We are a family of book worms. Each of us enjoys reading year-round, however summer allows extra time for catching up on our book lists. The kids and I have already been working our way through our eagerly anticipated summer selections. We completed some books in the first weeks of June, but here’s what we've been reading this week: I'm reading This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness by Sarah Clarkson who very beautifully reveals the answer to the question "If God is good, why is there pain in the world?" I'm finding myself underlining and noting on just about every page in this book! I'm only about halfway through, so I can't guarantee anything, but, judging ... Read more
Ten Reasons to Love Summer
(***At the end of this post is an update on my dad.***) Although the calendar says we have another couple of weeks until the official start to summer, in my neck of the woods, we are already on summer break with temperatures hitting 90, so it's summer here! It's always fun to enter a new season and gear up for a change in weather, schedules, and activities. Summer passes so quickly each year, I always try to soak it up and enjoy all the special things that are unique to this season. So, in no particular order, here are my ten favorite things about summer! 1- The Great Outdoors Taking walks, being at the barn, swimming with friends, and hosting water days with the cousins ... Read more
In Your Morning Prayers
Prayer is an 24-hour, around-the-clock practice for me. “Practice” may not even be the correct word. My relationship with my Lord means there is communication between us throughout my days as need arises—“Please Lord, intervene here.” Or when I want to share in a moment with Him—“The sun is gorgeous today, Lord! Thank you!” Or, in those moments in the middle of the night when worry rears it’s ugly head and I find myself awake with fret—“God, please carry us through this.” I can’t imagine only speaking to my husband once in the morning and then being done for another 24 hours! What kind of relationship would that be?! As with my husband, my communication with God never stops. ... Read more
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Mother's Day is coming up and there's not a more decadent dessert for pampering mom with than a flourless chocolate cake smothered with chocolate ganache! Last month, yours truly had a birthday. My husband and kids took me to a favorite local restaurant for a delicious dinner of shrimp and grits, and then back home for dessert and a movie. That afternoon, my sweet baker girl offered to make a birthday dessert of my choosing. She's the best! At the time, I was on week six of avoiding sugar, so, needless to say, I was more than ready to indulge in a rich, chocolately treat for my special day. This cake has always been one of my favorites when it comes to splurging! Since there was a ... Read more
At My Sister’s House
My younger daughter is playing soccer this spring which is keeping us on the go! When we saw that she had two games in my sister's home city, the two of us were excited to plan an overnight trip to visit with Allison. The day before leaving, we got word that the games were cancelled due to rain, but my sis said, "Come on anyway!" And we did! It was a very quick and fun 24-hour trip. Allison and her family live in a beautiful older home in a historic district. The photo above is of the stone courtyard in back of her house. I took this photo looking out her back door. Such a lovely and peaceful spot under this gorgeous saucer magnolia! If I'm not mistaken, I believe she transplanted this ... Read more
February Fun
I’m late on completing a couple of posts I have in the works, one of which is my son’s birthday post from two weeks ago, but I wanted to pop in and give a quick hello. We are eagerly anticipating another birthday this weekend (my daughter is turning 21!) along with Valentine’s Day! The plans are low key, yet special, and it's always fun to plan menus and movies and bake festive goodies, no matter the occasion. So, in addition to our regular schooling and activities this week, the youngest two and I have been birthday shopping, gift wrapping, cake and cookie baking, and Valentine making!! After school today, we're getting out to make some early Valentine visits to the grandparents. Can't ... Read more
Red Velvet Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching so I thought today would be a good time to share a lovely red recipe. Red Velvet Pound Cake combines two Southern classics--red velvet cake and pound cake--into one sweetheart of a dessert! I shared this recipe several years ago on my old blogsite, but I think it is definitely worth repeating. And I can’t remember exactly where this recipe originally came from, but I’m guessing Paula Deen...maybe. Red Velvet Pound Cake Cake ingredients: 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened 3 cups sugar 5 large eggs 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 ... Read more
Sticky Situation
The dollar stores and craft stores have such cute wooden signs for holidays, don't they? They make fun additions to seasonal displays and vignettes. But one thing that bugs me is the stickers on the backsides that either don't come off completely or leave a sticky residue. Here's my quick solution I use on all my seasonal signs: Select a scrapbooking paper in a complimentary color and pattern. With a pencil, trace the outline of the sign onto the blank side of the paper. Cut along the outline, staying a little inside the line so the cutout will be a tad smaller that the sign. Spray some Craft Bond on the blank side of the paper. This is the side that will be bonded to the sign, ... Read more
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