the 5 most important things about decorating!

So, my precious friend and neighbor stopped me today as Jim and I were walking our dog for a short break from planting flowers... all of this is to get ready for a shower for Holly's dear friend and college roomate, Carey Strawbridge! We are so excited for her and are having so much fun preparing for the shower on Saturday!. Anyway, Sandy (my friend!) is always the one that says yes to everything and then I feel extremely guilty!!! She is soooo good at it as well!! She leads a young mom's bible study, always helps with our church's Christmas outreach, The Caroline House.... and always looks like life is perfect!!!! Of course, I know them well enough to know their faults... and I will NOT go into them right now on the grounds that her husband is a lawyer.... and a very good one at that!!! In fact.... he bears a striking resemblance to my favorite actor.... oh gosh, whats his name??? Nicolas Cage!! anyway.... we won't go there!!! In all seriousness, Sandy is one of those people that you can't help but look up to and admire! Nothing seems to raddle her and her house is gorgeous and we all covet it and she always has on the cutest clothes and has the 3 most beautiful daughters!!!! Ok.... yes I am jealous... obviously!!!! However.... I'm not jealous for the reasons you might think! I'm jealous for the time that she spends serving the Kingdom! For working at Restoration Academy... for leading a Young Mom's Bible Study... For always being calm, cool and collected.... for being the wife that we would all strive to model. She stopped me today and asked for my 5 top decorating tips!!! WOW!!!! I was surprised... and yet I own an Antiques Shop and have for the past 11 years.... I had a decorating business with my best friend for several years before that!!!! So decorating has been in my blood for a long time! Hopefully, we are also cultivating relationships with our customers along the way... that is my goal for sure!!!! All of that to say.. here are the 5 tips she was asking for !!!! Hope they help!!!!!

1-NEVER, under any circumstance settle for anything less than what you truly want!!! In the end... if you buy something to make do... you won't like it in the end and you will end up spending more in the long run!!

2- If possible, meet with an experienced designer and make a "plan". Set your goals... draw out the furniture on your plan and literally, check them off as you get them! I promise... it works!!! I kept my plan with me for about 20 years and truly checked them off!!! One piece of furniture at a time!!!

3- Never turn down "hand me downs"! I know that sounds silly... but I can't tell you the times I wish I had "yes!" we want that! If you don't like it, you can always paint it! Plus it means something in the end to have a piece of furniture or a knick knack from your parents or grandparents! I went through my house tonight and literally....only 2 rooms in our house DON'T have something in them that we "aquired" from our parents or grandparents~ and I LOVE that!!!

4- Invest in special pieces.... if you love antiques... take the time and effort to research them and purchase just one special piece that you will remember! For me, its an English Armoire that I bought from Bridge's Antiques on layaway! And it was in her sale room!!! It is still my favorite piece we own today!!!!

5-NEVER, EVER.... hide purchases from your husband!!! I've truly never understood this... and Sandy may not want me to say this!! ha ha!! But I truly mean it... if you aren't on the same board in decorating or alotting your money for the things that you love as well.... then.... don't do it!!! Don't hide purchases!!!!! Nothing bothers me more than wives that come in with their "own" money! For the Love!!!!! Aren't we suppose to be one?? This is a very hard thing for me... my husband is an angel.... so forgive me if I sound self righteous! But the last thing a marriage needs to worry about is decorating a home!!!

6- Ok... If Sandy doesn't like that one.... don't fall for the "latest" trends! Old trends always come back! If you can't afford to keep up with "Jones" THEN DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!!! Decorate the way YOU love!!! Its YOUR house and your family will grow up with precious memories of their mommy doing things the way she liked them!!! For me... its fresh flowers all the time in my kitchen!!!! It makes me happy!!! Therefore... it makes Jim happy!!! Need i say more?? ha ha!! Publix.... 3 bouquets for $12.oo? Hello!!! And I always just need 2 for my vase! Even better!!! Anyway, you get my drift... create your own special memories in decorating! From fresh flowers to fresh towels every day in your children's bathrooms! Turn the lamps on in each child's bedroom as well as in every room of your house in the afternoons! Thats the sort of thing that turns a house into a Home! And isn't that what we are striving for??? We want our kids to have memories of 'HOME!" To this day... I turn on every light in the living room, den, kitchen, sunroom... but especially in Miller's bedroom! I want him to feel welcome every afternoon when he walks in tired and worn out from football!!! He never comments on it.. and guess what!!! I"M GLAD!!! Its expected!!! He's used to it!!! It makes him feel like he is home!!! And you know what Dorothy says..... "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!" and she was and is so right!!!! That's my number one tip...... Make your family feel like your house is a home!!!!!

Persistence Pays Off!!!!!

You see these flowers? these Zinnias to be matter of fact!!! They are the work of... nothing I have done, thats for sure!!!! Its nothing but patience! All summer I lamented over the fact that at Sharon's house... Zinnia seeds can literally be tossed to the wind and they grow!!! Every year I try to grow them... to no avail! Finally, this year... I quit looking at them.. in fact, I ran out of time to even take care of them! I didn't cut the few measly ones that would sprout and I would think...let the butterflies enjoy them! let the bees do their thing! I don't care!!!! Then, I began noticing bright specks of color down in the garden... In fact, I even commented to Holly at least 5 times this week while she has been here... "did you see my flowers?" hey.... "did you see my flowers?" ... "No... really... did you go down to the garden and see my flowers?" of course she said she did... and that made me feel better for a while... because let me tell you... I DO look out there!!! even though I want to act like I don't care! in fact... after I get off the treadmill in the mornings... I go to the coldest place in the playroom which happens to have a vent that will blast you with cold air and its right above the double windows that overlook these flowers!! so I HAVE BEEN SPYING!!!! and then something hit me tonight as I sat here waiting for Holly and Brad to get home.... they haven't packed up their winter clothes, their dog is barking and looking for them in his own way!!! in fact he is wagging his tail in glorious revelation that he sees them walking up the sidewalk!!!! LOL!!!! And here I sit..................................................................................................................................................

realizing that for my whole life.... persistence has definitely paid off.... it's nothing that I've done... and its ALL that Christ has done to get my marriage to this point.. to get my children (and even their children!) to this point... I haven't done anything except trust..and let me tell you ... there were definitely times when Jim and I would have to pray that we COULD trust God!!!! Trust and Obey... For there's no other way.... to be happy in Jesus... than to Trust and obey!!!!! and now i WILL get back to why persistence pays off!!!!! its because... when you are tired... and you don't want to spank... you do! and when you are lazy and you don't want to "fertilize" (give guidance) you DO!!!! when you are tired... and you don't want to prune back the ugly leaves or the things that you know aren't right in your own life or in your child's.. YOU DO!!!! when you are tired and you don't want to walk down to that garden to see whats going on.... YOU REALLY DO !!!!!! because if YOU don't then WHO will???? I don't want to answer that!!! We all know the answer and its not good!!!!! But let me tell you .... when your children want to come home... thats the glorious answer to why persistence pays off... when your 16 year old son picks dinner at his 26 year old brother's house over (yes, I hate to say it!) BYG... when your daughter comes home with her husband for your 16 year old son's Homecoming Pictures..... Persistence has definitely paid off!!! And just like taking care of my Zinnias has had nothing to do with my gardening ability... which is null and void!!!! Taking care of our children has nothing to do with our ability in parenting on our own.... but in simply relying on God to help us be Persistent!!!! It is the hardest thing in the world to do.... but when done properly.... and totally under God's guidance... the rewards are spectacular!!! Don't get me wrong... PLEASE!!!! let no one misinterpret!!!! The road to raising children and cultivating a family were sometimes rocky over the years... our children didn't comply to our every whim! There were definitely thorns among those bouquets of roses or zinnias!!! it hasn't been easy!!! Tears were shed.... words were said... probably most of which I wish I could take back!!!! but the point is persistence.... relying on God's word and knowing that His grace enables us to do far more than we could ever imagine!!! Just like my measly garden of zinnias... after an entire summer of nothing..... all of a sudden... there was SOMETHING!!!! something to be proud of and to enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and luckily, for me and Jim.... it was the last night of Holly and Brad being here for the week... in fact, as I carried them in... ( and I remember thinking, Hey Carolyn, you should've brought one of those baskets down here to look like you know what you are doing!!! yeah, right!!! ) anyway, Brad said..."did you just cut those from down there?" OH..... IF HE ONLY KNEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will end this with a verse from Deuteronomy... its so dear to my heart because I used to pray these verses for my children and certainly should not have quit!! In fact...this post... is nothing but a reminder... a wake up call to me to be diligent again!!! to be persistent... throughout Miller's last 2 years of high school, Mitch and Britney and Layton dealing with being a young family.... Holly and Brad dealing with being a young married couple.... and me and Jim, dealing with being persistent....

Deuteronomy 6:5-9" Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength! These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up!! Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and your gates!"

What powerful, powerful words!!! Humbling words... and yet very encouraging and very Hopeful!!!!! Thank You , Lord for being our Hope! thank you for enabling us to be persistent!!!

Homecoming and Pumpkin Muffins!

Homecoming is this weekend!!! Oh boy!!! Usually that means working on the float, powder puff football games, cool weather.... anything to make you think about fall!!! Well... this year, our homecoming consists of Briarwood's Homecoming Game... the Dance... ordering the lovely wrist corsage....making Miller MAKE fun dinner and picture taking plans, etc...because we want him to have all of the memories that a high schooler should have!!!!and.... besides all of that...we have another Homecoming!!! This is Brad's first time home since he was assigned his very own Chick Fil A !!! We've been to Jackson twice... Holly has been able to come home a couple of times... but this is truly Brad's "homecoming"!!! We are so excited for him!!!! We want him to rest... to enjoy his family and to enjoy... well just enjoy life!!! To remember that life is not all about how many pickles are left or how many tomatoes you should've ordered!!! or wait..... what???? we need another Strip's Platter???? Holly!!!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha!!! i hope he knows I am trying to make light of something really heavy~and yet... I'm trying to convey a very important point!!! Homecomings are Wonderful!!!!! and they involve memories....smells, tastes, feelings.... every emotion is involved!!! In fact... I was even concerned that he couldn't find his way home!!! i can drive it with my eyes closed!!! Jim and I have only been twice and his parents have been as well... in fact... they told us the short cut!!! but don't think for one minute that I didn't worry about him trying to find I 2o from 55!!! ha ha!!! So glad you are home , Brad!!! (even though we haven't seen you yet!!! we will tomorrow!!! sorry we couldn't wait up!!!!! I know your parents were thrilled to have you home!!!!!!)

here are some pumpkin muffins for you!!!! ( and of course, Miller as well!!)

CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN MUFFINS

1 2/3 C flour

1 C sugar

1 T pumpkin pie spice

1 t baking soda

1/4 t baking powder

1/4 t salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 C canned pumpkin

1 stick butter, melted

1 C chocolate chips... optional!

mix dry ingredients, blend in pumpkin and butter then eggs.... stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 in greased muffin tins.... 12-15 minutes or until desired doneness!!!!

Briarwood was Green before its time!!!!!

Just think!!! Briarwood was green before being green was popular!!! Wow!!! That will make you stop and think!!!! When that church first started and they brought out those old green chairs... I bet that not one of those first members had an inkling as to what "going green" would mean!!! Let me just tell you... they didn't think about recycling or composting or anything that you and I might think of when we think of "going green". They thought of bringing out more chairs!!! It was that simple!!!! You bring out the green chairs to welcome more visitors, to make people feel welcome.... to minister to them and to meet them right where they were... in all walks of life! Tonight was definitely a celebration! A celebration of knowing that God was the one in charge of something wonderful, something Huge!!! something very special!! To think that four years before I was born God was preparing a special place that would minister to me and my family for years to come is very humbling to say the least!!!! This is just a simple Thank You to Briarwood for all that it has meant to me and my family!!! Nothing more, nothing less! I know alot of people have alot of "gripes" with Briarwood and I am not here to judge any of that! This is my blog and this is my place to say Thank You to God first of all.... and then Thank You to Briarwood for all that you have done for me!! The people that were the biggest influences in my life were either Briarwood Church members, Briarwood School teachers, Briarwood Sunday School teachers, Briarwood Youth Group leaders and so on and so on!!! Not to mention my parents, who had it not been for the grace of God leading them to visit Briarwood when I was in the 6th grade, none of us would even be Christians today!! It was Frank Barker that led them to the Lord which in turn led them to put me and my sister and brother in Briarwood Christian School, and that is where we were all taught the love of Jesus and at different points in our lives each gave our hearts to the Lord as well.

As I sat in church tonight for the ending ceremony... there was an open mike segment (which always makes me real nervous!!) I truly felt the magnitude of the impact that Briarwood has not only had on my life but also the lives of pretty much all of my family!!! One of my longest and dearest friends, Tammy Moore, stood and shared that the "generational" heritage was what was so special to her! I have felt that so much over this weekend myself! The parents of my friends were such an important part of my life and spiritual growth that you can't help but recognize that!

The most humbling and important thing that I have come away with from this weekend of celebrating 50 years in Briarwood's history is definitely the fact if not for the grace of God... none of this would even be taking place. We would not be celebrating the 50 years of Briarwood if not for the fact that Dr. Barker and Dr. Reeder have totally given all of the credit to God and none to themselves.... To God be the glory!!!! Great things He hath done!!!!!!!! It isn't about any of us, but its ALL about what God has done and what God is going to do through US!!! Me and You!!!! we need to tell our friends.... give them hope and lead them into fellowship... tell our children and our grandchildren about God's faithfulness through the years!!!! Its so exciting to think about being able to share these stories with the next generation!! Mostly, its extremely humbling and something that will keep me on my knees for sure! What a priviledge we have been given to be found faithful enough to tell our kids and their kids, and so and so on!!! Let's all agree to keep each other accountable and never let up! Who knows... maybe at the next 50 year celebration... at the 100 year mark... we can have a Purple chair or a Pink chair or an Orange and Blue chair!! ok... you get the point!!! What are we going to have as our marker for answered prayers? Prayers that fill a Sanctuary because we felt the need to seek and serve the lost??? What??? Hopefully, its a church, still standing tall because we were found faithful and God's grace abounded! Hopefully everyone will still know that the story behind the green chairs is one of faithful men praying to a faithful God! It is simply a symbol that God used to enlarge their faith and in turn... to enlarge their territory!!! Its a story, that even though I've heard a thousand times before... when I actually saw it in print as I read about Briarwood's history last night, had never, ever realized the magnitude of the faith of those men that prayed for people to come and fill their building... fill it to the point of having to bring out the green chairs!!!! To the point that it lead a disbelieving man to dedicate his life to the Lord right there on the spot!!!!! Do we have faith like that? Faith that will see us through the next 50 years? or even the next few weeks for that matter!!!! Oh, Lord.... find us faithful!!!! as stated in the book, may we anticipate in full confidence that..." He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ!" Philippians 1:6

The Best Cookies Ever!!!!!

1 C brown sugar

1 C granulated sugar

1/2 C butter-softened

1/2C crisco

cream all of the above together in mixer and add:

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

mix well......

sift together

2 1/4 C flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

mix well.....

Add the following ingredients and mix well by hand.....

2 C oatmeal

1 C chocolate chips

1 C butterscotch chips

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet and Bake 325 for 12-15 minutes. I only did mine for about 12 minutes because I like them underdone!!!

So I brought out my "white" Bible!!!!

I always know when God is truly speaking to my heart and has a message that He wants me to hear when I am prompted to get my little white bible down from the very tip top shelf in my closet........ maninly because its my bible from high school and when I was a new Christian and everything was so relevant and amazing each time I read a new verse or a new passage....Almost every page is marked on... or highlighted or underlined.... I long for that "newness" sometimes!!! However.... I am even more grateful that He has allowed me to live this far... to experience life... to have children., to be married to my best friend and most loving, giving man on the face of the earth!!!! Its times like this that of course make me stop and realize EXACTLY all that Christ has done for me!!!!

Saturday night is the banquet to celebrate 50 years of Briarwood's life, ministry, growth, impact on the world... etc.... we are so looking forward to it ( I won't mention that we can't go to the Auburn game!!! :) but nonetheless... we can't wait!!! Growing up, I began moving when I had finished first grade.... after that, we traveled for my dad to do his residency training, etc... to Denver and then 2 places in California... When I was in 6th grade we had the choice of either moving to Los Angeles or Birmingham, AL! Praise the Lord my parents chose Birmingham!!! They chose it to be closer to family... we are all from Memphis and various places in MS ! Mississippi isn't real high on my list right now because it stole my daughter and son in law.... oh wait!!! thats not what this blog post is about!!! ha ha!!! We will save that for a later date!!! This blog post is to tell you exactly what Briarwood Presbyterian Church and Birmingham Alabama mean to me!!! All in about 4 or 5 paragraphs!!!! Once we got settled in Birmingham, I attended Brookwood Forrest Elementary for 6th grade. At that point, my parents had been visiting various churches because they new that in the South, people went to church. After a visit to Briarwood, Frank Barker came to see my parents and "happened" to leave a What Does it mean to Believe tract in their car... the rest is history!!! My parents prayed with Frank to receive Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour and then promptly began trying to get me and my sister and brother enrolled in Briarwood Christian School. To say I wasn't happy is an understatement!! Therefor.... I was sent to Camp Briarwood so that I might meet other Briarwood students and "fall in Love" with the school, etc... which is exactly what happened!! I suppose God heard my parents prayers and from the moment I registered at Camp Briarwood.... and I AM NOT making this up!!!! I had made lifelong friends!!!! In fact.... I had 2 boyfriends by the time the line got to our turn to register!!!! Go figure!!! And they are still very close friends of ours today!!! (not to mention that they are the Byer's brothers!!!!)

All of that to get to the point.... at that camp.... sitting by myself in a pew in the chapel at Hargis... I gave my life to Christ... and I will NEVER forget it!!!! I can't say that I was the perfect role model as a teenager growing up.... but I can HONESTLY say that Jesus Christ never left my side and that He is the only reason I am able to write this today!!!!! 34 or so years later... 3 children, 1 grandchild... thats not something to take lightly!!!!! Which brings me back around to my point!!!! Saturday night is a night of Celebration!! A night of remembering exactly where God started this church and where He has led this church and led His people... its a night to remember how our church has grown and remember WHY it has grown!!!! Frank Barker and Harry Reeder will be the first people to tell you that it has NOTHING to do with them!!! and EVERYTHING to do with the Lord!!! WOW!!! I wish people could feel what I feel when I realize I am BLESSED beyond measure to be a part of this!!!! When I came to Briarwood in the 7th grade.... I remember being jealous of all of my friends that had never lived anywhere else and had always been right here at Briarwood... and guess what??? I STILL AM!!!! But now I'm jealous for the right reasons!!! And its those reasons that we sent our kids to Briarwood School from K4 thru 12th grade!!!! Nothing can take away the teachings they learned, the godly teachers and role models they had.... and more than that... it was where they became Christians.... yes, they prayed with us, but their teachers had such a huge impact on them.... there is nothing i could ever do to repay them for that!!! NOTHING!!!! so if you aren't planning to come to this celebration ..... I feel sorry for you!!! I didn't want to give up my Saturday night either at first!!! I admit it!!! But the thought of missing out on God's blessings and to be reminded of those blessings.....FOR once in my life!!!! I made the right decision!!! I know i'm being a bit dramatic about this .... but if you really get to know me... then you learn.... I'm really dramatic when it comes to people I love... and things that are the closest to my heart!!!! Of course Briarwood ranks about number 1!!!! ( not above God... not above Jim, not above my family... but YES!!!!! its right there neck and neck!!!) How can you not go celebrate a place that taught you about His love for you??? A place that showed you how to live in eternity with Christ?? a place that seeks out the lost and feeds the hungry??? I could go on and on and on.....

Does anyone even know that when I was in 6th grade, attending Brookwood Forrest Elementary that I took ballet with Barbara Barker and Peggy and Anita??? That I used to sit in the dressing room "wishing" that one day I could be friends with Peggy??? That I used to have to do LEAPS mind you along side of them in ballet and I was mortified!!! But God answered even the simplest of prayers and let me be "best friends" with Peggy my whole growing up life!!!! In fact.... I went on many a family vacation with them and "YES" I have even wrestled Frank Barker to the floor in a friendly game of spoons!!!!! Its a memory I will treasure forever.... just like the memory of being married by him 27 years ago and then getting the chance to see him marry our first son and precious daughter in law in he same church where he was baptized!!!! Shall I go on???? Surely you get my point as I have tears of joy streaming down my face and know in my heart of hearts.... Saturday night is not just a celebration of the past 50 years!!!! Its a celebration of the next 50 years to come and I PRAY that we will all be blessed to be a part of something so wonderful!!!!

Pork Tenderloin

Here is a wonderful recipe for grilled Pork Tenderloin that you can serve with either a Cherry Sauce or a White Bar-b-que Sauce! Both are delicious! If you are having a dinner party and need an easy pick up food... this makes a great entree if grilled ahead, sliced, and placed in Sister Schubert rolls served with the White Bar--que sauce on the side! Of course it doesn't hurt to have such a handsome guy grilling the pork tenderloins for you!

Marinade for 4 small pork tenderloins

1/2 C conala oil ( i use half olive oil and half canola!)

1/2 C soy sauce (low sodium)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/3 C red wine vinegar

1 T dry mustard

3 T lemon juice

1 1/2 t pepper

2-3 T worcestershire sauce

1/4 C pickapeppa sauce 

1/4 C terriaky sauce

2 big squirts of catsup

mix all ingredients well. Place 3-4 individual pork tenderloins, cleaned and ready to marinate in a large baggie. Pour marinade over and let sit in fridge for atleast 24 hours, turning to coat every now and then.

Grill over low heat until no longer pink!!!!

Serve with Cherry Sauce or White Bar-b-que Sauce

Cherry Sauce

12 oz jar cherry preserves

2 Tight corn syrup

1/4 C red wine vinegar

1/4 t salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves

1/4 C already toasted almonds (which you have toasted in a skillet or in the oven)

combine all ingredients except almonds... bring to a low boil. stir frequently, reduce heat and simmer 2-5 minutes. Add almonds. Keep at room temp or slightly warm and serve with sliced pork.

White Bar-B-Que Sauce

2/3 C mayo

1/3 C apple cider vinegar

1 t salt and pepper to taste

mix and heat over low.... Serve warm with Pork Tenderloin or with Grilled Chicken