molly b

One thing that was on Erica and the kids list was a art Bucket filled with art supplies for them to create wonderful masterpieces with. I had so much fun putting this together for them. I can’t wait to share some fun times with Drew and Callie making all sorts of things.

Christmas Night is the time to spend with the Brown family – all 22 of us. This year it was at my home and oh did I love every minute of it.

To think the Brown family started with (5)Mom/Dad, Danny, Brenda and Myself and expanded to 22 and counting! The second generation has 8 cousins

And now look what has happened – WOW!

I couldn’t help but think about my Mom and Dad on Christmas Day as I thought about my family coming to celebrate . How very proud they would be of their 8 Grandchildren and how they would have enjoyed loving on these three- the third generation cousins !

I tried to share with my family( the lump in my throat got in the way) that night how very blessed we are to have the greatest gifts – our precious family. What a legacy of love my parents left us

All because two people fell in Love

What a fun night we had catching up with each other and talking non stop.

We are Family

Until the next time Christmas comes around I will cherish the moments shared with family and friends this Christmas Season…..

Happy New Year!

Molly B

The Blessings of Christmas…

2011-12-23T17:23:00.001-06:00

I am counting them one by one on this day….

My precious family…

“Other things may change us, But we start and end with Family”

My friends….

“A cheerful friend is like a sunny day spreading brightness all around”

My Savior …..

“ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

I saw Christmas today-

I saw the smile of a grandmother holding her first grandson who lives very far away from her. A family reunited again after months apart.
I saw a perfect stranger give a roll of money to a women in the parking lot of Kmart I had to stop and get the tears from my eyes to be able to keep walking to the door.
I saw the patience of customers waiting in line at the grocery store – everyone with smiles on their faces and cheerful.
I saw the excitement in the eyes of my grandchildren- as they opened their presents last night and squealed with delight!

Christmas is a time when Gods love is spread all around – even to a complete stranger.

Blessings to you today –

Merry Christmas

Molly B

The blessings of friendships…

2011-12-19T20:16:00.001-06:00

God has blessed me beyond measure with some wonderful friends. I saw this saying lately and it spoke volumes to me about true friends.

“Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest…

It’s about who came, and never left your side…”

This past week I celebrated Christmas, and a very special birthday with some of my dearest friends. These women have walked with me through the darkest and happiest days and I love them dearly! We have laughed,cried and laughed till we cried and have remained friends through it all. Our ages span about 17 years and yet we have so much in common. Our favorite day out is to Canton and love to get together and make things with our hands- whether cooking,sewing or gluing something together. I thank God daily for the friends he has blessed me with – it is truly a wonderful Gift!

Blessed

Merry Merry

Molly B

Gingerbread Brunch….

2011-12-11T18:56:00.001-06:00

Saturday Gran-Gee(Kaye) Mamy(Amy) and myself(Grammy) threw a little Gingerbread House making party for our grandchildren. We had a great time – as you will soon see.We had seen this type of party on Pinterest and wanted to try our hands at it and it was a huge success. The Children – all under 6- Loved everything we did. I really don’t know who had more fun the kids or adults. What a special morning it was spending time with our grandchildren, Children and good friends.

The Children got right to the task at hand – decorating their Houses and oh yes – eating candy! Don’t look Moms!

Carson

Hattie – she loved sprinkles!

Lukas

My grandchildren – Drew and Callie

We discovered they all have the creative gene and were really good builders. What cute houses they created…

gingerbread Houses

Thanks Kaye and Amy for sharing a special memory with our grandchildren – and thanks Erica for the great Photos!!

We might just have started a annual event!

Christmas in my little Nest....

2011-12-08T21:51:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from my little Nest-where I find Peace on Earth.

Deck the Halls…..

2011-12-05T18:53:00.002-06:00

My Halls are decked and I am ready for the season ahead. I have had such a fun time trying new things this year and decorating with out so much red. Don’t get me wrong I still love the color Red ….. but all white has been very soothing to me and especially at Christmas. Cream and White reminds me of a Winter snow( we got our first snow of the year today!) Come on in and have some Hot Chocolate and a visit.

Deck the Halls

My tree was really fun to create. I used the letters of my family, stuffed glass ornaments with shredded paper and used only white, cream& champagne colored ornaments and Burlap ribbon. I love the way it turned out – don’t you just love it when a plan comes together?

Oh Christmas Tree

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

I carried the white scheme on to the dining room and added more silver.

Santa Claus is coming to Town

My favorite decorations? I would have to say my little cardboard houses. When I was a little girl my family had some of these houses and always had them under the tree. I would lay on my stomach and look at them and think little people lived in them – I had quite an imagination(still do). A few years ago when they started making reproductions of these little darlings I started collecting some. They remind me of my childhood Christmas and beside they just make me – smile.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have your halls decked and you are enjoying the beauty of the season -

Merry Christmas
Molly B

A Quaint Christmas….

2011-12-01T19:16:00.001-06:00

What a way to start the Christmas season - having lunch with a few friends – about 40 of the most creative ladies I know. Excitement was building with the arrival of the most amazing invitation I have ever received.

Audrey’s Home was full of charm from the front porch throughout the little cottage.

A Quaint Christmas

A delightful time of laughs, love and sharing good times! December is my favorite month and what a way to start it off BIG!

Out of the mouths of babes……

2011-11-26T17:55:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving evening I was leaving Josh and Erica's House and all of a sudden Drew came running outside towards me saying “Wait Grammy I have my flashlight” as he ran up to me he stopped and shone the light at the ground and looking up at me with his sweet little voice said ” See Grammy it makes everything OK” Josh and I stopped in our tracks and just smiled. I thought about what he had said and said to him” If only that was true Drew” how easy life would be – just shine a little flashlight and all would be well in the world.

At Christmas time we celebrate the birth of our Savior coming to earth to shine his light –to make everything OK.

In the darkest of days he shines his light –

to make everything OK

When life throws you a curve – he shines his light

to make everything OK

Day by Day –he shines his light

to make everything OK

My prayer for my little Drew is that all the days of his life God will shine his light of love on him and – make everything OK

Out of the mouth of a Babe I got a special reminder of Gods shining love……making everything OK

What a special Thanksgiving gift that was…..

We gather together….

2011-11-21T21:46:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving

What a special time of year – a time to say Thank you to our God for his blessings and abundant love. My heart overflows with his goodness and mercies all the days of my life. Thank you Lord for

The love of my children and grandchildren.
My brother and sister and their families
friends that love me like a sister
a job that is a passion and not work
giving me a creative life
being a Savior that never leaves my side

In everything give – Thanks

...A Thankful Heart….

2011-11-16T20:04:00.001-06:00

In everything give thanks……

What a TREAT…..

2011-11-02T19:23:00.001-05:00

I just have to say that My Halloween this year was full of treats! Having my grandchildren in the same town as me sure makes for fun times together- you know those everyday experiences we get to share. Halloween this year was a fun time and I was so excited that Drew got into being Lightning McQueen soooo much! Callie just loved being little Tinder Bell and was such a sweet one! Our Family all went to the first ever Trunk or Treat at our Church. It was fun for all ages!

Halloween Night they all started off at my house and we went out from there – Trick or Treating along the way!

Treats at the Noles…

Then by the Stutevilles…

What a fun –fun night with Lots of TREATS

Look Grammy at all my Candy!

Hope you all had a Spooktacular Time…..

Friday Night Lights….

2011-10-30T10:41:00.001-05:00

Well the Brown crew was out in force Friday night to watch – are you ready – our favorite Referee at the big cross town football game against our dear ole Abilene High and the Cooper Cougars.

First we needed to feed the crew at our favorite burger place and introduce Jet to the best home made ice cream – he rather liked the pumpkin flavor!

Then off to find our row at Shotwell Stadium – to cheer on my brother Danny. He has been a ref for many years but this was the game that brought him back from retirement – the BIG game. He thought about hanging up his stripes this year but when the head coach's called and ask him to do it – he was beyond thrilled! My brother did not grow up playing sports – at all! He was the National Chicken Judger his senior year at Abilene High and has a degree from A&M in Animal Science . Danny has always loved to watch sports and really has enjoyed his time as ref. He loves the lights on Friday nights at the little schools around. He loves to watch the Boys and how hard they work on the field. He loves the team work of the teams. He was the head ref so he wears the white hat – very fitting for my big brother.

It was Drew's first BIG crosstown game and he was all eyes taking it all in – from the tubas in the bands to the players and Mr. Football.

Callie loved the band and the drums best and loved the beat! clapping and making sure we ALL clapped – I think we have a cheerleader in the making. I made Erica take a vow right there and then to please don’t let out little Drew grow up to play football. Hehe I don’t think I could stand him getting hit like that! This would be a nervous Grammy!

The Brown fans…..

You ask who won?

Abilene High won this one –Big time.

The final score was 62 – 6 WOW

What a fun night and we were really proud of our favorite Ref!!!

Treats all around–no Tricks…..

2011-10-25T21:38:00.001-05:00

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Halloween …my days are full of fun days ahead and my head is spinning with darling ideas to make! Thanks to Pinterest I am never with out ideas up my sleeves! Here are a few of my favorites.

Happy Halloween everyone!!

I Believe in Pink Power…..

2011-10-12T10:08:00.001-05:00

For me October has always meant orange pumpkins-but I have come to also think of October as the Pink month!

You see I have a reason to Celebrate October and the color PINK. My two reasons……

My sister in law Roseann was diagnosed 5 years ago with Breast Cancer. My oldest son Josh was diagnosed 5 years ago with Testicular cancer. I can Happily say and celebrate that they are BOTH cancer free and living a good life!

Their cancers were both found from just a routine exam – early detection was key to both of their success stories.So ladies and gentlemen it is time to get yourself checked!!!! My mother also was a 40 year breast cancer survivor so it was planted in my heart early to always get a mammogram every year. For my sister and myself it is our MUST do yearly check up.

Through the years my family has walked and cheered on the Susan B Komen walks around Dallas. They were both fun and very inspirational – Here are a few pics from years past.

Sarah( my niece) with 3 dear friends ,walked in the 3 day walk all around Dallas – what a accomplishment that was -

Sunni and Tiffany ( two on the right) Mom – Marlene died of Breast cancer when they were little girls – two of Sarah's best friends. Tiff had a broken foot and walked and Sunni was pregnant – now that is determination! For Annalee,Sarah,Tiffany and Sunni it was a experience they will never forget.

Two years ago we all decided to join the Race/walk in Dallas and I have NEVER seen that much Pink and people in one spot in my life! We celebrated for Roseann and her battle-

Our sleeves had Roseann and Jenna's name on it – we were walking in honor of them.

Sarah this year went down to cheer on the walkers in Washington DC as they walked on the 3 day walk-she will never forget her walk and the walk of women fighting Breast Cancer.

With her guys beside her she cheered them on – her sign pretty much says it all…….

Molly B

Smoke-N-Guns….

2011-10-09T10:26:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was such a fun,wet and mouth watering day! I spent the day watching and tasting everything Ben and Wyatt grilled in the” Firehouse cook off”. No trophies were won but we all sure ate well all day and had a fun- fun time!

How many does it take to grill/smoke 3 racks of ribs- pot of beans- 3 appetizers you ask – A WHOLE CHEERING SQUAD- and 2 brothers!

Bens favorite little people came to cheer him on and taste the delights he made.

Callie REALLY liked the ribs!

Smoke-N-Guns

What pure joy these guys bring me. For two young men like Ben and Wyatt –they have both been to and seen Hell- and have made it back – different roads in life but on this day it was all about living the Good life-Life is GOOD!

Here’s to living it-

Molly B

Orange you glad its Fall?

2011-10-01T14:58:00.001-05:00

Fall

I am ready around my little cottage for Fall – cool temperatures, Pumpkins, gourds, and falling leaves…..

Happy Fall Ya’ll

Molly B

Words to live by…..

2011-09-21T18:58:00.001-05:00

A little Fall Fluffing…..

2011-09-18T19:00:00.001-05:00

I always get so excited for the next season to come to my little cottage. Fall is always a welcome relief – from the heat of summer and days of travel. Fall is a time to get the home fires ready for the holidays ahead and my home ready for visits with family and friends. I hosted the first gathering of the Quaint Old homes group last week and it was a great time to get a head start on my fall cleaning and fluffing. I just wanted to share a bit of what I have been doing this early fall.

I am loving my new little yellow and red room – so cozy for me.

And my favorite spot by far in my little cottage…. I can sit and watch the world go by,read a book, plan my garden and take a nap every now and then!

Now if I only had some PUMPKINS I would be all ready to welcome Fall to my house….

Happy Fall Ya’ll

Molly B

A word for the day…

2011-09-14T19:58:00.001-05:00

I have had several happy days lately and I do believe I Sleep really well……Sweet Dreams

Molly B

Drews Three-rific Day

2011-09-11T10:51:00.001-05:00

Drew is one lucky little boy and I think he has figured that out already! His Mom & Dad plan the best Birthday parties! We decided we all like the parties as much as the Children and Drews 3rd lived up to the other 2 for sure. Cars was the theme for his party, he loves anything that has wheels on it and LOVES the car movies. He took it all in with such wonder and amazement it melted my heart to see how excited he was with every detail. Drew is a detail little boy and will look and study something forever!

There were Cars everywhere – Balloons, Cake, Cookies

Even Callie had a cars pillowcase dress – made by me of course – her first dress I made! How fun was that ? A LOT

Drew this year really got into opening his presents and seeing what was in each one. The sweetest thing he did was ask his Dad with each present who gave it to him and then would “Thank” them – melt my heart! See a “detail” kind of guy.

There was a piñata and it was a tough one! It took all the men- Big and little to bust this one open – but boy when they did what fun finding the treasures!

My Boys

Lets make a wish!

He loved the cookies – especially the M&M wheels! One Car and one Tire-

and wore some icing on his face for awhile…..

Then on to the Feature presentation – a outdoor showing of “Cars” on a big screen outside. And we even had a concession stand of snacks.

It is hard for me to believe how one little guy could bring such joy to my life….

I thank God daily for my this precious family God has given me. Thanks Josh and Erica for taking such good care of my Grandson.

And once again “Happy Birthday Drew”

Grammy Molly B

Thrilling Threes….

2011-09-09T19:51:00.001-05:00

My favorite little guy turned 3 this past week. The big“ Cars'” party is this weekend and we are so excited to celebrate 3 years with our little Drew. I couldn’t help but think back on the last 3 years – where have they gone?

The day Drew stole our heart… the first day of his life….

His 1st Birthday…..

Our little Monkey-loved his books the best but not so much the cake??

2nd Birthday – Thomas the Train – his best friend!!

And now I can add #3 to his fun parties…. Our little guy has grown so much in the past 3 months… Talks all the time – you can actually have a conversation with him and that just makes my heart happy. I hope I can remember everything about this sweet age and all the funny things he says to me. He told me last week my name was NOT – Molly Yarger but my name is Grammy – and that my friends is just fine with me – the best name EVER

Happy Happy Birthday Drew – You will always be my sunshine in those baby blues of yours! Love you to the moon and back-

Grammy

Coming round the Mountain….

2011-09-06T21:15:00.001-05:00

I feel like I have been around 3 or 4 mountain tops last month. I spent most of last month GOING! Don’t get me wrong I LOVE to GO – say road trip and I am on the way!

I had 3 great trips – Chicago, Santa Fe/Glorietta and Fredericksburg/Blanco.

I have told you about my trip to Chicago all except showing you my most FAVORITE displayed clothes store –EVER.I will share that with you later in the week or next- stay tuned.

Santa Fe and Glorietta was such a treat for me. What memories that place holds in my heart. I know the friends I made the trip with, got a little tired of hearing about them –but how precious memories are – I thank God for them. For some people you shared them with, it is like a part of them is still there looking over your shoulder.

Here is my Picture Collage of my trip to Santa Fe-

Santa Fe

Last weekend my friends Amy, Kaye and my Sister Brenda headed off to a Cooking Class in Blanco. Of course we had to spend the day in Fredericksburg and shop and eat at the Peach Tree. My favorite store – RED. Hard to believe with a name like that – hehe. We stayed in a B& B and then Saturday headed to enjoy one of the most fun days we have shared as friends.

Fredricksburg

Our cooking class was at the Juniper Hills Farm in Blanco. We spent the day making Sweet and Savory things. The morning class was making our own body lotion,Bath gel,Air freshener and Body scrub. That was so fun and smells so good and natural. Made with essential oils and made to your nose liking! I have my very own scent and I just love it – boy does my house smell good now and its all organic.

They served us a delicious lunch and then it was our turn to cook. We prepared Asiago Cheese Scones, Vanilla Pear Jam, Spicy pecans, Cheese wafers and Home made Vanilla. It was a sweet day with friends and we all agreed we will be going back to spend another day with Sibby our wonderful kind teacher.

Juniper Hills Farm

Even though my going is stopping for a while I will file these fun days away in my heart and think back on them often.

Down on flat earth-

Molly B

Words to live by Wednesday…

2011-08-31T10:07:00.001-05:00

I just finished the book “The Help” and I loved it – One thing I think we can all remember to tell our children daily one, two or one hundred times is this

Tell yourselves for that matter…..

Happy Wednesday friends…..

Molly B

My Mountain is waiting….

2011-08-18T21:16:00.001-05:00

There are two places on this earth that bring me peace. The Ocean and the Mountains- to see Gods handiwork in his creation is just a very peaceful thing to me. And guess what? I have some Mountains waiting for me to come visit again. I have not been to the Mountains in about 11 years- . And I am going this week. I saw this on pinterest and it spoke volumes to me and made me think of the SMELL of the Mountains – can’t you just smell it?

It’s the Pinion wood burning in the fireplaces that make that wonderful smell that takes me back to times of great memories. I grew up going to Glorietta every summer of my childhood- it was our family vacation destination . I continued the tradition with my sons and we all have some great memories there. When I told them I was going they both let out this long sigh and both said “Oh how I love that place- we have to go again soon” It is time for them to start the tradition of taking there children to the mountains and Glorietta. Santa Fe is right next to Glorietta and such a fun place to visit – so different from where I live.

Santa Fe

So off I go to climb a mountain, smell the smell, walk the streets of Santa Fe, eat amazing Mexican food, enjoy seeing the Indian Market, the Farmers Market – but most of all

Enjoy Gods Beautiful Mountains……

I’ll tell them hello for you-

Molly B

I love the The Windy City…

2011-08-14T19:44:00.002-05:00

Chicago

My trip to Chicago was so much fun this year because my friend Tari and I stayed a extra day to finally SEE Chicago!

We saw a lot in 24 hours –We rode the train into Chicago from Aurora where Bernina headquarters are.Of course all I could think about is how much I wished Drew could ride a train like this – he would have loved it. I loved seeing the little villages around the depot all along the way- so quaint! And of course we went to the most famous street in Chicago

We walked for 5 hours on Friday going all the way up and down this amazing street. I have never seen so many people on one street. It was a perfect day for walking – temps in the 80s and sunny! I will share about the wonderful stores we saw and my favorite store of all time – I know can you believe I found the most amazing store EVER! It’s the displays that had me at first sight!

I have been to the top of the world! The worlds tallest building anyway. WE all grew up hearing about the Sears Tower – now called the Willis Tower. The elevator ride to the top – 104 floors took us 60 seconds. It was breath taking to be able to see all of Chicago and actually 4 states from up there. They have a clear floor you can stand on and look straight down – we tried to do it but we could not turn a loose of the wall! HEHE – wow it was a long way down! Chicago has some beautiful buildings – and all the steel – my Dad would have loved seeing how they built it from Steel since he worked for a Steel company his whole life.

I also discovered the WORLDS BEST Pizza. We had Chicago Pizza two times just because it was so darn good! Kind of like eating a lasagna(minus the pasta) with a crust. Oh me it was good! The pizza was at least 3 inches thick. My favorite had a layer of spinach in it. I was trying to be good and eat my vegetables!

We also rode the trolley down to the Pier and ate dinner and who did we sit by on the trolley but a family from San Antonio – so funny that Texans would end up side by side. We all were enjoying the cool weather and green grasses and beautiful flowers everywhere.

We had a great 24 hours after a long week of work and we are already planning what we will see next time Chicago calls our name.

Molly B

Words to live by….

2011-08-10T22:31:00.001-05:00

Turn your sound up and listen to this wonderful song…. One of my favorites and speaks volumes to me – I hope it will bless you this day my friend……

Bernina Land…..

2011-08-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

Its Time

To Pack up

And head up North

Bernina is calling my name

Bernina

I Hope I can have some of this along the way….

And visit the Million Dollar Mile…..

But maybe the best part?

Temps in the 80s EVERYDAY!!!!

Take care of Texas while I am gone – and don’t roast!

Molly B

Words to live by….

2011-08-03T09:18:00.001-05:00

I love the thought of Gods arms-armour surrounding me everyday protecting me from the daily hardships and pain of this world.

The places you live mold you….

2011-07-31T13:55:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time there was a young mother who lived in a fairy tale land full of darling cottages and beautiful ocean views. Little did she know at the time her love affair with cottages would last her whole life. She dreamed that one day she would live in a quaint little cottage like the ones she saw everyday for a year….

Carmel, California was a fairy tale land to live by and shaped my life in ways I would have never expected. How blessed I was to live in such a gorgeous spot on earth. I dream of going back one day soon….. please…..very soon…..

Josh was 3 and we would spend hours walking the streets of Carmel and visiting the Sea Lions or as Josh would call them – ERKS. It was a magical place and one of the most gorgeous places on Earth- in my book.

The dry barren land where I live now is nothing like there- but it is Home and I think it is where my heart is….

Coneflower Cottage

Molly B

Taking a bit of Home with you….

2011-07-28T21:09:00.001-05:00

Oh the fun I could have fixing one of these little houses on wheels up….

And then I would load up the friends and off we would go on adventures to be had and lots of shopping along the way!

Just doing a little dreaming or maybe I have had a heat stroke……

ready to hit the road

Molly B

Wednesday Words….

2011-07-26T22:56:00.001-05:00

My Garden….

2011-07-24T08:27:00.001-05:00

It has been the extreme of temps this year in my garden. My flowers are not liking it to well. First the Hard cold winter we had – the worst in years – record days of ice and snow. Then this summer- all time high in temps – we are on 44 days of straight temps above 100! we are melting down here! But just when I want to throw in the water hose – God gives me a present to say – Thank you for caring for my world and Enjoy!

His mercies are abundant

Molly B

My name is Molly…

2011-07-21T18:09:00.001-05:00

and I am a Pinterest addict! Have you heard about the great new sight that is full of ideas? What exactly is Pinterest? A website created to organize and store the things you see online that you want to remember. Like a pin board or bulletin board, just digitally. So when you see something you like, you can just pin it to your board. Want to create a board about words to live by? You can. About decorating? Yes. About cakes? Yes. Anything!

I have given up magazines or decorating books and now I just look on Pinterest – AND I CAN’T STOP! But oh the creative things I have seen and the list of “to make” list goes on and on and on-by the way I have a Board of “things to make” – see how wonderful it is? You can follow my boards at http://pinterest.com/ Search my name and you can see what I have discovered. BUT I warn you to be ready to spend HOURS looking. Tip – just set a timer and then you can make yourself stop!!!!

Happy Pinning!

Molly B

Words to live by….

2011-07-19T16:57:00.001-05:00

My pink Bicycle…..

2011-07-17T09:45:00.001-05:00

Thanks Roxanne for my bicycle-I painted it pink and added a basket full of pink geraniums- what could say summer more?

Words to live by…..

2011-07-12T19:56:00.001-05:00

I am starting a weekly blog of ”Words to live by”- I love words that make me think – don’t you? I do hope you know the most important words that I live by are found in my Bible – the greatest words ever written.

from Pinterest

When I ran across this little saying last week it hit me hard – I do believe that God sometimes just has to hit me over the head to make me listen and trust him. I believe that everything happens to us for a reason and in perfect timing – maybe not the timing we want but what God sees best. I have gone through many years of deep hurt and betrayal. What I have thankfully realized the last few days is I have walked through the storm and have come out the other side – I can see the sunshine now -I have been delivered. Through out my walk I knew that God was beside me, but what I realize now is – He was saving me- delivering me to a better life – a happier life- a free life – A life free from stress- a life surrounded by my family that loves me – friends that I can trust and love ,that truly care about me.

The Bible verses that God has put on my heart the last couple of days are two of my favorites-

“ My God shall supply all yours needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”Jeremiah 29:11

I had the opportunity to come face to face with my past and it was in that moment that God spoke to me in a powerful way- I have delivered you –YOU have all you need.

My past is just that – my past, I now realize I would not go back to that life and thank God for my future. The people that hurt me in my past are not in my Future! Praise God!!

Delivered-by his Grace

Molly B

A Happy day for a little lady….

2011-07-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

Our little ladybug celebrated in a big way her 1st Birthday! Her precious Mom and Dad planned the cutest and funniest birthday for her. Ladybugs were everywhere – REAL ones too! With their very own home.

Cookies, Cake, cupcakes oh my – we had it all!

Presents too of course!

Callie wasn’t too sure about her cake – she eats good food like VEGETABLES – so this cake was a little sweet.

But she sure did like the cookies Aunt B and Grammy made for her-

Thanks Josh and Erica for giving me a precious Granddaughter- I will cherish the first year of her life.

Molly B ( also known as Grammy)

Callie girl…..

2011-07-09T08:33:00.001-05:00

Dear Callie,

Happy Birthday Sweet Callie Jane! I can not believe you turn 1 years old today What a year it has been!

I’ll just let you know you had my heart the minute I met you. I had been waiting for a little girl my whole life – so you see I was very excited to finally meet you.

You are one lucky girl – God blessed you with the best Mom,Dad and big brother Drew.

Just about 1 month after you joined our family you moved to Abilene. I don’t know if you know it or not but you are the 5th generation of our family to live here. It is a special place with wonderful people with hearts the size of Texas. I have loved having you just down the road a bit that I can check in on you and watch you when Mom and Dad aren’t around.

Callie,I have watched you grow into a Happy Happy little girl – you rarely cry and always have a smile, and when you reach your arms out to me – it melts my heart!

From the moment you were born you have had a bow in your hair- I don’t think I have seen you with out one! I love the way you keep it in your hair like you know that little girls are suppose to have bows!

Just another silly thing that Grammys love about little girls.

This past year your mom has become quite the photographer – you have an amazing mom! Some of my favorite ones that she has taken this year show just how happy you are.

You my dear are always up for adventure with brother Drew. You rarely meet a stranger and walk right into a room and take over. I love that about you.

I think my all time favorite picture of you this year has got to be the one your mom took of you eating watermelon. I laughed out loud when she sent it to me. You do like to eat and haven’t really met any food you don’t like.

Callie we have had a wonderful year together and I can’t believe you are 1 year old. My prayer for you Callie girl is a life full of Love and most of all laughs – lots of laughs. And always- above all- remember if Mom and Dad say No – I am just down the road-

Love you to the moon and back!

Callie Girl

Happy Birthday

Grammy

The color of summer…

2011-07-07T18:46:00.001-05:00

I just can’t get enough of it…And don’t you love it with RED?

A grand ole time….

2011-07-05T21:04:00.001-05:00

The 4th of July was filled with

The cutest Parade EVER! Because Drew and Callie were in it….

Baking cookies and decorating them…so fun and festive!

and of course - Fireworks- love them!

Hope your day was full of happy thoughts for our country and prayers for its future….

Happy 4th of July….

2011-07-02T20:13:00.001-05:00

My second favorite holiday…. I love Red,White and Blue and what the 4th of July means for our country- so on this 4th you MUST….

Have a picnic….

or go to a parade….

sit on your porch…

But most of all Wave your flags high for the

RED,WHITE and BLUE !!

Keeping my hands busy….

2011-06-29T20:57:00.001-05:00

I am in the creating mood….. how about you? Nothing else to do these HOT days of summer……

Quilt Show…

2011-06-28T07:35:00.001-05:00

I had a great inspirational time at the Abilene Quilt Show this year. It was great fun to see Old friends from back in the day when I owned a Quilt Shop. Met lots of new customers for the Bernina Sewing Center and that is always fun! Now if I can just find the time to quilt-

Coneflower Cottage…

2011-06-22T18:11:00.001-05:00

I happen to love Purple Coneflowers- although they are hot Pink . I have them growing everywhere around my cottage….

I love them so much I decided to name my little cottage……

Coneflower Cottage

Summer….

2011-06-20T07:42:00.001-05:00

I hope you are having a great One! What is your favorite Summer Fun?

Deep in the Heart of Texas…

2011-06-18T09:26:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday I took a road trip down to San Angelo to spend the day with Niece # 3 – Amanda. Sister,Sister in law + 3 nieces and 1 great nephew = LAUGHS lots of laughs! We shopped, ate, laughed, shopped and just had a great day being together!

If you are in the area I highly recommend shopping down town – darling shops and lots of Hot Texas Fun!

Inspired by the Younguns…..

2011-06-16T17:32:00.001-05:00

With in the last hour I have witnessed Young people doing things that are totally inspirational and just makes me proud!

The first encounter was at the store- I noticed 2 darling young Cowboys looking for fabric and laughing and just having fun. When they got up to the cutting table I was passing them and his t-shirt caught my eye.

“Cowboys don’t have tattoos – they have scars with real stories”

I commented on his shirt and ask if they were here for the State High School Rodeo and they said they were but were hired to come. Being the noisy person I am ,I ask what they did in the rodeo and they told me they were the Bull Fighters. In my mind I was thinking – Like the rodeo clowns- and sure enough – that is exactly what they were. One was from Oklahoma and the other from Washington State. What impressed me was how polite and nice they were. Full of life and excited to be doing what they were doing and glad to be in good ole Abilene. They were friendly and took the time to visit with me and seemed to enjoy the attention. I always did love Cowboys!

The second encounter was when I made my daily stop at Sonic. I saw this darling young women – 20 something- walk over to a homeless women in a wheel chair parked by the dumpster,she squatted down beside her, took her hand and Prayed with her. She also ordered her a drink and something to eat. That youngun fed her spiritually and physically on this Hot day.

As I made my way home today I prayed for these 3 younguns who know how to live and love in our world. I thanked God for letting me cross paths with them today – what a blessing it was for me !

How’s your garden growing?

2011-06-14T18:20:00.001-05:00

Mine is coming along just great – Just praying for Rain- and cooler temps! I have been busy in my yard this spring and summer – loving every minute of it. Up early at 6:00 watering and tending before the heat sets in.

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous” Aristotle

Summertime and the living is easy…..

2011-06-04T20:31:00.001-05:00

I know someone who loves watermelon ……

doesn’t that just make you laugh out loud?

I love my Callie girl!!

She is her fathers daughter – he loves it too~

Darling picture taken by her talented mom – Erica.

Living Life….

2011-06-01T17:34:00.001-05:00

Live life with no regrets, don’t spend time thinking of past mistakes, live life in the present, enjoy the life you’ve made for yourself . Live out your dreams….

Tasha Tudor

The day I was born….

2011-05-30T10:03:00.001-05:00

Yep – that was- oh some 50 something years ago today. I have always loved birthdays – a day to be thankful that I was born and living in my crazy world! I saw a sign recently that said “ My life is like a movie with a cast of characters – I just wish I knew the plot”. Don’t you love that – it made me laugh out loud in the store. I don’t want to “know” the plot of my life- I know who has my life all written and planned and I have my faith in him. I will say this – for the first time in several years I have hope in my future and excited about how God is recreating it.

So Happy Birthday Molly B!

Thank you God for my life and for one more Birthday.

And Happy Happy Birthday to my niece Anna- I have shared my birthday with now for 22 years – Love you!

The Wild West...

2011-05-28T13:05:00.001-05:00

I live in the Wild, Wild West – Ok, not so wild – but once a year our town celebrates our Western heritage. Horses,longhorns and cowboys flood the down town streets. This year the Clydesdales came to town,what majestic Horses they are! I watched this years parade through the eyes of Drew and Callie and loved every minute! They loved the horses and cowboys!

Giddy-Up

Molly B

A visit with Ralph Lauren….

2011-05-21T14:22:00.001-05:00

Ralph Lauren doesn't just design clothes—he designs a lifestyle that many people dream of living. For more than 40 years, Ralph's vision has defined American style, but away from the runway, this designer prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
Over the past four decades, Ralph has granted only a few interviews, but in the final days of The Oprah Show, he invited Oprah and her cameras to his family's majestic Double RL Ranch for a rare sit-down.

If you did not get to see this interview I suggest you go to Oprah’s web page and watch it!! If you have loved design and any thing Ralph – it will thrill your heart to watch him tell about his life of design and meet his very successful family.

Pictures from the Oprah Show

I am even a bigger Ralph Lauren fan now after watching this.

Thanks Oprah!

Molly B

Oh the places I’ve seen….

2011-05-19T19:27:00.001-05:00

I am part of a group of women – 50 to be exact that get together once a month and eat lunch and tour each others homes. We are called “The Society of the Preservation of Quaint Old Homes” I know that is a mouth full and a bit silly for a name –BUT we enjoy each other and love each others homes. It is the most creative group of women I have ever met. I look forward each month seeing what creative things my friends have done to their homes. I go home full of ideas and inspiration. Here is a walking tour of a few of the homes we have enjoyed this year.

We started the year off in Cindy’s bright back yard – a garden tour!

Amy's house in November-patriotic theme table

Sharon's house in January – full of Happy colors

Joanne's House in February we learned how to arrange flowers

Cindy's House we had a Tea Party and enjoyed her back yard – loved it!

Lennie’s country house was a delight-

Every Quaint Home filled with friends is a true delight!

All because two people fell in Love….

2011-05-16T20:52:00.001-05:00

Those two people were my Mom and Dad. What a very special family they built for us- and left to us to carry on. This past weekend was a special one for Anna(the youngest cousin)- she graduated from Abilene Christian University on Saturday and we had to celebrate in a big way!

Three generations in one backyard – laughing,talking, playing and enjoying just being together. My parents instilled in us the importance of family- they are my best friends and I love being with them.My brother, sister and myself have 8 children between us and they are more like siblings than cousins. It is a fun group – believe me- all different personalities but all part of the " Brown Cousins”

Now we are starting the 2nd generation of cousins – what fun those 3 had!

In days where I see families not staying connected it is a HUGE blessing to have the 19 of them in my corner, walking through life together.

All because two special people fell in Love…

We are so blessed-

Molly B

Garden Tools for a Girl on her own….

2011-05-08T15:32:00.001-05:00

I love to work in my garden and life is soooo much easier with the right tools. Let me share with you my FAVORITE garden tools for the do-it –yourself garden girl. Too bad these aren’t pink!

Mower-Black and Decker Electric Mower- LOVE this – I could not pull the cord hard enough(always pulled my back out too) to start a mover and I always needed gas.This I just plug in and push around the yard – much like vacuuming!

Blower – I wish they made these for the inside of our homes – hehe. Make sure you get one light- heavy ones hurt your back and too hard to carry around. I love this one- so easy for quick clean up!

Dust Pan – This is not your ordinary dust pan this baby is 17 inches wide and it a life saver for picking up – leaves, leaves, leaves – can you tell I have a LOT of leaves? I just scoop them up and away they go!

Grown up Wagon – Every girl needs one of these – Love it to carry all things HEAVY! Soil, compost,mulch and I always put my flowers on it when I come home from the Nursery.

So if you find yourself a garden girl on your own be sure to get these tools your might like gardening then.

Top 5 Reasons I Garden

5. Saves money(No Yard Man) – I remind myself that all the time I am sweating and HOT!

4.Exercise- great way to burn calories and sweat out toxins.

3.Creative – Its like decorating a new room

2. I love to see the beauty of the flowers,the sound of birds and the nurturing of seeds sprouting from the earth.

1. I LOVE IT !!!!

Hope your getting your hands dirty!

Molly B

Her Prince did come….

2011-05-01T18:57:00.004-05:00

Some day my prince will come
Some day we'll meet again
And away to his castle we'll go
To be happy forever I know
Some day when spring is here
We'll find our love anew
And the birds will sing
And wedding bells will ring
Some day when my dreams come true

I have always believed in fairy tale loves and finding your prince ever since watching all the Disney movies growing up. For Kate she did find her Prince and what a wedding that was! I was up at 3 o’clock to watch –just like I had the last 2 royal weddings –there is just something about them I LOVE! I kept hearing this song over and over in my silly head for the last 2 days – remember it as a child?

Lyrics | Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs - Some Day My Prince Will Come lyrics

My prayer is that they "Live Happily Ever After"

Egg-cellent Easter….

2011-04-24T20:30:00.002-05:00

Easter was so fun this year celebrating it with 2 of my favorite little people – my grandchildren- Drew and Callie. We started the weekend off decorating eggs – naturally – Erica made the dyes out of red cabbage,rose petals,chili powder and spinach – prettiest eggs I have ever seen! Drew caught right on to the process and loved watching them change colors before his eyes- He kept saying “I doing it Mom” so darling!

Loved sharing egg dyeing with these two!
Easter Sunday started off very calm and wonderful – ended with Hail the size of ping pong balls or Easter eggs! But we got our Easter fun over before that hit Big A and taking shelter!
Church was wonderful as usual and loved sitting with my family –what a rich, wonderful heritage our parents gave us and gave each of us the Love of God – so thankful for that.
Lunch at my house this year and fun times together eating and visiting.

Then it was time for the BIG HUNT – Drew really got into finding all the eggs .

He found so many he had to dump some out to make room in his basket for more!
Callie took notes –plotting how next year she would find more eggs than Drew-
      Stood up to get a better look at all the eggs – isn’t she just the cutest thing?

                                What fun-fun eggs
           What a fun day we all had being together.
         It was a Egg-cellent Day from start to finish!

And we FINALLY got RAIN -

He Lives…

2011-04-21T19:49:00.003-05:00

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say:
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
Have a Blessed Easter –
Christ is Risen – He is Risen indeed!

My Fathers World…

2011-04-20T20:15:00.001-05:00