Tasty Thursday

This week's Tasty Thursday is Ranch Oyster Crackers! YUM.

Addy did a fine job - eating. lol. 

Addy and I decided to share this recipe with you guys today because it is a household favorite around here, and always goes fast. In fact, I'll let Addy tell you a little bit about just how popular they are!!!

***     ***     ***

Hi y'all - Addy here! It's super amazing to be back. FINALLY. =D

This is how things went down...

One evening last week I was sick and tired of studying. You know, for the yearly fashion exams? (They are no piece of Death by Chocolate Cake, let me tell you! And I have to be fully qualified for my modeling job here at DolzDreamzzz, so I always try to get an amazing grade). Well, anyway, as I was saying, I was sick and tired of studying, so I got up and decided to go downstairs. 

BY MYSELF.

I hope I didn't worry my human; she says that even if we dolls are living in a safe home and neighborhood with her, the buddy system should never be broken. EVEN IN THE HOUSE.

Which is why she won't let me go to the bathroom on my own.

Paige says my human should take a chill pill - no one is going to dollnap me.

I agree with the first part. But the second, I'm pretty sure is an insult. Who wouldn't want a gorgeous doll like me? In most cases, I try to completely agree with my boss (you know the reason - if the boss is happy, all the models are happy), but here I completely disagree. 

So I'll stick with the buddy system in the future, even if I hate it, just to make a statement to my boss.

TAKE THAT, PAIGE!

Now that I got that off my chest, I will continue with my story. =)

I was in a munchy mood. Like a REALLY munchy mood. So as soon as I made sure the coast was clear, I sneaked into the kitchen and hid in the cupboard with the recipe box. 

Yep. Just as I thought. Dark. Hard. Cold. Lonely.

Soooo.

I climbed out and sat down at the table.

I must have spent 20 minutes just looking through the recipe box, when I started reading, and saw

R - Ranch Oyster Crackers

written on the top of a sheet of folded paper. Mindlessly, I pulled it out and read the directions. Then I saw the cook time: 15-20 minutes. I was out of my chair in a flash.

"PAIGE!!!" I hollered, running through the house like a mad doll, "Paige, where are you?"

OOF!

I had found her. Or at least I found her knee caps.

"ADDY!" Paige howled, hopping on one foot and clasping her knees. "Good grief! Watch where you're going."

I was a little startled, and my head sort of hurt, but that wasn't what was on my mind. "Paige!" I gasped, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you! Are you ok? Well, I was wondering, can I make this?". I held out the recipe.

Paige glanced at it briefly. "You mean may I make this. And the answer is, yes, you may. I've been planning to make it myself these past couple of weeks, and I have just completely forgotten about it. Call me when you need help."

I raced off to the kitchen and began my work.


HAVE YOU EVER TRIED BEING 18 INCHES AND GETTING AROUND IN A KITCHEN MADE FOR HUMANS?!?!?
I'll bet you haven't.
It's awful to live in a world that is not made for you. :(

A snack that would take any human 30 minutes TOPS to make, took this short (but gorgeous) doll almost an hour.

__________                    __________





______________________________________________________


^big 'not cool' face^

But boy, let me tell you girls, it was worth it!



I hope that you visit the recipe link and make some for yourself - Paige made some for Elisa's family today and certain members of Elisa's family can't seem to stay out of them.
You could say that they are an addicting, mindless, munchy kind of snack.
And they hit the spot. =D



NOTE: Fellow dolls of the 18" crowd (or near in height) PLEASE don't use the oven alone! Call your human, ok?
It saves your hair.

Thanks for reading my second ever blog post! Sorry there are no pics. Paige is having a sleepover. (Hence why this will be posted at midnight or so, lol)


Your favorite model at Dolz-er, EVER,
~Addy

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

The Lord is my Rock, in Him I hide; a Shelter in the time of the storm.

Yesterday, New York was drenched by a very powerful storm. 

When the trees are bending in half and the sky turns green, you know it's a good storm!

And that's what we had.

I hope that things get better fast so that I can release the beginning of our Summer Line this week, as I promised. However, I hope that you will understand if I have to push it off a little longer. :'(

We were so blessed. So very blessed. God protected us through it all. Even when one of our trees fell, and the sky was turning greener, and hail was 'rocking' our world (hehe, I have to have fun with everything, don't I?), God held us in His hands. Everyone is safe. But I thought you might like to see a couple of pics of everything.

Yup. That's the tree. And yeah, it is kind of ruining half of my garden.

However, I didn't have any plants in it yet. :)

This is the view from the other side of the tree, looking from the edge of the trunk, upwards, toward the top of the soil, grass, and roots that have been exposed.

 Standing on the tree trunk, looking down and over the top of the ground that was ripped out. It's a rather big hole!

I just thought this shot was super cool. With the everything so exposed, you can really see "in depth" (Haha!) what it is like, underground. Pretty neat, if you ask me.

 This was a post that I made on Facebook yesterday, and pretty much sums it all up:

Just a quick praise (or two, or three) -

During the storm today (I was at work, so I only just learned this a short while ago) 1 of our trees and 2 of our elderly neighbor's trees were uprooted and thrown down near our house and our neighbor's house.
The praise is that while 2 trees hit our neighbor's front porch and took out her power lines, etc, she is safe and sound. We were also able to go over and help her out.

Next, the tree that was uprooted in our yard...is NOT the one that we thought was a threat (sort of scary, right?) but was nonetheless a tree that we were going to take out in the next year or so so that the garden could get full sun. So praise God that it didn't hit the house, that we didn't have to pay to take it down (just to have it removed), and that God let me feel too crummy to transplant our garden outside yesterday. All of my hard work is safe and sound inside, and not crushed under the tree.

I'm just so thankful to see Him working so clearly in such little things as protecting my garden, and in such big things as in protecting our home, and our neighbor's home!!!

~ ~ ~
Ephesians 5:20
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Paige

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. 

Instead of wishing you a happy Memorial Day, I want to give you a little food for thought.
...

 Today, while we celebrate what all of our brave men and women, both dead and alive, have done for us, we should also be spending a great deal of time being thankful, and honoring them. 

I'm not entirely convinced that BBQs and picnics show them the  respect that they deserve.

However,

HUZZAH FOR PARADES!!! lol

Yet is this enough? Yeah, sure, our fallen heroes won't know the difference. And our living heroes might not care very much how we commemorate the day. But I think there should be more.

Why don't we all visit a soldier/veteran nearby and do them a little service? Maybe all they wish is kind words and respect. Maybe they need lawn work done. Maybe they would love the fresh berry pie you just made. Maybe they want to tell you stories of what it was like for them when they were in action. Maybe only the family is there, because their hero is still on the field, or because their hero never came home. Maybe they could use a kind person or two dropping by and offering to help out in any way. Maybe we can find a small way to give back, and serve our country in a different way. Maybe, just maybe, there is something more that we should do.

Not that I have done any of those things today. (Shame on me)

However, in a future year, this is my Memorial Day plan: To make some lucky soldier/veteran (or two, or three, or four...) have the most memorable Memorial Day he has ever had yet. Or at least one of the best in a while.

Now I know. I just said all that noble sounding stuff, and then I admit to having done none of it. Yet. You're probably wondering what our family has done so far.

So how have we spent our day? 

Well, it's not quite over yet, but we have been working pretty hard. We are blessed to have both my parents home today, so after they took a walk, we went outside and did a TON of yard work. 

Side note...

It sprinkled for maybe 5 minutes. 

Bummer. 

(I was hoping for a short drenching...it's hot out there!)

Here's what we got done (and before, the place looked pretty awful):

1. The garden is weeded and waiting for me to transfer the plants from the front porch to the garden.

2.Weeds everywhere HAVE BEEN DESTROYED!!! Mwahahaha!!!

3. Bushes of all kinds have been trimmed.

4. The lawn was mowed.

5. I cut myself open on two fingers on my right hand.

6. The front flower bed is waiting for me (this sounds familiar huh?) to transplant a zillion flowers into it. All of which are ALSO on the front porch.

7. I NEED A SHOWER. But I have to go back out, so I guess I'm waiting. :-(  

I hope that your day has been awesome so far, and that it will get even more awesome. 

Remember to say thanks to our soldiers!!!

♥♥♥If any of our amazing men and women who are serving or have served our country are reading this, please know that I thank you with all my heart for what you have done to make our country a better, safer place!!! We love you!!!♥♥♥

Thanks for stopping by today!!!
~Paige

 

Beginning Of Our Summer Line to Be Launched Next Week!!!

Paige here! I'm interrupting Elisa's week to do a small news flash. :)


So we have some pretty big news to share with you!

First off, we are introducing seasonal lines - special outfits that we make and bring out only for each new season, and usually only in a limited number. It is super exciting for everyone involved. Our future lines will be advertised and anticipated much more than our first launch will be. But everything must have a beginning!

Second, our summer line will be all about having fun in the sun. Most of you will be celebrating Memorial Day this weekend, or on Monday with a parade, cookout, picnic, beach visit, or something else equally as summery and awesome. We will be enjoying a relaxing weekend, taking year end tests during the week, and once it's time, we'll begin our big reveal!!! (Eh, we're not so excited about the tests)

There will be 5 items in our summer line. Then, sometime shortly thereafter we will begin listing all sorts of separates (not complete outfits) and maybe some more accessories.

I usually prefer to post teaser pictures, but thanks to school and weather, I am not able to do that right now. 

HOWEVER, I can post a picture or two of my gorgeous best friend. (I know what you're thinking - what does this got to do with your Seasonal Lines? You really ARE a nut!!! Well....Keep your shirt on! I'm getting to that part.)

 It's really what she is wearing that I want to show you. See that jacket? Well, for part of our Summer Line, I made this jacket in doll size. Not the same yarn, and it is a little less "loose" looking on dolls, but it is the same thing.

That's all the sneak peek y'all are gonna get. 

For now. 

:)

♥ We can't wait to do this!!! 
What about you? Are you excited? ♥

Comfort in Trials

Today's been a hard day for me. My cat died that we've had for around 12 years. I know he's just a cat, but he was a part of the family. He will definitely be missed.

Tiger

I don't know what any of you have been going through. Perhaps you are going through something like this with the lost of a pet. Perhaps you have lost a l♥ved one. You might be going through something completely different.

Today I just want to offer words of encouragement. I want to share with you why I know that everything will turn out okay.

Last week Paige announced that we are Christians. I'm just going to give my small testimony and then some words of encouragement. I hope you read through this all and then maybe share it with someone who may need it.

I was saved when I was 7 years old. I had gotten in trouble and realized that I needed someone who was perfect to save me from hell. Though I don't remember all the details, I do remember going to the living room and kneeling at my couch with my mom. As she guided me through it I gave my life to Jesus. I'm going to Heaven!!!!! It still makes me tear up a little bit to be reminded how God saved me...little me.

From then on I knew that I had Someone on my side. Through every storm and heartache, through all the tears and laughter, through the sunshine and through the rain, God has been there. He's given me peace when I've needed peace. He's brought a smile to my face and brought joy to my heart♥

When I'm lonely or scared, I go to God's Word, the Bible. I just want to share some of those verses with you.

Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth His l♥ve toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

God l♥ved us first! He created us.1He l♥ved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us, so that we may go to heaven(John3:16).

That's just absolutely incredible to me.

Romans 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear: butt ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

When we ask Jesus to come into our heart, we are now a child of God. God adopted us. He gave us to have an opportunity to always have a Father. We now have someone that we may cry, "Abba, Father" to!

Abba means "Daddy"

There are just so many verse I could share I don't know how to continue. Romans is a wonderful book to read when you need comfort. It's just a great reminder of how God saved us and how He l♥ves us. I encourage everyone to read it. Also it has the road to salvation in it, which I will be explaining in a future blog.

My personal favorite that I remind myself of all the time:

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that l♥ve God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

I l♥ve this verse for two reasons:

1. It reminds me that no matter how bad it gets, everything will work out for good.
2. It also reminds me that God has a certain purpose for my life. I am called to His purpose. My life has meaning in it.

Last but definitely not lease:

Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the l♥ve of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Absolutely nothing that Satan throws at us will be able to separate us from the l♥ve of our Father, our Creator! No sin you have ever done will make God stop l♥ving you. 1st John 1: 9 says that if we confess our sins He will forgive us and cleanse us. There isn't a maybe He'll forgive us. He will forgive us. He will continue to l♥ve us.

Never forget what Jesus did for you.

He l♥ves you!

If you need a friend or need someone to pray for you, please feel free to comment of contact us dolzdreamzzz@yahoo.com or message us on facebook

I hope you take comfort in these verses.

~Elisa

*All verses are in the King James Version*

It's Tea Time!

Howdy y'all!

Sorry that I didn't blog about anything yesterday or Sunday.

How has everyone been? I've been pretty great. How was your weekend? Mine was fantastic!!!

Our church for Mother's Day this year threw a tea party for all the girls and ladies at the church. The best part was the guys had to all serve us...hehe :D  It was great fun to see all the youth group guys that I'm friends with serve us.

Friday evening Paige and I helped some of the ladies decorate for it. The fellowship hall turned out great.

I thought I would share some of the things we did and then show some pictures of the decorations and food.

Paige and I got there and after we picked our seats we started taking pictures of everyone. The women were still getting everything ready and the guys in their nice white collared shirts were trying not to look nervous for what was to come lol.

When everyone was settled the men came over to us and asked us what kind of tea we would like to have.

I don't know about you but Red Raspberry is my absolute favorite.

We ate a delicious salad, made by Paige's grandma, while our tea was steeping.

After salad we were able to go and get little finger sandwiches. Sadly I do not have pictures of those.

The sandwiches were filled with chicken, ham, or tuna salad. I had the tuna salad....delicious!

While people were eating we visited and talked and laughed. My friend's little sister was doing silly antics at the table making us all smile and laugh.

Then it was dessert time..yum!

Saturday morning Paige and I decorated cupcakes. I think they came out looking awesome:

Flower Marshmallow Cupcakes

My friend's mom also made some:



So cute!





After desserts we played some games. The first one was to draw a teapot on a paper plate which was located on top of your head. You may have played a similar game at a baby shower.

The next game was Guess That Drink. My mom, who was the host, would give a clue such as "cow's make it". Then we would call out the name of the drink. The person who called out the correct answer first would get a point.

I tied this game with another girl and was able to grab a prize:

Then we had devotion time. Using the verses Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,11a the devotion was about how there is a time for everything. Even though we do not know why there is a time for death, a time to kill, to break down, etc...we can know that God will make "every thing beautiful in His time"

The Ladies Springtime Tea was a great success and a lot of fun. I can't wait for what next year's tea has in store. I hope you all enjoyed reading about it. Here's some pictures of the decorations:

We are truly blessed with what God has for us :D

"He hath made every thing beautiful in His time." Ecclesiastes 3:11. This was our theme verse for the tea.

 Each person was supposed to bring their own favorite tea cup

 The room and tables were covered with beautiful flowers.

Feel free to comment or ask a question.

Remember to smile today :D

~Elisa

Addy Is Back!

Did you all miss Addy this week? I most certainly did! 

The plan was to have her guest blog again on Thursday of this past week. As you know, that didn't happen. So I decided to make it up to her.

But before I show you what I did to make it up to her, I'll share with you the conversation that brought it all about. :)

A conversation between Addy and myself -

"Paige, did I do something wrong?" Addy asked me, crossing her arms and frowning.

I looked up from studying my history. "No, Adelaide. Why would you think that?"

Addy sighed. "First, please don't call me Adelaide in public, ok? Adelaide sounds so old, and mature - yuck!" Here she made a face. Then she glared at me, "Second, you canned me."

I had a feeling that I was completely in the dark about what Addy was thinking. I had no idea what to say, so I said, "I canned you? What do you mean, I 'canned' you? You don't look canned to me!"

Addy rolled her eyes. "YOU KNOW. You don't want me blogging anymore. You canceled my series. I was a hit, and you don't want me? What did I do wrong? Why did you - "

"OH, ADDY!" I interrupted her, suddenly understanding,  "Good grief! I didn't 'can' you, and I haven't canceled your series. I've just been too swamped with end of the school year work to be able to do anything extra - "

"EXTRA!?! You think I'm an EXTRA? Who models clothes for you? Who made Tasty Thursday a success?" Addy screeched.

I noticed that my jaw was on the floor. I took my time picking it up; hoping to regroup myself and begin to think clearly before I had to answer her. "Well," I drawled, "I wasn't meaning you, now was I? I said I haven't had time to do ANYTHING extra. Blog posts included. The only reason why I was able to post this week was because I made the posts during Elisa's week - so all I had to do was finish them and post. I didn't work on a Tasty Thursday with you last week, so I didn't have time to do it this week. Because I hadn't planned it, it became an extra. And I just did not have time. I'm sorry Addy."

Addy hung her head, and a tear splattered on the floor. "I guess maybe I judged you unfairly. I have a hard time remembering that humans and dolls are so different - and schedules is one of those differences. I understand now, and I'm sorry."

As she turned to leave, I had an idea. "Hey, wait just a minute," I said slowly. "I might just know how to fix both our problems."

Addy's face lit up. "Really? I didn't know that you had a problem too?"

I grinned. "I actually have two problems. My blogging week has been slow because of not being able to prep very much last week. You were a hit last time. I need you back." I smiled as I watched Addy tilt her head a little higher and stand a little straighter. Then I continued, "My other problem is this history. I'm studying about important dead people - what important things they did, when they did it, and how they did it. Right here it talks about the time that President Lincoln picked his nose in public...just kidding! It doesn't actually say that. But I'm sick of studying, and I was just looking for an excuse to stop. I was getting worried because I wasn't thirsty, and didn't need to go to the bathroom. Want to help me sew something?"

Addy clapped her hands. "Yes! I would love to. I have the perfect idea...."



                                              ***                       ***                       ***

 And today's brand spankin' new listing in our Etsy Shop is the result of my solution to our problems!!!

A few pictures that are not included in the listing are,

 the main ties tied in the back, 

 and a close up (sort of) of the hot mats.

Addy kind of flipped out. It suddenly struck her that she now has her own line of clothes - Addy's Baking Accessory Sets for the Awesome 18" Crowd. She's still trying to talk me into making her brand official. 

She's got a lot of talking to do yet.

I told her that she would need to consider expanding her line very quickly into the 14" crowd. She had no problem with it. OF COURSE she didn't! All she does is boss me around, telling me what fabric to use, yelling at me to rip out any seams that she doesn't like (and making me redo the very same seam 5 minutes later because she changes her mind again), and modeling for the listing. 

I'm not quite so quick to make it a whole line, and expand right away because that means a lot of work for me. And I am REALLY busy right now.

But we'll see, won't we?

On a side note...

I have made many aprons before for my sisters, but never any quite like this. This is a new pattern for me. 

I've also never made hot mats.

There's a first time for everything, right?

Well guess what? This specific apron and hot mat set is my first, and my last with these fabrics (to list to sell). That makes it OOAK. So when it's gone, it's really gone.

However, I do have other fabrics set aside to make other baking sets. Whenever I have a few hours free to sew, and don't have any other pressing projects, I'll bang out another set and list it in our shop. :)

Thank-you for reading my week!

I'll see you all back here Memorial Day weekend!!!

~Paige

Photography Friday

This past week, I decided to try something new. Something I've thought about for awhile, but have never actually tried to start.

My plan is simple: take a picture for every day. At least one. Every day. The point? First, to capture a memory of every day. Second, to force me to look at normal, everyday life, and find something beautiful in everything; or remind myself of all the important little things that I take for granted every single day. I have also personally challenged myself to take shots from unique angles.


I want to invite you to join me. Take a picture of something everyday. Find the beauty in everything. Share it with friends and family. 

I've been taking multiple pictures everyday since Tuesday the 8th, and posting one of my favorites from the day to my Facebook, entitling them "Picture of the Day" and sometimes giving a short description.

Try it . 
It's addicting . =D 

In the future, I will show you before and after photos, tell you where I edit my pictures, and what "formula" I used, so that you can have your own version of your favorite photos of mine. 

Picture of the Day, 5/08/12

 My first attempt at being grateful for rain - I ♥ how the water forms into such pretty droplets on our day lilies.

Picture of the Day, 5/09/12

I normally find rain so dreary and anti-motivational. After taking this picture, I now know that I can never look at rain the same way again.










Thursday was a little different. Mom and Dad went out to buy milk and brought home McDonald's fries and milkshakes (and the milk). That was a pretty special treat for us, so I made it my picture for the day.

Picture of the Day, 5/10/12

Picture of the Day, 5/11/12

Friday was pretty creative. I have had mixed reviews from other people on this one, because if you look at it without your creative juices warmed up, it's just a "picture of my feet". However, with those juices turned on high, it is easy to see that it is my (rather pretty) way of saying that I took a walk in the early morning, and loved it. A plain path would not have said that. A photo of me actually walking does. (Ps. I'm not the first blogger to take a picture like this. I actually got the idea from one of my favorite blogger moms. And she basically had the same message. But she didn't take her picture the same way.)

Picture of the Day, 5/12/12

It's so easy to take grass for granted, and even to complain when it's time to mow, once again. Yet without grass, we'd be living in a desert; lacking our usual colorful, lush, vibrant landscape.

Picture of the Day, 5/13/12

My Mom's Mother's Day breakfast. What says "I Love You!" better than chocolate and strawberries?

My first time doing self-portraits was Mother's Day afternoon....this is just one of them, and my current profile picture. ♥

Picture of the Day 5/14/12

Picture of the Day 5/15/12

A very short while ago I did a photo shoot with my brother. While he was doing something random, I saw this flower. I kinda sorta shrieked, and kinda sorta danced, and kinda sorta scared him. Then I took this picture. :)

Picture of the Day 5/16/12

Just a celebration of sunny skies and fluffy clouds...since we keep getting rain, rain, and more rain.

Picture of the Day 5/17/12

Vibrant Flower ♥

Picture of the Day 5/18/12

              Black and white pansies ♥

***I do not put watermarks on my personal images, and I do not block people from pinning them or stealing them from our blog. 

I want to trust you. Please don't hurt me by taking what does not belong to you. I use the honor system - I trust you to do nothing with/to my pictures that you do not have permission to do. 

If you like my pictures and want to pin them, that's fine! But if you want to take my pictures and feature them someplace else, please e-mail me about it first, and please don't claim them as your own.

Our e-mail is dolzdreamzzz@yahoo.com .***

My Dream - Following My Heart

My dream is pretty simple. On the outside. But in detail.......it's ginormous!!!

My Dream? To follow my heart, wherever it leads.

But there's more meaning behind that than you might imagine.

Last week Elisa shared with you her dreams. 

Hers come from the same place as mine - the heart. Not the flesh and blood kind; the kind that holds your deepest emotions and feelings. The kind that holds the soul. And the soul holds the Holy Spirit, if you ask Him in. We have.

Yep. That makes us Christians. 

And that makes my heart a place where my Savior controls. I want to follow Him, because I KNOW, that He has the best plan for my life. Whatever His plan(s) may be, it's a perfect plan only messed up by my own doing.

His plan for my life centers around what is referenced in the Bible as the heartbeat of the church - Missions.
He's been calling me to missions ever since I was a little girl. He hasn't stopped calling. I listened then, and I still listen now.
I know that I don't have to wait until I get older to be able to serve Him in missions. God has been laying several things on my heart lately, that I'm preparing for them until He says that the light is green. You will most definitely be hearing about them in the future.


For now, let it suffice to say that the details of my future, whatever they may be, rest in His hands, and His alone.

Am I just blindly throwing away my life? I think not.


 In the 9 or so short years that I have been a Christian, I have seen God's hand in my life, every single day. I know what He has done for me, and what He continues to do. It's absolutely astounding. I've tried running away from His will. Don't get me wrong, the years I spent running (My earliest teen years) have many great memories and growing experiences. And yes, I was happy. But I wasn't joyful. The deep emotion kind of joyful. The kind that makes it impossible to ever truly become depressed. Several major circumstances in my life sat me firmly down, and forced me to look at my life more closely. One look in the Bible's mirror, and I knew I had my work cut out for me.

By following all the little love notes my Heavenly Father has left for me in His Word, I came to realize that I would need to make a serious decision. There was no middle ground option. Only completely giving up trying to do what I knew to be right, or give God my all.

I chose the latter.

Ever since then I have had that true joy. And I have grown happier, healthier, and had more of my dreams fulfilled than I know would have happened otherwise. I am continually blessed, and I am at peace with my decision.

In the words of King David, "My cup runneth over...."
(Psalms 23:5c)



Joyfully His,
~ Paige   

Mother's Day

Mothers' Day

A day to remember the past year of your life with your Mom, or reflect on the past year of being a Mother. I think the person who made Mother's Day a holiday must have been an awesome person. ♥

YOU know how it is. An awesome person setting up awesome days to celebrate in awesome ways super awesome people. How could it not be awesome?

Hehe. I could list a few ways....

1. Your oldest daughter at home (which would be me...) picked a breakfast that you've never had; and she has never made. (It turned out fine, btw. However, I wouldn't blame you if you were to completely lose trust in me after you read #'s 3-4).

2. You are pretty darn late for church service, and walk in during greeting time (shaking hands with one another while the music is playing).

3. Your youngest comes into church bawling her eyes out over a headache.

4. The same youngest throws up twice during church service (3-4 minutes before going home for medicine, and 5 minutes before reaching church again).

5. After lunch the middle child at home starts to feel sick.

6. Your oldest child barks at everyone and demands family photos - you know, the kind that doesn't involve Christmas trees and pajamas. 

7. Your husband thinks the pictures are going to be in the back yard and is surprised to discover that everyone else in the house already knows that it's at the park (and he's kinda tired).

8. Your oldest calls to wish you happy mother's day. You wish her the same, and then, under your teenage daughter's threatening fist (mine) you have to deliver the awful news that next weekend three members of her family (including her) are going to be forced through a photo shoot. (PS. I get really good shots of people. Most of the time. And I get everyone to cooperate. I also thank God for photo editors to cover up the bruises that my subjects receive in the process).

Ok. I didn't actually threaten her to pass along the news. She did it voluntarily. I actually forgot all about it. Ha. Lucky.

9. You really prefer not to be in pictures...but you are forced into more with your oldest daughter at home and later your son. By the end you're laughing so hard you are practically crying, so maybe it wasn't so bad after all. Maybe.

10. Last but not least, after coming home you take a death march around the block with your hubby. A hot, sweaty march.

Do you get the idea that maybe we made a very memorable Mother's Day for my Mom? Not as much as you might think. This was out best year yet.

On the flip side...

1. Breakfast turned out perfect

2. We gave her an awesome coffee machine (single cup, and RED, cuz it's her favorite color)

3. She got to have her favorite coffee, a special breakfast, and cards from all of her kids (except me) in bed before lunchtime.

4. The middle child didn't actually throw up. 

5. She smiled and laughed a great deal.

6. She got to read for a few hours on the front porch in the early afternoon sun.

7. She didn't have to cook a single thing.

8. NOTHING was burnt, or even close to being so. (ok, I lied. One half of a chicken breast was a little on the "dark side")

 9. She wasn't completely eaten alive by mosquitoes. 

10. Her day was awesome. Because I said so. (I cooked everything, I should know. Every "chef" must "taste test")

♥♥♥

So yesterday was Mother's Day, and I hope your Mom got a glimpse of how much her life has blessed yours all year long in the short 24 hours that we are given to REALLY show how grateful we are. (Sorry if that sentence was a little hard to read)

Here are some photo's of the day that I can share with you.

The menu for breakfast was crepes with pudding, fruit, and powdered sugar. Yummy, right?

I used a basic crepe recipe from allrecipes.com (the link takes you right to it). From there, it was just sliced fresh fruit, Jello's chocolate pudding, and powdered sugar. 

I got the idea from a Yahoo! News article that happened to be featured in their daily news stories - you know, the ones that are in small icons and listed in groups of five? (If you don't know, that's ok too. I can't seem to find the article on Yahoo! anymore. :/ ) The article suggested crepes, bananas, and Nutella. 

I believe I decided on a better option. :-D

We served her breakfast in bed, and brought it in on a tray. On the tray we had cards for Mom that we made and bought from Walmart's Online Photo Center.

  
All in all, it was a wonderful Mother's Day.

I hope yours was too!

~Paige