Butterfly Center at Callaway

The kids LOVED the Butterfly Center. A quick shower came up making it the perfect time to come inside and watch the butterflies.

Of course, they also had tons of gorgeous flowers to attract the butterflies

M with Nana

and fountains and fish too....

Callaway Gardens 2010

We spent a fantastic weekend away to Callaway Gardens. It was so nice to get away and enjoy some family time!

B in one of the many creeks through out the trails

We got a GREAT, GREAT, GREAT deal. We paid to stay at the Mountain Creek Inn and got to spend two full days at Callaway at no extra charge including all the fun activities they offered through out the park.

M at the Butterfly Center

S at the Bike Ferry dock

We went boating, hiking, biking and even did some geocaching!

E with a Geocache container!

I have lots to share with you and will do so over the next few days!

My Favorite 4 year old

I love how this picture turned out. I love editing pictures!

Paint Can Gift

For M's birthday, my mom gave her an "M" can full of cookies. The best part is that when the cookies have all been eaten, we can use the can to store things in it.

Such a simple, cute gift!

M's 4th Birthday

Today my sweet M is turning 4! We keep asking her if she would please stop growing, but she just won't listen!

She is saying the funniest things right now. I think I could write a book, seriously! She loves her big sisters and brother. She wants to do anything and everything that they do. She is a mommies girl, although she loves and adores her daddy too.

M, you bring SO much joy to our lives....your beautiful smile, your contagious laugh, your sweet spirit! You are so loving and kind. You are always kissing and hugging us and saying, " I just love you!"

You, my little squirt, make our family complete! I am so thankful the Lord blessed our family with YOU!

Outhouse Story

M got up out of bed, came into the living room and announced, "I have to go to the OUTHOUSE!"

I just died laughing.....I think someone has watched too much Little House on the Prairie :)

M with her "Laura Braids" as her brother calls them

First Day of School 2010

Today is our first day of the 2010-2011 school year.

M starts K4 this year! She is so excited about starting school like the big kids!!!

B is in 2nd grade

S is my 3rd grader

and E is my 6th grader (oh my!)

We are looking forward to a GREAT new year!

Back to School Treat

I want to make a fun surprise for the kids first day back to school. I came across these ideas at Family Fun.

I thought either these adorable cupcakes....

or maybe this pencil cake?

Either one will be a great treat for the start of the new school year! If you haven't checked out Family Fun lately, you should because they have some fun Back to School ideas!

Wicker Chest

I was so excited to find this great heavy duty, wood-lined wicker chest on craigslist!

I love looking on craigslist for things. You just never know what deals you will find on there!

Have you found things on craigslist before and if so, what have you found?

Rejoice in the Lord

God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

CHORUS:
O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

Cherries

I got these beauties tonight for 98 cents a pound which if you buy cherries you know that is a real deal!

I was glad to get them so cheap since everyone in the family devours them anytime a bowl of cherries is setting on the counter!

I love this time of year with all the yummy summer fruit! 

Simple Things

There really is something to be said about the simple things.   I found  this Cracker Barrel Checker Rug at a garage sale for $1.50.

The kids have spent hours playing it. Something that was a "fun find" has turned into a family hit!

Easy Burlap Project

This is as simple as using burlap in a frame and placing a personalized note card in the center. I would love to see a black and white photo in the center. I can't wait to do this project!

Photo and project idea courtesy of Jones Design Company

Milk Crate

I have had this picture saved in my mudrom file for a while long time now. I love the use of these old milk crates.

Well, guess what I got at a garage sale today? A milk crate...for $2.00!

Talk about EXCITED. I couldn't wait to get home and show Scot. He was just as excited as I was about finding it. I love having a husband who enjoys these things too!