Treasures from our Chicago Trip 2012

Chicago...sigh...I need to spend more time there. 

Sam and I were fortunate to tag along with Josh

 and go to Chicago at the beginning of this month!

here are some of the treasures I brought back with me!

one of the greatest treasures was spending time with this
charming lil gentleman! 

at one of our excursions to the suburbs of Chicago we
discovered Oakbrook Center. While making our way
through Macy's we ran into some construction and a dead end.
But this dead end turned out to be a wonderful discovery!
We discovered LUSH! Fresh Handmade Cosmetics one of my favorite things!

After trying their Ocean Salt  and helping hands lotion I was hooked!
the sweet lady showing us around even demonstrated their bath bombs.
This captivated my lil gentleman so he needed one for himself!
we brought this little Robot home for him.

I know you are wondering about these adorable ceramic spoons!
Well, I went to Crate and Barrel  and found these for 95 cents a piece!
I can't wait to use them at the black and white party! 

that's all for now, Gracefully Daisy


all pictures were taken by developpe please do not download 

A visit by the sea

Click here to view this photo book larger

Loved, loved loved making this photo book! Thank you to my sweet friend Marie over at bakingchic.com for taking these beautiful pictures and sharing your family with us!

You'll love Shutterflys award-winning photo books. Try it today.

Book Review: Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick

Where Lilacs Still Bloom

This book is based on Hulda Klagger's life and her quest to create beauty in her own garden. Although at first she is no supported by her husband, he begins to understand her passion and her God given gifts. Amidst tragedy and natural disasters she perseveres and finds ways to help and love other young women around her. I love how the author weaves two other women's stories to come together at Hulda's garden. Hulda without knowing it influences these ladies to find and create beauty where they are. As the years go by she continues to find and create beauty although her world has been rocked to the core, her faith and eternal perspective are beacons into her destiny. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Received it from Blogging for books.

Gracefully Daisy

my arms full

Sam's third week home 

The days when Sam fell asleep in my arms were my favorite! They were so sweet and tender I wanted to hold him forever. He was so tiny and sweet I couldn't believe he was really mine to keep! What a miracle!

As he grows everyday he is smarter, faster and taller! I can't believe that this tiny baby that I loved to rock to sleep is now a toddler running, laughing (out loud), jumping and screaming! This stage is so fun too and I love helping him discover and explore! 

Today, oh today it was as if the Lord took a timeout for me! I put him down for his nap and he even told me he  was ready for bed. I left the room and next thing I hear he is sobbing. so I wait a few minutes and he continues to cry. I go in and tell him its nap time but that I will rock him and hold him. He responds, "Hi Mama!" I love it! 

So we rock and I hum his favorite song, " Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there's just something about that name..." 

Soon, I feel his body relax and his sweet baby snores begin! He is completely asleep and all I want is to stay in that moment forever! Because, my very active Sam does not fall asleep in my arms anymore he points to his bed when he is ready and even if I try to rock him to sleep he wiggles out of my arms!

It's  these little moments that take my breath away and I enjoy the blessing of being Sam's Mom!

Gracefully Daisy

My sweet Samuel

What a wonderful week! Sam is growing up way too fast but the process and the adventure is still so breathtaking. He is working so hard on communicating and we are loving celebrating his accomplishments! Just in the last week he has spoken at least 5 new words!

All of sudden he will say things like bubbles, buddy, puppy, mona (spanish for monkey) and ice! He loves ice in his water! He got that from his grandma GG so cute! He loves his new house and loves to say the word house and is learning to say what his name is! When you ask him his name he first practices the word name! So cute! He really brings a lightness to our hearts through his sweet demeanor and and brightness! His favorite word is apple and he throws that one in for good measure too! 

Our next big adventure is potty training he is already working hard and comes to tell us when he is ready to be changed!

May the Lord bless you and keep you Sami, May the Lord shine his face upon you and be gracious unto you and give you peace (all the days of your life) numbers 6:24

head on over to the mob society and see what other cool boys are up too!

Gracefully Daisy

A sweet package from a sweet friend

Proverbs 25:25
Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.

I opened it up and found these sweet treasures

although, my friend is not long-lost she does live across the Atlantic! 

so when I received this sweet package it was like a cool drink of water.

Let me begin by telling you the story of our friendship...

Anja and I met at the gym, to be exact in the restroom, I know...interesting.

We both smile at strangers all the time, so we smiled at each other and then a few days later actually spoke to each other. We attended the same work out classes and we talked some more. after a few times chatting we met for tea and after that we saw each other at the gym all the time and we started having weekly dinners together alternating homes. 

Our husbands also became good friends and that was so much fun! They had these two sweet blue eyed boys that melted your heart, David and Levi! we loved spending time with them and watching this little family grow in love and strength.

They were the strongest couple that we had ever met, they were going through some intense trials but they walked their walk with Jesus with humility. Anja and I met weekly for Bible Study as well. We discovered our strengths and weaknesses together and prayed over questions and doubts together. She challenged me to make the most of the time and always run to God when I felt I had no other place to go. 

She was the first friend I made after I moved to Dayton and my faith again was tested when it was time for them to move back. Through this the Lord shows me that he cares about that little things. He knew that they would move away and strategically began placing wonderful women in my path so that when I was worn out and weary I could have a friend. He also teaches me that distances are not meant to hinder but to empower. although it might seem impossible to see each other or talk He leads us to understand the importance of cultivating our friendships. We have shared the greatest moments in our lives and via skype we have seen our families grow and mature!

My dear friend just gave birth to a little girl Lois and what a treat to meet her via skype and watch their adoring eyes on their new baby! What a gift!

so I celebrated with her from across the world with a cup of tea and sprinkles!

My little Samuel also loved receiving this packager. He opened the package and found his first back pack! the first words out of his mouth were: "wow, wow, wow" it was so sweet to see him relish this gift! 

May the Lord bless you and keep you sweet friend and may he bring our paths together again soon!

Gracefully Daisy

Cute as a Button Baby Shower

On Saturday I hosted a baby Shower for my sister in law. It turned out to be a beautiful affair.a yogurt bar was offered full of fruit and a delicious homemade granola. 

a "sew" sweet dessert table on top of a sewing machine table given to me by the sweet Jenilee was a highlight.
Here is a little bit of where I got my inspiration
1. Invitations and thank you cards 2. Sew on and sew forth printable 3. Cute as a button printable

What a lovely time we shared alongside family and friends. The beautiful S was created from buttons by me. A dear friend and I baked the strawberry cake and cupcakes.The little buttons were made using a candy button mold. The flower pin for the mommy to be was inspired from  here

Gracefully Daisy

A Vintage Garden Baby Shower

A little taste of what I've been working on these past weeks.A few places where I gathered my inspiration

(Left) 1. An Alfresco affair 2. Mason jars for drinks and paper straws
3.Spring Cake 4. Invitations 5. flower photo display
6. vintage garden 7.i spy game 8. cake with flowers 9. pink lemonade with cucumber

Gracefully Daisy

Awakening by Stovall Weems

A practical, informative, and much needed guide to faith, fasting and Spiritual Freedom.
I enjoyed reading through this book but was even more excited to see the practical pages towards the end of the book. There is a 21 day plan for fasting and praying that you can use over and over again. step by step the plan is laid out from what you will need to starts, meal plans, a calendar set up and more. I can't wait to use these tools during my 21 day fast.
I really appreciated the testimonies at the end of each chapter of people that participated in the 21 days of fasting and the impact it made in their life. This book is very easy to read and understand. It walks you through the scripture of the importance these spiritual practices play in your daily walk with the Lord.
I would recommend this book.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.
Gracefully Daisy

Andalucía, España

A beautiful country
your breath taken away when least expected
the stark differences of cultures stunning
all the while they marry and blend forming the uniqueness of Andalucía

This is where I have been the last two weeks
up and down mountains
over bridges of old
architecture incomparable, the lens cannot capture
nevertheless I try
so I can take with me the memory of standing here, in this very moment in time

there is another storyline unfolding, the story of my Love's beginning
Here in this beautiful marriage of cultures another culture integrated
My Darling was born in Puerto de Santa Maria
what a lovely visit to the sweet house
where he first cried out in the night
where he first smiled at his mom
where he took his first steps
where he first heard the name Jesus
where he was baptized
where his parents prayed for him
where his parents prayed for me
where he first discovered the world

Now his son has been here
he also has walked where his father walked
such a sweet moment and I try again
to bring with me the memory of standing here, in this very moment in time

A beautiful time as exotic and unpredictable as the weather
a time to know family deeper
a time to reflect
a time to try new things
a time to dream new dreams
a time to see through the eyes of a sweet little couple who
lived and played; worked and made a sweet little life with a sweet little baby

 from Spain, Gracefully Daisy

High Tea

I love high tea!

 I love tea time with friends! 

My friend Marie over at bakingchic inspired  to have tea almost everyday! While she lived in Ohio we loved to meet up for afternoon tea; once a week would have been wonderful but with our boys and busy life every few weeks was doable! 

We reveled in the times we spent together and before the tea time was over our hearts  were poured out to each other, and soothed were our worries and fears of motherhood.

 since my sweet friend moved away I have missed afternoon tea so I looked to invite another sweet friend over. Jenilee at ourgoodwinjourney came over with her beautiful daughters. Our friend Mindy and her sweet daughter joined us too. My little guy slept through the whole tea time-so sweet. I couldn't believe how sweet and quite the gals were. Very different from our tea time with Marie and our boys-let's say it was a little more active!

Jenilee and I are trying to eat more gluten free diet for health reasons. So I set on a quest to find gluten free yummies to serve at our tea. I was happily surprised with my discoveries!

Date and Almond Scones

ingredients

2-1/3 cups Pamela's Baking ; Pancake Mix 

1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar 

1 tsp baking powder 

1/2 cup dried chopped up dates and sliced almonds

4 tbsp butter 

1 egg, beaten 

2/3 cup milk 

I adapted my recipe from this original one.

Directions

Yield: 10 to 12 scones. 

Mix the dry ingredients together. Cut in the butter using two knives. Add the milk and beaten egg. Mix together with a fork. Dough will be thick. Drop large, tall dollops of dough (scones will spread when baking) onto lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 15-17 minutes. 

of course I used my kitchen aid mixer for all( way easier)

we also had chicken Curry Tea Sandwiches
I adapted my recipe from this original one.

Ingredients:

2 cooked whole chicken breasts, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely-chopped red onion 

1/4 cup finely-chopped yellow or orange bell pepper
4 celery stalks, finely chopped
Salt pepper to taste 

my two favorite ingredients when preparing tea sandwiches

are dill and cumin! a pinch or more to taste is perfect
Faye Greek yogurt about 1/3 cup or more to moisten
Curry powder or paste to taste
16 slices of udis bread I discovered this gluten free bread is sturdy and perfect for tea sandwiches

* Choose the best-quality white or wheat bread as possible. Never serve end slices. Freezing the bread before cutting and then spreading makes for easier handling.

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine chicken, onion, bell pepper celery, salt and spices, and yogurt; stir until well blended. Add curry powder or paste (Remember, a little goes a long way with curry - be careful). Carefully cut the crusts from each sandwich with a long, sharp knife. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again.

tea sandwiches and the beautiful banana and nutella  Macaroons from  my dear friend Abbie

We had a wonderful time and before the tea was over our hearts were poured finding encouragement, peace and joy reigned!


Gracefully Daisy

Friendship

Proverbs 27:9

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

My sweet friend Marie and I on the last day we saw each other before beginning her new adventure.

My soul continues to be refreshed by friendship. I love meeting new people and being around people. I love having people over and enjoy getting to know them better. I recently posted about my friend Marie who just moved. I believe God gave us a friendship that refreshes our soul in this season of life.

 I love that a friendship can be maintained and nurtured in this day and age by a simple touch. at the touch of a button you can connect with a friend anywhere in the world. I have friends all over the world-literally and although that might seem daunting-I assure you it is very exciting. the privilege of visiting my friends has not yet occurred but we do "see" each other via skype etc.

We keep up with each other by looking at the picture postings on facebook or now instagr.am!

The projects we are working on are updated on Pinterest almost daily. 

But...there is always a but isn't there. We  long for human interaction. We love to sit across from each other and chat over tea. We love coffee and conversation. Although girls night outs in this season of our lives are few and far between, we revel in them when we get them!

On a sweet Tuesday night when the only things that normally happen are work and school. I had a beautiful meeting with 5 beautiful ladies. They inspired me to reminisce on how friendship has refreshed my soul all my life. 

You see I attended a health session given by a local doctor only for my own education I thought. Not knowing anyone I ventured into a tightly packed room and noticed a table of ladies and I sauntered over to join in their conversation. 

They welcomed me and Micki said, " Yes, sit down by the end of the night you will have our emails and we will invite you to lunch." and this ladies and gentlemen is exactly what happened. We had lovely conversations: from politics, to books, to the Holocaust, to solving social issues and back to movies and shows. I looked around the table at Gayle and Donna who's friendship formed from their children's marriage. Dee and Cea neighbors who met from a flyer posted at Lofino's because Cea sold baskets-Micki was at this basket gathering and as they say the rest is history. Some of these ladies have known each other almost 40 years and it is the bond of friendship that continuously refreshes  their soul creating a tight knit group. 

Proverbs 17:17

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁷ A friend loves at all times,

Gayle and Donna

Micki, Cea and Dee

So, I thought of my friends all over the world creating such bonds with the friendships they nurture and their souls are refreshed. I remembered  that in this same week My friend Marie would move away to a new adventure. 


As I pondered on this change, I thought, " It's ok these very sweet ladies live in Dayton. I will be ok." 


Proverbs 25:13
Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!




So, new friends don't replace old friends. Instead they refresh our souls by filling our longing for face to face interactions. They help us remember our friends that are far,thus encouraging us to reach out and nurture the friendships afar with a simple touch.


Proverbs 25:25
Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.

So, at the end of this bittersweet week an email was delivered  to my inbox, from a lovely blog about how to be a better friend.   A Holy Experience is the name of Anne Voskamp's blog. As I read her post about 4 ways to be a better friend, tears gathered and in my heart arms extended and closed. In them the beautiful friends of long years and short. And with a simple touch I connected and praised for the simplicity of it all

Gracefully Daisy

Sweet days

 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

 This is the first and great commandment.

 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 22:37-40

My handmade valentine for the love of my life

paired with the sweet dozen roses he gave me! 

A sweet Tea with my friend Marie and Liz
a sweet chocolate bar from Marie over at Baking Chic!

a great set up for our sweet tea
from scratch made blueberry, blackberry, and orange scones...
used Marie's favorite scone recipe

Sweets for the sweet. Our valentine gift from my mother in law.
always much sweeter when shared

 A beautiful Valentine's day morning I  shared with my little guy! The snow was sweetly dancing falling and kissing the ground and trees tenderly.
So cozy and sweet making love so easy to accept. 


inspired me to make a handmade valentine in anticipation to the love of life's arrival...he has set up the most sweet weekend for us! will have to share details later...


delivered a sweet baby boy to his grandmother's house and with it a sweet owl that made her day-more on the owls later...


Came home to a sweet bouquet of roses and a cup of coffee paired with the sweet chocolate above. Interesting conversations followed that if someone had recorded it would have been a comedy routine!
Finally after sweet kisses goodnight overtook our eyes and peace invaded our home followed by morning...


On this sweet day three sweet friends met for the last time in a long time... God will bring us back together I know. A bittersweet tea time full of sweet talk laced with sweet sorrow and anticipation. Our Sweet friends Marie and Jon and their sweet baby boys will be moving to florida soon. They will be terribly missed but I am sure their blessings will overwhelm them with love. 


Our friendships orchestrated by God will continue to flourish until that day when we   will live together forever!


Enjoying it all, taking it all in and praising for the blessings received.

Gracefully Daisy

Book Review: Just In Case You Ever Wonder

A sweet little book that helps to give a child perspective about a father's love. This example of a father's love helps to begin building a bridge of how God also loves them. I enjoyed the way he describes the uniqueness of the child and how God took such pleasure in creating them.I liked the examples of what things could be bad in a child's life and to give them a sense of knowing that father's are there for them even through the hard times. I love that it talks about teaching them about God and heaven. I see this book could become a favorite for our home. Thank you book sneeze for providing this book for us.
Gracefully Daisy

Raising Godly Children: 31 Days of Praying for Your Husband

Raising Godly Children: 31 Days of Praying for Your Husband: “She does him good . . .” (Proverbs 31:12a) Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pr...
This is my third attempt to share this with on my blog via the iPad.

Will you join me...just in time for this season of love to cover the love of your life in prayer.

Even of you are not married or have not me him yet- cover him in prayer anyway

Gracefully Daisy