Little Boys & Love Letters

Yesterday was my birthday and my oldest son(he's 10) wrote a love letter to me. Here's an excerpt....

Hey Mom, I'm writing this for your birthday and I know it's very special. I know you don't want me to grow up but I'll have to and I'll always be your "boyfriend". I want to say thank you for giving birth to me. When I get married and move away, I'll always think about you. I'll also call you and write letters to you every day......thanks for being my mom.

He read this in front of our family, it was all I could do to keep from losing it. The precious note will be kept in my treasure box with all the other sweet notes & cards I've collected over the years. I truly believe that children are a gift from the Lord and what a gift that note is. He poured his little heart into it. For all you moms out there; take time to treasure your little ones for we only have them for a short while till they grow up and go out into that big world. I know how hard it is to keep up the daily grind and still have some sanity. I am NOT one of those women who have a perfect home and family. Every evening at 5:00pm I wonder what's for dinner and stare blankly at the freezer. Last week my husband informed me we were out of toilet paper.......isn't that what the phonebook is for? You know you've dropped the ball when that happens. Take heart, this is just a short season.

Isn't she lovely?

Oh, Isn't this just the prettiest thing? This little number was given to me by an old friend that got it from her aunt when she closed her antique store. The original tag is still attached and labeled as "Bullocks in Pasadena". I'm guessing it is circa late 1950's. I recently used it as a prop for my booth at the Spring Sugar Plum Show. I wish it fit me. I would put it on and twirl about the house. It's labeled as a size 11 but it is teeny tiny by our standard sizes now. I thought I would share it with you as it provokes such sweet memories of proms long ago. I had some ladies take a picture on their phones to send to old friends who had worn similiar gowns years ago. It was so sweet hearing them reminisce. I hope you have sweet memories of your prom. Last week I promised pictures of the flea market treasures I searched out. Wouldn't you know my battery died right after I got there. Oh fiddle. I'll take a few pictures as soon as I can so you will be able to see the baby buggy I got for a song. Its adorable and imported from Germany.

The Girl's Got News

I received the most delighful email from my friend Tricia Blum of Royaltart.com

She has made it to the final round of the "Pitch your Product" put on by Country Living Magazine. She will be traveling to Chicago next month for the big event. If you havn't heard of Royal Tart before, be sure to check out the site. It's everything you need to have a wonderful celebration(for every season & occasion) all pulled together and delivered to your door. I'm not talking party goods, girls. This is classy stuff that you will reuse time and again. Good luck Tricia, knock'em dead!

"Believe"

Believe.
It's a simple word that carries so much more than just a word. It is powerful, hopeful and requires action. Believing is an action in itself. It is not passive. What do you believe in? Do you wonder what the future holds? Here is an amazing verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and

not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Wow. The Lord knows the plans He has for you and they are good things! He cares about you and your circumstances. I want to encourage all of you that are struggling with the things life throws your way. Since I was a little girl I have had many difficult times. I can honestly tell you to hold on, you will get through it even when you see no way for the Lord has a plan for you!

Simply Believe.

What Mom NEVER told you

OK Girls, I need a little help with this one.....here I am at 40 something with 3 kids, 1 married, 2 at home(ages 7&10), a husband, a dog that is rather confused about being a dog and 2 cats(1 that loves me the other doesn't know I exist). And of course a house that always needs cleaning, a yard & patio that are in dyer need of care and then there's my business; my only bit of semi-sanity. The dilemma is this......Nothing here even remotely resembles Better Homes & Gardens or Woman's Day for that matter!! Why wasn't I informed about this housekeeping stuff? Was there a memo I missed? My Mom (passed away in '95) never made it look this tough. My Mother-in law doesn't make it look this hard. You could eat off her kitchen floor! If I spill while I'm cooking, I call the dog to help clean it up. I know it's tacky and yes I do get the mop, eventually. Don't roll your eyes many of you are guilty of this too. I've seen you. Speaking of cooking, I am such a terrible cook. Its a good thing the dog isn't a picky eater. I have proudly given myself the badge"Reheat Queen". My slogan is: if its frozen, I can do it. Are any of you out there frustrated with the dissaray of you home? Well, here's what I've concluded; DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT! While you are scrubbing you could be missing out on something wonderful like watching your kids run through the sprinklers or blowing bubbles that the dog can't catch or a NAP. Yes, I said a NAP. Mom's true definition is as follows: One who is always available, always prepared, always has a kiss & a hug, always finds a way, always has an answer and that always means you are eventually gonna get tired so take a nap, you deserve it. So with this dandy little blog I hope to swap inspiration, problem solving and even recipes with you. Here is my no fail "Salsa Chicken" recipe:

1. jar of your favorite salsa
2. 1 C. warm water
3. 1 lb. boneless/skinless chicken
4. 1 C. instant rice
5. chili powder to taste.

Pour the water in the bottom of your crockpot, top with chicken & 1/2 jar of salsa. Cook all day on low. 45 min before serving, shred chicken in pot. Add rice, stir well. Recover and let rice absorb the water. Add chili powder to taste and serve in a tortilla. I add more salsa and 1C. shredded mexican cheese to the pot before serving.

Enjoy!

A New Adventure

After reading so many wonderful blogs from such creative and inspiring women, I decided I wanted to try it. I thought I'd start by sharing my business venture, "Pansy Cottage & Garden".
I have a lovely little line of aprons, tea cozies, pillows and table linens.

You can view the line on my website at http://www.pansycottagegarden.com/

This is such a fun adventure of creating sweet things for you and your home. I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many wonderful, creative ladies that I have met through the boutiques I participate in and the store I sell my treasures at: Creations in Fullerton, CA. Tomorrow I am off to my favorite

flea market to treasure hunt with my partner in crime, Susie. I will post pictures of our goodies later.