My baby is growing up!

This summer our youngest child's only wish for her vacation was to ride horses at her uncle's farm. God allowed that to happen and she was one happy girl! Her love for horses had to come from the Lord because it didn't come from her mom! I have a lot of respect

(aka fear) for those big creatures. It did bless my heart to see her wish come true and to see the joy in her face. Our baby girl is growing up too fast. In fact, she is going into Jr. High this year! My how the time has flown. I remember when my first child entered Jr. High.  It was way different for me as a mom. It was uncharted territory. I worried and fretted over everything. This time is different though. Not only am I worrying less, but I am actually enjoying the experience. She went off today to the mall shopping with her friend, getting  necessities like crazy socks, nail polish and such! Watching her leave just made me realize what a difference time and wisdom has made in me as a mom. God has shown me that truly "...all things work together for good" Romans 8:28.  He has taught me to "Be still and know that I am God"Psalm 46:10. He has encouraged me that "I can do all

things through Christ, which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13.  He has led me to "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not unto mine own understanding"  Proverbs 3:5 many times over!  I'm sure there will be many moments in these next six years to put it all into practice and I hope to remember the lessons learned over the years with our other three children. This one thing I know, "children are an heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward" Psalm 127:3. 

My husband and I have been greatly rewarded and are thankful to be blessed with our family. Families help us to grow closer to God and to gain wisdom if we allow God to teach us. 

I pray that you enjoy the rest of your summer and cherish every moment you have with your family. Count your blessings, and remember what great things the Lord has done for you and also the great things that he has taught you.  

Going Home

This past month our family packed our bags and car and headed south to my beloved home state of Mississippi. Home to my mama who has inspired me not only for this blog, but also for the love of family and life itself. We had a wonderful time with her and my family that live there including my brother, his children, grandchildren and even his great grandchildren! That makes my mama a great great grandma. What a privilege to be able to know your great great grandchildren and be a part of their lives! Amazing. Mama loves every minute of it too. Her great great granddaughter's name is Emma who is named after her. She is an adorable reminder of how precious family and life really are.

While I was there, I also went to visit my childhood best friend. It was a bittersweet visit this year. She had just said goodbye to her mama. She lost not only her mama, but her best friend as well. As she shared the beautiful story of her mama's "Going Home" we were sad, we cried, and yet we were amazed at what a beautiful testament her last days were. Her daughter had prayed that she would not suffer so greatly at the end. Her mama had been through a long battle with cancer, and she just wanted to see her be at peace. Family was everything to her mama, and she was one of the sweetest women ever. God answered my friend's prayer. During her last week on Earth her friends and family came one by one, everyday, all day. Each night my friend and her mama would go to bed talking about who came that day and how good it was to see them. That final night came and my friend said that she had wished she had known it was the last, for if she had known, she would have talked all night. Her mama had gone to sleep feeling good and so happy that night. There was no reason to believe it was to be her last. In her passing, she had given her daughter one last precious gift. She told her how happy her life had been and how much she loved her and all the people who were very dear to her. Psalms 116:15 tells us "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints". My friend can carry that with her forever, knowing God gave her mom a beautiful exit from this world and into her home in heaven. Mrs. Kelly was blessed, but she was also a blessing to all who knew her. No wonder she had such a wonderful Going Home.  

Featured Seller - Etsy Artist Rachel Crafton

This Etsy artist just happens to be my daughter, Rachel.  Rachel is a painter, professional graphic designer and photographer who is very passionate about her work.   Her Etsy shop name is Oh Fiddlesticks, and her artistic creations are custom and personalized printable digital photo cards.  She can come up with just about anything you're looking for, whether it be invitations, announcements, cards, postcards, etc.  She just designed a special valentine for me to give to my husband using two of my photos.  I love it!  She also designed my etsy shop banner. 


If you'd like, take a peek at her shop.  Check out her online portfolio to view her photography and paintings.  Thanks, Rachel.  Happy Valentine's Day to a special daughter.  Love, Mom
(Ruth is filling in for a very sick, Renee.  Get well soon!)

Change

     Well, we are an entire month and one day into the new year of 2011! Wow, that was fast. Talk about change! My friend just informed me that 1980 is considered vintage by "Etsy" standards after I tried to correct her about an item in her shop classified as 1980 vintage. I thought she must have meant 1880, for who would consider the 1980's vintage! I was married in the 80's and had babies in the 80's! I remember the 80's! Something is wrong with this.  I think what is wrong is that "change" is going on, whether I like it or not!

I'm not a big fan of change, yet without it I would be stuck. Stuck in time, stuck in an era without progress, stuck in times of life that are not so good, even stuck in good times that could get "old". Sometimes though, the change can't come fast enough. Especially when life is not so grand.  Other times, we don't want to change. We like our soft, cushy, happy life we are in, and we don't want to move on.  Trusting God is the key. Letting go and letting Him lead us through, even when the times are bad. It reminds me of the scene in the movie Gone With the Wind, where they had to put a blanket over the horse's head to lead them through the burning streets of Atlanta. If the horses didn't see the fire, they wouldn't fear it or fight it. Some days are like that. Just put the blanket over my head, Lord! I trust you. Just lead me on.  

Ever have one of those days, weeks, years? Well, you're not alone! You're in good company, or should I say, at least in company!
Keep your head under the blanket of faith, and just follow on! God will lead!

Proverbs 3:5&6  " Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

How It All Began

I'm a very family oriented person, and there's nothing more important to me than my family. I'm a scrapbook enthusiast, and I've created many detailed scrapbooks for my children.  I love recording special moments and memories.  Any craft can become quite costly, so I decided I'd give Etsy a try.  My friend, Ruth, and I decided that personalized altered  journals would be a perfect item to encourage others to record their special memories.  We joined journals and scrapbooking to create altered journals.  You will find many types of journals in our shop, Java Girls, for children, brides, moms, wives, etc.  We make each one special and personal. So, behind each journal, guestbook, or sketchbook is an artist with a passion for life, family, and love.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5YKQZMJF_Q

Binky's Fudge

Well, I received my fudge, and it is so delicious.  I'm very happy, Binky, and I'll be back again!  MMMMMMMM!!!!!

Binky's Fudge - Featured Seller

Today I'm going to blog about an Etsy seller I discovered, Binky's Fudge.  I've read her reviews, which are 100% positive, and after seeing numerous Binky's Fudge posts on my Facebook page, I gave into temptation and placed an order for Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge!  I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival.....guaranteed 2 day delivery!  I'm going to let you all know how it is, and from what I've read from her previous customers, it's going to be heavenly.  Here's what she has to say about herself:


"Hello,my nickname is "Binky"..always has been and always will be! Its a kinda silly name but it was given to me as a baby and it just stuck with me.

I am a happily married mother of 5. I like to consider myself as an "Italian Domestic Goddess"..I love to cook & create beautiful crafty things. I make all of my fudge the old fashioned way...by scratch..no or artificial ingredients are used!

*All of my fudge is made in a Fully Licensed & Inspected Kitchen. "

Have a wonderful day everyone!  Javamamacooker