Strawberry Jam

There is nothing like homemade jam. This past week my mom and I bought some strawberries at our local farm, and I made jam. For the first time. Well, I had made freezer jam before, but this was the 'real' stuff. lol.

I rinsed the berries, cut off the tops, mashed them with a potatoe masher, added the pectin and started boiling...then added the sugar...then poured into the jars. Canned them. And VOILA. *smiles* I love my jam.


Aren't they pretty?

Mmm...I enjoyed a nice glass of white wine from the vineyard we visited last weekend...alongside our extra box of fresh berries. *smiles*

How was your weekend everyone?

Just so you know - today's message at church was amazing. It was the first time I have been back since the seperation. That is 2 months folks. I needed me some praise and worship. I had never felt so moved. I was in tears most of the message. It was June..."Month of the Man". I learned alot. God truly spoke to me. I needed to have a good 2 hour talk with God today...while at the park. I had to make apologies to people in my life. Especially to one person in particular. That has hurt me alot...but I hadn't realized till this past couple of days...and then today...that I had hurt this person too. In many ways more than one. Wow. How could I have been so blind?

It was a good day. God is changing me. In a good way, for sure. *smiles*

Fun In The Sun

R.A. enjoying the 'Rocket Rider' at Mamaw & Papaw's.

Enjoying a light snack during 'rest time' from the kiddie pool.



E.J. having a good 'ole time with bubby. *smiles*

(Have I mentioned I love these guys?)

Mommy enjoying a nice, refreshing glass of lemonade - poolside. *

Of course I saved the BEST for LAST!

E.J. sat up on his OWN today. All by HIMSELF! For the FIRST time!

My boys are growing up too fast. *tears up*

Fun In The Sun - Backyard Beach

Me getting my TAN on. *laughs*

R.A. having fun in his kiddie pool at Mamaw's.

(Got those balls in the pool for .10 cents each at a Yard Sale today! Whoot Whoot!)


"This water tastes funny mom..."*lol*

R.A. having fun in his pool.

E.J. having fun watching 'big brother' in the kiddie pool.

Isn't it amazing how time flies? Especially when you are having fun. With everything that has been going on in my life...I have truly come closer to God. Walking and talking with Him all through the day. It gives me peace. It makes me realize what life is truly about. What matters most. And all of that. I am realizing that my boys matter the most to me. Hands down. God is first in my life, by far. But he gave me my children, and I can't seem to thank Him enough. *smiles* I am loving life these days - despite the nasty circumstances. Learning to love. Learning to forgive. Learning to LIVE. It is a pretty amazing thing.

Have a great evening folks.

Memorial Day Fun

Shenendoah - Edinburg, VA - Vineyard we visited while in VA.

(I enjoyed 2 glasses of this yummy stuff on Memorial Day. *smiles*)

Mmm. Taco Dip, Tortillas, Swiss burgers, Chicken & Veggie kabobs, Baked beans, Devilled Eggs, Potato Salad, Claussen pickles, BBQ and Sea Salt potato chips...what more could I want? lol.

Daddy and R.A. having some fun with the water hose. *laughs*

Me and E.J.

R.A. 'settling down' after our cookout - building many block towers. *laughs*

So, did everyone have a good holiday weekend? I hope so.

Have a great week everyone!

A Charlottesville Dream

So, this past weekend was my husband's, friends' ...wedding.

I needed a dress. And shoes. And jewelry. And a clutch.

This momma doesn't do fancy very much. So I splurged. *smiles*

My $40 dress from dressbarn

$30 stillettos from charlotte russe

The entry way at Sonja's guest house

(it blew my mind that this was 'just' the guest house. lol.)

Some of the landscaping near the entry way of the house.

The back deck off of the guest house.

(if you look toward the trees in the back of the picture, there are tables set up - that was the bar. we enjoyed the finest champagne, red and white wines, beer, and a lovely cheese and fruit array.)

A. J. and R.

So without a doubt...we had a fabulous time in Virginia. There was so much more that you can't see in these pics...but I have more...but no time to really sit down and 'blog' about it. It was a once-in a lifetime experience...that is for sure.

I am so excited, I made two new girlfriends who have gone or are going through alot of the same stuff I am right now... I really needed this past weekend. Thank you Lord for Your blessings. They always come unexpectedly...*smiles*

Some of my weekend favorites:

• Trying duck for the first time.


• Trying lamb for the first time.


• Drinking a 'real' (expensive) glass of white wine.


• Drinking a 'real' (expensive) glass of red wine.


• Drinking exquisite champagne with raspberries.


• Making some great friends and relationships.


• Bumping elbows with Dames knighted by the Queen, embassadors, CEO's, and the like...

Yep. That pretty much sums it up. lol.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Love

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That's what I hope to give you forever.

Strength > Pain

"When the waves are taking you under, hold on just a little bit longer. The pain ain't gonna last forever, it's only gonna make you STRONGER."

I love that song!

Going to a friends wedding in VA this weekend.

I bought a very sexy red dress, black stillettos, black clutch, and diamond bracelt, earrings, and necklace to match. *smiles*

If nothing else, my husband is going to have every other man checking me out. LOL.

I hope my husband appreciates the effort I put into looking 'stunning' for this thing. Ha.

I am excited. Will post pics when we get back.

Have a great weekend everyone!