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Friday Favorites

Last Friday was my Favorite of all Fridays because I enjoyed the start of a staycation that lasted until Wednesday, December 26th.

Now I am back to work.

Alas.

But what a great Christmas holiday!And although being away from the office for 5 days was the best gift ever, I have some other favorites that I want to share today.

Favorite # ONE

While LB and I were Christmas stocking shopping last Saturday I was reminded of the bucket list that I have been adding to [and have yet to share].  One of the bucket list items is to try each flavor of

Pringles

This idea came to me when I was looking for items to add to my bucket list via google search.  I read in another blog that there are 29 flavors, but I count 22 on the Pringles website.

There were about 12 different varieties on the store’s shelf and I proceeded to add one of each to the buggy.  We walked around the store for about a half an hour before I decided that it was a bad idea to take so many Pringles home with me at one time.  So I put them all back.

We’ll tackle that bucket list item slowly.

Favorite # TWO

Sunday night LB and I experienced

Elf the Musical

at Alhambra Theater and Dining

Dinner was great.  I ordered the parmesan crusted salmon (which was SOOO good) and LB had the Holiday feast.  While Elf the Musical doesn’t compare to the Charles Dickens story, it was a very good show!

And as always, LB and I had a great time.

Favorite # THREE

In addition to the spectacular giraffe jammies presented to me by Stephanie, I also received a pair of ENORMOUS silver hoop earrings.  Richard thought it would be a good idea to try them on and LB caught it on camera.

This Photo

is definitely a favorite!

Favorite # FOUR

Friday’s

OOTD

Straight from Macclenny’s  Classy Crossroads Boutique

I wore this Merry Christmas outfit to work on Friday, so my blouse wasn’t off the shoulder as intended.  It can be worn comfortably both ways.  I love it and the jeans are very comfortable.

Blouse // Jeans // Shoes

 

Favorite # FIVE

 Holiday Hoopla

at Mama’s house!

I love it all!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Merriest Christmas Moments

This Christmas was very merry, so much so, I wanted to share a few of

My favorite Merry moments.

I was awake very early on Christmas morning.  LB “lit” the fireplace and Elvis made himself cozy on my lap.  LB and I enjoyed our coffee and listened to Christmas music before exchanging gifts.

Although exchanging gifts also makes for Merry Christmas moments!

LB wraps packages beautifully!

And watching LB dance for joy makes for merry memories.Merriment and mild chaos ensued when the clan arrived!Elvis was Merry prior to their arrival.  He may not enjoy having company, but I am so happy to report that he is healthy this year!  We did not have to spend Christmas Eve in the Pet Emergency Hospital!Two little girls loved their Merry Mermaid Stockings! And later when I donned the

Merry Giraffe Jammies

It made me feel Merry to discover that there was a TAIL!Thanks Steph!

Later at Mama’s house, it was Pure Merriment to receive a bag filled with a few of

Gina’s Favorite Things

(Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara, Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream,  L’Oreal Color Riche Shining Peach Lipstick #910, Carmax Classic Lip Balm, Dream St. Kathleen Lights X Colourpop [Eye] Shadow Palette, and Buxom “Kimberly” full-on Plumping Lip Polish).

What a fun little goodie bag!

I’m looking forward to sampling each of these items.

It was truly a Merry little Christmas with many Very Merry Moments!I hope you had yourself a Merry Little Christmas too!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Black Friday

Black Friday began as it normally does.  Everyone is recovering from over consumption on Thanksgiving Day.  Some are planning to go brave the crowds and shop.

On November 23, 2001, my Mama was out to begin her Christmas shopping.  My Daddy was beginning work on a project that would be a gift for Mama.  He was planning to build an arbor that would hold a swing and be covered in roses.  His friends Fred and Charlie would be helping him.

It would be his last day with us.

If I had known, I wouldn’t have been at home being my typical home body self.

Somewhere between 4 and 5 in the afternoon,  I was sitting in my room, on my bed watching one of my favorite movies: Overboard [starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell].  My phone rang.  I picked up the phone and said hello.  A voice began speaking to me so hysterically that I didn’t even recognize who it was, nor the message being relayed.  “Who is this?” I asked.  And then I heard her say “Kim. Its Gina. Daddy is having a heart attack”.

I dropped the phone, ran to my car and left.  No shoes, no drivers license, no word to my family.  I drove the short distance [about 3 miles] to Mama and Daddy’s house to find that I would have to park a few houses away and walk to get to them.  When I walked in through the garage door I saw Mama sitting on the sofa, surrounded by family and friends and obviously in shock.  I saw firemen down the hall, in her bedroom, working to revive my Daddy.  I started toward them when my Uncle Roger grabbed me and held me close.  I put my head on his chest and began to pray “Lord Jesus, please take care of my Daddy”.  I said it again and again.  He prayed with me and assured me that Jesus would take care of Daddy.

It wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but Jesus did take care of him; Daddy went to be with Jesus that day.  November 23, 2001. The day after Thanksgiving.  Black Friday.

It has been 17 years and even as I type these words, I’m wiping tears from my face.  I’ll never stop missing him.

Today I saw a familiar photo and Facebook memory that Mama shared last year:

 

The arbor was finished later in 2002 by my Daddy’s friends Fred Scarborough and Charlie Brown.  I believe there were others who helped as well.

We’ll see you again someday Daddy.

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

The Emergency

Over the past year I’ve come to realize that my blog serves as a journal of my life, my experiences and the memories I share with my loved ones.

Today I am posting a story by my Mama which she wrote on 2-26-09; She promises to share more in the future.  You’ll be able to find them on my blog by searching

“Mary’s Musings”

The Emergency

I’ve always had a thing about clean, being one of those people who think if a little is good, a lot must be better.  This has been a personal trait for as long as I can remember.  Don’t ask me where I got the idea of adding bleach to the dishwater.  It just made sense that two cleaners were better than one.

I couldn’t have been more than ten or eleven, but I washed a lot of dishes.  Today that would probably be considered child abuse.  I remember begging Mother to let me wash the dishes.  Finally one day Daddy said, “let her do it”. He should have added, “she’ll be sorry”.

Everything was going well until I came to the silverware in the bottom of the sink.  As I picked up piece after piece, I couldn’t believe what I saw.  The once shiny silverware had turned a dirty, dull gray.  I had no idea what had happened.  I only knew it was my fault, and when Mother saw what had happened, I was going to “get it”.

It was almost time for Daddy to come home, and he always came in the kitchen door.

So I waited.

After what seemed an eternity, I heard the car in the driveway.

I was right there when he opened the car door to tell him about my emergency.

He took my hand and led me back into the kitchen where he found some silver polish and a cloth, then proceeded to show me how to polish the silver.

Low and behold, it looked like new!

Not only had he saved the silver, he had saved my “ life”.

I will always remember that day as a turning point in my life.

There I was, without hope (and from a child’s perspective, that’s just how I felt).

So I went to my father, and without effort, but with love, patience, and understanding, he was there with the answer.

He knew what to do.

I only had to ask.

In the ensuing years, how many times have I struggled with a dilemma, only to remember my Abba Father knows the answer before I have even begun to form the question?  How childish my needs must seem to Him.  Why is it that many times I seem to remember to run to Him only after I have considered all of my other resources?

What a beautiful picture my Daddy painted for me that day.

Did he know he was preparing me to handle a lifetime of emergencies as God my Father would have me do?  Maybe, and maybe not.  I just think it came natural to him.

 

MDR

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever.  Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Sisters

Sister (as defined by Merriam-Webster)

1 : a female who has one or both parents in common with another
2  a : a member of a women’s religious order (as of nuns or deaconesses); especially one of a Roman Catholic congregation under simple vows.  b : a girl or woman who is a member of a Christian church
3 a : a girl or woman regarded as a comrade. b : a girl or woman who shares with another a common national or racial origin
4 : a member of a sorority

Today is

 

In My world, sisters look like this:

 

National Sisters Day is observed annually on the first Sunday in August.  Like many other special days, it is a day of opportunity  to show appreciation for that unique bond only sisters can understand.

All sisters may have the odd argument here and there, but deep down there’s little way to break the strong bond shared by female siblings.  The natural connection between sisters is like no other.

  Sisters are forever.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Cherish the memories and make plans to create new ones.  Reconnect or patch up any misunderstandings.  Make this day a special celebration of your sister.

If you don’t have a sister, you can still celebrate the friendships of sisterhood by having a girls’ night out!

Post on social media using #NationalSistersDay to encourage others to do the same.

(source)

 

 

 

Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)
Sister,
You’ve been on my mind
Sister, we’re two of a kind
So sister,
I’m keepin’ my eyes on you
I betcha think
I don’t know nothin’
But singin’ the blues
Oh sister, have I got news for you
I’m somethin’
I hope you think
That you’re somethin’ too
Oh, Scufflin’,
I been up that lonesome road
And I seen a lot of suns goin’ down
Oh, but trust me
No low life’s gonna run me around
So let me tell you somethin’ sister
Remember your name
No twister,
Gonna steal your stuff away
My sister
Sho’ ain’t got a whole lot of time
So shake your shimmy,
Sister
‘Cause honey this ‘shug
Is feelin’ fine
Songwriters: Quincy Jones / Rod Temperton / Lionel B. / Jr. Richie
Miss Celie’s Blues (Live) lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group
Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Mother’s Day

It must drive LB crazy that I rarely know the answer to the question “what is the agenda today?” especially when my extended family is involved.

Yesterday was no exception.

On

Mother’s Day

the one constant is the annual pedicure with my younger daughter Amanda.

I know for certain that this will take place at some point in the afternoon.

Last year we tried to get my Mama to join us

…this year she did. 

My Mother’s Day afternoon began with a pound cake.  Mama likes warm pound cake and I like to bake, so it works out well for both of us.

She came to my house around 2:30 and I served her a warm piece and wrapped up the rest for her to take home.

There was also the presentation of

The Controversial “Mema’s Blessings” Plaque

which she loved; however it WILL be replaced.  Apparently I have no idea what year my nephews were born or at what point Emily and Chynna joined our family.

Also LB ran over it.

 

When Amanda arrived, she presented me with a lovely gift from Stephanie and herself:  a custom makeup case from Pop & Suki and a bonus gift … Stacking Hoop Earrings. 

I also received a Pioneer Woman 3 piece serving bowl set from Richard and Emily which was presented by Lydia.

My children are very considerate.

While Mama, Amanda and I visited together, the secret plans were revealed.

It had been decided that we would join together at Mama’s house on Mother’s Day evening to participate in a BYOM (bring your own meal) event.

 Since it was my turn to be Lydia’s best friend, I was invited to sit at the little red table.  I saw a lot of Chinese takeout at the event and a lot of rice on the floor.

Nevertheless, it was a pleasant time to visit with family.And I am blessed with a lovely one.

Although I love hearing “Happy Mother’s Day”, the sweetest words I heard yesterday came when I announced it was time for me to head home.  Those words came from Lydia as she told me “I don’t want you to go”.

Its a joy to be a Glammy!

It is also a joy and a blessing to be a mother and to be loved by such a sweet mother.

I consider myself fortunate to have the finest one that I know.  She is kind and considerate. Mama loves me unconditionally.  She has always been there when I’ve needed help, which has been often.    And she is always thinking of others, and especially her children and grandchildren.

The bible says “As is the mother, so is her daughter.” (Ezekiel 16:4)

…so I’m expecting myself to ultimately become more like her.

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

 

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites

Me and my homies from work doin’ the Friday Freedom Happy Dance!Ace Ventura Happy Dance GIFYou know who you are!

 

Favorite # ONE

My daily lunchbox note from LB

Isn’t he the sweetest?

He knows just what I need!

 

 

 

 

Favorite # TWO

New Blouses

Two of them!

Last week I wore my new pants from LOFT with a blouse from LOFT that just didn’t quite work.

So I searched for a pink peplum blouse and found two that I thought might work.

A Ruffle Sleeve V-Neck Smocked Elastic Empire Waist Peplum Blouse Top

And a Sleeveless Skater Peplum Summer Top

Hopefully one of these blouses will look good with my new floral pants

Or I won’t wear them any more.

 

 

 

Favorite # THREE

Beautifully Divine DIY Woodcraft Studio & Custom Gift boutique

They put the ART in pARTy!

Last Christmas my son and daughter-in-law gave me [and Mama] the gift of a DIY workshop to share

at the

Beautifully Divine Studio.

We were finally able to coordinate our schedules and make an appointment to partake in this wood crafting together time.  Mama chose the “God Bless Our Home” sign.  Mine says Home Sweet Home referencing the state of Florida.  We enjoyed the experience so much, as we were leaving, Mama was talking about plans to go back soon and include “all the girls”.

 

 

 

Favorite # FOUR

Home Sweet Home

The sign that I made at Beautifully Divine DIY Woodcraft Studio & Custom Gift boutique

not bad for an amateur, huh?

Mama is a crafter and enjoys creating projects like the one in this post.  I knew that her sign would turn out to be perfect, but I was surprised that mine turned out to be so nice!

 

 

Favorite # FIVE

Making memories with Mama

Isn’t she cute!

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

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