The Revealing...

Hey, so, this is what we've all been waiting for, right?  Who will the winner be?  First off, I'm grateful to everyone for their excitement and enthusiasm in regards to "Bags by Bevy".  I'm acutally quite overwhelmed with all the responses that I have recieved.  This has been way too much fun for me.  Thank you so much!

To those of you who are regular readers of treasured up and pondered, you all are so wonderful! To those of you who sometimes check in... I hope you'll consider being more of a regular visitor - because, I think you're great, and for those of you - that because of this giveaway, this being your first time introduction to my blog, I want to say a special WELCOME! and I hope, that you too, will be back for more.  ;)

You're thoughts and comments mean so much to me... so let me know you're stopping by.  I love hearing from ALL my readers. 

 Okay, back to who won... drum roll please.  My young official, Sir Caleb draws a name...

And the winner is: Kim, she chose the bag "Olivicious",and here is the comment that Kim left on my blog...

"Bevy, Why should I buy a new purse when I could be given one?!?!?  Olivicious would be a nice touch to my shoulder this fall. :)

More so, I love the blog, it's nice to have a heartfelt connection to you.  Well done.  Thanks for inspiring...keep going.  I will be reading and pondering with you".   ~Kim

~Congratulations!~

Well, thanks for entering, Kim, and for the encouraging comment you left.  I'm glad you won!  Just please contact me through bagsbybevy (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address (within 15 days!) and I will be sure to get this Olivicious Bag out to you right away.  I really hope you enjoy using it as much as I've had fun making it.

Until the next giveaway...if you need a gift for someone or you would like one of your own, please contact me at bagsbybevy (at) gmail (dot) com, again, I am just so overwhelmed by the interest. Scott & I have not yet decided how we are going to fully address the "commercial" side of this adventure, but I will be working on that "price list"... We are researching options like that of etsy, as a possibility, so stay tuned.

: : Please, make sure you congratulate Kim today!!!

You've got the rest of today...(Giveaway, Now CLOSED!)

For my wonderful "Bags by Bevy" - GIVEAWAY!!   It's not too late...

All entries are due in by this evening, Friday night, August 28th, at 10:00pm EST.
The drawing will take place sometime Saturday Morning - when my young official, Sir Caleb, wakes up.  I will let him draw a name from a bag ;) and the winner will be announced on Monday's Post!!  You can either post a comment on the link above - saying why you would like a bag and what you would use it for or send me an email (you do not need to have a blog to enter) to: bagsbybevy (at) gmail (dot) com. 
One entry, please... unless
you post about it on your own blog and link back to mine, to let me know.  That will then guarantee you two chances to win.

I love all the responses I've recieved already, and I can't wait, to see you're name drawn, as the winner!!

A few more peachy ideas... just thought I'd share.

In playing around with this recipe, this morning, and because I'm still having an abundance of fresh peaches.  I came up with the idea of adding about ONE cup of diced, fresh peaches to the batter, just to see what I would think.  YUMM!!  Need I say any more?
 : : You've gotta try it, Mitzi,  and whoever else made this recipe.  You're gonna like it.  Guarenteed. 

I also, quick made this recipe this morning, because I'm having company for the day tomorrow.  Basically, no baking involved - unless you make your own and bake your crust to set it.  It's called:

~Frozen Peach Cream Pie~

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Juice of two large lemmons (about 1/2 cup)

1 cup of heavy cream, whipped

2 cups of fresh ripe peaches, sliced and cut into small pieces

1 9" graham cracker crust*

Mix milk with lemon juice (mixture will thicken).  Fold thickened mixture into whipped cream and peaches.  Pour into chilled crust.  Freeze until firm.  Serve frozen.  You can also use raspberries, boysenberries, strawberries or fresh apricots in place of peaches).  * May make in spring-form pan.  Follow directions for making crust.  Use;  1/3 cup melted butter, 3 Tab. sugar and 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs. Mix well, and press onto bottom of pan.  Bake at 350* for about 8 minutes.

What a Supreme Idea!!

I had these beautiful peaches on hand, and needed to make a dessert for an upcoming picnic with our care group at church, last weekend.  I immediately thought of the recipe that my Mother made so often called "Peaches & Cream Surpreme Pie".  Of course in going to the recipe box, I found this one too (Easy Peach Cream Pie) and found my self in quite a "uhmmm" moment, with trying to decide which recipe to use. 

Both recipes are equally delicious.

This is what Peaches & Cream Supreme Pie looks like - and it is so Scrumptious (in my opinion). 

But after thinking about it for a moment and wondering... How would taking this recipe and turning it into cupcakes work?  I decided to give it a try.  I decided to give myself the benefit of the doubt,  I would be okay if it didn't work and just make another whole pie.  Who would know? Nobody, but me. 

So, obviously, it worked.  I was thrilled.  ONE PIE RECIPE MAKES 12 CUPCAKES.  I, of course, did a few minor detail changes (that's my middle name - "change it up"!) with the topping part, to help scale it down to to size.  It was nice to have something "easy" to hold (at a picnic) rather then having to use a fork.

Okay, so I know your mouth is watering and you want the recipe. 

 Here it is!

~Peaches & Cream Supreme Pie~

Crust Batter:

1 cup flour

2/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup softened butter

1 Tablespoon peach juice* (or, Real Lemon juice works)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

Grease sides and bottom of 10" pie pan .  For the cupcakes, I used paper liners.  Did not grease anything.

Filling:

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sour cream

1/3 oz. of softened cream cheese

1 egg

Mix well.

Topping:

1 cup fresh sliced peaches (*you can use canned peaches, in which then you would have reserved peach juice for the crust)

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup brown sugar

In a large bowl, combine batter ingredients and spread in bottom and up sides of greased 10" pie plate (for the cupcakes I very carefully divided to batter between the twelve cupcake oapers and then went back with a small spatula to work it up the sides just to the top of the paper).  

Pour filling onto unbaked crust batter, lay peaches carefully (for the cupcakes I took about a tablespoon of filling for each cupcake and only laid  in about two slices of peaches for each one)

Mix together the 1 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup brown sugar and spread over peaches.  (for the cupcakes I only did about a half cup of sour cream and maybe two tablespoons of brown sugar, and then dropped about a teaspoon worth over the peaches for each cupcake.)

Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes.  I would say the time is about the same for both ways of doing this.  The pie should not "shake" - you may have to keep it in the oven a little longer.  Refridgerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

: : Let me know how you enjoy!!

"EARS" to us, for doing such a fine job!!

What do you get when you have about 700+ ears of 

 INCREDIBLE corn...?

Lots of willing hands to help...?

A sweet little taste tester...?

 And bowls and bowls of scrumptious yellow...? 

You got it, one very CORN-y party!!

Actually, these pictures are from our corn party last year.  But this past Saturday found us (over the course of nine hours, including lunch) doing the very same thing.  It is so great to keep "the mess" all outside.  We shuck it, cook it, cool it, cut it or cream it (eat some) and bag it up, basically to divide between three families. And with everyone willing to help, it really does seem to go fast.  What is really fun, are the conversations that just sort of start to fly around.  When everyone is there, sitting or standing around, and you got an audiance?  Look out!  You really get to know your family in a unique and interesting way.  There is nothing like putting away the season's goodness to savor, later on, over the coming months. Nor like the memories that are ever being made.

: : What about you?  Are you enjoying the season's best? 

DON'T Forget about my Bags by Bevy giveaway!!!  It's ending this Friday evening at 10:00pm (EST).

Psalm 16 - In pleasant places... (part one)

Thanks for coming back for Part One of “Psalm 16 - In pleasant places”.

In all reality, I’m not sure where to start. I know one thing that I want to make clear is this; this is a hard thing for me to share… so vulnerably about. It’s certainly not at all intended to sound like a pity party or a need for affirmation. It’s just simply a testimony of how a gracious and loving God is so “jealously yearning” for His daughter to know him more. And he is working on that…

All my life I so desperately wanted to be “the best wife and mom that I could possibly be” and while I enjoy it and like it, there are some days, I DO NOT LOVE BEING A MOM!! – There I’ve said it. Now, please stop all the gasping… I can hear it coming across the web waves. However, I think I would venture to say that I am NOT the only woman out there admitting to this.
I’ve been really thinking, mulling, praying, journaling, talking to others… and the same - all over again. Trying to figure out what is wrong with me. It’s not the staying at home thing where I feel I need to get out…it’s not that at all. I love it that I am at home!! I can’t even believe it sometimes that we can actually do this (afford to do it) – I know, that some cannot and would LOVE to be in my shoes. I am really grateful for this opportunity. It’s not that I think I’m not able to handle (our) kids. I know that I do have a way about them. I myself am the oldest of nine children, and, I also choose to be a nanny for three other children (and that is a whole separate post) for a period of time and… well, I always thought I would want at least four children of my own. Uhmmmm.

I just have come to realize that I’ve had this rosy idea of what Mom’s are to be like… an idea that is totally misconstrued, obviously. It’s an expectation (put on only by myself) of what I am to become; a desire to be”the best” that I can be. And even that’s not “good enough”, in my eyes. It’s hard, exhausting, never-ending and thankless. I get interrupted, feel so impatient, easily frustrated, have a hard time anticipating their needs and, I think, we actually have pretty easy kids. Why? Why, do I get in my own way – over this? Is the problem, all about me? What are “the idols” going on here??

Now, don’t get me wrong. I do have wonderful moments with my children. I get to see them grow up (which I wouldn’t want to miss that, for the world), and I feel bad for Scott – he’s gone all day, when he comes home from work he’ll notice a “new” thing or two (which isn’t so new for me anymore) and he’ll be exuberantly sharing with me…and I’m like “oh, yeah… I forgot to tell you she did/he did…“whatever it was. Oh, and I do get those smiles, hugs and kisses that must mean that I’m their favorite mom…that I do matter to them. I am needed. I am loved.

So, what got this heart dialogue started? It must have been brewing for awhile, I don’t know, but it came to a head a couple of weeks ago when my husband and I were asked to “teach” Early Preschool class at our church for just a couple of Sunday’s out of only one month. It was NOT a lot to ask of us, I know, however I really was having an issue with this whole idea because of all the above just mentioned. How could I possibly serve other’s children when I am having such a hard time with me and my own, at home? It’s a class of about twenty preschoolers (give or take), and I was told it “feels just like being a mom – that it should be easy”. AHHHH!!!!!

Scott was really good about this. He has been my Mr. Encourager through all of this and he was pretty excited (and still is) about it. We have two more Sunday's to go to fulfill our role in helping to teach this class. I’m still nervous about it and yet, I feel like I’m going in to the next couple of weeks with a different heart focus, which I am glad about.

So the reason for these verses – how have they specifically been meaningful to me? You wouldn’t know this unless I tell you but this is not the first time that these verses have got my attention and have pricked my heart towards change. If you would see the handwritten side notations that I have marked in my Bible, you would see that I’ve been down this road before… but obviously have not arrived.

Overall, I wrote “God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in him.” – referring to the whole chapter.
Around verse 2, I wrote the word “Adoni” (meaning Lord and Master)
At verse 4 where it reads "The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods." I wrote the word "idols"
At verse 5, I wrote; church, family and care group – Let my soul by satisfied…. meaning He is using these people in my life as boundry lines, etc.
And other certain words are circled….for various reasons.

Granted these things don’t or won’t make much sense to someone just reading this… it’s a Bevy-heart thing. I know what I meant as I was writing these things down, but in recently rereading this passage it really hit me (hard) as to how I approach “my calling” as a Mother.

Mothering has always been a desire of my heart, God has certainly answered my prayer, with a YES! – therefore it is now; my portion, my cup, my lot, my calling. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Let my soul by satisfied in Him. I’m still literally learning the in’s and out’s of this so called place. Desiring to be satisfied with intentional purpose not “just because”.

If it wasn’t for my church, friends and family (especially my darling husband) I would not understand the verse talking about “the saints who are in the land – the glorious ones in whom is all my delight”. I KNOW that I have people “In this, with me” – I am not alone. I know that because of this people I have a delightful inheritance –one that I will be able to pass on to the next generation.

I want to fully understand the verse “you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence”…I want to be satisfied because HE IS ENOUGH, not satisfied out of the fact that I have become complacent with my lot of life. Does this make any sense?

I apologize that this was such a lengthy post. But I hope you have heard my heart journey in this particular area. Can any of you relate to me with this? Would you have any specific encouragement that you can share with me?

Please join me as I continue to meditate on God’s Word (specifically, Psalm 16:1-11) on a daily basis. It certainly has been a pleasant place for me to dwell. Now you see why this was part one?

: : Thanks, also to all for your thoughts and prayers this week, as I compiled my thoughts...I really appreciate it.

A Blog Update - Way Too Late!!

Aah, I'm back. Hello, everybody! I wanted to give you all a quick blog update, so that you wouldn't think I was a "blog snob" or something - because that is what I felt like, I was. Sorry!!

IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE to... the announcement would have sounded something like this.

"Due to the impending and highly anticipated storm to arrive
on Tuesday evening, we will have lightning strike one of our (only) four
trees in your front yard, which will then take down our phone and cable lines,
which will then obviously take out our land line for the rest of the week.

Which then means that I will not be able to visit with you all
through blog land. So, I will catch up with you, when I can. Hopefully it
won't take too long, to get back in touch."

Okay, so that is really what happened and therefore, now you know where I've been all week. I really missed you all. We literally just got service, back today (Sunday) about an hour ago. Yeah!!

Great comments and interest in "Bags by Bevy". Don't forget, the giveaway continues till Friday evening. Go ahead, tell all your friends....

Finally! OFFICIALLY Introducing "Bags by Bevy" (and Giveaway! as promised) : NOW CLOSED

The two newest bags in the running:

"My Mint Julep" - medium/large in size
This is one of my favorite, new bags. It features a tan/off white homespun fabric as the liner, has an inside pocket and is perfect for those "you name it" needs while out and about.







"Olivicous" - small, in size
This bag is obviously olive green in color and features a cream colored lining with teeny orange circles. French knots line the front pocket. Fun size and style for a purse.

Take your pick for the GIVEAWAY!! Please keep on reading, at the bottom of this post are the details on how to win one, for YOU!!


But first let me go through my long awaited, (highly antipated?) announcement about my bags - and a HUGE thank you to all for you're waiting so patiently on me to get this out. I appreciate it.

~BAGS by BEVY~


I am so excited to officially introduce to you “Bags by Bevy”. This is something that has “just randomly happened”. Last year, I needed to come up with a few homemade Christmas gifts, and these are basically what came out of it. I was surprised and thrilled, to say the least, at how well these bags have “taken off” with so many of my friends and family – requesting one for them selves, to own.

The bags are truly homemade. So, I am aware that there could be flaws (though seriously, and totally, unintentional) and yet, I think you will see them as completely unique and personable. I call them “bags” because, although I use mine as a purse – you may have other ideas or uses for yours.
I do have a signature on each one and that being the three buttons that you will see grouped together, somewhere on the front pocket of each bag. That is my most favorite part of making a bag - to carefully choose the three buttons, thereby giving the bag its own personal flair and statement. Each bag features an inside and outside pocket (unless indicated differently) and also has some type of hand sewing on it at or around the front pocket. The designs are either of french knots, straight stitch, blanket stitch or a combination of the three.

There are absolutely no two bags alike. And, although I make several different size-styles I do want to mention that I am essentially limited on what I can do because of the size factor. You see, the fabrics are carefully hand selected from a stash of upholstery samples that I either have purchased or am essentially recycling (I love that I am doing this). With that being said, there are two things to keep in mind, one, I am willing to work with you and try to customize to your likings regarding a color scheme (I will not deviate from the original overall design) and secondly, because of the fact that they are made with certain upholstery fabrics – I would NOT recommend putting them in the Washer or the Dryer. ;(

If you see one that you would like to purchase, you may email me at
bagsbybevy (at) gmail (dot) com
And we will discuss the details.

I would love to get one into your hands!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

" Maize 'n' Cornflower" - small/tall, in size
Sorry, no longer available!

"Golden Midnight" - Large, in size
Sorry, no longer available!

"Grey Brier and Roses" - medium/large, in size.
This bag features a vintage-styled, delicate rose floral liner. It's perfect for your Bible, Journal or even hand-sewing projects that you just want to keep close by.

"Out on the town" - small, in size

This bag features the lining, as seen, as well as an inside pocket. I love this bag!! It's just cute.

"Brambles and Sage" - Medium/large, in size

Sorry, no longer available!

"Amber waves of blue" - large, with longer handles

Sorry, no longer available!

Now about that GIVEAWAY, as promised. Take your pick of either of the first two or of any the other available bags. I will be taking your entries until Friday, August 28th, 10:00 pm (EST). All you need to do is leave a comment telling me why you would love one of these bags or if you do not have a blog you can enter by sending me an email (one entry, please):

bagsbybevy (at) gmail (dot) com
** PLEASE, be sure to specify (in your comment or email) which bag you would like to WIN!!
If you would like a chance for two entries, just mention on your blog about my "Bags by Bevy" giveaway, but come back and leave me a comment that you have linked to this post.

That's it. I hope to hear from you!!

Psalm 16 - In pleasant places... (part two)

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you
I have no good thing".

As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones

in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those will increase

who run after other gods...

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

surely, I have a delightful inheritance....

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy

in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

* * * * * *

These verses have had specific meaning for me, here of late. Recently, this has become something of which I have been mulling over, in effort to share with you all. And it's something I feel I should - just because, but it scares me to do so.
Consider this Part Two of this post - Yes!, you read that right. And, I ask you to please remember me in your prayers this week as I gather my thoughts in hopes of sharing Part One, as honestly and effectively as I can.

Friday's Finds - My vintage greeting card organizer

Do you and your friends and family still send "snail" mail back and forth? Do you ever get those thoughtful notes of encouragement from time to time, that just bring a smile to your face? Do you still send handwritten notes , rather then those quick emails?

You should. I know I need to do it more then I do.

On a side note, my sister, Gladys, puts me to much shame in this gift of handwritten notes and letter exchange. She just KNOWS HOW to find THE PERFECT CARD for every occasion. And, it's not even the words, per say, it's the picture or the feel of the card's paper, or the font... she just knows how to do it. I love it!!

When was the last time you sent that note - Just Because?

Perhaps an idea like mine will make it a bit easier for you.

I saw this cool, very creative "greeting card & stationary organizer" idea in one of my many favorite magazines (can't remember which one it was now, but you know the kind) and thus, I began my search to find a suitcase large enough to hold all my cards and "stuff".

I happened upon this one, at a yard sale, several years ago. I think I only paid $ .50, maybe $ .75 cents for it. But what a find it's been. I'll admit it's pretty heavy when I go to move it around but for the most part it stays put on the end of my work table, up in our sewing room/office.

I just love that everything is conveniently contained in one place.

I usually find GREAT cards, either with pretty cheap prices or on $ale somewhere. When I find I'm getting low or the selection is getting skimpy, I stock it back up, "when I can". I love knowing that I (will usually) have a fitting card tucked away for that needed occasion.

Yes! I admit - I'm a picky collector of cards and stationary. They have to be just right. Sort of like what my sister finds... the paper has to have the right feel about it, the font is "totally me" (whatever that means) and the picture (if there is one) well, it needs to

be charming in nature. It's hard to explain...

The funny part is that I'll have, from time to time, one of my other sister's (even one my brother's did this to me, the other night) ask me if I have a card in my stash for something

that they need a card for. I think it's great!!

I love the feeling of reusing something as vintage as an old suitcase in order to help stay organized, in just one small area, such as my "stationary collection", etc.. It works for me as a decorating tool and also a good "hide all" - if need be.

Now, I just ( rather, must) need to add to my collection. I think a stack of three or four in various sizes, styles and colors would be so great.

: : What do you think?? Do you do something like this? Isn't it a great Idea?

When life is "the pits"...count your many "cherries"!

"When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you
are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one
by one and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one..."

(and you can read the rest of these great hymn lyrics, here.)

" When life seems 'the pits', think of all the cherries

you're eating - with that!"

Okay, I just made that part up... but I guess, what I am getting at is this. Life is often, simply "the pits", it's so unfair, full of questions, uncertainty, trials...yet, there are blessings surrounding our many trials (big and small) if we can only STOP to think about it.

Currently, at our church, we've been going through a series on the book of James. It's an easy book to read but a hard book to apply. When James (1:2) says to "Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds", that's hard stuff. Trials come in all shapes and sizes. But the blessings that come, with those trials, are even all encompassing. That's the good news! To have happiness is one thing, but to have joy - let alone, pure joy!- now that is a blessing in one's life. But, the only way to know that joy is to walk through trial again and again. That is so hard to say and even harder to understand... How does this actually work?

It's steadfastness and perseverance in that trial that increases our faith in God, which then results in a pure joy. James asks us to consider Job's perseverance and to then see what the Lord brought about - abundant blessing - resulting in a deep, abiding joy.

Scott and I are currently walking through a trial. He alluded to it in his recent post (Scott's Second Saying's). For context sake I'll just say it... knowing that the testicular pain he is having has been ruled out that there is no cancer, he says it makes the pain easier to bare. Still there is pain and discomfort. Lots of it. He actually is just back from a Dr's appointment this morning, that is only leading up to go to another Doctor for his opinion, and so on and so forth. There are questions. Uncertainty. Nobody knows....

But, the Lord does. That is where in the midst of "the pits", that we find ourselves in, there is a deep, abiding joy. We've prayed for healing...on Sunday, there was a sermon specific to this out of James 5. God can choose to heal Scott, instantly, if he desired. Yet, through this I've seen my man choose joy in his and our trial.... we continue to persevere through.

The bowl is getting empty, we've eaten a lot of cherries.

We've been counting our blessings-

naming them one by one.

Do you know what happens if you plant a cherry pit? You got it... it creates another cherry tree... and the cycle continues.

Just like the trials and blessing in our lives. It's a never once and done type of thing. They come and go and like our pastor alluded to in one of the sermons (in this series) if you're not currently in a trial -be full of joy- BUT, prepare, because one is coming. And, if you do find yourselves in the midst of a trial -be full of joy- because a season of blessing is coming.

Cherry Pie, Anyone??

To Share Hearts...

"Girls especially are fond of exchanging confidences
with those they who they think they can trust; it is one of the most charming
traits of a simple, earnest-hearted girlhood, and they are the happiest women
who never lose it entirely".

~ Lucy Larcom

: : Do you have those "hearts" that you choose to trust?


I have just a few close friends (and sisters) that -though we don't get together as often I as I would like- it's just like this; an opportunity to get together comes up, shared over coffee, the kids playing together, and time runs out - so short, so interrupted.
So, we pull out our calenders and we (re)schedule a time together, all over again.

It's wonderful - to share hearts!

Friday's Finds - Where is that paper (from)?

I don't have a picture to share with you today - because how do you capture an answer (to prayer)?

I could post a picture of the paper found - but that would be sharing personal information that has no business being shared. But this is today's Friday Finds, in the most extraordinary of ways.

It all started one evening with Aubrey "refusing" to settle down for the night. So Scott was in the living room, lying on the floor, playing with Aubrey, and chatting with me while I was in the kitchen washing up the remaining supper dishes. Aubrey started in on the cookbook shelf. Now, I don't (always) like it that she daily cleans my shelves off, like she does. And, I thought I heard paper ripping - or at least, that is what I am "expecting" out of her. As I turn, I see Aubrey waving this piece of paper, and I'm like... "Scott!, get her..." only as we retrieve this paper, we're immediately VERY CONFUSED.

This is a piece of (what looks like rather important information) paper that I have never seen before. And, it is pertaining to my niece, Sarah. I'm racking my brain to figure it out - where and how would I have had this paper, let alone, among my cookbooks? I still don't know. And at the end of that little episode... I'm like; "oh well, I'll just see that my sister gets it, next week".

The next morning, I sat to the computer to send my sister, Rachel, an email to let her know what I found. Instead, there in my inbox was an email from her. It read, something like this...

"Hey Bevy, when I was down at your place the other day, I don't know, I
think I may have misplaced this (certain) paper, I need, for Sarah. If you
see it, would you get it to me -soon! I've looked everywhere around here
for it and I can't find it. Just checking."

I could not believe my eyes. I don't know about my sister but I immediately considered that an INSTANT answer to prayer. I honestly would have never found that paper had it not been for one busy little girl - playing with Mommy's cookbooks. And the fact that I had just found it the evening before. To this day, we have no idea how it got there... and we most likely never will.

But, the Lord knew. And he used it to stretch my faith in that sometimes what is not intended to take place, and, at the time, be seemingly not good - He will bring good out of it.
I was just glad to play a part in that whole thing. Well, actually it was Aubrey who was the one playing...


"Pray Continually". 1 Thessalonians 5 :17 - about everything. You'll never know what answers will come about.

Ah! To go (and grow) through happy clover...

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when (s)he
is old he will not depart from it." ~ Proverbs 12:6

I should just let these pictures speak for themselves, but I can't help it - to share this poem, that I found this morning, that just seemed so fitting. Granted I know my daughter is too young to be considered "a maiden"... but she's growing, and she'll be there soon enough, one day.

The poem is entitled;

~To a Little Maid~

How should little maidens grow

When they're ten (months old) or over?

In the sunshine and the air,

Wholesome, simple, fresh and fair

As the bonnie daisies blow,

And the happy clover.

How should little lassies speak

At this time of living?

As the birds do, and the bees,

Singing through the flowers and trees,

Till each mortal fain would seek

Joy her lips are giving.

How about her eyes her ears

At this stage of growing?

Like the clear, unclouded skies,

Not too eager or too wise,

So that all she sees and hears

May be worth the knowing.

And this little maiden's heart?

Ah! for that we are praying,

That it strong and pure may grow;

God, who loveth children so,

Keep her from all guile apart,

Through life's mazes straying!

~ The Children's Friend. Selected from the book; Ideals and Moral Lessons

: : Italics in the poem, mine.

Ham 'N' Potatoes Au Gratin...

~Ham 'N' Potatoes Au Gratin~

1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cups diced peeled potatoes, cooked
1 pound fully cooked ham, cubed
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp. black pepper
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet, saute the onion and green pepper in one tablespoon butter until tender.
Combine the onions and pepper with the potatoes, ham and mayonnaise; pour into an ungreased 11" x 7" x 2" baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter. Stir in flour and pepper until smooth. Gradually add the milk; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for one minute. Stir in cheese just until melted. Pour over potato mixture. Cover and bake at 350* for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 8 servings.

: : This is a great, quick easy meal. Just add a few sides like a green veggie or salad. For this particular dish (literally this exact one), I didn't have any ham available to use, BUT... I happened to have some Ring Bologna that needed to be used. So, I chopped it up and gave it a quick fry in the frying pan - just because I wanted to get a little more flavor going there...and nobody even knew it.

I sure do love getting creative in my kitchen. What kind of "secrets of the kitchen" have you pulled off, lately?

Corner's of my Home - the Nursery!

I always wanted a "nursery" or kid's room decorated in as much vintage decor as possible - meaning old, antique toys, heirloom quilts, even actual baby paraphernalia from

back in the day.

I have used things like; glass baby bottles, a baby scale, etc.

When we moved to this house, and because the walls are plastered (because they are thick, stone walls)..., I wasn't sure how hanging this shelf would work. My brother, Justin, came over one evening and got it mounted - very carefully.

So, now, because the little ones are getting bigger, I decided I was finally able to display all the old toys some that I had collected over the years or ones that were actually either Scott's or mine. I hate to say that, it makes me feel like we're really getting old. To call our old toys, antiques...but it's true.

The framed piece is actually a medical type booklet, that my sister found for me one time. She actually gave it to me for part of a baby gift. I just found an old frame, that fits it perfectly. And the funny thing is, is that she gave it before Caleb was born, yet it sort of looks like Aubrey, with the reddish hair.

If you would like, you can reread this post...

Where "simple prayers" are prayed.



The kiddie car displayed here was Scott's Mom's dad's toy. So, that is certainly a treasure.

The musical train lamp was found at a local thrift store, here in our area, but it was being held on a Silent Auction. I knew it would be perfect for the vintage theme I was doing in the nursery at the time. And since I thought about it (after seeing it a couple of times) enough, I decided to add my name to the roster and place a bid on it. I really, really hoped I would win the bid. Needless, to say, the day I received a phone call saying that, that was the case - I was so excited.

You might not be able to see them very closely, but I love the 3 vinyl/cloth-like books that my Mom gave to me. I have a hard time figuring out how to display them well. So, any suggestions would be great. I thought about framing them - but, nah! then I can't look through them.

I want to share this poem that I found by an Unknown Author, it reads.

"What makes a home?" I asked my little boy, and this is what he said:
"You, Mother, And when Daddy comes, our table is set all shiny, And my bed -
and, Mother, I think it is home because we love each other!"
You who are old and wise, what would you say If you were asked the
question? Tell me, pray.
And simple as a little child, The old wise ones can answer nothing
more- A man, a woman, and a child- their love,
Warm as the gold hearth fire along the floor, A table, and a lamp for
light - Only the old, sweet fundamental things.
And long I learned- Home may be near, home may be far, but it is
everywhere that love and a few plain household treasures are.

~ What makes a HOME?~

Although, antiques and treasures abound... the kid's room or nursery (as we still call it) certainly needs to remain a practical and functional atmosphere, and, it serves us well. We are so grateful for the blessing that our children are to us, but the fact that we also can provide simple homey blessings... is much, much more then some can do. And we can understand that.

HOWDY......AGAIN

Hey!!!!! Well what do ya know.....We made two months in a row! (I'm a poet, and didn't even know it (HAHA)). It is time for those monthly mentions by Bevy's others' half. It is the Scott's Second Sayings, where once again, I get to amuse my thoughts in "blog" format.



What a month it has been. We have been really enjoying God's grace and mercy every day. I do not believe Bevy posted any thing about my health; however, the last several weeks (better part of a month and half) I have not been feeling well. With my symptoms and pain (testicular); especially, with my family history, the doctors were concerned about cancer. This definitely did not come as desired news, not to mention on the heals of my fathers passing due to cancer. Of course there is the time between, diagnosis and testing that can seem to take forever. It was a very humbling/reflecting time. The conversations and debates of "what if".

However, this is not the case. The results we received, Friday a week ago, show no growths, or abnormalities, so thus cancer is ruled out. While I still have pain and discomfort, I must confess it makes the pain a little more bearable. One thing the test did reflect is lack or lower amount of circulation. So in the future I have an appointment with an Urologist. This is on a side, that about 20 years ago, I had surgery on for hernia-in-hydra seal in which it was strangling the testicle. We cannot help but wonder if long term damage is starting to appear.



OK, back to BLOG stuff......NOTE on a few "personal" corrections:



If any one read the post on making a "Scott Dog" but did not read the comments here is a correction. The order of application of condiments is Mayo on the rolled side of bun, and excess wiped off on the flat side of bun (personally I hold the bun with the rolled side to the left). Second is placing in the hot dog, followed by application of relish between the hot dog and the flat side of the bun. Here then you can apply the ketchup in "zig-zag" fashion and apply onion on top. HERE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP.....after application of all condiments, give the hot dog bun an ever so slight squeeze to bring it all together, and ENJOY!



The tomato cages are working out great. Bevy did not share what I originally 'told' her on how I got the cages. It was something like this. When she asked where I got them I explained "Well, I saw this person pulling out of their driveway, and could not help notice the garden in the back. So they pulled off, and I backed up and went into the garden and pulled the cages." Here mouth about hit the floor. I am always pulling something out to get a rise out of her. Honestly though, they were on the side of the street in someones trash. I corrected my story to her, to which I got the response I always get "Scott?!?!?!?!" (love ya babe)



I would like to touch on the grocery list making that we do. We do get regular "questions" about our list. Even from Bevy's post we have received comments and emails on our list. The briefest answer I can give as to why and how it works is this; by making a list we get a visual to what is occurring. We not only make list for groceries, but list for errands, chores, money/budget, and we even make a miscellaneous list every now and then. Here is why, as great of function the brain is, it still can only process one thing at a time (consciously). While it is VERY fast in this processing ability, it is still one thing at a time. By making list we have a visual and by this we are less likely to forget. Example, go to the store without a list and get home and realize "Oh, I wanted to get.........", with the list we can also agree on things. If we know something is needed, but feel we can go without it until another time we can move it to another list for later (like a misc. list). If there is something that was not budgeted for and something comes up that does not meet our "emergency funds" withdrawal, we have the budget list to sit and discuss, "OK what are we willing to trade off the budget in order to do or acquire something that has come up?" So, it is a true blessing that I am a list type of guy and Bevy is a list type gal. So hand in hand "we list".



We'll now that I have totally bored you to tears (hope not, honestly)...I want to throw a shout out to all to keep an eye out for "Bags by Bevy". She just came in with more material and is talking to me now, as I type, about some 'bag' issues. I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings and we look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to drop a comment. May God keep you and yours; until next time. God Bless.