Weekends and Life

This weekend was fabulous! It was funny how we just slipped right back into our normal weekend routine, without a hitch, even though we haven't "practiced" in several weekends. Saturday morning pancakes, Andy letting me sleep late, staying in our pajamas until 11, Andrew being Daddy's caboose.... all those wonderful ordinary things that make our lives OURS. We had a wonderful time at church and worship service yesterday, and all too soon, it was time to take Andy back to the airport. We all shed a few tears, prayed for safety, and came back home to a house that seemed alot emptier than it did just a few hours before. And here we are at the beginning of another week. And I have remind myself that each day is a gift from God, and I shouldn't "wish the days away" (as much as I want to) but enjoy them. So I am. And then I remembered the poignant words on a magnent that Mama had on the refrigerator when we were growing up... words that I read 1,000 (or more!) times. "Life is what happens when you're making other plans". And so it is.
Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Graphic courtsey Allposters.com

Family Time!

We are soooo excited that my hubby came home last night for a visit for the weekend!!! (for those of you who don't know, he is in the middle of some training up in West Virginia) He has been gone for 3 weeks, and when we picked him up at the airport last night, we were a little anxious to see him, to say the least.... good training for the upcoming deployment, I suppose. He has to go back for another 3 weeks on Monday- but we are estatic about the weekend! The kids were super excited to see him, and little Andrew doesn't want to let him out of his sight! So have a great weekend, y'all.... and enjoy your families.... I know I sure will!

Happy Saturday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Welcome, Y'all !!

Yay! It's finally here, the "Bloggy Tour of Homes".... I've been all excited about this, because, you know, there's nothing a Southern girl loves better than an "open house"... and that's what this is, isn't it? An online open house? You know, we don't have all those fall and spring pilgrimages down here for nothing! So here goes... Welcome Y'all... to beautiful South Mississippi ... and to my front door and front porch... come on in !!









Okay, BooMama, you asked for it, here's where the "bloggy magic" happens in our home... our home office. One of my favorite places to be in the morning with my cup of coffee, or in the evening after my little ones have drifted off to dreamland!










Next stop on the tour is our "main living area", and probably where you can find us the most... this is the left half- the right half wouldn't fit... so I'll just tell y'all what's there on the right half !!- a big bookshelf, antique rolltop desk , my "staircase shelf" and our entertainment armoire.... We hang out in here alot!









And now we have.... the kitchen... again, this is just a little section of our kitchen, but it IS the part of it where I spend most of my time.... the oven, stovetop and sink! I also included with the kitchen a photo of our dining room. We spend lots of time in here, too! .... and my son was playing frisbee with the booster seat tray- hence its' position under the table... realized it after I snapped the photo. And BooMama DID say that she may have some toys on the floor in her photos- so I decided not to retake the photo- this IS supposed to be real-life, eh??




Next up is my favorite room- our bedroom. It is my haven, and I'm showing you a tiny slice of it! The antique tester bed has been in my hubby's family for a loooong time (It is circa 1860s) and the dresser is one I bought from an antique store when I was single, is circa 1840s and came from one of the "river road" plantations in South Louisiana. My very talented daddy helped to restore it to it's natural beauty. And, as an added bonus, they match so well, doncha think??... a marriage made in heaven... (kinda like us, sweetie!).... Okay, I'll drop the sappiness now!! The other items in our bedroom include a humongous chest of drawers (that my darling hubby labored for hours on to get the stain just so to match the other furniture, bedside table, and a smaller table with my antique teacup collection. And.... about a zillion more lamps (wellll not quite that many, but I do love me some lamps in a bedroom).

And, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our bloggy tour of homes today- I didn't include the kid's bedrooms, bathrooms, foyer, outside living spaces etc... because frankly, I'm tired. And this would have turned into a monster post. And I'm sure ain't nobody THAT interested !!

Have a great one y'all! Thanks for stoppin' by!

Happy Friday and Much Love, Jennifer

And the winner is....

The peacoat will go to... Mrs. Clark
The striped dress will go to .... Kate (and of course you may borrow the idea, dear!!)
And the Asian/black dress will go to .... Lindsey (there were 2 of you that wanted this one, and I really DID the little squares of paper and drew a name... and Lindsey was it!)
If you ladies will contact me with your mailing address, I will get these things right in the mail to you! Thanks for taking these items off my hands- I'll have to do this again soon!
Contact me at ..... andynjenn13ATyahooDOTcom

Happy Thursday and Much Love, Jennifer

Thursday Thirteen!

13 Random "13" Facts about Us...

1. My birthday is on the 13th
2. My husband and I met on the 13th
4. My husband and I married on the 13th
5. Our son was born when we had been married 13 months
6. Our daughter was conceived when our son was 13 months old.
7. I quit my job to become a stay at home mom on the 13th (about 1 1/2 years ago)
8. I got my ears pierced on my 13th birthday
9. My husband and I were both 26 when we married (multiple of 13)... Now we've both just turned 30!!
10. Our youngest turned 13 months old this week
11. I am one of 13 great-grandchildren
12. My parents built a new house when I was 13.
13. I made it to #13 of 13 "13" things for Thursday Thirteen... try to say that fast 13 times! (I know they don't have to be "13" related things, but I thought it was fun !)
Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Taa- Daaaaaa !!

Well, not quite .... but getting there !! So many of you were so sweet in leaving me comments and being so encouraging when I got my sewing machine and started my classes, that I thought I would share what has been done so far on my project! It is a blouse (please tell me that you can at least tell that!!) and I have sewed front and back together, done the darts, set the sleeves in, sewed up the sleeve seams and sewed the side seams. It has been so much FUN! Next I have to set the collar, do the cuffs, buttons, buttonholes, and oh! the interfacing. I'll let y'all see the finished product later. So now, maybe I can begin to sew items together after they have been smocked/embroidered, etc.... Seems as if I have learned things backwards, doesn't it?? Fancy stuff first, then the basics.... O well, if ONLY I had been a better pupil when mama tried to teach me *sigh*... guess I was too busy being a teenager! Have a great one, girls!


Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Card Box

Anyone who knows me at all will tell you that I just love a good bargain more than anything, and boy, did I find one at the Hallmark store Monday!! They had these awesome cardboxes on clearance for $4.95!! Now, I am sure you could probably make your own, but at this price, who would want to?? It has dividers for each month AND occasion, and a nifty little draw for stamps, stickers, pens, etc. I love it, and have already started "filling it up". Another step taken in my journey for absolute organization! I think this will help me so MUCH..... and keep me from doing the "last minute birthday card scramble" (that I am sure many of you have participated in).... So, go visit your local, friendly neighborhood Hallmark-- and they just might have some, too! Happy Shopping!
Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Free Stuff! No gimmicks! Too big for me!!

Okay, so here's the deal. I cleaned out my closet today, and gathered stuff to go to Goodwill/Salvation Army. The thing is, these 3 items were just too *nice* to go into that pile. I pondered what to do with them, and then decided that I would offer them to you, my blog friends!! Absolutely free! I will even pay the shipping for you! The items are
1. A black Asian inspired dress that was given to me and I never wore because it is just way too big- it is beautiful, like new condition- and is lined. It is a size 12.
2. A navy/cream striped silk dress. It is long, but don't know if you can tell from the picture! It is sooo pretty, kind of loose fitting, but I really haven't worn this one either as it is too big for me. It is a size 10, and has just come from the dry cleaners!
3. A navy blue Jones New York double breasted pea coat, wool. It is a size 8, I believe, but has a very generous fit- I have worn it over sweaters, etc.- It has been worn quite a bit, but is still in great condition.

If any of you are interested in any of these items, leave me a comment and Thursday night I will draw for the "winners" (IF there is more than one person requesting a certain item).... if you are the only one requesting something- then you're in luck!
You can email me with any questions! (andynjenn13ATyahooDOTcom.)
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Weekend Wrapup

Well... My little outing this past weekend was fabulous, and the visit from Andy's sis and family on Saturday/Sun. was so much fun- and Sunday was a whirlwind, too...
Sooooo the pageant Friday night was great! We went out to dinner before with some friends at one of my favorite haunts from my single days- and the food was just as yummy as I remembered. It was so NICE to be able to enjoy a whole meal without stopping 1,000,000,000 times to tend to messes, spilled juice etc. (not that I don't love these things, too- just a good break!!). When we arrived at the convention center where the pageant was held we had unbelievable seats thanks to my sister's very "connected" friend, G. I mean, we could practically see the glue on the fake eyelashes the girls were wearing! I listened with rapt attention to the talent portion (My favorite!) and wanted to cover my eyes during portions of the swimwear portion- and I kept thinking of the DADS that were watching their daughters prance around up there in nothing but scraps of material..... not ALL the suits were that bad, but there were a few that were nothing short of awful. The evening gown portion was fun- and I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing at some of the answers the girls gave during portions of the "onstage question" segment. I mean, come ON.... in sugary sweet voice " I just wish ev-ah body could git along in this big old cruel world" ( note the Southern accent emphasis - I talk like this, too... but it IS funny when you are onstage trying to charm a "Yankee" judge with your accent coupled with batting those fake lashes really fast!!!!!) Sister and I exchanged quite a few kicks and "elbows in the side" during the competition!!
On a more serious note, kudos to the outgoing Miss Mississippi for boldly proclaiming her Christianity and faith in God onstage during her farewell. She sang a beautiful song that I'm sure many of you have heard- "My Tribute/To God be the Glory". Very soul-stirring. Sister's friend and Sunday school classmate performed very well during the competition, and scored a postion in the "top five". Congrats to her!
The kiddos did wonderful with mom and dad. Andrew helped spray the garden, wrestled my dad and brother, played in the dirt, and was, in general, Papa's little buddy. Anna Kate was a little darling for her Marmee and found all sorts of new fun places to explore!
So, here I am. Back in the daily grind. I have traded in my fancy dress, high heels, coiffed hair and painted fingernails for my apron and bare feet. I am cleaning up those 1,000,000,000 messes and kissing boo-boos. And I am exactly where I was created to be. And I am loving every second of it.
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

A Baby Meme

Anna Kate was tagged for a baby meme by Joy's Little Boy, Hudson

A BABY meme .....


3 Things That Scare Me
1. When people are too loud
2. When I am suddenly awoken from a nap
3. The Lawnmower


3 People That Make Me Laugh
1. Big Brother Andrew
2. Mommy and Daddy
3. ANYBODY can make little miss Anna Kate laugh if they are silly enough !

3 Things I Love
1. My soft baby doll
2. Pulling ALL the pictures and books down off Mommy’s bookshelf (OVER and OVER again)
3. Playing in Brother’s room

3 Things I Hate
1. Not getting fed fast enough
2. Veggies
3. Being strapped into my carseat

3 Things I Don’t Understand
1. Why I can’t eat all that cool stuff that I find on the floor
2. Why I can’t do everything big brother does
3. Why mama keeps trying to make me eat nasty veggies!

3 Things on my Floor
1. TOYS!
2. A blanket
3. A Peter Rabbit book

3 Things I’m Doing Right Now
1. Sleeping
2. Sucking my thumb
3. Holding my favorite babydoll

3 Things I Want to Do Before I Die
1. Learn how to run as fast as brother
2. Eat ice cream all day long!
3. Climb into the bathtub by myself

3 Things I Can Do
1. Squeal really, really, loudly !!!! ( I like to think I’m a baby dinosaur)
2. Baby signs for duck, light, more, baby and “night night”
3. Give the sweetest baby girl kisses ever

3 Ways to Describe My Personality
1. SWEET !!!
2. Determined
3. Curious

3 Things I Cannot Do
1. See my mommy leave without crying
2. Walk on my own yet (I’m taking a few steps here and there- just can’t let go totally yet!)
3. Sit still

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To
1. ME… when I am looking at a book… I make up all kinds of interesting babble-talk
2. The silly songs mommy sings to me during the day… they make me DANCE!
3. Andrew try to “scold” me “I telled you no, no, no sissy”

3 Things I Think You Should Never Listen To
1. Mama’s pesky alarm clock
2. Our crazy dog barking outside at night
3. The sound of the lawnmower- I do NOT like it

3 Absolute Favorite Foods
1. Lasagna
2. Peaches and cream oatmeal
3. Yogurt

3 Things I’d Like to Learn
1. How to get all big brother’s toys for my own!
2. How to get mama to quit putting shoes on me. I just don’t like wearing them! Doesn’t she understand that’s why I always take them off!!??
3. How to get Mama to hold me ALL of the time !!

3 Beverages I Drink Regularly
1. Milk
2. Apple Juice
3. Water

3 Shows I Watch
Just Baby Einstein now and then

Babies I Tag
Any baby whose mama is willing to do this!

Happy Monday and
Much Love, Jennifer

Busy, busy

I won't be around much until Monday.... So I hope all of you have a GREAT weekend!! My sister and I (and some friends) will be attending the Miss Mississippi pageant Friday night (my parents will have the babes), and YAY for the contestant from my alma mater for her promotion of abstinence education, and... YAY for my sister's friend who is another pageant contestant! Saturday, one of Andy's sisters will be here with her hubby and three adorable kids- and will be staying until Sunday. Little Andrew is beside himself with excitement because his "cousins" are coming to play with him! Sunday will be busy with church obligations, so I'll look forward to seeing you all next week!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

FLY ARMY !!

My little lambs showing support for their daddy! Yay for Army Aviation! (Click to enlarge)
Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Through the Bible.... with my little buddy !

Well, I have decided to read straight through my bible, in a relatively short period of time, and to do the same thing with little Andrew. He has a "children's bible", and it is divided up into sections. When I do my bible reading in the morning, I make sure that I read the same "section" to him in his little bible at night.... and it is working out SO great! Before this, we had just been skipping around, reading different stories to him (he wanted "Jonah" or "Daniel and the big scary lions almost every night), but now, he is really getting into it and looking forward to what we are reading about the next night. We also review what we read the night before. And it also keeps me on my toes about reading several chapters a day, as his little bible goes much faster than mine!
In other ramblings, my sewing classes are going well- I learned to do a cap sleeve today, and am about to go and practice tonight- it is so much FUN! I miss Andy so much that it takes my breath away sometimes (silly, I know), and little miss took 2 steps today!
Am so thankful for the Lord's mercies that are new every morning.

Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

.... "One of them days"....

Yes, it has definitely been "one of them days", as the old-timers around here are wont to say. It all started at about 8:30 this morning. We took little Miss to the photographers to have her" one year old" pictures taken, and of course, she DID NOT want to cooperate. Now, don't misunderstand me, she was in a perfectly delightful mood, but would she be still??? Even for 2 seconds... noooooo. She had to investigate the backdrop, the camera, the photographers glasses, the crumb on the floor... and do absolutely anything but look at the camera. She repeatedly climbed off of the little chair she was sitting on, and crawled OFF of the backdrop. After finally managing to get a few decent shots, we headed outside to the little garden area to take some more. Then, the camera lens fogs up. Of course. While we are waiting to the cover and lens to un-fog (he didn't want to wipe them because of "streaking") little darling dumps a fistful of dirt all over herself and WHITE dress. And laughs. Meanwhile, photographer is ready for a shot, and we position her, and by this time, my hair is sticking to me, I have rivers of sweat pouring down my back (already 92 degrees, and who knows how much oppressive humidity) and am jumping up and down like some sort of maniac making animal sounds trying to get her to look at the camera. And everybody driving by is staring at me like I am a crazed lunatic (which I won't deny) and wondering why this woman is making monkey gestures and hanging from a tree branch. For the finale, little angel stuffs dress in her mouth and just stares at us. With a smile, of course. Ah, yes the adventures of taking photos with young'uns. I appreciate you some much more now, mama!! After packing up and leaving photographers, had to go to craft store, and mall. Craft store was uneventful. Mall was not. After Little Miss pulled a pile of shirts on top of her head, and big brother pulled shirts off the hanger on top of his ("we were just hiding from each other, mama", says big brother), and I made a couple of other little stops, we finally made it back to vehicle. A big sigh of relief until I discovered that ANDREW'S SHOES WERE GONE!! Yes, gone. I looked at him in disbelief, and he smiled the sweetest little angelic smile and said "Mommy, wook, I taked my shoes off". And mommy just wanted to melt into the pavement. So we backtracked. And found the shoes. And promptly came home. And I think I will stay here for a while, thankyouverymuch. Unless you count going over to my friend (and neighbor's) house for pizza with the girls tonight. THAT, my friends, is a necessity after today.
Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

3 Things.......

3 things.....
I got this over at Joy's blog, Joy in the Journey.

3 Things That Scare Me:
1. Something happening to my family
2. My husband going to Iraq
3. Snakes (I'm with ya on that one, Joy!!)

3 People/Things That Make Me Laugh:
1. My kids
2. My sister and my mom when we are all together
3. Chonda Pierce (Christian comedian)


3 Things I Love:
1. My Savior
2. My family
3. Rainy Saturday mornings

3 Things I Hate:
1. Snobs
2. Hurricanes
3. Handling any type of Financial Matters (Hugs to my hubby for doing this!)

3 Things I Don't Understand:
1. Why people pull out right in front of you in traffic, and then go 15 miles per hour??
2. Why some people belittle others to make themselves look better
3. How God could love someone like me so much

3 Things On My Desk:
1. Computer
2. Photos
3. Palm Pilot

3 Things I Want to Do Before I Die:
1. Watch my children grow up and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior
2. See Paris again (this time with my husband)
3. Be surrounded with grandchildren

3 Things I Can Do:
1. Always make my kids laugh by being the silliest mama, ever!!
2. Sing
3. Play the piano

3 Ways to Describe My Personality:
1 .People person
2. Talker
3. Dramatic !!

3 Things I Can't Do
1. Play sports
2. Run 10 miles (working on)
3. Leave a bed unmade

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To:
1. Josh Groban
2. Southern Gospel
3. Classic George Strait

3 Absolute Favorite Foods:
1. Homemade biscuits with butter and muscadine jelly
2. Boiled shrimp with comeback sauce
3. Fried catfish and hushpuppies

3 Things I'd Like to Learn:
1. Another Language
2. Shadow Embroidery
3. Cake Decorating

3 Beverages I Like:
1. Sweet Tea
2. Diet Coke
3. Diet Barq's

3 Shows I Watched as a Kid:
1. The Dukes of Hazzard
2. Punky Brewster
3. Growing Pains

Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Wearing her breakfast

This should have been a "Wordless Wednesday" post, but alas! it is Saturday. Little miss priss decided to rip her bib off, throw it on the floor, and SMEAR her breakfast (banana and cereal) everywhere (click for a closer look)- I had walked into my bedroom for 1 minute.... literally 1 minute (max) to get something, and I found THIS when I came back in. I just had to laugh... and grab the camera.
Happy Saturday to everyone! We're off to a fabulous indoor playground that we just discovered with my friend A. and her little one.
Much Love,
Jennifer

Bloggy Tour of Homes Y'all !!

One of my absolute FAV bloggers (and fellow native Mississippian) Boo Mama is hosting a Bloggy Tour of Homes on July 28th, and I'm definitely in for this one, click on the link for the details! If any of y'all haven't read her blog, get on over there! She is sooooo funny, and always a great pick me up! Can't wait to see everyone's home- hope y'all can participate.
Much Love, Jennifer

Vacation pics !

Here are a few pictures from our trip to North Carolina this past week. We had such a wonderful time, and it was great to see some of Andy's family! We attended a festival on Saturday that was taking place in the small N. Carolina town we visited, and it was a blast! We started the day out with a pancake breakfast at the local firehouse, shopped at the "General Store" downtown (you can see Andrew wearing his railroad hat, which he INSISTED on wearing backwards, *sigh*), watched clowns perform, saw the parade (note the John Deere tractors!), and attended a square dance that evening. Such a great time. And the weather. was. perfect. Little Miss Anna Kate required a little cardigan (as you can see from the photo of her with her daddy and her cousin, M. C.) as it was a little chilly that morning. A nice escape from the Mississippi (oven!) humidity we live in! Good company, good food, great memories!
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Calories, calories

While researching some different types of exercise recently, I came across something while surfing that I found very interesting.... Housework is considered exercise!!!!! Read below...

Housework is a form of exercise because you use the major muscles of the body (arms, trunk, and legs) and you can burn substantial amounts of calories. However, it is not as balanced as a formal exercise program wherein a fitness trainer makes sure that you tighten and stretch all your muscles properly. But housework can definitely be a practical way to stay fit while keeping your house clean.
Gardening 259 (APPROX. calories per hour)
Grocery shopping 194
Housecleaning 346
Ironing 122
Cleaning up after a party 245
Rearranging furniture 360
Stairclimbing 480
Washing dishes 122
Washing the car 245

I don't know about ya'll, but that really motivates me to clean house, wash the car and ... have more parties (just so I can clean up!). So, what are you waiting for... move away from that computer and get busy, girls! (I 'm talking to myself, too!) Too bad it doesn't say how many calories blogging burns per hour- but let's just pretend its 800. I know, I know, but a girl can dream, can't she??
Happy Friday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Meet the newest.......

Meet the newest member of our family. That's right- Just delivered, weighing in at about 20 or so lbs. is my brand spankin' new Singer 7466 sewing machine. I am one proud mama!

Much Love and
Happy Thursday!
Jennifer

Happy Anniversary

Happy 4th anniversary, sweetheart.... Can you believe it? Four years ago today, we stood in front of family, friends, and our Heavenly Father and said our vows.... and I mean them more today than I did then... and they mean more to me today than they did then. 2 kids, 2 houses, graduate school, *ahem* several pets, vacation adventures, bunches of hurricanes, a few tiny little arguments, and many kisses later, here we are. And I love and adore you more than ever. And I miss you more than anything....
Andy and Jennifer
July 13, 2002

Mi Vida Loca

Yes, Craziness is what my life consists of... Whew! This week has already been NUTS here .... Last weekend, I was in our church's "singing flag program"- a beautiful patriotic tribute- and was gone for 5 nights in a row... my sweet hubby did a wonderful job with my kiddos. Our little Andrew came to see the program on of the nights (it was 1 1/2 hours long) and did EXCELLENT (he is 2 1/2). He sat there like a little DOLL throughout- clapped, sang, laughed and was mesmerized by the lights, and was thrilled .... When it was my turn to sing, my hubby said he yelled out, MY MOMMY! ... left little doubt to everyone around to whom he belonged! And of Of course we left baby sister with relatives! And, of course, Tuesday was the big "4th" celebration with family, Yesterday was a party for our choir, today I had 5, 322 errands to do, a new baby to vist, and relatives to see, and tonight we are going out for our anniversary (not actually until next week). Andy is taking me to a wonderful restaurant on the 32nd floor of a hotel overlooking the beach... aptly named "32"... and tomorrow we are leaving to visit some of hubby's family in North Carolina... next week, (on the way home) we will visit Tupelo (birthplace of ELVIS! -- another of Andy's sisters lives there), and then on to stay with my sis in Jackson (our state capital)... and FINALLY home. The day after we get home, I'll be starting my new sewing classes, and my new gym membership!!!!!!! Okay, now I am exhausted from just typing it. But that is our life, ALWAYS crazy. AND... I said all of that to say.... I shall be absent from the blogosphere for about the next week. You know, life sometimes gets in the way of blogging! haha. I hope all of you have a great one, an I'm sure we'll have many adventures to share when we get back. I'll miss reading all of your great posts- but I'll catch up upon our return. We would covet your prayers as we travel. See all of you when we get back!
Happy Thursday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

How to...

My Grandmother wrote this on my "Pampered Bride" apron when we got married. I came across it again today.

How to Preserve a Husband
Be careful in your selection, do not choose too young. When once selected, give your entire thought to preparation for domestic use. Some insist on keeping them in a pickle, others are constantly getting them in hot water. This makes them sour, hard, and sometimes bitter. Even poor varations may be made sweet, tender and good by garnishing them with love and seasoning with kisses. Wrap them in a mantle of charity. Keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with peaches and cream. Thus prepared, they will keep for years.

Happy Wednesday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

Happy 4th !

Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July... May we all eat burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, chips, baked beans and apple pie to our hearts content, hug lots of family members, let the kids play until they are good and exhausted, have NO SCHEDULES, and lie back and watch fireworks at the end of the day!
We are headed to my parents' home (about 30 miles away) with lots of other relatives to celebrate, and will probably be there until late tomorrow night!! I'm so excited- can't wait to eat some of Daddy's famous country ribs... Yummm-yyy.
Happy Birthday America!
Happy Monday and
Much Love,
Jennifer

YAY !!

Well, we (I) did it!! Little Mr. Andrew didn't turn out to be quite so much help.... *sigh* he broke one of the completed saucers when my back was turned because he was trying to make a "tower" out of the pots and saucers. But at least he had FUN, and it will be a good memory ! Because, ya know, in the big grand scheme of things, the broken saucer doesn't matter a fig... anyway ! I know ya'll are probably sick of hearing about this little project by now, but just HAD to share. They turned out cute, don't you think? I'm giving a couple of them away at a family get together this afternoon- I added the raffia bows to some of them, thought it was a nice touch.... !! Off to change and head out the door....
Happy Lord's Day
and Much Love,
Jennifer

Today's Project !

This is a photo of the little "patriotic" craft that Andrew and I will be attempting this afternoon (I'm sure mommy will be doing most of the work) ... but.... he will be painting the saucer, thankyouverymuch... a good little artist, he is... and sister's tiny hands will be far, far away from it! Hubby has to go to Home Depot this morning for some other things, and will be picking up the pots for us (yes I am making more than one). That dear, sweet man of mine can think of 1,000 excuses to go to a Home Improvement store..." I think we're out of ummmm.... extra nails and ummm.... more fence boards... that's it... fence boards, didn't you notice the one with the big split waaaaay out in the back ?"..... Whatever makes you happy, sweetheart- just glad I'm married to such a "manly man" who looooooves the home improvement warehouse... (Big smile on my face). How in the world do ya'll let me get off on such tangents!!! ANYWAY, ladies (and my 2 gentlemen readers... yes, I'm talking to you, brother, and you, cousin), here is the link for the project, they have lots of other fun "crafty" things to do with (or without!) your kiddos. I just picked this one for the upcoming holiday.
Happy, Happy, Happy Saturday! And... HAPPY JULY!!
Much Love,
Jennifer