Life Un-blogged

Good Grief!  I've been living my life un-blogged for 3+ weeks.  What's the world coming to?  There was a day when one of those (a day) couldn't go by without me having something to say.  Lately, though, each day is so full of knowing I am right in the middle of where God wants me that there are no words at the end. (read: I collapse, exhausted.)

Also... if you follow Sasha @ LemonadeMakinMama, do you remember the day when she asked if Instagram had taken the place of blogging?  At the time, I didn't have an Instagram account, and (quite frankly) I was incredulous at what she was suggesting.

Today, I am here to tell you... Sasha knew what she was talking about.  I love documenting my days on Instagram with brief captions.  It only takes me a second.  So, long-story-short -- I would love it if you follow me there.  You can see my Instagram slideshow over there --> in my right side-bar, and if you would like to follow along, just click on this link:

https://instagram.com/sally.kelly/

and "FOLLOW."

My days of baby-rocking are quickly coming to a close for the season.  The summer will hopefully be more wide-open, and we are already planning for our summer vacation.  It's like a light at the end of a long winter tunnel!  My intention is to be more present here.  We'll see how that works out.

Praying that your heart will be fully engaged in this Easter weekend.  I will be rocking babies, serving dinner for 11, and remembering (with a grateful heart) the reason I am able to do all of this things.

If not for Christ on the cross...

Thursday Thoughts

We enjoyed an awesome weekend with our family, celebrating our niece's First Communion and May birthdays for her and two sisters -- as well as Mother's Day.  

We've been living a lot of busy-ness around here, and just trying to keep up.  I mentioned that my son's car needed some major repair, and while it's being worked on, I've been doing a little more of Mom's Taxi Service.  I am more than happy to do this, but the driving back and forth does have a way of eating up the day.

We did have torrential downpours the other night, and spent some time in the basement due to dangerous weather warnings -- with a bit of water added in the basement, just to keep things interesting.  Nothing too out of control -- but lots of scurrying to position towels and rugs to soak up the water, while moving larger pieces of carpet out of the way.  Then there's the matter of drying everything out to be used once again... you know, in between the bouts of rain.

Winter may have been especially long and seemingly unending, but spring... well, spring has been interesting so far -- to say the least.  This world of ours has been topsy-turvy and turned on it's ear lately, hasn't it?

This weekend will be a busy one, beginning with the Gravity Race Challenge that my daughter is participating in with a team from her school.  That will take up most of our Saturday, I suspect.  I'm looking forward to a rescheduled SECOND SUNDAY Mother's Day celebration with my side of the family this weekend, which will also include Jill's birthday celebration.

We are looking forward to the end of school around here!  What's up at your house?

T.G.I.F. and Happy Mother's Day!

We're off on a little road trip this weekend -- a trip we've been looking forward to for a while now -- spending time with family, and FOUR of our FAVORITE GIRLS!  It's supposed to be pretty warm -- and rainy. Of course, that rain might be a little reprieve from just plain heat... or not.  Nothing like going from frosty nights to Geez Louise -- it's really hot out here!  I've had to totally rethink my packing list for the trip!

We will miss celebrating Mother's Day with my mom on our traditional "Second Sunday," but we have already rescheduled for next week, when we will celebrate Jill's birthday as well.

Our daughter is counting up the last days of school (18 + 2 exam days), and our son is counting up the last of his money (kidding, sort of) as he prepares to have some pothole damage repaired on his car.  There is never a dull moment around here.

My baby-rocking days are dropping off for the summer.  I just have a few more scheduled.  That means my days are freeing up, and I'm hoping to get back onto a regular schedule of blogging... or maybe I should clean the bathroom sink and shower.  [I'll think about it and get back to you.  *wink]

The grass is growing at an alarming rate because of all the rain we've had, and the weeds are doing a fine job of keeping up.  We're starting the season out right with some mulch for the gardens.  We tell ourselves we'll get some every year, and it somehow gets away from us.  It really is a fresh start after a hard winter.  We have a few plants that we don't think made it: a Hibiscus, and two Bougainvillea.

We planted some fun Fiber-Optic Grass [it looks just like a fiber-optic Christmas decoration!] a week or so ago, and as we were adding mulch around that garden recently, I noticed that the grass is cropped back in places.  It becomes tangled pretty easily, and I asked my hubby if he had to cut it back to untangle the three pots before he planted the grass.  He just looked at me and said, "Ummmm, noooo.  That would be the rabbits.  Apparently, they like it!"  Great.  Score another one for the bunnies.

As far as scheduling life, I'm already projecting out to June (VBS and vacation), July (daughter's ministry trip), and August (don't schedule me for anything!)

How about you?  Have you gone straight from Winter to Summer in your neck of the woods?  Did you lose any plants due to the harsh winter?  Is your summer calendar filling up?

Green is the Color of Spring (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Green is also the color of the newest Heritage Collection jars.  Have you seen them?  They are a stunning shade of green that is so great when the light hits them -- reminds me of beautiful Depression Glass.

You probably know that I am crazy for canning jars.  <--- Click there to see my Pinterest board!  They fill our cupboards loaded with dry goods, are situated around our home in decor-mode, and [get this] we're even thinking about actually learning to CAN around here - LOL.  I know, right?  We're in DEEP.  You can see the evidence, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Needless to say, I was excited when Jarden Home Brands {who now manufactures the Ball brand} graciously offered to let me review one of their products, and these green Heritage Collection jars arrived on my doorstep.  These particular jars are quart-sized and wide-mouth, although the jars also come in pint size, regular mouth.

My jars have been pressed into service holding my ever-present straws, ground coffee beans, and they stand at the ready for buds and blooms too!  Come fall (not to rush the seasons), I can totally see my hubby using these for his giant batches of homemade applesauce!  (The wide-mouth style will certainly be easy to fill!)

The wonderful people at Jarden Home Brands would like you to have a set of these pretty jars too!  Just check out the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post to see all of the ways that you can enter for a chance to win a set of six quart-sized, wide-mouth jars.

Contest ends 4/30/14.
The winner's name will be posted at the top of THIS POST soon after, and will be contacted via e-mail.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HE IS RISEN!

He is risen INDEED!

Matthew 28:1-6a

     After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

     There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

     The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said."

Blessings to you this Easter Sunday.  Stop and consider Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for you!  And don't forget... HE IS RISEN!  Hallelujah!!

Recipe: Baked Ham & Noodles (Casserole)

I have fond memories of eating this casserole as a kid.  It wasn't necessarily in the regular rotation of meal choices, but I enjoyed it each and everytime it DID come up in the rotation!  This is about as basic, basic, basic as it gets, folks.  It's nothing wild and crazy, or hot and zesty.  It's just simple and down-home, because you know... I grew up on a farm and all that... ummm.... NOT.  But you get the idea.  Comfort food at it's finest (and a great way to use up leftover ham!)  Maybe you'll have some of that after Easter Sunday?  Just sayin'.

LOL - don't talk to me about the irony of this happy pig-face for a pork recipe!

I know, I know... but I couldn't resist!  *wink

Baked Ham & Noodles (Casserole)

12 oz. pkg. wide egg noodles (or your favorite kind of noodle)
2 cups ground or finely chopped ham
1 small onion (I use dehydrated)
1/4 cup milk
salt & pepper
butter
breadcrumbs

Cook noodles according to package.  Place layer of noodles in buttered casserole, then a layer of ham, and sprinkle some onion, salt, and pepper.  Repeat, layer by layer until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of noodles on top.  Pour in milk, but (depending on casserole size/depth) make sure the milk doesn't cover the top layer of noodles.

Melt a tablespoon or so of butter in a small pan, and add a handful of breadcrumbs.  Stir over low-medium heat (watching carefully) until butter is absorbed and breadcrumbs are toasty.  Sprinkle over casserole.

Bake for one hour at 350F.

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Blessings to you and your family this Easter weekend as we celebrate our RISEN SAVIOR!  How will you celebrate?  My own family will be together for worship on Sunday morning (there is no better worship than on Easter Sunday!), and my extended family will gather for lunch at Jill's.  Guess what she asked me to bring?  (THIS!)  Whatever your plans, enjoy the blessings of the day!

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Linking with:

Jennifer Rizzo for Fabulously Creative Friday

Craftberry Bush for The Inspiration Gallery

Bubbles!!! (Subtitled: Squirrel!!!)

If you saw the movie "Up" you will totally get this post.  Maybe.  A little.

You see, it's spring-time and, up until a few days ago... it hasn't been very spring-like.  A better description of the yard might be "swamp-like," --  and not very welcoming.  I could put on my wellies and tromp around out there, but really?  I don't want to leave deep footprints in the muck, so... I stay on solid ground for now.  From a distance, I can see a little green here and there, but no photo-proof just yet.

I'm going a little stir-crazy when it comes to picture-taking.  And really, have we had enough of the hyphenated words?  What is with me today?  [Squirrel.]

Anywho... recently I was washing out an empty soap bottle to recycle, and here's what came next.  This is what happens when Spring doesn't come quickly enough.  Distracted, I am forced to take pictures of the ridiculous - even if it is kind of pretty.  Am I a blogger desperately looking for some fun pics, or what?

Is it Spring yet in your neck of the woods?  Have you spotted lots of green shoots around the yard  -- maybe even buds opening, or are you still dealing with melting snow?  As for me, I just...

[Squirrel!]

It's Here!

Don't scold me about the exact time.  It's too late.  I am celebrating!

Today is the day.  No matter what words the weatherman may speak, no matter what the forecast.  Whether the sun shines or the clouds rain, TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

*cue the angels singing

It's no use telling me not to get my hopes up.  They are UP.

I'm on the lookout -- looking for the good, the green, and the growing around every corner.

I am relishing those evening hours when there is time to go out into the daylight, even AFTER the dinner hour.

I am washing my black everyday winter jacket and hanging it up to dry for another year.  Woolly scarves, be gone!

First there will be reports of muddy sprouts, and then -- unfurled leaves, buds, and blooms!  Remember this time of year?  SPRING.  It's what we've been waiting for.

Celebrate it in your heart today!

What's Up? 6.20

I haven't done a "What's Up?" post in couple of weeks, so let's get caught up.  I believe these are called Vanilla Butterfly Daisies.  I never dreamed that these would return this year.  I think I have a lot to learn about daisies!  We just bought this plant last year, and it didn't really thrive.  As blooms died, I dead-headed the plant.  Right?  Wrong?  You tell me.  All of a sudden, I was left with NOTHING.  It was a sad state of affairs.

I was looking for a daisy that would be as prolific around the yard as Black-Eyed Susans seem to be around here.  [The birds have transplanted them, and I find them growing everywhere.  Lucky I love them!]  I thought how nice it would be to have bright "splashes" of white around the yard -- as much as the Black-Eyed Susan's golden yellow.  It's only been one year -- so it's hard to tell if this Daisy will eventually become so at home here that we will have to "divide" to conquer.  Here's hopin'.

In the meantime, here it comes, and the question remains.
Daisies -- Deadhead?  or no?  [I'll try to remember to take a picture for you when it's actually OPEN.]

I can't wait to see these Torch Lilies open.  It's always fun to see the transformation they go through!

I'm not sure what these yellow flowers are.  Anyone know?  I'm pretty sure they snuck in the back door with other plants that were gifted to us.  It's always a nice surprise to have things like this pop up in the yard!

And Hydrangeas!  How I love them.  Several years back, my dad shared a few plants with us.  They grew, and we soon had lots of shoots to transplant around the yard.  For some reason, they like our yard.

One time, a friend from church stopped by to drop off his daughter.  He wondered aloud at our secret to having nice hydrangeas.  I was embarrassed to tell him that we basically ignore them.  I've mentioned before that our garden philosophy is "survival of the fittest."  We don't baby anything too much.  Initially, we put "grow through" plant support circles around each plant.  That has been a tremendous help in supporting the plant.  In the fall, we trim the plants back to 12-18 inches.  That's it for the TLC around here.

This guy.... should have throat issues by now.  He sang ALL. DAY. LONG. yesterday!  And then, when I went out to take pictures, he perched on the neighbor's roof as if to say, "Yep.  It was me.  What're you going to do about it?"  Have I ever mentioned that I have a "Birds" ringtone for my incoming texts?  Yeah.  It was a confusing day.

But back to the garden... Look at all of the apples!  Again, we do nothing to baby these trees.  There are no pesticides used.  Mostly the trees are a fruity screen between us and our backyard neighbors.  We've had a few apples here and there.  Nothing wonderful.  No bumper crop.  But hello?  Look at all of those apples!  When you stand under the trees and look up, it's apples, apples, apples!

So, what's up at your house?  Don't you love an ever-changing yard?

A Garden Tour

On Memorial Day weekend, I walked around the perimeter of my parents' yard to check out what was up. Their yard is so green and peaceful.  My dad works really hard to keep it looking beautiful.  Mom helps him with the big projects like transporting mulch and raking leaves, but the yard is really Dad's "baby."  We are blessed to be able to spend time there, enjoying many summer meals on their deck.  The yard is surrounded by mature trees, and receives (for the most part) only filtered sunlight during the day.  Therefore, most of the plants that Dad has selected are shade-loving.  He does lots of research on what will work in the yard, and has become a big fan of hostas -- even to the point of picking ones with family names!  It's fun to walk around the yard and see how he has labeled them.  Though most of the plants are "just green," you'll notice that Dad has also added fun splashes of color in strategic spots around the yard in the way of flowers, and yard ornaments.

Here's my mini "tour" from Memorial Day weekend.  Enjoy!

What's Up? (A Colorful Weekend!)

We were gone a good part of the day on Saturday, and when we returned home (late afternoon), we found some surprises in the yard!

The roses were open!

Delphinium that looked like this just the day before,

now looked like this.  I love their beautiful iridescent purple-blue!

Daylilies for today and tomorrow and the next day!

We've been watching the Poppy buds, too.  On Saturday, one looked like this...

... and on Sunday, three of them were open!

It was a colorful weekend around here!
What's up at your house?