook homey meals for my husband, and then started running out of ideas pretty quickly. After one epic chicken 'n' dumplings fail, I got my girlfriend to give me her recipe, and it rocks! In fact, it tastes just like my sweet, late, Granny's recipe. Obviously, I can't be greedy with gold like this, so here you go!

"Granny's" Chicken 'n' Dumplings...

Ingredients:

• 1 4-5 lb. chicken (this recipe is for two, plus leftovers, but you could easily make it for more)


• 2 cups flour


• 2 1/4 Tablespoons shortening


• 1 cup ice water


• 1 Tablespoon butter


• 1/4 cup milk

1. Wash the chicken and boil over medium-high heat in 5-7 cups of water, and simmer for one hour.


2. Take out the chicken and shred (caution: that chicken will be boiling hot! If you want, the recipe can be followed up until this point and refrigerated for up to a few days). Set aside.


3. Knead together flour and shortening until doughy. Add ice water. Using two spoons, drop dumpling dough by rough tablespoons into boiling broth. Be sure to "mash" the dumplings often (after every five or so) so they don't get dense.


4. Add chicken back to dumpling broth and add butter and milk, to make it creamy. Simmer for 15 minutes on low.


5. Salt to taste and enjoy!

Good luck and happy cooking!

A New Feature: I am Walker, hear me roar

Okay, so most of you who have been around for awhile know that I don't do very well with feature posts. As previously stated, finishing things is a bit of an issue for me, and anything that requires consistency can easily be discarded. But I'm going to try again. Walker informed me today that if I'm going to spend so much time sitting in "his" chair and blogging that he deserves the right to express himself. Fair enough....

Dear Friends,

I am Walker, it's nice to meet you. I know Mom has mentioned me a couple times, but it's only fair that I get a chance to defend myself against any impressions you may have gotten of how things roll around here.

For starters, I've been here a lot longer than Mom. I used to give her a hard time about that, but it's actually really nice having her around. She might be my favorite. Just don't tell her I said so. I wouldn't want Dad to think I was a momma's boy....which I am. He reminds me pretty often that I'm no longer a "Man Kitty" as it is, and it's kind of embarrassing. We're buddies though. I try to impress him by defending them against twisty ties and flying bugs. No really, the twisty tie threat level in this house is a secure green thanks to me. They should be grateful.

But to be honest, I sleep about 18 hours a day and the rest of the time is divided between lounging on the windowsill, eating, being pet my Mom, watching sports with Dad, batting at birds and bugs through the window, and getting into things I'm "not supposed to." I don't really understand what this phrase means, but I think it has something to do with the kitchen counters, dining room table, outside, and the guest room. In my defense, the "guest room" doesn't seem all that special. Mom goes through phases where she spends blocks of time in there, but I don't really see any difference. She shut me in there today. I'm certain it was an accident. I tried to play it cool...until it had been about fifteen minutes and I got a little worried that she might need me for something. I only cried a little. I just wanted to remind her where I was. I was just trying to protect her. There could have been a twisty tie invasion, and she would have been defenseless.

Well Friends, I need to get going. Big agenda to keep and all. Thank you again for the opportunity of chatting with you. See you soon.

Sincerely,

Walker

Who Me?

Guess what, guess what, guess what?

My one of my sweet bloggy idols actually gave me an award!

Thank you April, that was so sweet!

Here are the rules:
1.} Thank and link back to the blog that gave you your award
2.} Share seven things about yourself
3.} Award 5 great bloggers
4.} Contact the bloggers to let them know you've given them an award


Here are my 7 things about myself:

1. I am a terrific self-starter....just not quite as good at self-finishing. No one really talks about that part. I love new beginnings, organizing, and such. I just find myself organizing and cleaning and decorating the same spaces over and over (coughguestroomcough) because I can never seem to get over a certain point. They say self-awareness is half the battle, though, so I'm on my way!

2. I was raised right outside of Seattle, Washington so coffee is more like a ritual than a beverage to me. I used to be kind of a snob about it, but I've reformed. Okay, some people would say I've learned to settle, haha. But hey, sometimes, you just need a decent cup of coffee.

3. While we're on the subject, my parents owned a coffee shop for a short season, and ever since I've had the itch to own my own business. A store, or bakery, or cafe, or something. I don't really like working, though, so I would probably change my mind. And let's be honest, it's mostly when I see pretty office supplies or custom business cards, haha.

4. I love to read, but I don't do very much of it. Here's why: I just graduated with an English degree and it's hard for me to justify reading good, interesting, slightly fluffy modern novels (read: what I really want to read) when there are so many classics I haven't read yet. I've yet to find that balance between the two, so I usually end up reading nothing. Sad, right? I think the simplest thing to do is just to alternate the two. Don't you agree?

5. Right now I work outside of home, because I can, but what I really dream of is being an "at home" mom. That's what my Momma did, and it's what I've always wanted to do. My Momma also homeschooled us, and I think I'd like to homeschool as well, but Bama Man and I have decided to Cross that bridge when we come to it.

6. I play the piano. I am one of those kids who were encouraged, told, commanded to practice....and didn't really. So all my years of lessons have landed me with just enough knowledge to haltingly play...and teach a 7-year-old to play better than I can (which I do). So let this be a lesson to all children currently in lessons - practice! You'll thank me later.

7. I used to be one of those girls who loved big houses with foyers, and "entertaining space," and stair cases, etc. Even though I'm not sure I'm cut out to be the first lady, the idea of living in the White House used to make me swoon. Not so anymore. Maybe it was discovering Antrhopologie. Or maybe I'm going back to my roots of being an almost-city girl. Whatever the cause, I am just in love with the loft apartment, reasonably-sized house type space crammed with the organized clutter of coziness. You know what I mean? No mansion for this girl, thank you very much.

So there you have it! The lovely bloggers upon whom I am bestowing this award are...

1. Ariel @ voidbetweenthestars

2. Melinda @ fineasfroghair

3. fratpack+me

4. Casey @ TheWiegands

5. Emily @ Blueberry'sblog

April, thanks again! And thanks to anyone who reads this blog, leaves comments, etc. I don't say it enough, but it means a lot to me! Go see these lovely ladies, I Adore them! And have a wonderful Wednesday - two more days until the weekend!

Coffe Date

Good morning Friends! If we were really having coffee today...

I wouldn't really know where to begin.

Yes I would, I would begin my mentioning how amazingly grateful I am for this coffee this morning.

For those of you who don't know, last Wednesday, April 27th, Alabama (Where Bama Man and I live, in case that's never been clear) was hit with the greatest natural tragedy the state has seen this side of modern technology. The tornadoes left hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and over a million without power. It was considered a State and Federal Disaster and we began picking up the pieces.

Bama Man and I have been without electricity for the last five days, which is why I've been absent, but we, and everyone we know and love made it through unscathed (both sets of our parents never even lost power) and praising God that He allowed this trial to pass over us!

It has been such a privilege to join with our church and the EMA to help those who have lost so much more than utilities! The church (the body, not the buildings) of Alabama has kicked into high gear, and done everything possible to give comfort and aid to the many hurting in our community.

I'm thanking God that He has allowed my senses to be heightened. How important my friends and family are, how spoiled I've become having Bama Man home with me for the last week, how much I love my house, how nice it is to have a safe cat taking up my space in this chair, how blessed I am to have a husband who has given us enough financial security to make it through crisis, how much I am going to enjoy vacuuming now that our power has returned. How much He loves us! Not because He shielded us from this tragedy, but because He would have been with us either way.

What are you grateful for this morning? :)

If you would like to help those in need here in Alabama, please go to redcross.org to find out how to donate. Thank you so much!

On a lighter note, Bama Man and I have learned to love our "Amish Experience."

My activities this week have included, but are not limited to:

Dinners over candlelight, one game of Rummy, reading through a book and a half, organizing our bookshelf so that all of our books fit, laying contact paper in (most of) the kitchen cabinets, cleaning and organizing the study, also...

Walker made a froggy friend (see him hanging on the screen?)....who he then tried very hard to kill and could not, with the window and all. Nice try Walker.

About a hundred games of solitaire, the old-fashioned way, of which I won a few...

And possible the piece de resistance,

Grilling cinnamon rolls!

Ingenuitive, no?

It worked too!
Sure there was a little scorching, and a touch of charbroiled flavor, but they were still delicious!

Bama Man, thank you for being adventurous, and not looking at me like I was crazy when I suggested this...and also, for pulling it off! You're the best :)

What would you have to share today, friends?

I hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday!