a yard party & recipe

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Oh sweet yard parties!... What a summer treat! The menu featured 'Low Country Boil' [a personal favorite], cheesy Italian bread, coleslaw, fresh fruit, and cookies.  It was the perfect summer's evening!

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Low Country Boil

1/2 cup Old Bay Seasoning

1 tablespoon Salt

3 quart Water

8 medium red potatoes, cut in quarters

8 ears fresh corn, cut in half

4 pounds large Shrimp, in shells

3 [16 oz.] packs pre-cooked Kielbasa Sausage, cut into pieces

2 medium sweet Onions, quartered

3 lemons

1 head garlic, halved

In an 8-quart pot, bring Old Bay, salt, water, garlic, and juice of 3 lemons to boil on high heat. Add potatoes. Cook 13 minutes.

Add corn and sausage. Continue to cook 7 minutes. Add shrimp and onion. Cook 4 minutes.

Drain.

It's most fun to dump the contents down the center of a paper-covered table, outdoors.

  However, If you prefer a less messy method, simply transfer to serving bowls.

Be sure to remember your condiments: ketchup, cocktail sauce, butter, salt, and pepper!

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Blessings!

DIY Monogram Frame

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The last week I've been working to complete a few projects.  Monograms are a current rave in home decor, here's a simple project I've wanted to try, that requires minimal supplies and time.
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DIY Monogram Frame

Instagram

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You will need...

- wooden monogram letter       -picture frame       -hot glue gun

-linen or other fabric       -a strip of fabric or ribbon, approx 13"       -paint

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To get started, paint your wood letter the color of your choice., 

I choose white for a neutral look.  

The picture frame was originally gold, to coordinate, I spray painted it white too.

If your frame has a glass insert, remove it to reduce the frame's weight.

While paint is drying, prepare the frame's backing.

Cut your fabric to the size of the backboard, being generous.

I used a light linen fabric.

 Secure the fabric with hot glue or adhesive, around the perimeter.

When dry, secure the frame face to the backing.

Use hot glue to set the monogram letter in the frame, being sure to center it.

Lastly, using a strip of fabric or ribbon, create a hanger with hot glue on the back of the frame.

Don't skimp on the glue!

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This project cost approx $2, since I had most all the supplies on hand!

I'll be back next week to announce an exciting, upcoming event, stay tuned!

 

 

a new longing...

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How do we respond to such a horrific act?  

Since hearing of the Theater 9 shooting, my mind and heart have been stirring... restless and heavy.  Why?  How?   My brain can't begin to grasp such a senseless act.  It IS uncomprehendable!  My heart aches for those who lost loved ones. I can't imagine the grief they're experiencing.  

I caught myself becoming angry after hearing how and when the shooting took place, how it corresponded with the events of the movie.  I have a deep sadness that violent movies of the sort are being produced. Beyond being produced, they are anticipated, watched, and 'loved'!  What has happened to society's morals... our conciseness?  It breaks my heart to know, that a six year old girl was viewing [as 'entertainment'] what would become her fate that night, and all the others.  

This world is evil.  

In the midst of all my emotions, I've recognized a new, deeper longing within me.  A longing that nothing in this world can satisfy.  It's a longing that God intended, and desires we each have... a true longing for heaven! A longing for Jesus! 

You may have heard or already read the post "So you still think God is a merciful God?" by A Miniature Clay Pot.  It has gone viral since the shooting.  

Late last night, after reading too many news reports on the investigation, I stumbled across this blog post.  [If you haven't yet read the post, I highly recommend doing so now!]  As I sat in the darkness of the night reading Marie's testimony, a physical, surreal peace came upon me.  God was speaking to me.  "He is not the cause of evil, but He is the one who can bring comfort and peace in the midst of evil."    The imperfections and hardships of this world are reminders of our temporary time here. They help us remember and focus on our eternal goal.  They show us that God is only perfect, and only with him will we have abundant peace, joy, and life.

This world is not our home.    

'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with  the glory which shall be revealed in us.'     - Romans 8:18                                                    Peace to you,

 

 

Focus.

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In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of summer living, I have had this verse on my heart and mind this week. It has helped me focus on what matters, and what my purpose is! ......

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No matter how busy or distracting life is, may we always focus on what is 'above'!

Blessings!

502 ears later...

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Eight hours and 502 ears later, our corn is put away for the year!

I'm thankful for a dear friend to have shared the task with, and many helping hands!

Next up, peaches!

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Happy Weekend!



ABD  Yellow Wedding Accessories

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I was thrilled when Caitlin [a bride-to-be] contacted me in the Spring, regarding hair accessories for her special day. She requested custom pieces for herself, her flower girls, and bridesmaids. As you'll see, yellow was the primary color.  

A special thank you to Rothwell Photography for sharing these stunning photos!

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,TheThThe flower girls wore Bloom Headbands.

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A variety of styles of hairpieces were created for the bridesmaids to choose from.

The bride wore a white, satin hairpiece with crystal center and tulle.

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For more of the Rothwell's work, and to view their original post of Caitlin and Adam's wedding,
 you can do so here!



A thunder of a storm

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Friday June 29, our home lost electricity and water like thousands of other northeasterns, due to the derecho thunderstorms that swept through. Eighty-seven hours later, both were finally restored, and we were back home as a family again. Thankfully, we had no damage and only lost some food from our fridge and freezers.

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Twelve hours into the power shortage, after a restless night of 80 degrees and the baby crying,  I packed up the little ones and headed to my parents. Thankfully, they had regained power. 

Blake stayed behind to help repair his Dad's chicken house roof that blew off, and care for our home.  

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It is unreal how dependant we are on electricity! This experience helped us count our many blessings, and remember how comfortably we live! We are greatly blessed!         

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 Instagrams off my phone....

We happened to be at my parents house when the storm hit.

Grandma and Alex during the thunderstorm, after the electric turned off.

The little ones and I slept slept in my childhood bedroom at my parents.

It was such a blessed to stay there!

The chickenhouse roof that blew off from the storm.

With tempatures in the high 90s and reaching 100, we swam to keep cool and for fun!

Such a wonderful sight... LIGHTS = POWER! 

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I pray you and yours are all safe and sound!