Another Daughter

In my short time as a new blogger you have heard me mention two daughters so far.  Well, there is another daughter that I would like to mention today.  This daughter was born in my heart instead of being carried under it.  When we are out together and she introduces me to someone she introduces me only as "my mom".  We get funny looks after the intro because you see Connie is black, she is African American and I am white with lots of brown polka dots.  She is also almost 4 years older than I am too.  With those two noticeable differences we do get funny looks but that is okay.  We both get a good laugh about it.  Connie truly is the daughter of my heart.

I met Connie about 15 years ago when I had the honor of teaching women in a discipleship program at Church on the Street (COTS) in Phoenix, AZ.  I was the first face she came into contact with when she arrived at the program and somehow we just clicked.  I am so glad we did.  Connie went on to marry a young man that went through the same program and they just celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary.  Together they are a very precious couple.  Connie ministers for the Lord in the work place as a CNA with one of our local hospice organizations and she is very good at what she does.  I am very proud of my daughter!  A week from next Monday is her birthday.   

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday dear Connie

Happy birthday to you!
(I love you lots and lots!)

The link to Church on the Street (COTS) seems to be down right now but in future blogs I want to share more about this amazing ministry and what a blessing it has been in my life.  So stay tuned as they say : )

(edited 4/19 COTS link is good now)

Light in the Window

For as long as I can remember I have had a light burning in my front window.  No one has ever asked about it.  The kids have never said anything nor even our very observant grandchildren.  Maybe they just know that Mémère's light burning in the window means there is lots of love and a warm greeting inside no matter the day or time.  I sure hope so.  More than anything I want our home to be a refuge to any and all.  I hope they know.

My Favorite Meal - Chicken Fingers

When I go out to eat with Precious Husband more than likely I will order Chicken Fingers -- they are just my all time favorites -- well, next to Mexican food at least.

Some time back I discovered Panko bread crumbs and now we have chicken fingers at home almost as good as Chili's (where they serve my very favorite).

Panko crumbs are Japanese bread crumbs and they just are the greatest thing since well, sliced bread of course.  I use them to make wonderful fried fish.  Everything I make comes out picture perfect with the crumbs.  I tell you they are just wonderful.  I have even been known to buy them and give to a friend with the recipe for chicken fingers.  Yep, the friend agreed they are a keeper.

Go pick up some Panko and see for yourself what wonderful chicken fingers you can make for your family.

Table Top Tuesday Vignette

Today I am linking to Marty at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com to join in her Table Top Tuesday feature.  I just recently found some Arizona blogging gals and Marty is one that I have since followed.  She has lots of pretties to see when you visit.

My table top is actually a cutout (one of three) in the wall of our family room.  I usually have a seasonal theme going on in this space and want to share pictures of my spring vignette here with you today.

The picture is not very good but the white ceramic plate with a cover is for serving bread (hidden behind it are a stack of small plates that match on an iron plate holder).  I found this serving piece at Home Goods and loved it.  Later I was visiting Mary and discovered in her pictures that there are several more pieces like this.  So now the hunt is on for the butter server.  Just the butter server and I will be a happy camper.  Not too much to ask is it?  Every so often I stop again at Home Goods in hopes that this piece may show up.  The thing about Home Goods is you never know what you will find.  The fun is definitely in the hunt!  Check out Mary's tea blog for wonderful posts and gorgeous eye candy.  Check here and you will see the object of my recent hunt.

The teapot and matching cup were found at Cracker Barrel several years ago.  I had two cups but one got broke and because it was a good break  : )  it is now part of our guest room decor shown below.

Hope you enjoyed my Table Top Tuesday vignette.  This is so much fun!
 

My Office - My Sanctuary

Self-discipline for me is getting up at 5:30 a.m. and taking my coffee straight to my little office each morning.  The day that starts this way is so much better and I am so much happier with myself when I do it.  Unfortunately this ritual does not take place as consistently as I would like it to.  I am just being honest here.  I do struggle with this particular discipline.

So much for true confession.  Now about my office - my personal sanctuary.  I found this quote today that expresses my feelings about my office perfectly, Jane Austen writes “Her plants, her books…her writing desk…were all within reach…she could scarcely see an object in that room which had not an interesting remembrance connected with it.”

Yes, my office is full of things that make me smile and cause me to reflect and remember and to be encouraged.  On the bookshelves are little things that others probably wonder what in the world? but to me they are very special.  They have a personal story.  My office is full of books.  Bibles and books about Christian living, family, and home.  Books that encourage me in my daily attempts at being a godly woman.  My text books for the career I have desired more than any other.  I am so thankful to be a full time wife and mother -- domestic engineer and domestic warrior of Precious Husband's and my home.

As a side note here, today's proverb I took note of was Proverb 12:4 and it says an excellent wife is a crown to her husband . . .  Yes, I desire to be a crown to my Precious Husband!

Well, I am rambling here I think so I better quit.  I hope you take some time today in your sanctuary and find refreshment for your heart.