Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend lets us know that summertime is here. Summer brings two of my favorite patriotic holidays. The first being Memorial Day. A lot of schools are out and others will be out soon. People are headed to the lakes, picnics and other destinations. But as we go, please don't forget what this holiday is all about. Take time as you see a flag to remember that our freedoms didn't come easily. Many veterans have fought and given their lives for the things that we enjoy and take for granted. The veterans still living would appreciate a simple thank you and may God Bless America!

Pillow Cases for New Friends

I had fun doing these pillow cases for some new friends. I tried to make all the ones for the girls a little different, but the ones for the boys are all the same. I hope they enjoy using them on an upcoming trip.

Blackberry Jam

A friend let us pick some blackberries. He has a bed with just blackberry plants so it makes it easy to pick. In fact, my husband is preparing a place for us to grow blackberries. Then we will be able to share. I used the the berries to make jam this afternoon. I have 18 jars to be exact, so there will be some to give away.

Magna Hoop and Polka Dots

I bought a software program called magna hoop last summer. I am beginning to use it more and more. It is great to do initials for monograms and you can enlarge the font to the size you want. It is so much faster than using the program on my machine. I create the monogram, name, etc on the computer and then transfer it to a thumb drive. Then the thumb drive goes to my embroidery machine. Now I know that if you don't have a machine this might sound like greek to you. You can see a monogram I did with the curlz font and I added the green polka dot ribbon. I love how it turned out. You can't go wrong with polka dot ribbon. I rolled it up, tied a cute ribbon around it and now it is readly to be given to the graduate.
I also did the stacked name on the burp cloth with the magna hoop program.

Graduation Gifts

It is that time of year that you receive graduation invitations or announcements. It is always fun to buy or make for girls, but it is a little harder for boys. This year I had fun making note cards, journals and key chains. I bought the gift bags and decided why not try and add their names. I cut the names using my cricut and contact paper. It was fun and sure personalized the bags.

Mayhaw Jelly

We were in Natchitoches this past weekend and my husband picked up a jar of mayhaw jelly. He told me the cost was $8.95 for a pint jar. I knew he was thinking about the jelly I was getting ready to make. We have some friends who have mayhaw trees in their yard and they graciously share with us. A lot of people do not know what a mayhaw is or what it looks like. They just know the jelly taste good. I decided to take pictures while making the jelly to share with you. My husband also told me that there were too many steps for him to keep up with the process. He quickly retired to the den.

This is a picture of the mayhaws. After you wash them, you cook them for the juice.




The ingredients are mayhaw juice, sugar and sure jel. You cook this and then put in the jars. Now I am giving very abbreviated steps.



The final product is worth all the hard work. The best part is being able to share with others and it gives you an excuse to eat a biscuit.

Happy Mother's Day

I want to say Happy Mother's Day! This is for every woman who touches another's life. I think of the influence we have on children that we are around at home, church, school, etc and it is humbling. This day can be bitter sweet for me when I reflect on my own mother whose company I was only able to enjoy for 14 years. What an influence she had on me for that rather brief time. I have to remember that I am most blessed to have had a Christian mother who loved me and raised me to love the Lord. I must also remember how blessed I am to be a mother of two wonderful young women who are impacting children's lives each day at school. So remember when things are tough, you are making a difference in the lives of those around you. Also, thank you to all the women that are still impacting my life!

We Are Home

After being gone for a week and traveling over 2000 miles we are back home. I met and made new friends in another region.This is a picture of where we served. My husband and I were able to be with children and help in any way needed. It is good for us to get out of our comfort zone to help others and it sure makes us appreciate home.