In my Father's house there are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2

Recently, when I was driving through the scenic hill country, I took a detour in the small town of Mason Texas, and discovered this historic mansion. I couldn't beleive my eyes! It was so incredibly beautiful. So inviting! Which reminded me of the scripture above. Just the thought of His abundant love moves me to tears .....

and made me want to jump out of my truck, run up on the porch, throw open the door and yell ' I'm home!'

But I didn't.

I saw the 'No Trespassing' signs. I used the zoom on my trusty Sony Cybershot without so much as opening my car door.

The size and granduer of this home was amazing. Mason, Texas is a small town. Very small. It just doesn't fit. I couldn't help but wonder about the history. Why was this house built here and by whom? Fortunately there was a historical marker in the front yard which provides such basic information. I'd love to take a tour and learn more about this fabulous home and the family thats owned it for

91 years.

Yet so many questions remain.

What was it like to live here?

How many bedrooms? Baths?

What does the ballroom look like?

Was it used a lot?

Were there grand parties?

Why was it built in Mason?

For now these questions remain unaswered, but maybe someday I'll get to tour the inside and drink lemonade on the porch and have the opportunit to visit with the Seaquist family and hear all about it. You want to come with me?

...ain't no sunshine when she's gone.

It's not warm when she's away. Ain't no sunshine when she's gone. And she's always gone too long. Anytime she goes away!



Last week, our four year old grand daughter, Carter spent the week with Coach and I.


It was 9 days of non stop fun! We baked brownies, danced and read a lot of books. We walked the dogs, watched movies and laughed!

We went to the zoo.Visited Mary's farm!Fed cows and chickens. Gathered fresh eggs!

We painted and crafted and made new friends! It was a special week. One I'll never forget. My first 'Carter Camp'! We made so many memories and I had such a good time. Last Friday we traveled to 'Big D' to pick up Beth and Emme ( who have been soaking up the sun on Waikiki beach) and spent the weekend with GG! We had fun with Pops, Aunt Kim, Uncle Clint and Aunt Jenny. And a great time at our family reunion. Carter made instant friends with cousins, Griffin, Sadie Jane and Ashing. Sunday night, we chilled at Jenny and Clint's beautiful new home and enjoyed seeing Mimi and Papa. Monday, everybody headed home but I had a great time shopping a Simple Things with the 'newlyweds', plotting and planning landscape and decor. After a tasty dinner at BK's Brewery, I headed home to my honey!

After a refreshing night's sleep I woke up with no serious plans, just a lengthy to-do list. As I walked through the house to pull up the shades, I looked down at my coffee table. Suddenly I realized how quiet our house was and I much I missed Carter.

I decided to make a cup of coffee and when I opened the refrigerator to get some cream, I missed Carter.

Here is the chocolate milk she never drank because she said she 'can only have chocolate milk once a week'!

Everywhere I looked I missed her. She constantly fed the dogs and gave them treats!
And when I went to get dressed, I stepped over her sticker books and missed her again! I got down on my knees and looked closely at the position and placement of her stickers and smiled. She is smart and clever!

And I'm not the only one.....no one is more in tune with our four legged friends than Carter.

And though nothing is quite the same without her and I miss her dearly...all is well because she is where she belongs, with her mama and daddy and sweet baby sister. And she is happy... bringing sunshine to them!

Join me for a day of painting...it's going to be fun!

I do hope you can come!

We'll get started at 9:00, paint until noon, take a little break for lunch and then come back and paint until 4:00. You'll learn, step by step how to paint a bird's nest and roses. Plus watch a live painting demo! This workshop will be geared for beginners but anyone is welcome to join in. The workshop fee is $75. Sign up soon. A supply list will be provided. Creative fun, guaranteed!

Dish Pan Hen!

Watercolor 8 x 10 Henrietta

Love nest!

Just got home from spending an amazing week with my dear friend Cecily! From the time I arrived on Monday until the time I left on Friday it was non stop (shopping, decorating, visiting and painting) fun! Cecily is one of the most loving, nurturing, encouraging, kind, God seeking people I know! It was an honor to spend a week decorating her new house and helping turn it into a warm inviting home. I wasn't able to take many pic's but Cecily has promised to soon. In the meanwhile, here is one of several pieces I painted while I was there. I titled it 'Love Nest', because that is precisely what Cecily's home is! If only everyone could have a friend like her. Thanks, sweet friend! The pleasure was all mine!

Full circle.....

Sometimes, life's sweetest moments occur when you are least expecting them. I'm still drying tears from reading Beth's blog. Every mother has a deep desire to love her children well. It is only when we realize that we cannot do it alone, daily kneeling before God for all we lack, that we succeed. I am honored to be called Mother. Is there anything greater? I can't think of anything more glorious than to bring forth life, love and nurture until it can do the same. Love full circle!

Happy Mother's Day! .....love is the answer.

The Winner is.....

Congratulations to sweet Aimee, who is has a darling blog! Hope you visit soon! Happy Mothers Day to all you special ladies!

Happy Mothers Day...Joshua 24:15 Art Giveaway!

Hey sweet Mama's! With Mother's Day upon us, I want to celebrate "the love" with another giveaway! But first of all, I want to say something that doesn't always get said. Something all you ladies need to hear! Thank you for being a mother! Thank you for loving and caring, protecting and sharing. Thank you for cleaning, cooking, reading, teaching, laughing, disciplining, bathing, buying, driving, comforting,coaching,nursing, hugging, dressing, brushing, tying, playing, walking, riding, throwing, skipping, dancing, fishing and countless more. Thank you for modeling grace and goodness, unconditional love and forgiveness. Thank you, for living a transparent life that will equip your children to do the same. Mothering, much like childbirth, isn't easy, but the joy far outweighs the pain ...and the end result is priceless!

So celebrate with me, the difference you are making in the precious lives around you. Resolve to be your best. Find help, strength, hope, wisdom, forgiveness and everything you need, at the feet of Jesus. God knows everything whether you tell Him or not, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts and concerns with Him. Turn your worries into prayers. He will release His power and His peace to flow throughout your heart, soul and mind. Kind of like an 'inner' spa, working from the inside out.

I know, it may sound too good to be true but I'm speaking from personal experience, here! I've had three little ones, a hard working husband, a tight budget and frequent
'pack up and' move's! Each difficult in itself, but my greatest challenge came from the heavy burdens I carried in my heart! Invisible baggage! Which you know can be tricky stuff. I would attempt to unload it on my husband........ and take out my frustrations on my kids. With no where else to turn, I tried God. It was there, in the arms of His love, that I found all I needed. One day at a time. He made such a difference that I invited Him to move in! Into my house, my heart, my mind, my soul. My past, my present, my future. He's the first one I talk to each morning and the last one I talk to at night. I don't go anywhere without Him! ...and it doesn't bother my husband or kids, one bit! In fact, after they saw the changes He made in me, they grew to love Him as well!

Again, celebrate the love, that flows through a mother's heart! His love! ...and only God knows
the difference it will make.
__________________________________________________________________

If you'd like to enter the GIVEAWAY
and have an opportunity to hang a custom, hand painted Joshua 24:15 painting, in your home.

*Leave a comment, in response to message above. Just share a thought or two! That's it!

*If you want to double you chance's, mention the giveaway on your blog and share the link!
Be sure and let me know!

I'm so excited to share this powerful scripture, in an artful way and look forward to collaborating with the winner so that it's extra special for you! The deadline is next Saturday, May 8th, at 10:30 pm. The winner will be announced before Midnight.

Have a lovely week.

Blessings and hugs to all!

..:: Pictage | Event Photos ::..

...for all of you romantics, who can't get enough wedding pictures! Pour yourself a glass of ice tea, find a comfy chair and and enjoy Clint and Jenny's special day!

..:: Pictage Event Photos ::..