HUGS FROM MAINE
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
TODAY I WILL...
Today I will...
Walk my dog. Not Matts, just Sophie
Enjoy the beautiful snow and all the peace that God brings with it.
Wear my favorite earrings.
Put on my black turtleneck
Not fix my hair
Put on make up because it helps this 44 year old not feel so 44
Talk to God.
Listen to God
Not answer the phone just because it's ringing
Recognize where I am in my life, at this moment, and that I alone have put myself here.
Take a nap if I so want
Drink a glass of wine. In the middle of the day! (Yup, I still Love Jesus!) Imagine that !
Dream
Dream
Dream...
Breathe,
Breathe,
Breathe...
Hey, I've got to get going... I have lots to do !
Hugs from Maine
Monday, December 28, 2009
WOW, THIS IS SO AWESOME !!!
So last evening as I was doing one of my favorite relaxing things, (blogging), I discovered a post from Clover Lane
How to make your pictures on your blog bigger !
I almost screamed with glee I was so happy and thankful. Wait, maybe I did.
Why was I so excited? Well she taught me (and anyone of you if you need), how to make my pictures on my blog bigger!
This is something I've always thought I would never understand, let alone be able to do. She explained it simply, and even put pictures up for someone like me who really needs the visual. YIPPPPPEEEEE!!!
I can't tell you how glad and grateful I was to discover that I too can do this. Thus enjoying my blog more because it is the way I want it.
So I took some pictures from one of my favorite subjects, (Sweet Baby Girl), and adjusted some recent pictures. They've come out beautifully, and I am thrilled with my blog.
This picture is one of my favorites.
Please click over to Clover Lane, and see for yourself.
Hugs from Maine
How to make your pictures on your blog bigger !
I almost screamed with glee I was so happy and thankful. Wait, maybe I did.
Why was I so excited? Well she taught me (and anyone of you if you need), how to make my pictures on my blog bigger!
This is something I've always thought I would never understand, let alone be able to do. She explained it simply, and even put pictures up for someone like me who really needs the visual. YIPPPPPEEEEE!!!
I can't tell you how glad and grateful I was to discover that I too can do this. Thus enjoying my blog more because it is the way I want it.
So I took some pictures from one of my favorite subjects, (Sweet Baby Girl), and adjusted some recent pictures. They've come out beautifully, and I am thrilled with my blog.
This picture is one of my favorites.
Please click over to Clover Lane, and see for yourself.
Hugs from Maine
Sunday, December 27, 2009
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, PICTURE WALLS
If there is one thing in my house that I love, its pictures on the wall.
I never use to growing up... I think it's because I grew up in the 70's and 80's, and pictures on the wall consisted of ugly prints with matching sconces, and carefully placed matching shelves underneath each grouping. YUCK !!!
My idea of pictures on a wall are family pictures. Covering the wall. Telling a story of the life that family has lived together. Loving, laughing, crying, growing...
This can be a very inexpensive way to enjoy family photos.# Trace pictures onto brown kraft paper and cut out. Label each of the papers with a description of the picture or a corresponding number.
# Using blue painter's tape (which won't pull up wall paint), tape the papers to the wall. Experiment with arrangements until you have one you like.
# Install picture-hanging hardware directly through the paper. Pull paper away and hang pictures one by one.
Found these instructions and they seem to make it much easier to put up your own family picture wall. I know my peeps have spent many moments in front of our wall(s).
I hope it brings back to their minds and hearts their childhood that I hold so close to mine. I think it does.
Hugs from Maine
Saturday, December 26, 2009
JUST BECAUSE I LOVE THIS !
I love cozy.
I love being cozy, dressing cozy, feeling cozy...
These rooms say COZY to me...
Yup, they do...
Hugs from cozy Maine
I love being cozy, dressing cozy, feeling cozy...
These rooms say COZY to me...
Yup, they do...
Hugs from cozy Maine
CHECK PLEASE !!!
Now that Christmas is officially done, I want to paint every room in this place a warm, cozy color...
and layer with checks, checks, checks !!!
It's a check thing...
Hugs from Maine
and layer with checks, checks, checks !!!
It's a check thing...
Hugs from Maine
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
READING IS FUNDAMENTAL
When our kids were little, we read to them so much.
The Public Library was a place we went to all the time
Out of all the things I might have done wrong as a mom, this is one thing I did right
I surrounded my kids with books. Read to them daily. And enjoyed every minute of it.
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
- Emilie Buchwald
Hugs from Maine
The Public Library was a place we went to all the time
Out of all the things I might have done wrong as a mom, this is one thing I did right
I surrounded my kids with books. Read to them daily. And enjoyed every minute of it.
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
- Emilie Buchwald
Hugs from Maine
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...
I just read a great post from a blog friend over at, Like A Warm Cup of Coffee, and thought I would share it with you.
“Isn’t it strange that there is training in almost every job situation EXCEPT motherhood! And it is the most important job a woman can ever have.” -Cherie
My Christian sisters, I have a heart plea on behalf of you, myself, and our daughters.
Especially our daughters.
Most of us have been raised with the notion that we can have it all – career, family, and independence.
I don’t think we can.
Before I get to my plea, I want to share the common threads that have been weaved into our generation…
“I was raised with the mindset that I could have a career and a family.”
“My parents never discussed my future…”
“I was raised thinking that women who stayed at home were wasting their time and their lives.”
“I kind of just fell into being a sahm.”
“My family is very big on education.”
“My mom always said we didn’t need a man.”
“My mom was a SAHM, but I don’t think I was raised with either mindset. It was more of “Do what you think is best.”
“I was raised with the mentality that I could stay home and have a family, only if I achieved a 4 year degree, first.”
“Never depend on a man to take care of you. Get your own job so you can have your own money.”
“My parents prepared me to do whatever God called me to do.”
“My mother was a stay at home southern belle who never planted any seeds for me to consider.”
“I think I was raised to do whatever my heart felt lead to do.”
“My mom worked much of the time while I was growing up. I figured I’d be a working mom, too…”
Now look at us! I would say that this post has sparked a great unmasking of what we are struggling with. While we are not with excuse, we can see that damage has been done. Now, it must be said that many things go into how and/or why were taught the way we were…wounds, confusion, misunderstandings, circumstances, sin etc., and thank God grace covers. But friends, WE have a choice to make, now, today on how we want to raise our daughters. Do we want to raise them up in confusion or with conviction and truth?
It is my plea that you and I would choose to go against the current culture and, with conviction, teach and train our daughters how to love their husbands, love their children, and be workers at home…so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Will it be a struggle? Yes, because we have to re-train ourselves, but thank God there are godly women out there to help us and walk beside us! (Sally, Robin, June are some of my favorites in the blogosphere).
I don’t know about you, but I want to give my daughters something better…something firm to stand on. I want them to be thoroughly prepared to what normally happens to women -getting married and having children. I wish so desperately that I would have been trained in these things. With this opportunity that you and I possess, this fresh start and new beginning, we can usher in a beautiful change that will impact generations. It doesn’t mean that everything will be rosy (we still have the curse to contend with), but they will be far ahead of the game.
“…so that they [older women] may encourage [or train] the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored [blasphemed or discredited].” Titus 2:3-5
I know that some of you want to be home and can’t for various reasons – my heart goes out to you and I stand with you in praying that the Lord will bring you back home. I believe He is faithful to what He calls us to.
I encourage you to visit this website often, for it will fill you with good and lovely things to think upon as you seek to build up the gigantic impact of your home.
Recommended Article:
In Over Our Heads
“Feminism is winning the ideological battle for our civilization, and Christians are among its casualties.” Phil Lancaster
_______________________________________________
Hmmmmm... Being a stay at home mom has been the most challenging job I've ever had, and the most rewarding. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity my Heavenly Father, and my husband have given me, to be the mom I was called to be to our children. Mistakes and all. My prayer is that our 3 sons, our daughter, and their future spouses, will see the true value in being a stay at home mom. The time I've had with our children is priceless to me. I wouldn't have changed it for any amount of money, beautiful car, or house. Our children are who they are because of Gods calling on my life to be home with them, and raise them, love and nurture them, and teach them about His plan and purpose for their lives. I am one grateful mom.
Hugs from Maine
“Isn’t it strange that there is training in almost every job situation EXCEPT motherhood! And it is the most important job a woman can ever have.” -Cherie
My Christian sisters, I have a heart plea on behalf of you, myself, and our daughters.
Especially our daughters.
Most of us have been raised with the notion that we can have it all – career, family, and independence.
I don’t think we can.
Before I get to my plea, I want to share the common threads that have been weaved into our generation…
“I was raised with the mindset that I could have a career and a family.”
“My parents never discussed my future…”
“I was raised thinking that women who stayed at home were wasting their time and their lives.”
“I kind of just fell into being a sahm.”
“My family is very big on education.”
“My mom always said we didn’t need a man.”
“My mom was a SAHM, but I don’t think I was raised with either mindset. It was more of “Do what you think is best.”
“I was raised with the mentality that I could stay home and have a family, only if I achieved a 4 year degree, first.”
“Never depend on a man to take care of you. Get your own job so you can have your own money.”
“My parents prepared me to do whatever God called me to do.”
“My mother was a stay at home southern belle who never planted any seeds for me to consider.”
“I think I was raised to do whatever my heart felt lead to do.”
“My mom worked much of the time while I was growing up. I figured I’d be a working mom, too…”
Now look at us! I would say that this post has sparked a great unmasking of what we are struggling with. While we are not with excuse, we can see that damage has been done. Now, it must be said that many things go into how and/or why were taught the way we were…wounds, confusion, misunderstandings, circumstances, sin etc., and thank God grace covers. But friends, WE have a choice to make, now, today on how we want to raise our daughters. Do we want to raise them up in confusion or with conviction and truth?
It is my plea that you and I would choose to go against the current culture and, with conviction, teach and train our daughters how to love their husbands, love their children, and be workers at home…so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Will it be a struggle? Yes, because we have to re-train ourselves, but thank God there are godly women out there to help us and walk beside us! (Sally, Robin, June are some of my favorites in the blogosphere).
I don’t know about you, but I want to give my daughters something better…something firm to stand on. I want them to be thoroughly prepared to what normally happens to women -getting married and having children. I wish so desperately that I would have been trained in these things. With this opportunity that you and I possess, this fresh start and new beginning, we can usher in a beautiful change that will impact generations. It doesn’t mean that everything will be rosy (we still have the curse to contend with), but they will be far ahead of the game.
“…so that they [older women] may encourage [or train] the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored [blasphemed or discredited].” Titus 2:3-5
I know that some of you want to be home and can’t for various reasons – my heart goes out to you and I stand with you in praying that the Lord will bring you back home. I believe He is faithful to what He calls us to.
I encourage you to visit this website often, for it will fill you with good and lovely things to think upon as you seek to build up the gigantic impact of your home.
Recommended Article:
In Over Our Heads
“Feminism is winning the ideological battle for our civilization, and Christians are among its casualties.” Phil Lancaster
_______________________________________________
Hmmmmm... Being a stay at home mom has been the most challenging job I've ever had, and the most rewarding. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity my Heavenly Father, and my husband have given me, to be the mom I was called to be to our children. Mistakes and all. My prayer is that our 3 sons, our daughter, and their future spouses, will see the true value in being a stay at home mom. The time I've had with our children is priceless to me. I wouldn't have changed it for any amount of money, beautiful car, or house. Our children are who they are because of Gods calling on my life to be home with them, and raise them, love and nurture them, and teach them about His plan and purpose for their lives. I am one grateful mom.
Hugs from Maine
JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS !
Our friend over at Urban Farmhouse posted this little twist on coffee today.
In the Jeanne d' Arc Living Christmas magazine there is the most delicious recipe for Christmas coffee. I thought I would test it out before Christmas morning to see if what something I would want to serve to guests throughout the day. Well, now I can't stop drinking it every morning! Guess it will keep me on track with the proverbial January diet! Ohhhh but every cup is oh so delicious. January is a long way away.
Christmas Coffee
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
heavy cream
lemon peel
Whip the butter until it is fluffy and then add brown sugar and spices. Mix until well blended. Add a tablespoon of this mixture to the bottom of a mug, fill with strong, hot coffee and cream. Stir until the consistency is just right. As JDL suggests..."If you want to add a bit of spirit to the coffee, we suggest a good cognac".
Enjoy...
Hugs from Maine
In the Jeanne d' Arc Living Christmas magazine there is the most delicious recipe for Christmas coffee. I thought I would test it out before Christmas morning to see if what something I would want to serve to guests throughout the day. Well, now I can't stop drinking it every morning! Guess it will keep me on track with the proverbial January diet! Ohhhh but every cup is oh so delicious. January is a long way away.
Christmas Coffee
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
heavy cream
lemon peel
Whip the butter until it is fluffy and then add brown sugar and spices. Mix until well blended. Add a tablespoon of this mixture to the bottom of a mug, fill with strong, hot coffee and cream. Stir until the consistency is just right. As JDL suggests..."If you want to add a bit of spirit to the coffee, we suggest a good cognac".
Enjoy...
Hugs from Maine
Monday, December 21, 2009
SPENCER SEEING HIS BRIDE HANNAH FOR THE FIRST TIME!
When I go to a wedding, I'm always amazed at the details, time, and expense that goes into such a blessed event. But the very best part for me, is the moment the bride comes around the corner, and her beloved sees her for the first time.
Heres what it looked like last night...
I hardly ever look at her coming down the aisle. It is so moving to see the expression on the grooms face as he sees his bride, the one he has dreamed of spending his life with, coming down the aisle toward him.
Like my nephew who took the video said,
There are only a few times in a Godly man's life when you will be this proud. Congratulations Spencer and Hannah!!!
Hugs from Maine
Heres what it looked like last night...
I hardly ever look at her coming down the aisle. It is so moving to see the expression on the grooms face as he sees his bride, the one he has dreamed of spending his life with, coming down the aisle toward him.
Like my nephew who took the video said,
There are only a few times in a Godly man's life when you will be this proud. Congratulations Spencer and Hannah!!!
Hugs from Maine
Sunday, December 20, 2009
ITS A BIG DAY IN OUR CHURCH NEIGHBORHOOD!
Well today is the day Spencer and Hannah are getting married. Wow, did that come fast. Last night they had their rehearsal dinner, at Cattlemens Restaurant with great food and dancing. Rumor has it, William and his Dad can hold their own on the dance floor!
Today at 4 pm, these two will become one. Gods blessings your way Mr. & Mrs. Spencer Galloway! We love you!
Hugs from Maine
Today at 4 pm, these two will become one. Gods blessings your way Mr. & Mrs. Spencer Galloway! We love you!
Hugs from Maine
Friday, December 18, 2009
HAS IT BEEN TWO MONTHS ALREADY!?
Well today was a little bit of a special day. Sweet Baby Girl and her BF have been together for 2 months!
I know what your thinking...
"TWO MONTHS!? I'VE HAD A TOOTHACHE LONGER THEN THAT!"
But today, after we picked her BF up from school, in the back seat of the car, he handed her a little box. (After teasing her for just the right amount of time with it). And inside was her first real gift from someone she loves, and loves her.
A beautiful, heart necklace now hangs around her neck. She smiled from ear to ear, and thanked him over and over.
Young love is very precious and sweet.
After all...
And I'm good with it!
Hugs from Maine
I know what your thinking...
"TWO MONTHS!? I'VE HAD A TOOTHACHE LONGER THEN THAT!"
But today, after we picked her BF up from school, in the back seat of the car, he handed her a little box. (After teasing her for just the right amount of time with it). And inside was her first real gift from someone she loves, and loves her.
A beautiful, heart necklace now hangs around her neck. She smiled from ear to ear, and thanked him over and over.
Young love is very precious and sweet.
After all...
And I'm good with it!
Hugs from Maine
JUST GIRLY!
Nothing to do with the season... Everything to do with being a girl...
One thing Sweet Baby Girl and I do agree on, we love beautiful dresses !
One thing Sweet Baby Girl and I do agree on, we love beautiful dresses !Hugs from Maine
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