Mother's Day-An Investment

Dear Mom,

Mother's Day has passed and I enjoyed our phone call. We may be states apart, but I'm thankful we can stay close in spirit. I want you to know that since I'm a Mommy now -five years and running- I've learned that time is one of our most precious treasures and tools. Time can be used to show those around us what is truly our heart's desire. I invested my time on this Mother's Day to start the day with words of love to the sweet girls I have been given to raise. My investment continued as I used my time to take my children to learn about God. Teaching them that what makes me happiest on the day set aside for Moms is to see them obey God and His word. When my daughters become Mommies they can look back at Mother's Days past and see my hope for them. A life of investment in the souls and hearts of those we love. After attending a morning church service and being encouraged to be a Mother who puts God first, we had some great family time-a picnic outside and simple fun together. Some rest helped our little family to keep God the focus of our day so we could enjoy an evening encouraging other Christians and being encouraged too. Wait, shouldn't Mom be the focus on Mother's Day? Consider that, if He is the center of the day, we all grow closer and endure in this world's often daunting days. My investment-Make God and Mama proud on Mother's Day.

Love,
Chastity

Cheerleader Part I

I am blessed to have my own, personal cheerleader. She is my mom. She tells me that I am a good writer and a good housekeeper. A good wife and mother. A good cook and gardener. She taught me to meet my obligations, pay my bills, keep my promises, be on time, and not to be the center of attention. She has many friends, but doesn't understand why so many people like her. She thinks she is boring. She has lots of friends because she cares about them and listens to them instead of talking about herself all the time. She genuinely finds a conversation about others more interesting than talking about herself. She is on my team no matter what - that doesn't mean she would always make the same decision. She knows how to love without smothering. She is my mom and she is also a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, grandmother and friend to many. She would rather blend in, but I want to give her a moment in the spotlight. I love you, Mom. Thank you for being my most faithful reader.

Keep it Clover!

Bathing Beauty

So, What Do You Think? A while back I finally visited a really great flea market in Liberty, SC. I love the atmosphere out there. As I stepped out of the van, I could feel the antiques in the air and the bargains too. These mirrors were such a great find at the perfect time. Our home is great and was a good price, but did not include any mirrors. So, when I saw these two I knew I would like them in our master bath and at $14 for the pair I loaded up my bargains. My husband is 6'5'' so I wanted a tall mirror that would not make hime scrunch down to shave and stuff. I didn't like the cheap looking gold paint finish on these babies, though. So, I bought my very first cans of black spray paint and worked the magic.

Other deals in this room: The porcelain watering can was $2.99 new including bath salts. And I love my thrift store candle holder for 50 cents. Oh, and the clearance candle whose scent makes me smile!

I am thinking of painting the cabinet black. Please give me your opinion. Would I have to paint the side of the bathtub surround black also?

We are thrilled to have a jetted tub that works great on tired muscles. We are trying to live such that we get rid of our credit card debt so we shopped for a house below our means. That is easier said than done. Nicer homes are always alluring.

Thank you to my hubbie for hanging the mirrors and to my mom for buying them for us.

I love you both.

Did you all catch the bit of cuteness in the first pic? I'll give you a hint: orange.

Keep it clover!

Nothing To Wear

It seems that at some time most children give their parents gifts that are actually bought by the parent who is receiving the gift. I thought that was so funny as a child, but I loved giving a "real" gift to my mom. Now as a mom myself I know that a scribbled page from my toddler is more precious than any store-bought item, but from a child's point of view, giving a present from a store's shelf made me feel more grown up.

This reminds me of a young boy, about ten years old, who came through the line at KMart where I cashiered during my college summer and winter breaks. It was Christmas season and he had chosen some slippers and jeans and a shirt for his mom. So sweet! Unfortunately when he gave me his money to pay, he was several dollars short. When I asked him if he had more money (I didn't have any cash or anything--for those of you who may want to scalp me for not just paying for the kid's stuff.) he looked sad and started to put all the items back. I quickly told him that he had enough for the jeans and shirt if he wanted to leave off the slippers and his big smile showed how happy and relieved he was. It was one of the most loving things I have ever seen. I could tell that he really loved his mom and wanted to give her a token of that love.

As a young girl, I once gave my mom a gift of a nightshirt. You know, those screenprint shirts with a witty saying and picture. This particular bit of humor said "I have nothing to wear!" as a woman stands in front of an overstuffed closet. Well, I must admit that I AM THAT WOMAN. That's right, tonight I literally became the woman who can't find space to hang up all of her clothes, yet has "nothing to wear." Amusing, yet sad, I suppose. So, I decided to begin a pile of clothing to give to charity and also boxed up all of my winter items since summer is just beginning. How valiant of me! Well, as I finished my task, I am proud to announce that I have a box full of winter clothes to put in storage for a few months (then I will try to stuff them back in my closet!) and two shirts to give to Goodwill. Wow. Maybe I didn't succeed as I thought, but I am setting yet another goal of trying on two outfits a week and making a final decision. Should I allow myself the option of just stuffing it back in the closet?