Ben

Ben will turn two this week.  I can't help but think back to when he was born.  It seems like yesterday we were getting things ready to go the hospital for his delivery.  He was a beautiful, healthy baby.

Ben has completed our family.

He's a fun little brother. He's so silly.  Ben and Will love laughing together.  They are such good buddies.

Ben is so sweet and cuddly.  For a mommy it's a dream.  He loves to be rocked.  He gives the sweetest kisses and hugs.

He and Will are the joys of our lives.  Mark and I couldn't be more blessed.

Let's Go Rangers!

Last night we went with a group of teachers from school to see the Texas Rangers play at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.  This was the first Rangers game for us this season.  We definitely got our money's worth.  The game was so long, 4 hours 36 minutes!  It lasted 14 innings and the Rangers lost to the KC Royals. 

Mark loves baseball and I love him.  So, now I love baseball.  I don't know anything about the game, but I have a lot of fun anyway.  Mostly I enjoy the hot dogs and people watching.  Last summer our road trip was planned for us to attend as many MLB games as we could.  If you want a recap of our 2010 summer of baseball, go here.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Mark and I in front of the Nolan Ryan statue.

Two of my teacher friends, Kacie and Alichia.

After the game, there was a spectacular fireworks show.

We made it home around 1:30A.M.  It was a long night but it's made me ready for more baseball this summer.

Miss Codependent

Yes, that's a photo of  a gas pump and this story has nothing to do with the crazy high gas prices.  Read on and you'll understand :)

Do you ever have those Aha! moments (thanks, Oprah, haven't watched your show in a while but I guess I'll miss you?)?  You know those moments when you realize your life has changed?

I had one a while back and it happened while I was putting gas in the car.  Since we've been married I don't put gas in my car.  I've become that person who is spoiled because my husband always does it for me.  Mark took Will to use the restroom at the gas station (gross, I know!) and I said I'd fill up the car while they were gone.  I put the credit card in and got everything ready to go, but the pump wouldn't start.  The screen kept saying "zip" and I couldn't figure out what it meant.  I have a college degree so you think I could figure this one out.  Well, it took me a couple of minutes.  "Zip" meant I needed to put in the zip code.  Duh!  Mark came back and I was still putting gas in the car and he asked me what was taking so long.  I was pretty embarrassed, but I fessed up and told him that the whole zip thing threw me for a loop.  I asked him if that was normal when getting gas now.  He laughed and said yes.  He said that's been normal for a few years. 

Wow!  I felt pretty silly!

This was an Aha! moment because it reminded how my life is so different than it was 10 years ago.  In college, Angela and I planned a spring break road trip to Florida.  We were all about taking trips and being independent.  Ten years ago, I was the person who drove across country with my best friend, Cory.   She made the very long drive with me when I moved to Seattle.  By the way, I didn't know anyone in Seattle when I made that move. 

Now I'm the person who doesn't know how to put gas in her car. 

You know what, I couldn't be happier.  I loved my life as an independent, single girl, but I wouldn't trade where I'm at for anything in the world.  I'm married to a great guy and we have two incredible little boys.  I'll gladly trade Miss Independent for Miss Codependent any day.

Sticker Shock

A couple of weeks ago we were out and about and I saw a sign that Robb & Stucky was closing in Plano.  We were on our way to IKEA in Frisco, when I saw the sign.  Mark agreed to stop (for just a little bit) so I could see if they had a good deal on a runner for our hallway.

I'm glad we made the detour, but it wasn't without a little sticker shock.

Let me just say when I think high-end, I'm thinking Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel or maybe Restoration Hardware.  I've never ever shopped at Robb & Stucky and I was surprised at the prices.

When I first saw the price tags on the beautiful rugs and runners, I almost had a stroke!  The first price tag was $8,000 and the next $5,000.  Sticker Shock!!!  This was so out of my price range even if they were 70% off.

The helpful salesman asked me what my price range was.  I didn't know how to explain A LOT lower than what I was seeing displayed.  I wanted to say "low to quite low".  Have you ever seen the movie Meet the Parents?  I love the scene where Ben Stiller's character is questioned about his portfolio by Owen Wilson's character, "How's your portfolio?".  Ben Stiller says, "I'd say strong... to quite strong."  My husband and I use this line all the time when we feel awkward.  I guess the salesman sensed that I wasn't going to pay $$$$ for a runner so he kindly took me to another section of rugs and runners.  This area was more my style (and price range).

 This pretty runner came home with me for less than $150.  It's wool and I hope that it last for a very long time.  I love it in our hallway.

Friday Favorites

Two of my Friday favorites

#1

Ben and Will playing in the dirt.

#2

Ben and Will playing in the dirt so I can do yard work.

Ben loves getting dirty.

Will loves playing in the dirt, too.

Do you see his shorts covered in dirt? 

Mark was mowing so the boys love to get the mower and mow like daddy. 

Will waiting for a ride in the wagon AKA "The Mommy Express". 

My little tomato plant has two tomatoes on it!

One more favorite thing

The Hipstamatic app on my new iPhone, which I used to take the photos above.

iPhone, I {heart} you!

I've been cheating on blogger with my new iPhone.

Dear Blog Friends,  I'm sorry that I haven't been leaving comments as frequently as I normally do.  I promise I'm still reading. 

I've been so distracted by my new phone. It's consumed most of my free time.  Mark and I went  from a "dumb phone" to the smartest of the smartphones.  Welcome to the 21st century!

I love my new iPhone! 

I recently read blog posts where two of my blog friends, Katie and Tessa, also recently got iPhones.

I have a confession to make.  We haven't had a cell phone plan since 2002.  I had AT&T way back when I was in college, and when I lived in Seattle.  When I moved home in 2001, the coverage was terrible in the rural area of northeast Texas where I lived.  Since I didn't have service where I lived, I cancelled my plan to save money and didn't get another phone for years.  Mark and I work together and we ride to work together so there's no commute time where we'd call each other.  We rarely go anywhere without each other so we just did without phones to save money.  I know to everyone else who was dependent on a cell phone this just seemed so crazy, but you seriously don't miss it if you don't have it.  A few years ago we finally broke down and bought a couple of prepaid cell phones.  We were the running joke among our friends who were all teched out.  One of my good friends, Shelly, said we were the only people with good credit that she knew of who used a prepaid cell phone.  That always made me laugh!  Well, we are no longer the laughing-stock of our friends.  We have iPhones and a real-deal plan with AT&T.  I don't think I'll love the monthly payment, but I'm already loving the phone. 

I had to get a quick tutorial on how to use the phone and install apps.  I relied on a younger teacher, Kacie, who is 25 to give me an iPhone lesson/tutorial.  Bless her heart, she was so patient and didn't make fun of me at all.  Mark asked our 16-year-old nephew for advice and information.  I even watched a YouTube video about how to use it.  I'M A NERD!  I've already made some pretty embarrassing mistakes with my new phone.  I've almost made an accidental emergency call.  I texted the wrong person when I was trying to send my nephew a text.  I also called my sister-in-law accidentally when I was saving their home number to my phone.  The touchscreen is definitely touchy, which I'm learning the hard way.

The apps are overwhelming.  I'm compiling a list to share my favorite apps.  The first thing I had to do was text my BFF, Terri, so she could tell me all the apps I needed for Will and Ben.  She also told me about the app for the entire ESV Bible, AND it's free!  I also texted my BFF, Cory, and one of the first things she asked was if I was playing Words With Friends.  I plan to, and I already have the app installed.  I've heard that it's highly addictive.  I also have facebook installed.

I'm like a child with a new toy.  I promise to get back to my normal blog routine once the new wears off.

Do any of you have an iPhone?

What are your favorites apps?  Please share :)

It's Late but It's Still Monday

Hello!

I would have posted my random ramblings earlier in the day but I think #1 will explain why I've been a little off all day long.

#1

We woke up at 7:13a.m. this morning, and I normally wake up by 6:15a.m.  Have you ever woken up in a panic?  I woke up, looked at Mark, and said, "What time is it?"  He said "7:13a.m."  My next question was, "Is it Monday?" which he replied, "Yes."  I jumped out of bed and hit the floor running.  We were just a tad rushed, ha!  We have to leave the house by 7:35a.m. to get the boys dropped off in time to make it to work.  We backed out of the garage at 7:36a.m.  Somehow we weren't late. 

The reason I turned off my alarm clock was because the boys had set it to go off at 3:00a.m.  When it went off that early, I just turned it off completely.  Mark turned off his alarm too because he didn't know if it was mine or his that was going off. 

#2

I attended a lovely baby shower this weekend.  I don't have photos to share.  I wish I would have had my camera, but that would have just been plain awkward photographing everything when I wasn't a hostess.  Some of my teacher friends from school were at the shower and it was fun to hang out with them outside of school.  The hostesses sent home some cupcakes for the boys.  My friend is expecting a little girl so the decor was all different shades of pink.  That's why Ben's face is covered in pink icing.

Someone enjoyed his cupcake!

#3

I'm still obsessed with the Royal Wedding, and I'm still watching wedding coverage that I have saved to my DVR.  Maybe this summer I'll finally have enough time to watch it all.

"Blogless Andrea" (inside joke) emailed me this image.

LOVE it!

#4

In-N-Out Burger

It's open in Texas!

The In-N-Out burgers in the DFW area opened this weekend.  One is located in the suburbs of north Dallas that we usually go to for shopping (Super Target) and running errands.  On Saturday night the lines were still crazy long!  People in Texas love them some In-N-Out!  I'll give it a couple of months and hopefully we'll be able to eat there without waiting for 3 hours.

#5

Just some cute photos of Will.

Will, "Hey look, there's my shadow."

This photo is to document just how dirty my little guy gets when he plays.  This is what my boys look like after a typical day of playing hard.  This is also why I have to wash clothes with OxiClean and an extra rinse cycle.

#6

The ladies Bible study I was participating in is now over.  I promise each week to share thoughts about it and other spiritual thoughts.  I promise those posts are in the works.  Currently I'm wrapping up the school year and this is such a hectic time.  Having two little ones and a full-time job is taking almost every hour of the day and I mostly find time to blog about fluff.  Hopefully you'll stick with me and this summer we can tackle some of those more meaningful topics.

For now here's a verse that we ended our study with last night.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Old-Fashioned Daylily

The old-fashioned daylilies are from my grandparent's house in the country where I lived growing up.  These flowers are so hardy and can survive and thrive almost anywhere.  I transplanted these several years ago and I plan to transplant them again if we build our forever home.  I love having them in the front yard.  I see them when we enter the driveway and pull into the garage.  They are such a simple and beautiful reminder of my childhood home.

Curtain Call

Angela to the rescue!

I had a dilemma about how high to hang my linen curtains from IKEA.  I decided to ask Angela's opinion.  I  emailed her a couple of photos so she could help me decide.  It's always good to get a second opinion.  No offense to my husband, but his opinion doesn't count in some matters, such as this.

I'm in the process of changing some of the accessories in our living room.  I had a dark, warm colors, and I'm trying to lighten things up.  I can't decide if I should repaint the walls.  For now, I'm happy with my new curtains, pillows and a new rug that are all lighter colors than what we had.  Maybe this summer I'll feel ambitious and repaint the living room.  I'll definitely share the project if I do.

 In case you need a good laugh, here I am trying to get a photo to email to Angela.  I had the timer set on the camera.  Mark helped me get the curtains in place, but he didn't want to be in the photograph.

No curtains

*Due to some technical difficulties with blogger this post was removed on Thursday and I had to re-post on Friday.  Sorry, but any original comments were removed when blogger deleted the post, and I could not retrieve them.

Happiness Is...

Happiness is the first tomato in my garden!

Mark spotted the little tomato yesterday and Will was ready to pick it.  I probably need to buy the wire tomato cages because they are growing so fast that the plants will probably need the support soon.

I know that I write about my garden a lot, but I'm getting so much satisfaction from this project.  I have several blog friends who also planted gardens this year and I've had fun reading about their gardening adventures. 

Next, I plan to plant herbs in containers.  I keep meaning to stop by our local feed store to purchase some (feed store as in feed store where you buy feed for livestock and supplies for your farm and ranch--I love small town life!  Do I sound like Pioneer Woman?).   I can't ever remember to drop by after work.  I think it'll be neat to cook with fresh herbs, I've never done that before.

Here are a couple of photos of my little tomato.  I decided to photograph it just in case Will or Ben decide to pick it early, which is highly likely!

Mother's Day and More

Monday morning = random post

#1

Mother's Day was delightful. 

On Sunday we went to church, and Mark and the boys took me to eat at my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. Here are a couple of photos after church but before the Tex-Mex.  After the Tex-Mex, the white part of Ben's shirt wasn't very white.  My 23-month-old loves salsa/hot sauce, which ended up all over his new white and navy shirt.  I'm happy that my white linen pants did not fall victim to a salsa incident and they are still clean and white.  I knew I was taking a chance buying white pants with two little boys.  I'm living life on the edge ;)

I take a photo every Mother's Day in our front yard by the flowers.  The stella d' oro day lilies are in bloom every year at Mother's Day.

#2

On Saturday we visited my grandmother in the nursing home. She has advanced Alzheimer's. If you are new to my blog then you probably didn't know that I lived with my grandparents growing up. You can read more about that in the "About Me" page at the top of my blog. My grandmother is my mother. She's a beautiful person. She's genuinely happy to see us even if she doesn't remember our names. She knows that she knows us even if she's confused about exactly who we are. She still remembers that she's Mama Winnie and she's always so happy to spend time with Will and Ben. I'm sad that her memory is fading, but I'm happy that my boys have been able to spend time with her. Will is definitely going to have memories of her and I think Ben will, too. Ben knows when we go to visit Papa Ralph that we are supposed to go to see Mama Winnie, too. She will be 88 in July. Mama Winnie and Mark share the same birthday and are exactly 50 years apart.

My grandmother and I with the boys.

Will is reading a book with Mama Winnie.

Ben giving Mama Winnie a big kiss goodbye. 

#3

It's that time of year!  We're planning our summer road trip.

These photos are from last year's road trip across the Midwest.

You can read {Part One}here, {Part Two} here, {Part Three} here, and {Part Four} here, {Part Five} here.  If you really wanted to know what tunes we listened to on our road trip, then click here.

I'm so ready for summer break.  In the last couple of weeks, we've been working out the details for our summer vacation.  I'll be sharing them with you soon.  We were only planning a small road trip around Texas this summer, but we've ended up deciding to do something different.  I love planning a road trip.

#4

One of my best friends, Angela at Unexpected Elegance, has opened an Etsy shop. 

Check it out here. 

She has some lovely items.

Stop by Angela's blog and become a follower. 

You'll find a lot of inspiration.

#5

I told you last week that we've been studying Hebrews at church.  On Sunday, we studied Chapter 12 and 13 in the 4th-6th grade Sunday school class that Mark and I teach.  One verse made me stop and think.

Hebrews 12:11 (NASB)

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

This verse reminded me of Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

I want to share the thoughts that have been on my mind and heart after studying Hebrews.  It's deep (or at least to me) and I'm nervous about putting it all out there, but I think some of you can relate or connect.

Until then...

I hope you have a fantastic week!

I'll be linking up to lowercase letters.

Privilege 

Privilege 

Images Lauren

I have the privilege to be a mother.

When I started thinking about being a mother, it's the first word that came to mind.  Of course, unconditional love is up there, too.  Being a mother is the hardest job and most rewarding job. (I know that wasn't an original thought, but it's the truth.) 

Sometimes I ask myself, how did I get so lucky to have such a sweet family?

I think back to the months before we found out we were expecting Will.  Those were dark days.  I didn't know if we could ever have children, and I was trying to come to terms with that.  We were thrilled and surprised to find out I was pregnant.  It was the same situation when we were trying for a second baby.  I was ready to start fertility drugs when I found out we were expecting Ben.  I don't ever take for granted my two healthy sons.  It's hard for me to remember the emotions I felt during those sad times because my life is so full of joy now.  Going through that has made me eternally grateful for the blessing of motherhood.

It's truly a privilege.

Happy Mother's Day

My Blog Story

Make sure the battery on your laptop is charged and get comfortable because this is a very long post.  It's my one year blogiversary so I can reflect, ramble, and get emotional if I want to :)

This blog and the friendships I've made through blogging have become such an important part of my life. The blog has evolved into something more than I ever could have imagined.  I truly appreciate you for reading.

Here's how it all began...

My best friend Angela at Unexpected Elegance had a family blog to keep in touch with friends and family because most of us were still in Texas and she and her husband were not. I loved reading her family blog, and I even created a blogger account so I could start a blog. (I have had the account since 2007 but I never used it until last year.) I would regularly check Angela's blog to get updates and see photos of her family. Angela's sister-in-law also has a blog that was on Angela's blog roll. I would sometimes check it to see if she had posted photos of Angela's family. It was while I was on her blog that I noticed a cute craft she'd done with her kiddos. It was using sponges to create sponge balls. How I remember all of this is crazy, but I do! A few months later I wanted to try that craft at VBS so I Googled directions on how to make sponge balls, and one of the first search results was Betz White, a creative crafter and blogger. While I was looking at the tutorial on her blog, I clicked on a few links on her list of blog favorites. One of the blogs I clicked on was Posie Get Cozy. Have you ever read Alicia Paulson's blog Posie Gets Cozy? It's delightful, and to this day it is still one of my very favorite blogs to read. It's what got me into blogging. I would read her blog every day, and I don't even crochet, knit or sew!  Alicia is such a gifted writer.  A huge bonus is that she lives in the Pacific Northwest so I was totally hooked. My sister-in-law, Andrea, crochets, knits and makes jewelry. She reads a lot of craft blogs, and we both have an obsession with Posie Gets Cozy.

Last February, as a joke, I made some pretend blogs on my blogger account. I found some free backgrounds on Shabby Blogs and played around with some titles and shared them with Andrea. It was all just for fun. I also remember emailing her last year and telling her that I left my first comment on a blog. I think I had sweaty palms and a racing heart rate from it. That just seems silly now because I leave comments all the time, but I was so nervous when I left my first comment. I'm pretty sure I wrote something on Posie Gets Cozy.

Somewhere between leaving a blog comment and creating my make-believe-fake-blogs, I decided to create a real blog, Imperfectly Wonderful World.  At first, no one knew that I had a blog except my husband.  In June last year we visited Angela and I confessed to her that I had a blog.  She was thinking about starting a new blog dedicated to interior design/home decor.  I was so excited to find out that she was into blogging as much as I was.  She and I read a lot of the same blogs and we didn't even know it.  How cool!   I love how we always have so much in common even though we only see each other once every couple of years.  She's truly a lifelong friend.

Back to my blog labyrinth (thanks dear aunt for coming up with a term to describe how blog stalking sucks you in and you start by reading one blog, then you click another link, and another, until you don't even know how you ended up on the blog you are on and you don't remember where it all began).

 During the year before I started my blog, I continued to read and blog stalk.

I found the Pioneer Woman's blog when I was searching for tips on how to use my new DSLR camera.  She was always at the top of many of my Google searches. I started reading her blog--her love story, photography tips, and recipes and I couldn't get enough. I think she's what most bloggers aspire to be. She has thousands of readers/followers and thousands of people who leave comments! I think she’s even getting her own show on the Food Network. Wow—the power of blogging!

It's through the Pioneer Woman's blog that I found Holly Mathis. Holly's blog was the first home design blog that I could relate to. And, she's from Texas! Holly's blog is still one of my all-time favorite blogs.. If Mark and I ever get to build our forever home, I have Holly lined up as the interior designer. I’m serious; I’ve really contacted her about it even if it’s still several years away. I definitely want to have Holly working on the project with us.

Last year I reconnected with friends from college who were bloggers, Beth and Carrie. I always thought Beth was so cool in college. When I found her blog, Everyday Attic, it was cool and hip just like I remembered her 10 years ago. Beth had such a great blog roll with blogs I’d never heard of (remember I was really new to the blogosphere). I would click on each one, and I slowly made my way through her blog list. Through Beth I was introduced to Urban Grace and Fly Through Our Window. Last year in my ignorance, I had no idea that Erika and Darby are rock stars in the blogosphere.

My friend Carrie’s blog reminds me of how I remembered her in college. In college Carrie always seemed like the girl who had it all together. I, on the other hand, was the girl who was trying to figure it all out. Carrie has an incredible blog, Live, Learn and Love Together, where she shares amazing photographs, stories about her family, faith, home school, adoption and the loss of a child. Carrie and Beth continually encourage and inspire me with their insight and wisdom.

Somewhere in this time period, I found Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia. She has a gorgeous home and is crazy creative. What's even more amazing is that she does it all on a budget. Kristin is the sweetest person and always returns emails and comments. I'm always impressed with her kindness.

I guess the next big thing in my blog experience were blog link ups! That's such a cool way to make new blog friends. The first link up that I participated in faithfully was What I Wore Wednesday hosted by Lindsey at the Pleated Poppy. It's where I've met most of the blog friends who I regularly keep in touch with.

These ladies are awesome!

Kathleen at Simple Silly Life
Kathleen was probably the first "follower" that I remember other than my best friend Angela.  I remember thinking, Wow! Someone wants to follow my blog!  I'm flattered!  Kathleen is so pretty, has amazing style and an amazing faith.

Paige at this little life...

Paige is real life friends with Kathleen.  I love reading about her life and the little one she is expecting very soon.  She's super sweet and encouraging.

Emily at I'm the Lucky Mommy

Emily was the very first guest blogger I ever had.  She's stunning.  She lives in a small town in the south and she has a precious little boy.  I can relate to her stories about small town life so much.
  

Genn at Life in the Hass House

Genn!  Dear Genn!  She's so cool and I wish we were neighbors in real life because I think we'd hang out all the time.  She's a talented photographer, pretty, stylish, smart, sweet and has two adorable daughters.  Her husband is a big sports fan so I can totally relate to that because so is my husband.

Sarah at Whimsies and Whatnots
Sarah is a super creative mom of two boys. I love reading her blog because it's what I imagine my life in a few years.  She's so stylish and sweet.  Sarah totally rocks 40!

Mel at the Larson Lingo

Mel is an amazing photographer, mom and cook.  She's also a teacher and has two adorable daughters.  We have a lot in common.  It's always fun to read about the fun adventures of her sweet family.

Angie at Life with Ike

Angie makes amazing jewelry.  She's a teacher, too.  I've just gotten to know Angie and look forward to learning more about her.  I can usually relate to her posts about life, music and clothes.  I wish we lived closer because we'd trade closets.

Meagan at Fairly Fabulous

Meagan is so creative and encouraging.  She keeps it real and always comes up with clever crafts and cute outfits.

What I Wore Wednesday isn't the only link up party I've participated in...

I’ve participated in some teacher link ups, but I always feel out of place because I'm a junior high teacher and most of the link ups are geared towards elementary teachers. I love being a teacher, but I've slowly realized that I'd much rather blog about being a mom, my family, gardening, faith, clothes, friends, home decor, traveling and random stuff instead of school. I don't mind talking about school or offering my humble opinion on education but my blog isn't really focused on teaching and school. *I should mention some of the neat ladies I've met through teacher link ups so I'm glad I participated in them.  Melissa at Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage, Mandy at Mandy's Memories, Katie at Miss Klohn's Classroom.

One of my favorite link ups where I always feel like I belong is Sentimental Sunday. I cry almost every time I write a post for Sentimental Sunday. I appreciate Cha Cha for giving me a place to share those special memories. She’s precious. Another precious lady, Jennifer at Studio JRU, and I met through Chatting at the Sky. Recently I participated in the Ultimate Blog Hop and have met some amazing ladies through that. I can’t wait to get to know those ladies more :)

Stalking blog comments is another way I’ve connected with like-minded ladies. Once I started commenting regularly, I realized that blog comments link back to the blog of the person who left the comment. I actually read through blog comments and found blogs I liked by linking back to them through their comments. Crazy, I know. One of my dear blog friends Katie at the Southland Life  and I met this way. Katie is a newlywed who is beautiful inside and out. Katie left a comment on Tessa's blog, Nine & Sixteen (which I found through Holly Mathis) and I started reading and commenting on Katie's blog from there. In that blog circle of friends are Lorri at lizards and lollipops and Kat at  Pretty in Pink and Green. They are moms with beautiful families who share lovely photos and interesting, fun stories about their lives. I also met a really neat lady Pam at Relatively Reagan through a comment she left at the Pleated Poppy. Pam is crazy creative!  You must see the cupcakes she makes.  Delightful!  I think a comment on the Pleated Poppy is also how I met the very talented Andi and Jane of All Crafts, too.

It was truly a joy to reminisce about how I met so many wonderful, inspiring, encouraging, charming, beautiful and delightful people.

I love my life in a small town in Texas but there are times when I feel alone and isolated. Finding other kindred spirits in the blogosphere made me realize I'm not alone and there are others out there like me.

If you’re still with me and reading this, what more can I say?

Thank you.

I don’t feel alone anymore.