Pretty, Pretty Peonies

Peonies are my new favorite flower -They are so romantic and old fashioned!

I hardly ever buy cut flowers, since I have plenty in my yard, 

but I couldn't resist buying my first peony bouquet ever!

I would love to grow these, but I don't know if they grow where I live...

I'll have to look it up when I have a minute.

Do you love peonies, too?

Life's Simple Pleasures

Today I am enjoying the simple pleasure of delicious sweet iced tea on a warm sunny day, the spontaneous smiles of an adorable baby, and the creative chatter of my two other children.

"Simple things
Is what life's made of
Happiness
Is not that hard to find..." Lyrics from Brand New Day, Tim Myers

All the Little Things

Today I want to share all the little things I love about having children.  My list of ten is in random order.

Little Pouts - Smooshy Face

1. Little Feet...they run, they pitter patter, they swing, they dance...they are so adorable!
2. Little Voices...that say their words in that way that only little children can do, and make you laugh with the things they come up with.
3. Little Readers... who sit on the play room floor with books strewn around them, flipping pages of the one on their legs, with those cute little feet pointing up.
4. Little Hugs & Kisses...they wrap their arms tight around your neck, give a big squeeze, and say, I Love you Mommy!
5. Little Loveys...the sweet blankets and toys that are their favorites become mine, too. :-) Fuzzies and Bunny Softies, Bunny Bunsies and Duckies.
6. Little Excitement..."We're GOING to GRANDMA'S?!! YEAH! We need to show her this or that!!"
7. Little Soft Cheeks...what more can you say?
8. Little Helpers...with (mostly)  that happy willingness.
9. Little Pouts...you don't want them to last forever, but they sure are cute!
10. Little Imaginations...tents, dress up, playing babies, the list goes on and on.

Super Baby Ready to Take Off

What are some of the little things you love about having children?

Joining in with Thankful Thursdays.

http://www.chattingatthesky.com/tuesdays-unwrapped/

Joining in with Tuesdays Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky. 

The Changing of the Guard

Today I am linking up to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, and the post, It's all about fall.  I love fall! I live in a warm part of the country where fall comes very late usually, but this year we have been blessed with cooler temperatures.  I soak up every fresh fall breeze that comes my way!

I wrote a fall poem ages ago, back in 1997, that I would like to share with you....

The Changing of the Guard

What is Autumn?

Autumn is a sharp breeze of clear fresh air.

It is the vivid colors seen throughout the trees:

the crisp sound of dried leaves
that gradually

sifted

to the ground.

Autumn is stepping out to a refreshing morning
full of passions
and feeling joyous!

Autumn causes one to enjoy 
the glory and majesty of nature

Being a child is Autumn...

It is the happy ending of a story.

Fall is the Changing of the Guard

or sitting on a bench
and letting the sun seep through your limbs,
having the cool air
push the haziness from your brain,

savoring every honey gold drop
of Autumn.


Also, check out my post on Pumpkin Muffins for a link to a very delicious recipe! Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.
Changing of the Guard Photo from FreeFoto.com

A Hobby of Mine

Since I was little, I have created homemade cards, and all these years later, I still do.  When I was a youngster, and made them for my Mom and Dad and siblings, I just drew pictures, and colored.  I still keep it pretty simple, I don't have any of the fancy new gadgets for card making or scrapbooking; just pretty papers and stamps, buttons, and brads.  It is so pleasing to make something beautiful that will brighten someone's day!  And the stamp I put on the back gives the whole reason for it: "Handmade Because You're Worth It".

Also I want to mention the giveaway over at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. It is for a gorgeous apron of your own choosing, and they have some beautiful choices! Follow this link for the giveaway: Marie Madeline Studio Giveaway.

Children's Book Favorites

Today I would like to share a few of my favorite children's books. It's so nice to find interesting, educational, character building stories that your kids appreciate! Children in the age range of 3-8 years old would enjoy these.

The Best Loved Doll, by Rebecca Caudill: When a little girl is invited to a doll party, she has to choose which of her four dolls to take along to win a prize.  But she and her kindhearted worn old doll know what is more important than prizes...love! Darling illustrations in this book.

Ox-Cart Man, by Donald Hall:  A journey through a year of a colonial family's life, and the contributions they all made for the good of the family.

The Creation Story for Children, by Helen and David Haidle:  Beautiful Illustrations, creation scripture and conversation starting questions, as well as facts about interesting and amazing animals. It also includes personal reassurances of God's love for each of us.

Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney:  A girl is inspired by her grandfather to travel the world, live by the sea...and make the world more beautiful.  The author/illustrator of this story also illustrated Ox Cart Man.

Happy reading!