.......for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

As I reflect on all my blessings. One thing that comes to my mind is the joy in my heart that only can comes from my Lord. Even when things look hopeless that joy always remains and really has been my strength!!!! I pray that all of you too have that same joy, so you can have a strength that only comes from a relationship with Jesus.

This wall hanging made by my sister Christine hangs in my craft cottage. It reminds me of how I feel!!

Jasper, Texas

This last weekend I was in Jasper, TX for a Mother/Daughter Retreat. It was very much a blessing. I was with the daughters when they separated for their special classes and crafts. I taught one of the classes and when the Retreat was over I got a hug from each one. Well when it was time to leave my friend's car wouldn't start. So we were forced to stay over night. Thanks to Lisa Long and her family, who let us stay the night at their home. Here is a picture of their wonderful home. Sunday we went with them to church. For those of you are are Watching American Idol, you will be familiar with Michael Sarver. We went to his church and he was there that morning. He lead one of the worship songs, he has a beautful voice!! That was just the icing on the cake of a already wonderful weekend.

Texas Cattle and Bluebonnets

My OH and I had to drive to Brenham, TX on business today. The drive was beautiful, there were fields of Bluebonnets, the Texas state flower. This spot where we stopped to take the photo was very popular. Cars were lined up on the side of the road taking pictures. This time of year I always think of my mom, her birthday would have been in a few days. We always took a drive around her birthday to see the Bluebonnets, she loved Bluebonnets!!! So do I and I'm sure almost every Texan.

My Craft Cottage

Here are few photos of my craft cottage. It's not completely finished. I still have a few projects to work on. So I'll be taking more photos as things change a bit. Here is the link to my flickr to see more photos of the craft cottage. http://www.flickr.com/photos/14535762@N08/

I pray all of you had a wonderful Easter!! I know I did, even though the rain poured all morning, by afternoon the sun was shining!!! This cute little Easter lamb was a gift from one of my friends, Brook. She goes to the church with me and is our Children's Ministry leader. Her little lamb Tyler is in my 4 & 5 year old class. The rain didn't stop our children at church from having a nice Easter. They had their egg hunt inside, they had Easter cookies, sang worship songs and played games. I love Easter!!!!

Flowers in my backyard.

Yesterday my sweet husband walked in and handed me this cute box. In it was sugar free chocolate from a new candy shop that had opened up "Divina Chocolates". He also got each of our sons some candy for Easter. Another reason I love Easter!!!

Happy Easter

There are two holidays I love Thanksgiving and Easter!! Easter is a time that I really reflect on what Jesus, my Savior has done for me!! He is Risen!!!

When I was little my mom would go all out, making me a beautiful new dress, buying me shining new black shoes, a new hat, gloves and if I could talk her into it a new purse. But my favorite was the new slip, the kind that made my dress stick out and made a crackle sound when I sat down. LOL

When we went to the breakfast table, there was always a big chocolate egg sitting at each plate. Than in the after church we would have an Easter Egg hunt. I love the memories....

We have our own traditions now. My boys are too big for Easter egg hunts now, but I still buy them each a chocolate bunny.

Easter reminds me of Spring. I love the wildflowers and to take a drive through the country to see the Bluebonnets.

I also get the urge to dig in the dirt, to clean out the flower beds, plant flowers of all colors.

Easter......smell of flowers, Easter candy, pretty pastel colors in the stores. These are things that bring a smile to my face!!

SORRY

Sorry it has been a year since I've updated my blog!!! I've several friends encourage me to get back on my blog so I'll try to do a better job! For now this post will have to do.