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

Stocking Stuffer Giveaway! Mini Note Cards

Mini Note Cards Giveaway!

Here's your opportunity to win our giveaway prize, 
Mini Note Cards by Java Girls.  Simply follow this blog, leave a comment AND become a Facebook

fan of Java Girls.  Winner will be announced on

December 1, 2010.

  

Coffee Chat

There's just something special about sitting down with a dear friend and chatting over a cup of hot coffee.   It's been said that women need to speak 20,000 to 30,000 words a day.  So, this morning I spoke a portion of my 30,000 words chatting with my Etsy partner, Renee, aka, Java Girl! :)  Sharing burdens, laughing, praying and listening, of course.  What a great way to start my day. Thank God for special friends.  Love ya, girlfriend.

Becoming a Grandparent!

I'm filling in for Renee, so I just thought I'd blog about what I'm bursting to tell the world! I'm just weeks away from becoming a grandmother, and I can't wait.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. KJV James 1:17  After raising four children, my husband and I realize that this monumental responsibility has only been accomplished by the grace of God. Phew!!  And now, what a joy to be anticipating the birth of our first grandson, Gavin Michael, in December, and another grandchild in January.  I loved being a mother, and I'm told there's nothing like being a grandparent.  In a sense, our parenting task is still not complete, as now we get to "parent" in a "grand" way!  Giving lots of love, hugs, kisses, and prayers, and living a godly life that points our grandchildren to the Lord!  So, fellow grandparents, we're joining the ranks, and God's grace abounds!

Counting Our Blessings

We're all tested from time to time with difficult trials that seem to bury us in a sea of despair.  It is during these times that God has the opportunity to demonstrate His  power, love, provision and sustaining grace.  When tested beyond what we feel we can bear, it is the the act of counting our blessings and focusing on the love of Christ and exercising our faith in Him that will carry us through.  Our pastor delivered a very encouraging message last night at prayer meeting about faith.  We must trust in the person of Christ, the power of Christ, the provision of Christ, the purpose of Christ and the path of Christ. We don't understand all things, but God does.  Look around and see all the blessings he continues to bestow even when the sea billows roll.  Thank you, God, for my family, friends, health, church family, home................the blessings are too numerous to list.  God is good......all the time!

Friends

I'm sorry I have been MIA for the last couple of weeks. It's been a little crazy here and a little busy with JavaGirls, which is a very good thing, and my body is deciding to take a break, even if I don't want to myself. I'm going for some tests and meeting some new doctors, and trusting the Lord in it all. As I sat down tonight to write, I got a IM from a childhood friend. Her dad is in the hospital and is not doing well. Their family is going through a deep valley right now, yet I know they will not walk it alone. They have a faith in Jesus Christ and they have friends. This wondereful man and his wife were my parents best friends. They were the kind of friends that you knew you could count on. They were the kind of friends that could just show up at your door and you were thrilled to see. They were the kind of friends that all you had to do was put on a pot of coffee, and you sat and talked for hours! They were the kind of friends that you had such a good time with that you laughed and smiled all the way home thinking of the things that were said. They were the kind of friends that you missed so much when they were gone, but you were so glad that you had known them. These kind of friends only come along once in a while in life. I think they are special gifts straight from Heaven and God Himself. They teach us so much and nourish our souls. They refresh us everytime we are together. They are special.
So, please pray for "Odie" . That is not his official name, but it's the name that his close friends called him. He was "Mr. Odie" to all us kids, and we love him so.
If you have a friendship like this, call them up, have a cup of coffee, remember good times, enjoy a laugh or two, and count yourself blessed. Time and distance will never matter with these friends.
Until Next Time,
Mamacooker  

We're pleased to announce our giveaway Recipe Journal Winner!

Congratulations to Two Happy Stampers. We will be creating a custom altered Recipe Journal for http://www.etsy.com/shop/twohappystampers.  If you haven't visited their shop yet, be sure to check out their beautiful handmade cards.

My Journal Made The Front Page of Etsy

Okay, this may not be a huge deal, but it feels like a milestone for Ruth and me.  We just thought it would be fun to share it with our readers.  You can see the treasury in the left sidebar. Building our Java Girls Shop has been quite an adventure with its ups and downs.

We love what we do, and we feel that our product is special.  For example, Ruth's daughter ordered a custom personalized gift for a friend.  When her friend received it she said it made her cry, and "it was the best gift she'd ever received".  Here's a picture of the journal.   Front and back covers are filled with special moments of their friendship.  The flower represents where her friend once lived, the name on the cover is a special nickname that Ruth's daughter gave her.

As we continue our journey of creating special keepsakes, we hope in a small way we're bringing loved ones closer together.  Have a wonderful day followers and friends!  Javamama

Family Traditions

What are your family traditions?
We all have them. Some go deeper than other's. They get changed a little over the years and generations, but we keep them because they make us feel connected. They connect us to good memories, warm feelings and moments in time that you don't want to forget. They also bring to remembrance the love your family shared. We celebrate the good times and the momentous occasions to be remembered and cherished. We store it in the hard drive of our mind to be brought back year after year or even generation to generation. It becomes a trademark of our family. Something our children can count on, and they do! 
Our family is big on traditions. Sometimes to a fault. It's hard for us to accept change, but we have to sometimes. It runs deep for both my husband and me. We both grew up with a lot of traditions passed down. For example, this week is my husband's birthday. Though he likes a variety of cakes and ice cream, I can always count on him asking for yellow cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate chip ice cream. I asked last night, and he came out with the same answer. I don't think it would feel like his birthday without it! In his family of seven children your birthday celebration was special and you picked your favorite meal and your cake and ice cream. Tradition continues on!   
In the picture above you will notice the little boy with the red wagon. That is my brother, cute as can be, and he loved his little red wagon. He and his brother played forever with this wagon, hauling dirt, toys, and their pets all around. My father loved watching them so much that when he had his first grandson, you can guess what he bought for him!  Thus, the tradition of the little Red Wagon began. Each grandson, all four of them, received their red wagon from Pa-paw. My son, his last grandson, received his wagon only 6 month's before daddy passed away. Daddy was battling cancer.  A real bitter-sweet day for us all. We cried, hugged and cherished each moment of that day as daddy pulled him around the yard in his red wagon.

No surprise then, we have carried on this tradition in our family. The theme of the baby shower for our first grandson was "A Red Wagon Welcome" in honor of my daddy.  Jack just turned 3 earlier this year and will really enjoy his wagon this summer with his two baby brothers!  Yep, little did we know we would have three grandsons in a row! Now what? Well, we will have to be creative in the red wagon tradition. Thank the Lord they make all different kinds of wagons now. Grandson number two will be getting a  double seater for him and his baby brother, and then, we will have to get a third one as the baby gets older. These family traditions are still precious even though sometimes a challenge. I could not bear the thought of one grandson not getting his own wagon. So, it may get interesting if my daughter has more boys! We can have our own parade in the neighborhood in the summers to come! I can just imagine the look on my daddy's face if he could see them all now. He would love it.
So, enjoy your traditions. Start them now, if you haven't already. They bring you a lot of joy, a lot of memories, and a lot of security as your children remember the good things in life. God tells us in Philippians 4:8  to think on the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. This brings us a peace in this troubled world as we lean on Him.  
Till next time,
Mamacooker

Featured Seller ~ jYOUlry ~ Where the jewel is YOU!

This is our very first featured seller, jYOUlry.  You can view her shop at www.jyoulry.etsy.com to see her very special keepsake jewelry.  I felt an instant kindred spirit when I set eyes on her pieces of jewelry.  Family is the most special gift we have!  I've asked her to share a bit about herself and her work.  Here it is:

jYOUlry was created by a WAHM. Lisa is the mother of three boys and an interior designer, but when she and her family recently relocated to Panama, she had to close her firm in Florida and become a stay-at-home mom. While her kids keep her life very busy, she was in need of a creative outlet. Lisa was looking for something different, unique, something she could make but also sell. Years ago Lisa had bought a necklace with a photo pendant of her two older boys on it. When she was pregnant with the baby, she called about ordering a new one, but sadly they were no longer making them. It was then that the idea was born, “I’ll make one myself”, Lisa said. So she began her new business venture with the idea to replace the simple necklace she had. Though it didn't take long for the designer in her to shine through, and the custom designed collection of photo jewelry was born! Best of all, Lisa believes in low, affordable prices! “I wanted a product that was an amazing gift and still affordable in this economy.” You will find other comparable products online at double her prices. jYOUlry is a unique gift idea and each sterling silver piece is a keepsake. Your photo is reproduced and permanently sealed onto the charm or pendant of your choice, with a water and scratch resistant resin, giving your gift a beautiful glass-like finish, guaranteed to bring a smile to its recipient; but beware… sometimes you get tears too! Thank you, Lisa.  :)

Altered Composition Recipe Journal Giveaway - Ends April 30th

Enter my 3rd journal giveaway.  This time I'm giving away an altered composition Recipe Journal made by me, aka Java Girl @ http://www.javagirls.etsy.com/. Check out my shop to see a sample similar to what you'll win!!  It's perfect to hand write special family recipes and heartwarming dinnertime stories.  To see just how special it can become, read my blog post about my husband's grandmother's recipe journal. To enter simply follow this blog and comment on this giveaway.  It's that simple.Winner to be announced April 30th. 

Monday's "Mama, whatcha cookin?" Grandma's Shortcake!

Yesterday's Memories~Today's Treasures

Along with my mama, God has blessed my life

with many other wonderful women, two of which I will mention today. One is my mother-in-law, whom I admire, love greatly, and proudly call mom. She is the perfect mother-in law and someone I take lessons from for my role as mother in law. I can only hope to be as great to my sons in law as she is to me. She and dad raised 7 remarkable children. My husband is child number 2, and in my opinion, the best! Well, I can't help it, he is! I try to remember to personally thank Mom on Mother's Day for raising such a wonderful man for me. Mom and Dad are special because they have a tremendous ability to love their large family with the most unconditional, and yet equal, love. They have 7 children, 21 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Their family is a testament to family love and loyalty. Years ago Mom gave me a cookbook that belonged to her mom. I was so honored to receive this. I had known Grandma. She too, was a wonderful lady. I had only been in the family a few years before she passed away, yet I had grown to love her so. This was a treasure to have her favorite recipes. It was a composition book from the early 1900's, filled with recipes,some poetry, and newspaper clippings. You can find her favorites by the pages with the most stains! This book became the inspiration for my composition Recipe Book and Journal which will be in this month's blog give-a-way. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36292245 A great little book to write your family favorites and family stories involving food, cooking, and such. Someday we can pass these on to our daughters or daughter-in-laws, knowing they will cherish them as their treasures. Here's where you can enter a journal giveaway for an altered composition Recipe Journal. http://javamamacooker.blogspot.com/2010/04/altered-composition-recipe-journal.html

Till next time,
Mamacooker

I'd like to share a favorite from grandma's book that may come in handy with strawberry season just around the corner!

Grandma's Shortcake
1/2 c. sugar
2 Tbsp butter
1 egg
1 c. whole milk
2 c. flour
2 tsp baking powder

Cream sugar, butter and egg until smooth and creamy. Combine flour and baking powder together. Gently add flour mixture alternately with the milk until all is mixed in. Do not over mix.
Drop by spoonfuls of desired size onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 for 12-15 min. or until lightly browned. Cool, slice and fill with fresh berries and whipped cream. Yum yum!

Congratulations to our giveaway winner!

Congratulations to www.trixieFishStabber.etsy.com! She is the winner of our recent journal giveaway contest. Thanks to all who entered. We appreciate all of our followers. Be watching for our next journal giveaway.

Monday, Mama whatcha cookin?

Faith, Family, Friends and Chicken Pot Pie, that's what's cookin today!

I say this because I could not have one of these without the other today. Years ago, I received this recipe from my dear friend who happens to be the other half of Java Girls! It came from a member of her family. It is a very good and simple recipe for chicken pot pie and it always seems to be the perfect comfort food. I make it for my family quite often. I am always rewarded with lots of raves and kudos for a great dinner when I make this. That makes me happy. I also like to make this to take to someone in need, which is what I'm doing today! I will make two, one for my family, and the other one is going to a sweet young "mommy to be" that has been on bed rest most of her pregnancy. What is supposed to be the most joyful time has been the hardest time for this young mother to be. Pregnancy has it's ups and downs anyway, but most of us make it through with some really fun memories of going on with our life during the nine months. Not for this mommy! So, as her friend I have the privilege of helping her.

As I prepare this pot pie, I can think of this new mom and pray, knowing how hard it is to endure discomfort herself for the sake of letting her baby grow. I can encourage her that it will come to an end. Though I do remember thinking myself during my first pregnancy "This baby will never come out!" Mine did, and so will hers. Soon she will be holding her own sweet baby, and all this will be in the past. Also, I can make this dish with extra love and appreciation because it was my friend who shared this family recipe. It has blessed our family and many other's as well. I can increase my own faith and this new mom's in knowing that no matter what goes on in the world today, or what we face, we have faith in God, family, friends and yummy chicken pot pie for dinner!
Till next time,
Mamacooker

A great place to keep your prayer list or just journal about your faith, family and friends is in this beautiful journal we just listed this month in our shop. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43470670

Chicken Pot Pie

1 recipe of double layer pie crust/or 1 box Pillsbury pie crust.

1 16 oz. pkg. frozen vegetables(peas/carrot or mixed)

1 can Campbell's cream of chicken soup

milk (approx 5 oz)

1 1/2 to 2 cups cooked cubed chicken breast
Pre-heat oven to 375.

Cook vegetables according to package directions, drain and set aside. Place bottom layer of crust in 8-9 inch pie plate. Mix together drained vegetables, cream of chicken soup, using soup can, half can of milk, and cooked/cubed chicken. Pour into crust. Cover with top crust. Using knife, make 4-5 small slits in center of pie crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake at 375 for 30-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Crust Recipe:

2 c. sifted flour

1tsp. salt

2/3 c. Crisco shortening

5-7 Tbsp. cold water

Sift together flour and salt. Cut in shortening with pastry blender. Sprinkle 1 tbsp water over mixture. Toss with fork. Repeat until all water is used. divide dough into two balls and roll out on floured covered surface. Makes two crust, for top and bottom.