Magnolia House..... Art Studio!

Having an art studio right in our own home, was definitely on my 'wish list'.

However, whatever I imagined I'm sure it did not compare with this. A wall full of windows and two skylights lets the sunshine in all day long.

Not only does this space meet my creative needs, housing easels, dozens of stretched canvas, paint, and brushes.

It offers a picturesque place to drink morning coffee....which we haven't been doing much of but we will. It's one of the 'little things' we love to do.

There's plenty of room for everyone. Even Mitzi and Abby, have a spot.

Moving, unpacking and settling in have certainly taken a toll on my paint time but I'm convinced

everything will be in place soon and I'll be spending plenty of time in here.

Though momentarily on hold, I'm convinced my art journey has just begun,

and the best is yet to come.

I might as well go ahead and mention that a website is in my near future. I'm so excited! I'll tell more about it later but I will be displaying and selling my art there! Thanks Jenny, for the idea and vision you have for me and for designing and creating the site. More to come.....

Magnolia House.....Backyard Magic!

When the sun goes down and the lights come on, something magical happens in our backyard.




A perfect backdrop for backyard fun....



....or quiet conversations.

Kind of makes you wish you were a kid again.

Anyone for a game of Hide and Seek?

....or a party on the deck?

...or camping out in the fort?

Please tell me there are fire flies, rain storms and cooler temperatures in the near future.

Girls Night Out!

One week ago tonight Coach and I celebrated a lot of special ladies at our annual Girl's Night Out.

Every year, just before football season starts up, I snazz up our house, cook a tasty dinner and roll

out the red carpet to show our appreciation to the coaches wives on the football staff. My coach,

foot's the bill and fan's the flame on my excessive plans and ideas because he knows how important

these beauties are and the valuable role they play in the lives of their families.

These women are a prize. Truly champions in their own way! Few people know what it's like to be

the wife of a career coach. I suppose, it may appear prestigious, glamorous and fun...especially on

the college and professional levels where huge salaries accompany the weighty pressures. Though

excess money can solve many problems. The burden of responsibility for the teams success is a

common malady to every coach. His life is an open book, on display 24/7, to be read and enjoyed

or criticized and burned. Unfair as it may seem it is something he understands. Something he's

been equipped for. He's a man doing what he loves to do. He's making a difference.

Not unlike her husband, a coach's wife wears many hats. She is to her children, what her husband

is to his team. She gets them up and going, feeds, teaches, instructs, transports, encourages,

corrects, disciplines, laughs and hugs! Careful to temper every thought, word and deed with truth

and love. Knowing that each day is an irreplaceable opportunity to train a child. Hoping against all

odds, to make a difference in their lives. It's exhausting! It's exhilarating! An overwhelming

responsibility, and yet it must be done. In short, it's our turn. To be unselfish and to do what

many did for us.It's the right thing to do.

So we choose to do it! Women too, have been equipped. We were made to love others and love

them well. We have big hearts! We are easily hurt. So, to love a man who is extremely passionate

and competitive, who gives his all, leaving little for those who love him most, can be hard on

the heart of a woman.

But when you approach the relationship with your husband, like he approaches his team, with

loyalty and commitment. Investing heavily and giving him your best, you'll see past hurt,

misunderstanding and disappointment. With a forgiving heart, you can better see his. Which will

enable you to give him what he desires most. Respect. Not only for him personally but for what he

does.

It takes time to learn these things. It requires patience and communication, most of all forgiveness.

I know because it's taken me a long time. Ask my husband. :)

With a grateful heart, I thank my husband for bearing with me while I figured out what he always knew.

LIFE'S NOT ALL ABOUT FOOTBALL BUT FOOTBALL IS ALL ABOUT LIFE.

As football wives across the nation, step into another memorable season, I pray God's presence,

power, protection and provision over you and your family. May you team up with the man you

love to form a united, cohesive team that nothing can separate, nor sever. In times of difficulty may

you take refuge in the shelter of His wing, finding strength, comfort, encouragement and truth.

Most of all, may discover more about who you are and how very much He loves you! Never

forget.....you are not alone.

_________________________________________________________________

A special note to the Wildcat Wives: Though we've only met a handful of times, my heart is already

knitted into yours. I couldn't be more excited about our friendships, the season ahead and

adventures we'll have. Thanks for embracing me and making me comfortable. You are a

an amazing group of women. You are your husbands greatest trophy! Whether he expresses it well

or not, he couldn't do this without you. He appreciates you more than you know.

You feel like family!

Magnolia House....the garden!

With the recent purchase of our lovely home, we acquired not only a great house but also a large wooded lot that backs up to a creek and the most beautiful yard we've ever seen!



I had no earthly idea what I was getting into, but I've jumped in with both feet determined to

keep everything alive! After sixty consecutive days of 100 plus temperatures, I've had some

close calls. Daily watering and weeding, has better acquainted me with the inhabitants of my

garden. I've begun to feel at home a bit. Cutting back here and there. Hiring help to weed and

mulch. Even adding a few shade loving hostas that I found drastically reduced at Lowe's. In

short, this week my garden and I became friends.

You learn a lot while working outside. My nature observations brought to mind this old hymn:

This is my Father's world

And to my listening ears,

All nature sings and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Fathers world,

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,

His hand, the wonders wrought.

This is my Fathers world,

The birds their carols raise,

The morning light, the lily white

Declare their makers praise.

This is my Father's world,

He shines in all that's fair.

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,

He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world,

Oh let me neer forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world,

The battle is not done.
Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied

And earth and heaven be one.