{BagsbyBevy} I don't think you've ever met Maude!!

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:: Homespun Baby! Shoes ::

gifted to my cousin Sarah and Randy - for their little guy!!

:: Homespun Baby! Shoes ::

gifted to Mrs. G (my youngest's Kindergarten Teacher) 

:: Tea Wallet ::
small, holds 4 tea bags
gift to a sweet friend from church

~~

These are all gifts - but I wanted to show you what all has been happening in stolen moments, here and there!!

Basically, I needed to get these items done - before "packing up" shop.

Oh, and I don't know that I've ever shown you Maude...
I found "her" at a fabric sale for all but $12.00!!


Can I say - thrilled?  I've always wanted a dress form and now, I think I may have a second one on my  hands - here shortly!!  Can't wait.
I love these vintage things!!

**
That's the latest from BagsbyBevy!!!

These Last Couple Days of School

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In the last couple of days, here... there have been:
End-of-school picnics and parties!

An Alphabet Parade to attend!

Teacher gifts to make. :)  

(We wouldn't have to, but we just wanted to!)

Art to enjoy...

Yearbooks to browse.

Memories to share.  Stories to tell.

No more homework!!

And tomorrow - June 9th! - will be the last time of seeing the bus roll to a stop at the end of our driveway... for this particular school year!

It's been a great year!!  And - we're so proud of our two older kids, for all their hard work and diligence into making this school year an easy-go.  It really was a wonderful school year!
Normally, the kids are home by 4pm, but for today and tomorrow - we have early-dismissals.  Yeah!!

***

For the parade.  There were, representing, A, B and, C... and so on!

Angry birds, airplanes, ballerinas.

An eskimo, exercising elephants and

living legos. Phillies phans, and golden grahams...

A queen.  Wizards and waltzing witches, and a zebra that like to walk in a zig-zag.

All of the letters, were included - of course!!

Such creativity and fun costumes...

Representing the letter .... ?

She's holding a needle in her hand!  There is a clue... ;)

Nurse Aubrey making some noise...

Proud little sister - can you tell?

There is a little story behind the nurse outfit that Aubrey is wearing.  It was handmade by Aubrey's Great-grandmother, Ruth Y. Carpenter (one for whom Aubrey was named after) ...for her daughter, Susan.  Which is Aubrey's grandmother!

School's halloween parade.

Grandma Susie says Aubrey probably got to wear this outfit (in public) more than she ever did. :) And, she was more than excited to be invited to go along and watch the Alphabet Parade, with little sister, Jayne, and I.

Can you guess which letter Aubrey represented?

If you guessed  the letter "N" - you were correct!

***

Here are a couple of gifts we put together for the homeroom teachers.  You can see more of the same idea in my shop!  Psst.  If you still need a teacher gift -- hint, hint, there are various items available there.:)

"Summertime" - pocket pouch
Gift to be given to Aubrey's Kindergarten Teacher

"Summer Evening" - pocket pouch
Gift to be given to Caleb's 2nd grade Teacher

I carefully tucked inside, little gifts* which include: a pack of gum or mints, hand lotion, tissues and a few gift cards to use as they please!  As well - a handwritten note, from both Caleb and Aubrey, to their respective teachers, to personally say Thank You!

((**items inside are not included in any of the pocket pouches on line.))

Do you give out, did you give out, Teacher Appreciation gifts?  

I'm curious of some other ideas or suggestions that are out there.

***

The highly anticipated yearbook::

This piece was one of Caleb's pieces of artwork which was featured in this year's yearbook!  Surprise!!

Aubrey found the photo while thumbing through the yearbook, the other day - ecstatic that her brother finally had something featured in the artworld, as well!!   Good job - Caleb!!

***

And, he-rrre comes the big yellow bus! sscreech!

Nothing like running in across the yard to either Mom or Dad who are standing by, waiting, to welcome them home!!

This year's bus driver was absolutely fabulous!!  So kind.  So friendly.  So cheery!!
  We all hope she's the same one for next year!  In the meantime - we have a full - action packed summer to enjoy!!

***

Let's get started!!

White Bench redo

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If you don't like something, change it;

if you can't change it,

change the way you think about it.  ~ Mary Engelbreit

***

Hey Ladies.  Friends!  I've been given a challenge!

One of my dear friends has dared me to repaint this bench - in which, I agree. She's right! The funny thing is, is that she's never seen this bench in person...she has only heard me talk about it and my "draggin my wagon" to do something about it.  So, she's put the dare out there.  Because, she's right!

 It desperately needs a freshened up look! I've even been given a date that this makeover is due by... ha!... which we'll see about that.  lol!

Here's a little history on the bench.

I designed this one - by drawing it out on paper.  And, the husband of a friend of mine (a former co-worker - an older woman) made it for me...a long time ago.  It's a bench seat - with a storage box under the seat (inside).  Currently, it houses all my boxed up fine china.  Which, (ahem!) that too - needs a redo!  I do have another cabinet that needs "something purty" on it's shelves... 

Okay!

Moving on.

The thing is, is that this bench no longer sits along this wall.  The feedsack pillow-seat is no longer being used.  And... I have no idea - EXACTLY- what color I want to paint it, especially now since the bench sits in my kitchen. 

I have always loved the white look and always will but.. I am willing to go with another color.

Martha Stewart Milk Pail (color) is one of my favs...or the Lamb's Ear color.

Or. Perhaps I need to do something a bit more on the yellow side??

Oh - decisions!!

Currently, the bench sits here... in my kitchen.

And, I agree, with my friend.  The bench needs a fresh coat of something...

***

Do you agree the bench needs a touch-up?

Do you agree a new color is in order?

Shoot!

***

In other news.  I have had a wonderful time at the Woman's Retreat. I was so grateful to have been able to go. And, I did take a couple of photos.  I was having too good a time to really take too many.

I also have a really, REALLY crazy week - looming large in front of me.  So, it may take a while to get anything out of me regarding the Retreat.  I will try.

This week looks like this.  In no particular order.

Family Day/Aunts and girl cousins, only! (Of those who can attend.)

Caregroup

School trips

Ball game - x2

(potential) Jury Duty

10 year Wedding Anniversary/Dinner with my Man!

Play date

Grocery shopping

Ladies Breakfast

So... not sure when I'll hop on back here on the blog.

Until next time.,,

Have a great week!

Gift to Myself

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A couple of weeks ago, now, when my husband had some time off of work - in a "use it or lose it" sort of situation... I was granted a wish of mine; to go off to a local boutique, in our small town, and have a look-see!

I came across this piece...and instantly fell in love!  I just had to bring it home!

I love the quote.
I love the artwork; mixed media, that it is.
I love it hanging in my laundry room!

***
I appreciate how it reminds me that what I do, in mothering, can be and should be kept as memorable and not resort towards the mundane.  Which is what and where I'm so tempted to go - far too often.

**The gal who handcrafted this art piece - can be found HERE!  Stay tuned for more of this fabulous crafter in the near future.  Ooohhh, I can't wait.  I'm so excited.  Can you tell?

***
So, I'm curious!  How was your weekend?

I signed up for the {in}RL online conference (planning to watch at home!) and I would be lying to say I wasn't "sorely" disappointed that I had to miss the whole thing.  Yes! I was sad I missed it, but I STILL had a fabulous weekend.
Instead, I was LIVING OUT community {in real life} with the fact that we hosted pretty much my WHOLE entire family (22 of us) here for Sunday Dinner. All but one sister could come!  It basically was our Easter get-together.  While some siblings left early (due to other obligations)- others came later and stayed around for a Stromboli supper.  We were so grateful that the weather was "nice enough" (a little cool, at times) to play outdoor games and visit on and around the front porch.
So, why did I miss the conference?  You can guess.  Prepping food - all Saturday (though I didn't make all of it...we all participated in making/bringing something to contribute) and also attending a Pizza Social, Saturday night, with our church small group.

Very nice!

So, today, I hang more laundry.
And, I relish in the goodness and grace of God ...
For family and friends...
of memories made
and moments alone.

I take these gifts and pin them to the line of my heart.
 Treasures that I do hold oh so dear.

books on end

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 A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend.  ~Author Unknown

***

 I know every book of mine by its smell, and I have but to put my nose between the pages to be reminded of all sorts of things.  ~George Robert Gissing

 ***

 "Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are" is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread.  ~François Mauriac

***

To read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one.  ~Chinese Saying

***

Never lend books, for no one ever returns them; the only books I have in my library are books that other folks have lent me.  ~Anatole France

***

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”  ― Emilie Buchwald 

~*~*~*~*~

Tell me.  Which is your favorite (book) quote and why?   or, Send me your own..

Appealing to the Senses :: Sight

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Awhile back I brought to you the idea of doing a little mini series on "Appealing to the Senses". 
At that point - I guess I covered taste and well, today - this here just might be a runner up.

Flipping through the pages of one of my favorite magazines, the other day, I came across this photo and recipe.  I'm telling you, this photo appeals to me so much so I can almost taste it.

Strawberries
Rhubarb
picnics

It is that season.

And, the sight of...
home baked yummy hand pies
flowers (hydrangea, at that!)
 baskets

 cute embroidery on linens

Oooh, la la!!

It calls my name.

***

We had a beautiful (somewhat fast & heavy) rain shower here, late this afternoon. 
So refreshing!!

How has your day been?

Just Because, Part Two!

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You didn't know you would get a second post from me today, did you?

How are you, this here Valentine's Day?

Did you enjoy the snow this morning?  I just thought it was so pretty.
Of course, I was out there taking photos hoping to "make it last longer"....right?  Right.
Hence the photo from my other post... which I was having fun with.  Did you read the story I shared with you, this morning?  You must...all you need to do is to scroll down and read it.  Very sweet.
Just Because. 

Sitting in church this past Sunday morning.. I glanced down at my left hand bearing this band of gold and precious stone and thought of this post I had written a couple of years ago.  I wanted to share it with you all, today, as a "re-post"; a token of appreciation to my hubby for all of his hard work, love and shown commitment to our Marriage Union.

:: And With This Ring ::

(a re post)

I don't share this picture, with you, to brag...but here goes. Yes! this is my engagement ring. Not in its original form though, you see I've always wanted a piece of heirloom jewelry. I have always liked pearls. Not that I wear, wear them, but on special occasion I would certainly choose pearls over other stones. My original diamond ring was a ring that my Mother-in-law had bought for herself years ago. She sold the ring to Scott when he proposed to me... so really, in a sense, it has started the path to being an heirloom. I liked it. It was now mine. But, I often thought how I would really like to add two pearls on either side of the diamond - just because - it would REALLY be me. I didn't mention it very often because I knew it would cost a pretty penny... and it seemed even, somewhat frivolous. I never dreamed it would happen.

So, while down in VA, this past time... we needed to go into the store where the ring was first purchased and have my original setting looked at because one of the prongs seemed bent. While there my husband, who is Mr. Financial-Right-On (bless his heart), who can also be Mr. Spontaneity-full-of-Surprises, says to Regina, behind the counter, "... and with this ring... we would like to add two pearls, one on each side of the diamond... what can you do for us?".  
For ME?!??!!? 
~~~
They weren't sure, but would check into it. A day and a half later...they called, and said it was ready for pick up.

Let me tell you... I cried when I saw this ring being handed to me across the counter. I even made Regina tear up. I didn't try to make her cry. It just really blessed me to know that with this ring I will always have a memory, and a moment of "gasp"(times two, the first being at proposal), plus lots of tears. Now, I can say that the two pearls represent my two children. Not because pearls are their birthstones (though pearl is mine) but because they really are two precious souls. If only folks would stop asking; "What are you going to do if you have more children?". My answer. I guess that possibility remains to be seen.

I just want to add a little dialogue that took place as I tried on the ring in the store. As I slipped it onto my finger, I said, "aah, this is like getting married all over again", the customer standing next to me says "humph, and that's supposed to be a good thing?" and I said "YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes it is a good thing. And I would say, I would marry this man all over again. Not because I am caught up in the emotion of this gift he has given me, this moment of spontaneity that has taken place, but because of who he his, and of who I've become as his wife... because of us. We are ONE!  
With this ring, I thee wed...

Because.
Just Because...
I love this man. xoxo

"Just Because"

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Here is a sweet, sweet story I thought I would share with you, today!  

You can... read along here, from Proverbs 31 Ministries...

Just Because!

Written by, Lisa Terkeurst.

I hope you enjoy...
  

***
Happy Valentine's Day!

All in a day's work! ~ Scott's Silhouette

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Last week, Caleb's Kindergarten class was talking and reading books about shadows.  Of course, Ground Hog Day might have had some influence in that.  Perhaps?  Who knows.

But for Sharing Day (Show & Tell), which was last Friday, he was told to bring something in of his own Free Choice.
Most times the kids are given a suggestion of something to bring is - such as, "something made of wood", etc.

Since shadows was last weeks theme, we thought it would be fun and interesting for him to take in a silhouette of his dad.  This was from when his daddy was about 3 or 4 years old.

We're so glad to have this framed piece of my husband Scott, which will, one day, be a treasured family heirloom, for sure.

My husband just told me this evening that the gentleman artist who did this, did it freehand.  Wow!
***

This is something that I would love to have done for our children, or take the time to do it myself (I doubt I'd do it freehand, that's for sure).  I found what looks like to be an easy tutorial, on line.
I am excited to give it a try.

I was wondering.  Has anyone ever done this before?  Any tips?  Suggestions?
  How did it turn out for you?
 ***

And there is this...

One recent morning, at breakfast, I had the camera out to take a photo of something and my charming husband was giving me a hard time about it...oh, I know what it was now.  I was taking a photo of our breakfast casserole, just before we sat down to eat it - *new* recipe coming soon- and he thinks that sort of stuff is silly, especially when he's hungry and I can't blame him, but... anyway, I turned the camera on him as he was giving me a VERY, VERY goofy face.

It seems now like he is vindicated as it turned out to be another silhouette!!!!!!!

Oh, I'm so tempted to lighten the photo of this and reveal the true colors.
His. True. Colors. Just kidding...
(smile!)

All in a day's work!

Things I Treasured Up - all in one day!

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The three treasures I hold are...make that four.

Well, let me tell you about them...

Treasure #1.

Caleb: Mom, I have a really bad headache.

(we just picked him up from his morning at school, and were on our way home.)

Me:  Caleb, maybe it's that you're hungry.  You know?  Sometimes our tummy's have a way of talking to us - letting us know it's hungry and that is why we get headaches. You just might need to eat something. We're almost home...

Caleb:  But MO-o-om.  I didn't have time to talk with my tummy... I had school to do.

I don't know how many times this week - he has mentioned to me that his favorite thing to do is to stay at home and play with his sisters.  Well, guess what!  Today he's staying home.

That headache yesterday proved to put him on the couch, most of yesterday afternoon, and now he's down and out with a major head cold; coughing, runny nose, body aches and earache.  Again!

It' s 8:15 AM!  The kid is still sawing logs... I'm letting him.

The bus can go on by...which, it will!  In a mere 10 minutes...

Poor guy.

***
Treasure #2.

This little gal of mine... Miss Aubrey...is something else.

Guess what we're doing today?  Besides, her favorite thing to do... which is to help me make homemade bread.

We're tacking the cleaning of this, our main Refrigerator, today.  Inside and Out.  Because SOMEBODY decided to mess with the controls...

((Me: clearing of the "froat"...as Aubrey would call it.  I caught her in several other instances here of late, such as playing with the thermostat and... that wow!  if this doesn't keep me on my toes?  what does?))

So, yeah.  We're doing that today.  Hey, it REALLY needed to be done anyway.  I'm just so glad we discovered this, last evening, and not this morning or later.  Not to mention it was discovered just as our meal was on the table, ready to be served. I have no idea how long ago the controls were turned off.  But, thank the good Lord, we have two refrigerator's and could easily keep things cold in the other "working"one... but the freezer stuff was pretty much all thawed out.  (That's how I discovered it). Grrr...

A day or two ago... I could have put it all outside and it would have kept great.  eh? ;)

It was her way of admitting to it and apologizing... that I didn't get too cross.  Like I said, the job needed to be done anyway.

This morning.  I looked her in the eyes and sighed... and she's says, "What?".  I asked her, "What am I going to do with you?" - she replied, "feed me".

With what?

She laughed.

***
Treasure #3.

Here of late, for whatever reason, it seems that Jayne has been putting us through a ritual of settling down for the night.  Not every time.  Usually, she "begs" to go down the same time as the others and yet this includes - crying to insure that she will get her "hugs and kisses" in before she goes off to sleep.

Yesterday - she never got a nap in.  Grumpy Baby Bear.  And actually, she pulled an Aubrey trick by falling asleep at the table.  Aubrey would do that constantly, and still will.  Jayne doesn't do that.  Last evening she did.  I held her - then - while eating and kicked myself for not going with my gut-feeling of giving her, her bath earlier.

She soon woke up and the evening continued on. Baths were given out and the kids off to bed.  Only Jayne would not settle.

This was the moment of truth. 

My baby is growing up.  Fast.

I took her over to our room to the rocking chair.  Again, this is not normal.  The days of holding and rocking my babies have long passed...I guess.

She could not get comfortable.  Or, at least, she felt like she was uncomfortable to me as I held her.  Her feet dangling over the edge of the one armrest, her head bumping the other side, just off of my upper arm.

Soon it was her wrestling around to try and nestle her head on my shoulder - her legs and feet awkwardly trying to "fit somewhere"... it wasn't happening.

My baby! 

It hit me, this was the last...she, is my last.

We sang - Jesus loves me! her favorite, and others... and she is trying to sing along... in her babyenese.

Cute!

I told her it was time for her to go back to her little bed; it was nighttime.  She willingly went...

Hugs and kisses all over again.  I covered her up and she grunted her little words of "gunt-gunt"... which I interpret to mean.

"Good -Night!"

***

But my favorite thing, of the whole evening, was when my hubby came downstairs (during his studies), after everyone finally settled, to find me in the kitchen; there he took me in his arms, no words, and held me, for a long, long time...

He knew I needed that, and...

Now... that!  I treasure.

Friday's Finds :: Come over to my House (and pick green beans!)

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This might be a stretch for a typical Friday's Finds.  But, I thought I would bring it to you anyway.  I was trying to figure out how this post is going to come together as there is a lot I want to tie in here.

First off.

Welcome to Friday's Finds.  If you're new here...well, Welcome!  I know I've been having some new visitors/followers come by recently...maybe since the last time I posted one of these features?  If that's true and you're feeling a bit confused as to just what is Friday's Finds...?  Well this is where and when I like to (occasionally) post a featured find.   Nothing (too) special.  Nothing of unique or great value but at the same time for all of those same reasons.

I'm glad you're here today.

Today's post is going to feature a compilation of a lot of my loves.  Lots of things that I tend to write about.  All wrapped up into one.

Hospitality
Gardening
Books
Friends
Treasures


If you read the other day... you heard that I was asked to "come over and pick and keep" what I find.  My sweet Aunt Mary Ellen is like that.  My mom and I (and all "four" of my children - for those of you who don't know, I've preteen-sitting a young gal most every day this summer) headed up to her place, ah! about 9:30 am or so and this is what we found...

We found ourselves picking the most beautiful beans.  Hanging on by the handfuls. I won't tell you though, that we had to wade waist high in a field of Ground Cherry plants in order to find the rows of beans.  That was fine, however it was quite the conversation piece.  My poor aunt was fit to be tied and she nev NEVER gets like that.  The ground was soft, semi-wet and easy to pull weeds. Ahem, and a few of those ground cherries were pulled- at her request!  I was going to say "at her command" but if you know my aunt she never commands...she's too congenial for that.  I love my aunt!

What I wanted to pick was her hydrangeas. I really wanted to just pick the whole bush!
Her hydrangeas have to be the prettiest color of any I have seen in a long time.  I've always loved this color of blue/grey.

Yes!  So, this is what I came home with...
We found cucumbers, squash, zucchini, rhubarb and a green pepper (well she gave me that one!). Of course, the beans.

The green beans are there.  I picked a small plastic grocery bag full.  Semi-full, is more like it.  Yesterday I did them up.  I think I put away four quart bags of beans for the freezer.  Easy Peasy to do them up no problem.  I secretly was hoping for enough to make a canner full and to can them ... but that didn't happen.  It's okay.  There will likely be more in the future.  Who knows.  (In case you're wondering - I don't have a garden of my own.  Here.  There isn't place for one, which is so sad.)

***

So.  While I was cleaning the beans and putting them away, yesterday... I got a call from my close friend, Connie, asking if she could stop by.  She wanted to loan me a book.   She had found it one day at our local thrift store.  I guess you could say my friend found the Friday's Find!  Connie said, It's a must-read!

She had told me about it before... so I knew it was coming.  But I never had a chance to look it up or what have you, to learn anything about it, really.   All I knew, was that it was a children's book.

My sweet friend - Connie - told me that there is a part of the book that reminds her of me - my home - and she wanted me to have it, on loan, to read .... to enjoy... and reread again and again to the kids. ;)
((Psst.  That is what has been happening.))

I get the chill bumps that she thinks of me and my home this way.

This is where the hospitality and friends come in to the picture.

The book is called Come over to my House, by Theo. LeSieg, (also known as Dr. Suess) and there is a part in there that I want to share with you today.  The part that Connie suggested I make sure to read.

Every house in the world has a ceiling and floor.  But the ones you'll like best have a wide-open door.
Some houses are rich, full of silver and gold.  And some are quite poor, sort of empty and old.
Some houses are marble and some are just tin.  But they're all alike when a friend asks you in.
There are so many houses you'll meet on your way.  And wherever you go, you will hear someone say...

"Come over to my house!  Come over and play!"  ~ By Theo LeSieg (Dr. Suess)

I am blessed.  One, to have my aunt Mary, say this to me.  "Come over to my house (or garden, in this case), pick what you can find and keep it!"  And two, to have my friend loan me this semi-valuable book for a season. I did find out it is a pretty rare find.  I was a bit surprised at the price value on this book and so was she.  But in even more value is the opportunity to read it, again and again, encouraging the idea of hospitality with my children's rapt attention at hand.

To think of all the wide open doors there are in this world... I'm grateful mine is noted as being just one of them.  What a treasure!

Have yourself a wonderful weekend!! 

 Open wide that door of yours... invite someone over, today!  Will you? 

***
Lilla Rose Giveaway ends tonight at 10:00pm, EST.  Winner announced on Monday!
Best Wishes.

Friday's Finds :: the wooden stool

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It's time again for another feature of Friday's Finds!

Welcome!

If you're fairly new to reading here at Treasured Up and Pondered - you might like to be filled in on an "occasional read" that I like to present, something of what I call...Friday's Finds.

It's where...On Fridays, I like to try and feature "a find" of no particular value or sentiment, no reason or rhyme and yet, exactly for all of those reasons I just mentioned.

Thanks for coming by or just for sticking around.  It's good to have you here, today.

I have a little family-history story to share with you today, if you don't mind?

 . . . . .

:: The Wooden Stool ::

Recently, we inherited this here stool as a "pass-down" in the family. Quite the gift.

It's been told, to me, by my Mother-in-law, that this particular wooden stool was once a baby high chair, used in particular for her father and his two other siblings... back when they were babies/toddlers.

Imagine that!

This means it was my husband's grandfathers chair - which Grandpa is at least 89 years old, by now.  I think he'll turn 90 years of age this November. I'm not 100% sure where "PJ" fell in the family line.   I believe he was the youngest of the family.  I'm going to have to check on that.
But if all three of the children used this same stool as their highchair... then you figure it out.  It's old!

And, as you can tell.  There once had been arms on this chair - that held a tray - and at one point they both have gotten sawed off. 

When I asked about this... it was relayed to me that Scott's (my husband) great-grandmother had done this and that she then used this stool for herself, one because she was only about 4' 11" in height and two, she needed a stool to sit up to the table to make her butter and cottage cheese, as well as count out the chicken eggs before taking them to market, in the mornings, along with milk, to sell.

All it needs a bit of carpenter glue to hold the seat together, as there is a pretty large crack through the center of it. Maybe a touch-up of paint -but then again, I kinda like it like it is.  It adds to it's charm and character.

Other then that, it's quite the sturdy, little stool.

And still quite useful.

Oh!  how fun to have a piece of history in our home. 

A chair used quite a bit by my children's great-grandfather and by their great-great grandmother over the years.

By this photo, you can tell, the stool  is currently being used, in our home, as a piano seat, mostly by Caleb (and Aubrey when she wants to!) as he sits to the piano - for his famous concert piano pieces he so graciously attunes our ears to.

Lovely. 

Really...it is!  And to further encourage his interest - I do my best to applaud and comment on Caleb's creative musical renditions - no matter how soft & pretty or how long and how loud.  He always asks if I like.  Yes!  Yes, I do.

I honestly can't wait for the real music lessons to be in place.  We'll see if his wooden seat of choice and his enthusatic interest in playing the piano are in complete harmony by the time his music classes begin (hopefully!) sometime this fall.

So far, they compliment one another nicely. Perfect size and heighth.  It's the most wonderful little wooden stool.  Don't you think?
***
I hope I got all my facts straight...regarding Scott's great-grandmother, Katherine Mae.  If not, I'll be back to edit. ;)

In the meantime. 

Enjoy your weekend! 

Try to stay cool today!  Its blazin' hot and humid around here this afternoon. 

Shew-weee!

Tennessee, here we come! Back through VA, again. {and finally home!}

... .. . .. . .. . ... . .. . . .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .. .. .. ... .. . .. .. .. .. .. . ... ..
Oh my goodness.  You're all being so patient with me... it took me all day to get this post together. 

Here again. As we pulled on into the driveway, we were met with big beaming smiles and wide open arms to welcome us weary travellers, although we weren't really weary.  Just very,very excited.  Our friends in TN we're waiting for us.   They had given up the master bedroom/bath for us (and more) and right outside the bedroom window was the most beautiful of blue hydrangea flowers with a back drop of the sun setting low.  We couldn't wait to settle in and call this home for the next several days.

 Little things around their home reminded us of their anticipation and their desire for us to grace their home with our presence. 

 Like this sign hanging in the kitchen. 

We got a chuckle out of it as we had done something similar for them when they came to our home 2 yrs ago.

LET ME SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT

This southern gal can cook.  And "up a storm" she did.  We ate SO GOOD the whole week, we pretty much rolled home in our (Chevy Venture) wheelbarrow.  Scott and I both felt like we gained back anything we had lost prior to going on this trip. 

But anyhow.  My friend Mitzi held nothing back in her cooking.  Delicious! And if I thought Amanda's sweet tea was phenominal... Mitzi's was never-ending.  I heard she made gallons and gallons of it.  We counted...but I lost count at about 5 or 6. ;) 

We had this melt-in-your-mouth chuck roast, the first meal, that she said was in a crock-pot for 48hrs. If that didn't set the precedence, I don't know what did.

Then we had... the best-ever Chocolate Chip layer Cake with mile-high in the middle and all around icing you could imagine.  An oven baked pork loin (with some sort of apple/wine gravy) that I never had be so tender in all my live long life. 

Breakfast casserole.  Biscuits and sausage gravy.  Strawberry Shortcake.  Prune cake, with sauce. Beans and Kielbasa. Lettuce Salad, Cran-Raspberry Pretzel Salad, Pasta Salad.  A barbeque chicken and pineapple pizza.  Have you ever heard of it?  To die for....

And of course, I am owed a ton of these recipes (still waiting!) so I can/we can continue to drool over them.

***

We opted to take the first day (Monday) as a 'sit around' the house kinda day. Taking it easy, not going anywhere or doing anything but relaxing.

My husband took to studying...

(his 10-12 page paper for school was looming large)

There was a nice little desk tucked away in our room that he could easily pull up a chair to and study away.  I'm so proud of Scott.  He got A LOT done that day and when submitted it - he passed it.  (of course!).

I took to sewing...

(I needed to make a couple of teacher gifts for Caleb's school teachers.)

Because, by the way.  With three eleven year old, a. k.a. the triplet blessings in the house, our three children each had a buddy to keep them entertained.  Scott and I joked around with this thought of "we're never even going to see our kids... they'll be so well taken care of." 

And they were.  So with all of the "extra help" available... we were told relax and do what we needed to do.

Tuesday wasn't much different. Except that Mitzi and I went out shopping to Hobby Lobby, thrift stores and for me to go and get a hair cut.  Fun!!

While we were out doing all of that...

I think Scott manged to take Caleb and Aubrey swimming in their backyard, in ground pool, later in the afternoon, before it started to rain. One thing that Caleb was really excited about doing was to be able to go swimming in TN.

While we were there... I guess family back home started to miss us.  You know who called?  Uncle Justin (my brother).  He needed his C & A fix, I guess. ;)

You would've thought there was little to do on afternoons that rained... I mean, that's what it seemed like.  However, it didn't matter.  Because, where could the kiddo's (and dad) be found?  In Benjamin's room... building Lego's.

On Wednesday morning.  The dad's (Scott and Chris), and children (all but Jayne) got up early to go fishing.  I went shopping again.

***

I offered... but Mitzi opted to stay home to cook some more ;) (as you can tell, I couldn't argue that)... and I decided from the day before that Hobby Lobby was one fine place. There are none in the area, where I am from and by I means...I NEEDED to go back.  I took Jayne with me and thank the good Lord, she slept almost the whole time I was there shopping.  More then two, almost three hours.  I had her in our stroller and well, it totally worked out.  I found an absolute ton of stuff I needed.  Yes! needed.  And one fabulous find that I could not pass up.  Originally priced at $120.  Sold to me, off the floor at $40.  Couldn't pass it up.

This lamp...

That now stands perfectly in the corner of our living room.  Long story.  But it replaced the JB Weld job that my hubby did on the previous floor lamp.  The one that Aubrey decided to climb like a tree.  Yeah... long story.  The best part was that it packed in nicely with the rest of our belongings and we didn't need to use it as a hood ornament...like Scott threatened. ;)

Thankfully, he couldn't threaten too much, because when I got back from my shopping the guys took off to a U-PULL it junk-yard for car parts.  This is honestly one of the times I really love my man.  When he can go in there (to a place like this because we have them around home, here, too) with a list of stuff  he's looking for and walk away with needed car parts(ie; cup holders, light fixture casings, etc.) and only spend meager $$.

Thursday, our last full day in TN ;(,  the plan was to go to the mountains and enjoy a day in the Smokies.  I sure wish I had a few more photos of the gorgeous day that it was.  The mountain range was so lovely. (My camera was "full", at this point).
We had packed a lunch of make-it-yourself sandwiches, fruit, cookies and chips... and of course prayed for a good spot in the cove picnic area.  We found one. 

The spot we found was by a lovely little portion of creek water... and how perfect.  Just a little bit of sunshine filtering through the trees above.

Soon other kids came by and well, I always find it interesting to watch our children interact, soon introduce themselves and fearlessly make friends.  Caleb especially.

I didn't stick a toenail in that water... because I could tell it was COLD, COLD!  That didn't stop the rest...from having a grand ole time.  Scott and I have learned... always bring a change of clothes for the Little's.  Let's just say.  We needed it. ;)  Rather.  They needed it.

***

Oh.  So sad.  Our last morning here. 

We awoke to the smell of Overnight Baked French Toast, baking in the oven, which was the most custardy thing I have ever tasted in a long while.  Scrump-dilly-icous.  I've had this plenty of other times... but this one seemed different and SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We finished packing up the van to make our way north, trying to stick to schedule.  But before we did that.  We had to get those last few group photos.  You know...

    

I just love this hayfield.  Always have.  Every time I've come to visit here, I've always had to go see the hayfield out back.  It's all tucked in behind nowhere.  Love it!

As we pulled off.  I wanted to get that one last parting-shot-out-the-window-kind-as-we-pull-away-shot and the little bugger Mitzi  beat me to it.   

Oh, to see you're face again, too... my friend! ;)

***

Mitzi, Chris and triplets.  Thank you, so much, for being such a HUGE means of blessing in our lives.  We love you all so very much. You're hospitality was amazing.  Thank you for all the sacrifice in the sharing of your home, your personal space, in the practical with your washer and dryer, your willingness to stay up and visit - sharing advice and ideas and most of all your encouragement.  You're years ahead of us in parenting and we have learned much from you.

  The years of us being friends keeps getting better and better.  Doesn't it?  So... when are you making your trip to Pennsylvania - again? Please?!?!?!  Pretty please.  We miss you terribly already.  Especially the children.   We had the best time with you all.  Our children keep talking about yours and referring back to things how the girls did or do this or that and Benjamin had this or has that...

Fun memories were certainly made, that's for sure.  Caleb even shared about the racoon, that came on to the porch that night, in his Show & Tell class at school today.

See?!?!  Fun memories...

xoxoxo

***

So.  We headed North to VA - almost the same area of VA as before.  Boy! Was it ever hard to keep the van from steering off the road to head back toward Rocky Mount to visit some more with Amanda and family.  I think I cried... no, I know I did.

 But we needed to stick to schedule and this time it was to settle into a hotel and then to meet Scott's step-mom for dinner, that Friday night.  We regret we didn't get any photos with Joan.  But what a treat it was to see her again.  We originally planned to stay an extra day with her, but plans had changed at the last minute and we got to come home a day early.  Which in the end was probably a good thing, for us.  That gave us two days to "re-coop" and settle back into the normal swing of things.

It sure felt good to walk back into our own home.  Pretty much having no laundry waiting to be tackled as soon as we got home  (I kept up with our laundry while in TN) was wonderful. 

***

I have to leave you with some "on the road" humor.  I hope you don't mind.

If you know Scott and I well at all.  You would know we are pretty big coffee drinkers.

We pulled into a truck stop...somewhere in route.

PERFECT

Just what we needed.

A his & hers coffee to go!

~~~~

Thanks for joining in on our vacation memories.  Until next time.

Oh.  Come back tomorrow for Scott's Second Sayings. 

I'm sure he'll have some more thoughts on these special times with all our dear friends.