She's just so smart!

Roxanne has been given a solo for the children's Easter program at church this Sunday. She has been working on her song daily and she's got the hang of it! While I was busy sewing, Roxanne said, "Mom, I'm all done, I'm ready to practice". She had been sitting nearby at her craft table drawing, so I thought.

To my surprise, she handed me this piece of paper. I was shocked and overwhelmed with her thought process. Most of the time she will ask me how to spell words so that she can write cute letters to me, her daddy and others. For some reason, she got the idea to draw icons to represent different words in the song. She's brilliant I tell ya!

Roxanne, you are an amazingly talented and smart little girl. Your creativity is incredible. I love you with all of my heart and I will be listening to your sweet little voice while you sing your heart out this Sunday. XOXOXO

It's all about the climb!

"Aint about how fast I get there. Aint about what waintin' on the other side...it's the climb!"

it's all in my head

This pretty poppy boquet fabric will become Easter dresses for my girls. The problem is, it's all in my head. I can see the outfit(s), the color combo layout, the fit and the detail. Now, all I need is to find a few extra hours to make it happen.....hhhhmmmmmm!

grillin' & chillin'

We have been enjoying some amazing weather here in the deep south over the past couple of days. So, me and Big Red (the grill) have reunited after a long cold winter. Last night we enjoyed some delicious stakes, compliments to Big Red! I have also fallen in love with a new found salsa dish, black bean salsa. It is so wonderful, I have been caught eating it by the spoon full :) So, welcome spring! Our bellys are thankful you're here!

proud

There are just some moments in life that it's OK to be proud. This is one of them!

Spring has sprung

There are so many beautiful flowers that have made their way into our garden center over the last week or so. Each new shipment of plants that arrive bring a new smile, a new love, a new reason to be happy. Our garden center is such a peaceful place. You can smell the freshness of the dew each new day, the warmth of the sunshine and the birds singing their beautiful songs. It's simply awesome! Mother Nature, I love you :)

**Check out our page on Facebook for more photos & current sales/events**

preppy puppy

While searching online for accessories to finish up the girls bedroom, I found this adorable bedding set that you can mix and match. What a fun girly room! I am on a search for owl decor, not Scottie dogs. However, these little preppy puppies were too cute and I just had to share them! Be sure to check out the website, they've got all kind of goodies (for boys, girls & adults)from socks, flip flops, clothes, furniture (a kids art desk that I love) and yes, bedding!

sugar rush

Dear Mrs. Cottontail,

I would like to invite you to an Easter party. It's sure to be hippity hoppity fun! The Peeps and I have already made big plans for the party. There will be carrot salad, carrot juice punch and carrot cake being served at the party. Not to mention the carrot sticks and the carrot soup! I've got the remake of your husbands original film on DVD. I will have it playing so that the party guest can enjoy his talent. Mrs. Jelly Belly will be supplying as with a late night snack...popcorn. Popcorn Jelly Belly's that is! My friend Resse makes a delicious peanut butter filled chocolate egg from scratch. Oh, and her mother Shey (aka Hershey) said that she's got some robin eggs that are to die for. So, let down your "hair" and join the party!

See you soon,

Your sweetest fan - XOXOXO

LOL!!! Seriously, this picture is all I needed to get myself cranked up for an Easter party. Ya got any eggs ya wanna beautify? Any to stuff with candy? Any made of chocolate, YUM!!!!

I think I might invite a few of my girlfriends over to play Mrs. Cottontail. We could make a whole evening of making up Easter baskets for our kids. Great girlfriends, homemade Easter bunny cookies, squishy peeps and chocolate, oh yea, It's gonna be fun!

a belly full

You know that "full" feeling you get after you've eaten? The kind of feeling that comes after you've enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving feast. That feeling of all full, feeling good, could just lay around and let the wonderful "full" feeling linger and maybe even take a nap b/c you are just feeling so stinkin' good. Yep, that's the one. That is exactly how I felt after watching the DIYdish, where "creativity is served!"

My wonderful friend Kris and her awesome (twin) sister Kim have put together an amazing new webcast. You've probably noticed their link button to the left on my blog page for quite sometime. So, drag that little mouse by the tail and click the link to get your belly full of creativity.

I am so proud of Kris and Kim and all of their many accomplishments that they have made and I wish them many blessings and continued success. They are precious people and I admire them both very much.

honestly

If I had a penny for every kiss I've ever given away, I'd buy one of these!

Baby, I love you!

I don't think that us girls every outgrow our love for baby dolls, at least I haven't. I have been a huge fan of Ravenhill for a very long time. I borrowed the picture above from her Etsy shop. One day, I will own one of these for myself and you better watch out b/c I will post a gazillion pictures of my long awaited baby doll! I love the detail she uses on the eyes, the bright vibrant colors that the head and body are pieced together with and the authentic European ribbon that she uses on many of her hand made dolls. And WoW, did you notice the detailed hand embroidery work...aMaZiNg!!!

Pondering

Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

(a HUGE thanks to my Mom, my greatest support and most awesome photographer (wink))

It's been said before that actions speak louder than words, that hard times show you your closest friends, that those who stand behind you will never let you fall, true friends are few and far between and that those who love you will love you for who you are and not for what they want you to be.

As I look back over the last several months and think of those who sacrificed their time and energy to help us with an overwhelming task, my heart beats strong with a sincere thanks. For those of you who have stopped by to say congratulations, the phone calls of good luck wishes and talks of encouragement, the sweet gifts, the warm hugs and kisses on the cheek, the cards, the pat on the back, the delicious meals with friends, and the list goes on.

Each one of you know who you are and I can't say thank you enough. You will never know what you mean to us. Please know that we love each of you and we are forever grateful for what you have done for us. Thank you a million times over.

flutter

Some morning require a little creativity at the breakfast table! The girls and I had a blast creating this fun and yummy butterfly pancake breakfast dish.

Thanks C&B :-)

Cheese!

Oh how I love class pictures! I remember how cool it was to see all of your friends in the picture. I am sure that one day Roxanne and Bryar will appreciate this special moment in time.

bubbly

She did it! After passing an exam/interview, Roxanne was accepted into a private school where she will start her elementary education this fall. I am so excited for her! She is a smart and talented little girl and I think that she will thrive in this school's environment. Good luck Roxanne, kindergarten is going to be so much fun!

lovin' the funkiness

Looking for some awesome funky goodness to add to your sewing stash. Check out Funky Fabrix! I love looking at this website to find unique, fun prints for my crafting ideas. I promise, you'll be adding items to your shopping cart before ya know it!

laughter...

it's such a huge part of our everyday life with this little gal!

I love surprises!

These gorgeous blooms showed up at my shop on Tuesday and boy was I surprised! I mean, come on, what gal doesn't like a good lookin' bunch of smelly goods in a vase? Now, these were not just ordinary flowers, they were PERFECT flowers. I'm telling you, not a petal was broken, discolored, out of place, etc. The vase was crystal clear, filled with what looked to be purified water. The blooms were a bright white with perfectly round yellow centers. Like, the kind of perfect flower that looks fake, you get the picture!


So, as I read the enclosed card, my mouth drops to the floor. "Seriously", I say aloud, "Seriously, you have got to be kidding. That girl, she is an amazing friend (my hands fall to my side with card still in hand). I can't believe she thinks this much of me. What a surprise, what a sweet surprise. Oh, wow!" Then, I took a breath and repeated everything at least 5 or six more times. I was amazed, truly overwhelmed by the love of a friend.


Kris, I owe you a million and one thanks, a bear hug and a pinky swear that officiates our friendship bond from now to eternity - LOL . You made my day, my week, my year! More than words could ever express, you are a true friend and I appreciate your kindness so much. Thank you :)

For those of you who may not know Kris, she is one of the best ladies around. If you need advice, she's got it. If you need a friend, she's there. If you need to be encouraged, she's willing to help. If you need a joke, she's got one waiting. If you need to get crafty, she's got the goods...the talent, the skill, the success, the helping hand. Check her out at her website, SWAK.com and over at her blog. You'll be glad you did!


Thanks again Kris, you're such an awesome lady!

Welcome....

to Lake Dow Garden Center & Gift Shop! Enjoy your visit :)