Ding..Dong..It's the doorbell.

The mailman had to ring the doorbell today. I know what that means, it's a package which is to large to fit in the mailbox. Whippie!!!! My apron arrived from the "Partner's Profile Apron Swap". My partner was Karen and she did a wonderful job. Most importantly it was PINK. Did I mention I love, love, love pink!

The apron was very girly. It was made out of a vintage sheet.The package included a vintage hankie and matching kitchen towels. My boys were laughing at me wondering how an apron could get me so excited. If you love aprons, you'll understand. Most of all I was happy that someone had used their talents to bless my day.

Can't wait to put it on this evening and fix dinner. Better yet, I'm going to wear it all day long!

God has blessed me with a dear friend....

It was my birthday last week and boy did my good friend Amy spoil me. We have been friends for 25 years and we have so many things in common. We both love crafting and whenever we have a "girls get together" you can bet that our first stop is the fabric shop!! Before you know it they are announcing that the store will be closing in 15 minutes, so get your fabric cut. We always ask each other where the time has gone. My birthday celebration was no different. First stop Joann Fabrics. Two hours later, we left with our new fabric treasures which will soon be stitched up into some new aprons. We then went out to dinner and talked and talked about...well everything and anything. My dear friend couldn't wait till after dinner to give me GIFTS. Not one gift, but many gifts. It was like Christmas in July! The first gift was a purse. She was sooo worried that I would like it. It couldn't have been more perfect. She also included a hankie and she did all the needlework. This is one of her many talents. It's almost to nice to use as a hankie.

She also got me this wonderful frame with a picture of my husband and I. It was a wonderful gift and very fitting because our 20th anniversary was last week also. Amy had taken the photo in June at her son's graduation party. She had even added the flowers to surround us in the photo. How clever she is. Can you believe there is more. A vintage pattern. I hit the jackpot! Yes, by having such a wonderful friend who is so thoughtful and a pattern to boot. And last but not least, some note cards in the shape of tea cups. I just love them and have already used a few. They are reserved for only the most special thank yous... She also made me some homemade mailing labels which were so cute.

Thank you my dear friend for blessing my special day with your kindness and thoughtfulness. You are a true blessing in my life.

I thank my GOD For you every time I think of you… Phil. 1:3

Vacation is Over...

What a view. It's hard to believe how quickly the week went by. We were blessed with a wonderful week. It is great to just relax and enjoy all the beauty that God created. Blue skies with white fluffy clouds and a lake that just glissened. When you witness this is there any question who created this world of ours? This was our annual vacation with my mom and my sister's family. It was a bitter sweet vacation. My sister's husband Bob, passed away last summer and we really missed not having him with us. It was a difficult week for my sister and her children. So many memories of the summer's past. When we looked at the lake we couldn't help but remember the many years that Bob wouild be out in the water playing with the kids. Yes, it was a week of new memories and looking back on past memories and remembering those we love and knowing that they will be once again be with us sharing eternity. I was in luck! Not so lucky for my husband, Traverse City was having their annual garden walk while we were on vacation. This was right up my alley. I love gardens and have lots of new ideas. My husband was a good sport and took my mom and myself to see all the wonderful sights. I really think he enjoyed talking with all the garden club women in their flowery hats!

My sister Renee's kids and my boys love spending the week together. This year they went off on their own a few times. Boy has time flown. It seems like just yesterday that we could not let them go to the lake without their life jackets. Now all of them are driving! I must be getting old...

Our Good Friends....You will be missed....

We spent a wonderful farewell dinner with friends celebrating our friendship with Julie and Steve. Julie liked her apron and even was willing to model it! You will truly be missed my dear friend....

Many people Will walk in and out Of your life. But only a TRUE friend will Leave footprints On your heart.

Saying goodbye to a Dear Friend....

A good friend of mine in moving with her husband to Las Vegas. Her husband was the principal at the high school that my oldest son attends. We met them through church and school and I can't even remember how we become friends. Our husbands have coached the grade school's boys baseball team. Julie and I have been in bible study together and served on the church youth board together. Our two older boys have been friends since the second grade. Julie and Steve are both wonderful people and we have been truly blessed to have them in our lives. Her husband took a call to be the principal at a school in Las Vegas and soon they will be leaving. I wanted to make her something so that every time she was in her kitchen she would know that her friendship would be missed. I printed a poem on printable fabric and attached it to the pocket. She loves the color pink and she also loves vintage things. I thought this apron would be perfect. I added a pair of matching rubber gloves. What girl doesn't need matching accessories for the outfit!!!! I couldn't stop at an apron that she could only wear inside. She loves to work outside so I made a gardening apron that fit her personality. "Cute and Girly" Now she will also think of her friends while she's out smelling the scent of life's sweet roses.

Summer is my FAVORITE time of Year..

What do I love about summer? I love the warm weather and working outside. I love all the flowers and my pond. About four year ago, my husband put in a beautiful pond in our backyard. He did a wonderful job. It turned out better than I ever imagined it would. This week the lilies are blooming in the pond and the fish are always looking for something to eat. When you sit outside and look at all the nature and beauty it is amazing and you just know how great our God is!

The flowers are in full bloom and with the flowers come some unexpected visitors. We have really had a lot of rabbits this year. They don't even mind if you get close to them. This little guy just sat and posed for the camera. They are so cute...when they're not eating my flowers!

He's one year older...

Yesterday was Austin's 15th birthday. Where has the time gone by??? The years have passed by so quickly. I know everybody says that. He has his drivers permit and is growing up quickly. He still talks non stop and asks a million questions about anything and everything. That hasn't changed since he could talk. It will be exciting to see him grow up over the next few years. I know God has exciting plans for him....He just needs to stop talking so much and listen to what God has to say....