Recycling Garden Style

It was an absolutely beautiful day today so I did a little planting, actually a little cleaning out pots and planting. I thought I would share a few things that made it through our unusually cold winter, and I am in hopes that they will grow as abundantly as they did last year.

Little shoots from my spider plants.

 I stuck these in the pot at the end of the summer, and they made it.

I pulled all of this from the pots,

and

this is what I have now.

Next week I will be dividing these.

You will not believe the roots under these tiny little plants.

Oak Leaf Hydrangeas

 These came from a neighbor's plant that had lots of new shoots and she was willing to share with me. I will probably be collecting a few more of these, because the blooms make beautiful flower arrangements. What economical gardening tips do you have to share? Hope you are enjoying Spring as much as I am.

Have a blessed Easter.

Jackie

Here We Go Again

This past Thursday a few of us ladies got together again for a light meal and  fellowship. We had a wonderful time! We had some of the same ladies as before, and some new friends that joined us this time.  Even when I was limited on time to prepare, I kept it simple, and with the help of my wonderful husband, everything was ready with time to spare.

I pulled out the Blue Willow dishes with navy placemats.

Found these little notes at Hobby Lobby. I divided the large package, and made individual sets for each lady with a few little lifesavers tucked inside.  Iencouraged each lady to write a note to someone that God brings to mind in the next couple of weeks.

Glass hurricanes used at my daughter's wedding.

Yard sale bird nests.

Thrift store eggs.

River rock and moss that I had on hand.

Snipped a little ivy and peach blossoms to tuck inside.

Result: A quick and easy springy table centerpiece.

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

The Gift of Kindness

Today while eating alone, I was struck by the kindness and thoughtfulness of a young boy about 12 years old. While eating with his parents, he turned around and asked me if I was eating alone. When I replied that I was, he simply said, "would you like to join us?" I was almost done, and they had just arrived. I asked him his name, and thanked him for his kindness, and told him that I was finishing up.  We were not of the same racial background, yet, it made no difference to him .In a simple gesture of kindness, he reached out to me. It lifted my spirits, and I felt God reminding me that I am never alone. In response I wanted Justin to know what a special gift he had given.Upon leaving, I asked for the ticket, paid for his family, and had the ticket sent back to the table thanking Justin. I am sure the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do this, come to think of it, I don't think I have ever done anything like this. I left there feeling like I had received a wonderful gift, and in fact I had. The kindness of a stranger. Reach out to someone today, and have a wonderful weekend!

Jackie

Necessary Ingredient

When the clock says 11:29 and you are still cooking!

Well,

not actually cooking,

but putting a few things together to cook tomorrow.

 Do you remember I told you at the beginning of the year, I committed to have a group of ladies regularly for some food, fun and fellowship? Well, I did the unthinkable, the thing I said I would not do, absolutely no way, even marked it on my calendar to remind me, and I did it anyway! I said I would not agree to sub the day of , or the day before our ladies fellowship, and I did! plus I have subbed Monday and Tuesday both! Tonight and tomorrow is crunch time. I love preparing for these get togethers, I have just left myself no margin this time.

However I do want to share this absolutely wonderful recipe that I am making. We are having breakfast. Not just any breakfast. There is a BREAKFAST CASSEROLE in the fridge, and a FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE in the fridge. Ready to pop in the oven tomorrow evening. We are also bringing muffins to swap.

*Just a note, this is not to be used while counting calories!

FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

8 Eggs                                        1 Tsp Vanilla

2 Cups 1/2 & 1/2                       1/4 Tsp Cinnamon

1 Cup Milk                                 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

2 Tbs Sugar                                Dash Salt

Loaf of French Bread 13-16 oz

Grease 9x13 casserole. Slice bread into 20 1 inch slices

Make 2 rows in casserole dish. Pour above mixture over bread (be sure to pour some in between slices)

Refrigerate overnight.

PRALINE TOPPING

1 Cup Butter                        1 Cup packed light brown sugar

1 Cup chopped Pecans        2 Tbs light corn syrup

1/4 Tsp Cinnamon               1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

Mix well spread over bread before baking.

Bake 350 degrees, 40 minutes or until puffed and light brown.

Can be served with syrup.

Hope you enjoy and have a blessed day!     

Jackie

Yesterday

was sunshine.

Today

is

RAIN.

 I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine yesterday, with no hint of rain in sight, and today I woke up to gray skies with rain on the horizon. Isn't that a lot like life? One day we are enjoying the sunshine of pleasant circumstances with no hints of rain in sight, and before we know it the rain is upon us. For those who know the Lord, we know that his grace is sufficient in these times of rain. The key is, drawing close before the rain comes. Are you drawing closer today?

 Jackie

24"Therefore (V)everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.  Matthew 7:24-25

What I've Been Up To

Substitute teaching,

visiting my boy,

picking Buttercups,

(an empty cup is a necessity if you are on the road)

doing laundry,

and

enjoying a good cup of coffee and a little sunshine!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Jackie

Smiling

I actually caught him smiling!

My sweet boy and his professor after Honors Night.

Little bit of loveliness....

....at least that's what I thought when I found this at the thrift store today.

Vintage tablecloth with napkins.

No spots or stains!

A little closer look at the corners of the tablecloth.

Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Sunshine

We have been blessed with sunshine at our house today,

and Stella is soaking it up!

Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Looking forward......

This trip is coming up in April. I will actually be attending the  live conference at FBC Woodstock.

Will any of you ladies be attending? 

 I think that it sold out like super fast! I was on a waiting list and blessed, that a spot that opened up.

A wonderful friend called me this evening to invite me to this coming up in May.

It will be held at Southern Evangelical Seminary near

Charlotte, NC.

If you are interested there is a limited number of seats.

You can go here to read more details about the conference and the sessions that will be offered.

I have been busy subbing, and hope to have a few more exciting things to share over this way soon. Have a blessed week! Jackie

Bulk Cooking

I have had two cases of these in the past month.

These were ready to cook.

So a LARGE batch of spaghetti sauce was the answer.

 I will be freezing most of it for later.I have a recipe that makes a large batch that I have used for several years from, "Once a Month Cooking."  Today I doubled it! I have peeled tomatoes for a while today! My daughter's father-in-law  has been so kind a generous us these since he opened his produce and fish market. The last box was shared with neighbors and friends, but these were needing to be cooked right away.

Bulk cooking is hard work for a limited amount of time, but makes things much easier later on when I am too busy to spend much time in the kitchen, and my boy loves him some spaghetti too! What do you like to cook in bul? I would love to hear some recipes. Gotta run and fix tonights dinner...chicken enchiladas. YUM!

Jackie

A Hint of Spring

Looking forward to spring!

Celebration

Remember Thursday night I would be celebrating my birthday?

 My son had forgotten to tell me that it was the opening of the student art show at ASU.

I had to sub all day, but hopped in the car and headed over after school.

This proud Mama couldn't have had a better celebration!

Out of all the art students, 2 were chosen to be "Most Outstanding", and he was one of the two! I was so excited for him! It was a jurored show which meant the pieces were chosen to be in the show by a juror. He had 3 pieces, and received a small scholarship recognition for one of the pieces.

This was the best smile I could get from him. He does not like to be in the spotlight.

First on camera interview.

We had a lite dinner before heading back. So glad that I didn't miss it! Have a wonderful weekend!

Jackie

Note to Self

• 
  
  Husband on night shift
• 
  
  Children aren't home
• 
  
  You've been a PE sub all day for elementary school children (will be all week)

Just maybe you should plan something with a friend so it seems like you had a birthday.

I was surprised by a few birthday packages, but it was a very quiet evening. I was ready for bed at 7:30 even though I didn't turn in quite that early. Thursday my sweet husband and I will be having a belated celebration. Dinner and possibly a movie. Hope you are having a wonderful week. Jackie

South Georgia SNOW?

Yes, it does snow in south Georgia!

Across our fence this morning.

I went for a drive and took in the beauty of it all.

     While I was driving I thought, how amazing it is that a little snow could change my perspective. An empty field blanketed with snow became a thing of beauty. What a gift from God to have this day, being able to see beauty in the common things.

     I also was reminded of the song "Whiter Than Snow". It was like a record playing over and over in my mind, and it was as if God said, "That is what I have done for you!" Something as unlovely as me, became beautiful in His sight because of the blood that Jesus shed for me. What an awesome thing to be reminded of today!

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Blessings,

Jackie

Friendship and Fun

     One of the things God has impressed upon my heart is to open my home to other ladies for fellowship and encouragement.

     Last night we got together for the first time. Seven of us enjoyed a light meal and just getting to know each other better.

     Keeping it simple was key for me being able to enjoy the evening. Our meal consisted of Baked Potatoes w/ toppings, green salad w/ homemade dressing and topped w/ mandarin oranges, and for dessert apple dumplings with ice cream.

     Was it perfect? No, but then again it's not about being perfect, its about being available for God to use me. My perfectionist ways have hindered me for far too long, and with God's help, I am getting over it! I want Him to use me to be a blessing to others.

     I used what I had, and even the paper napkins were pretty ones that I had left over from Christmas. The camelias were from a friends yard, and they added a pretty touch to the table with no cost at all. 

     I am interested in any ideas that you might have . How are you reaching out to others for times of fun and fellowship together.

     Have a blessed weekend! Jackie 

Surprise Find

Thrifting has been slim picking around here lately, but I usually find something when I'm not really looking  Only one thing, but I had planned to purchase this new.

$1.99 at Goodwill!

 Like new, and had the double insulated bottom.

And no, it wasn't this shiny when I purchased it.

 My boy loves to fix hot tea, and I had sent the other teapot with him.

It's a lot more fun to boil your water in a kettle rather than a plain old boiler!

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

BIG News!!!!!

     O.K. It has been 11 days since I last posted. I know I am feeling pretty slack over here. Do you know we have not had this cold, rainy, cloudy of a winter in long time, here in south Georgia! It has rained, rained, and rained some more. We no longer are experiencing a drought! We have a small portion in our back yard that we are now referring to as "the pond". Some sunshine and warmth would pick me up a lot, but then, there are other things that have been occupying me.    
      Last week I went to FL again to take my girl back to the Dr. Please continue to pray.She is still having many problems with her UC. I subbed 3 days this past week, so I was either in the car or working at the school. Not really, but it sure feels that way sometimes, and believe me, those children could use some sunshine too!
     Now in other news.........my daughter and her husband are expecting.........their first baby! our first Grandchild! Wow, I am going to be a grandmother! We are excited! I told her this week on our way to the Dr. that we can always depend on her for excitement.(this was a little BIG surprise) She and I have made many, many trips to the Dr. together, so we have learned to laugh about a lot, when the situation was not that laughable. 
     In all this already God has answered prayer this week. She had to come out of the clinical trial that she was participating in. This past week she would have definitely been getting the Meds- no placebo. That was a disappointment since the trial has covered all of her medical treatment since May. Treating UC is very expensive, and the Meds that they need to try could cost in the $1000-2000 range for each individual treatment. I had already been praying about what that would mean, asking God to make a way, and he has. She received a call yesterday, that her Meds are on the way to her, and they found a plan that would make her co-pay, and a nurse will be coming from Tallahassee free of charge to show her how to give herself the injections. Answered prayer, that only God could do. It was His reminder to me that I don't need to always be the one figuring out how all of this is going to work. He is our provider! Please continue to pray for her health, and the health of the baby. Her hemoglobin is low, and needs to improve, and she is not tolerating the iron very well.
     In the recent Beth Moore Bible Study that I am participting in "A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place", she reminds us that "fear is an opportunity for faith". God has brought this to mind many times in the past couple of weeks. I am so glad that we serve a God whose ways are  not our ways! I would have me in a mess more often than not!
     Hopefully it will not be another 11 days before I post again. And by the way, I cannot be called Grandma or Grandmother, still a little too young for that so do you have any suggestions? My Mom is already Nana, so that is out. Can't wait to hear what you all come up with. Have a blessed evening. Jackie

Latest Project

Just a little something that I have been promising my girl for quite

sometime!

Hope she likes it.

Have a blessed week.

Jackie

Not the right color?

 Just paint it like I did!

Before

After

The christmas cactus' that I shared about in an earlier post almost froze with our sudden cold weather here in South GA! I had been wanting to put them in cream colored pots. When I started looking I could not find cream/off white pots anywhere, not to mention the expense of buying new flower pots. I actually wanted old vintage planters, which meant more$$$$$$, so I did the next best thing....I painted what I already had. I am in the process of repotting most of them . I had to wait until they had finished blooming, and re-pot what I had salvaged from the ones that almost froze. They are now inside recuperating from the freezing weather, and getting new pots. The moral of this story...don't think you live to far south for your plants to freeze, and never underestimate the power of spray paint. Linking up to ASPTL for DIY day. Head over and check it out.

Jackie

Fabric, Fabric, Fabric!

As of late I am realizing that I have a thing for fabric! I had the opportunity to do a little shopping while I was in Augusta this weekend, and most of what I purchased was fabric.

1/2  price Moda Christmas Fabric.

75% Off Christmas fabric at Hancocks

    1/2 Bargain Table Fabric at Joann's

And last but not least the biggest bargain of all! Almost 5 yards of linen remnants at the Decorator Fabric Outlet for a mere $1.75. I couldn't believe it when the lady told me .25 for each piece. Each piece is 54 inch wide fabric. I can see some great possibilies here. 

Now to get my sewing machine going. Looking forward to showing you all some finished projects.

Happy Wednesday!

Jackie

God's Eyes

     I had a wonderful weekend away in Augusta, visiting my sweet boy. Already missing him after just a few days, and filling one of his Christmas requests was the reason for my visit. Mostly the first reason, but taking care of his Christmas request was a very good Excuse!  One of the gifts that he wanted for Christmas was curtains for all of the windows in his townhouse (which isnt' very many). He asked for absolutely nothing else but this one thing. Not just any curtains however, curtains MADE by his Mama! He said it would seem more homey with them. Being an artist he just isn't quite into ready made, manufactured anything. So my task was to find the material at a bargain price. Bargain might not be quite an accurate description, for almost nothing would really be more what I am meaning. God provided!I have all of the fabric ready to sew for 45.00! I am making 2 pr. of floor length curtains, and 3 valances. Sort of mistreatment style, however there will be sewing involved(I just have to sew).
     I am sure you are already thinking what in the world does this have to do with God's eyes. Here it is. When I got all of my things together for church Sunday morning, I couldn't remember if I had gotten my makeup. When I realized I might have forgotten it (around 11:00 p.m) I told Blaine that I hoped I had not forgotten my makeup because I surely could not go to Sunday morning church without it. Of course he thought that was absurd, but not me. Fortunately I only forgot half of it. Eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, and brow pencil. I was not crazy about half of a made up face. This morning more than usual,  I had a more intense longing to hear from God, and just worship him, so I knew it would really be no big deal. I went and you know what? nobody noticed! No one came up and said" You know you forgot your eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner, and eyebrow pencil" Not a single person! Isn't it funny just the smallest things that Satan will try to use to get our focus from where it should be!
     Please forgive the rambling here! It was refreshing worship. Different from our church here, but exactly what I needed for today. The worship songs were just that for me, WORSHIP. As I was driving home, and thinking back on how easily I could have been silly and stayed home, and I do mean SILLY! God brought theses words,HIS words to mind.

"for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

I Samuel 16:7b

 I think God is has more than once this year spoken to me about FOCUS. My focus needs to be on HIM.

He is not at all interested in my makeup, whether my house is the most stylish, my clothes, etc. He is interested in my heart. Hope you have a blessed week. Striving to stay focused.

Jackie

Baby It's COLD Outside..............

..........and I got out of bed at 6:30 to go substitute this morning,

and they had forgot to call and tell me the day had been changed,

so I came back home,

 put on flannel pajama pants, fuzzy socks, and a long sleeve t-shirt that doesn't match,

and put the finishing touches on this in the crockpot. Great weather for this soup! I have been using this mix for quite some time, but it occurred to me that I can put together the dried beans myself, since I don't use the flavor packet(too salty for me). You can use this with either smoked sausage or hamhock. I usually save the ham bone from spiral hams when I get them on sale, and it makes the best soup! I hope you don't EVER throw those ham bones away!

What are some favorite things you like to warm up with on these cold winter days? Have a blessed day, and stay warm.

Jackie

New Year

It's the First day of a New  week, of a New year. So much to look forward to! Hope the few readers I have will stick with me. I hope the things that I share this year, will be worth reading, real, from the heart, and meaningful. Today is the last day before my boy heads back to school. I am already missing him! This has been a wonderful visit. My sweet daughter and her husband spent a few days with us during Christmas, and it is never long enough! Not enough time for all of those projects that are bouncing around in our heads.

 Mercy me, and I have a lot of projects to get with this year!!! I would like to actually accomplish a kitchen re-do, two bathroom updates, but I have got to quit being the procrastinator that I often am. I have to confess that I put things off for fear of messing it up, or not choosing a GREAT paint color, or it not ending up as I had hoped. We have a friend who does remodeling and I think I may be enlisting his help and advice on some of the projects that we would like to tackle.

What about you. What projects and new things are you looking forward to thisNew Year?

Subbing starts back Wednesday and Thursday, so that will be keeping me busy too. Have a blessed week!

Jackie

What's Better Than a Bow?

Why a little bit of Rag Garland of course!

Everything you see here is thrifted, or items I already had on hand.

The fabric is leftovers from adorable Christmas wreaths that my daughter made for everyone, and of course silly me forgot to take a picture!

This was the last little bag of goodies for my nephew and his sweet wife.

I am joining DIY Day over at ASPTL, so head over to check out all of the other wonderful projects.

Jackie

The children were nestled............

....all snug in their bed

while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas!

Jackie

Revealing the Mystery

Remember when I gave you a little peek at a few things for a project that I have been working on here and here? It was finally complete around the time my computer decided to die. I can now share the details since the new computer is here.

For several years I have decorated a table for a Ladies Christmas gathering at the church where I participate in Bible studies. It was so neat to watch it all come together. This year's theme was" Wise Women Seek Him" and our speaker was Jan Silvious. In the beginning I committed to pray for each lady that the Lord wanted me to invite and I did just that. It was neat to see how He showed me specifically each person that I should invite.

 I initially started looking at table decorations, figured I would pick out a picture, and go with it, UNTIL.......the Lord gave me another idea. I went back to thoughts of my grandmother. She has been gone for quite a long time, but I still miss her, and am reminded of the wisdom that she showed, and thus my table idea began. This wonderful blog friend took her time to send her wonderful ideas, and helped me to know that I was on the right track.

The picture you originally saw was my grandmother's sewing machine. This one I happened upon at our thrift store, my husband encouraged me to purchase it, and I did, for half of what they were asking.This way he did not have to dismantle my grandmothers to display. This was my table centerpiece. I spent many times at her sewing machine pretending that I could sew just like her.

The quilt piece that you see was an old pillow w/ quilted top that I purchased from the thrift store for .49. The number 28 was my table number, so I stitched it on an old piece of embroidery also purchased from the thrift store.

These were pin cushions that I made for the place cards. I was even able to stitch each lady's name.

Here's a look at the table with a few of my guests. I couldn't get anyone to look at the same time, or smile together. I wanted to use plain dishes, which I realized after the fact that I did not have 8 of everything, so I headed to Wal-Mart and purchased some plain off white dishes that they had in the Christmas section. I knew that I would use these regularly. By the time I figured I would purchase them, they had no coffee cups to match. What was I going to do? I went to the Dollar Tree, and they had mugs in the same off white color with similar beading around the top. Hooray!  Everything on the table was a reminder of a wise woman that I knew, my Grandmother.

 These Christmas cactuses were similar to the ones my grandmother used to grow. At Christmas when we would visit she had a room full and we always enjoyed seeing the beautiful blooms. I guess without realizing it,  I have inherited her love for growing these. I have six, all in full bloom, and I had purchased a small one to sit on the table. Along with the pincushions, and an old thimble each lady received a cutting to take home with her. I wrote a letter sharing about my grandmother, and shared a small portion of the story that she wrote to us before she passed away. Her letter closed with the words,"May all of you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior is my prayer." I had so much fun preparing this table and was so blessed by the ladies that accepted my invitation. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Jackie

Back in Operation!!! Finally.

I am thrilled to be back in full swing, with a computer that is, and have many things to share since my last post. It has been raining almost non-stop here, with the exception of a beautiful sunny day on Thursday. Our backyard was beginning to look like a pond, and considering it is on a slope, that is a LOT of rain!

Yesterday, it was party day at the school that I have subbed at all year. I did the party for one class, and made goodie bags for the class I subbed for this week. Those kids have just grabbed my heart, and one little girl in particular. It has been so exciting to see positive responses from her.

These are the little goodie bags that I put together for that class. When I arrived, she ran up to me, put her arms around me, and said, " I am not going to let you go" I was so blessed by this simple act of love from a child that was responding so differently  in the beginning. Just another wonderful gift from the Lord. Some of these kids just desperately need some positive attention and a little love.

Look around and see where there is a little opportunity to give, and I guarantee the Lord will bless you for it.

I will close with a quote from my boy. We were discussing Christmas presents, and the stress it often presents us with this time of year. Trying to find the perfect gift, wanting everyone to be totally thrilled with what we have given them, and the list of expectations can go on and on. Both of my children have asked for nothing until I pressed them. Our family has found pure joy in just being able to be together for Christmas.

Our gift giving will be very simple, and with no expectation whatsoever from any of us. Explaining I had gotten very little for him, I said," isn't there anything else that you just want?" to which he replied, "Mom I am so over the  whole Christmas present thing! This year we are going to have an attitude of  thankfulness every day, and give the entire year, not just waiting for Christmas." I was struck by his honesty, and how true that  needs to be for everyone of us. People don't just need at Christmas. There are those around us that the Lord wants us to bless, everyday of the year. So, this year I will be thankfu,l and giving the whole year, not just at Christmas. I would love to hear your thoughts on this, and wish each of you have a blessed weekend!

Jackie

Mama's Best Christmas Gift.......

....Answered Prayer!

Have a blessed week.

Jackie

I'm Back, Sort Of

Waiting on the arrival of the new computer. My sweet husband says he thinks it should be here by the weekend. Yeah!!!!! I am going to try  to share a few pretties with you on this dinosaur.

Life has been busy at the Holder house, much more so than I would like for it to be this time of year. Last week I had a little project that I was working on for a ladies event, and that took a lot of time. Traveled to Savannah yesterday for annual check ups. Subbing several times a week, and have not even been able to check on all of you.  Today looks like stormy weather, so I plan to stay in and hopefully start looking a little like Christmas around here.

I am joining Kimba for a little DIY day late to show one little project that I worked on last week. I will send a package of the Hot Cider Mix to the first one that guesses what this was for. I will give you a hint. Remember the post where I showed you a few pictures and asked you to guess what I was doing? This went along with that little project.

Oops looks like I have told you a story. Pictures will be coming and I will still send a little goodie to the first one that guesses. The dinosaur is not hooked up for me to load pictures!!! I promise I will be back soon with lots of pretty pictures. Hope everyone is enjoying a blessed Christmas Season!

Jackie