And they lived happily ever after.
The End.
Right? Isn’t that how fairy tale marriages always go? But in real life . . . maybe not.
…
Dried Roses & Moss Valentine’s Day Heart
How do you fill the dark space between the shiny bright Christmas season and the glorious colors of Spring?
My house was feeling a little empty yesterday so I made a trip to Home Depot. As I walked through their quiet nursery department the only flowers they had for sale were Winter Pansies and Flowering kale. That would do!
So I picked up a few pots and came home to arrange them in my vintage strawberry crate.
The cool colors of these plants are perfect for the Winter season.
That project done, my creative juices were still flowing so, not wanting to do any “real” work, I dug through a few boxes and put together this little Valentine’s Day heart.
This was made with dried roses that I often find at the grocery store for $12 for three dozen. Thank you Bi-Lo!
Sometimes I display my roses in vases but, more often than not, I hang them to dry for future use.
I’m sure Mr. OTN wonders at this practice but he never says a word.
He is one good man 😉
My favorite roses to buy are brightly colored ones as they dry prettier than pastels, which can turn brownish in color.
I’ve also been known to collect and dry moss from my yard, especially when we lived in the rainy Pacific NW.
With supplies gathered, I glued both purchased and collected moss to a small wooden heart that I had on hand (you could easily cut one out of heavy cardboard).
The dried roses were then randomly glued in a heart shape atop the moss.
A very simple and super sweet,
Valentine’s Day Heart from me to YOU!
Blessings sweet friends,
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, GiveMeGrace
Monday:
IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, TheDedicatedHouse, Dwellings, ProjectInspired, InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, CelebrateYourStoryMaking Your Home Sing Mondays, The Beauty in His Grip What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking,SmallWonder, LifeGivingLinkup, MomentsOfHope, Glimpses, SittingAmongFriends
Tuesday:
TalkOfTheTown, HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,TuesdaysAtOurHome, TheWinthropChronicles, Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky, Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story, IntentionalTuesday
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, ChristianBloggerLinkup, Whole Hearted Home, Mom’s Morning Coffee, Women with Intention, Coffee for Your Heart, MessyMarriage, ThreeWordWednesday
Thursday:
ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, ADelightsomeLife, KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty, The Deliberate Mom/Shine Blog Hop, I Choose Joy, Live Free Thursday, Thought Provoking Thursday, PartyAtMyPlace, 100HappyDays, SincerelyPaulas, ThankfulThursdays
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday, ShabbyliciousFriday, Sweet Inspiration, Faith’nFriends, Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays, Dance With Jesus
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, OneMoreTimeEvents, SaturdaySparks, TheInspirationGallery, Make My Saturday Sweet
My Two Valentines
“What’s that thing?,” my hubby asked, with a nod toward the kitchen table.
I’ll have to admit that my thrift store globe looked kinda strange with a fresh coat of chalkboard paint. Like one of those rubber kickballs we had in elementary school, only black.
“I’m working on a Valentine’s Day project,” I replied.
“You’re something else,” he said while making his exit with a shake of his head.
What is “something else?” Do I take that in a good way or in a bad way? A criticism or a compliment? A comment like that could have, at one time, sparked any variety of response from me!
Marriage, even good marriages, can be so hard.
Maybe you, like me, have experienced either internal or external stressors that build to the point of making you feel like you’re going to break and you end up taking it out on the one who knows and loves you best. There may be words, tears, stoney looks, and silence. Put two strong willed people together and there can be a huge impasse.
Over the course of our marriage we’ve been through many ups and downs, and since we’ve come out much stronger, we love sharing our experience, strength, and hope with others. When you put yourself in a position of teaching others though, they tend to look up to you and see only the success. What they may not see is the hard work, sacrifice, late nights, tears, adversity, doubts, disappointments, courage, determination, risk, failure, persistence, change, struggles, and prayer . . . LOTS and LOTS of prayer . . .
...and the work continues . . . because the marriage relationship is never static. Click To Tweet
When I was thinking about what to write on this Valentine’s Day globe I thought of all kinds of romantic verses I might use. Then I remembered John 3:16 in the Bible, which represents to me, God’s ultimate Valentine to us, Jesus.
When we – my husband and I – were mired in our stubborn, ugly, selfish ways, Jesus is the One who came to lift us from our life of bondage and set us free to live life to the fullest in Him.
Sometimes even now, when pressures build, it takes deliberately recalling just how deeply stuck-in-the-muck we were and reflecting on God’s amazing grace toward us, to extend grace toward one another.
Remembering renews our faith in God’s power to restore and gives us much needed strength to move through the mires of this complicated life.
Along this path there will come those things that hurt us, but in order to remain in right relationship with God and each other we make the choice to forgive. That releases God to work in our hearts to heal the hurts and will ultimately grow our love even stronger.
Sometimes walking through the hard times in marriage is a fairly simple stroll, side-by-side, spurred on by belief in the commitment we’ve made to one another. Sometimes the walk is more difficult, two people clinging tightly to one another as they sludge on through together. Sometimes it is one pulling the other with all his or her might to bring them both through to firm ground on the other side.
We are lucky (though I know it’s more than luck), that it isn’t just the two of us, but that we also have God on our side.
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Eccl. 4:12 NLT
That’s the reason this Valentine’s Day post is for my two Valentines, my husband and God, because we wouldn’t be a WE without Him.
Moving on to another conversation a few days later:
Mr. OTN: Did you see that I tried to call you earlier?
Me: Yes, I’m sorry I missed your call. What did you need?
Mr. OTN: I was on my way to work and I was simply overcome by how much I love you. It brought tears to my eyes and I wanted to tell you.
Amazing love, amazing grace, amazing work of the Lord in our lives.
Click on the link to download this Free Printable: ForGodSoLoved
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY DEAR FRIENDS AND GOD’S RICHEST BLESSINGS TO YOU,
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, NiftyThriftyThings, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, GiveMeGrace
Monday:
InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, Making Your Home Sing Mondays, The Beauty in His Grip What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Dream.Create.Inspire.Link, MeCoffeeAndJesus,Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky,Time Warp Wife,Solo Deo Gloria Sisterhood,Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story
Wednesday:
TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, A Little R & R, Whole Hearted Home, Mom’s Morning Coffee, Women with Intention, Coffee for Your Heart
Thursday:
ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty, YourTurnToShine, Serving Joyfully/Thriving Thursdays, The Deliberate Mom/Shine Blog Hop, I Choose Joy, Live Free Thursday, Thought Provoking Thursday,
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays,TheShabbyNest, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
ShabbyliciousFriday, TheCreativeCollection, Christian Mommy Blogger Fellowship Fridays, Blessing Counters,Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays,Faith & Fellowship Bloghop, Grace & Truth Linkup, Grace&TruthSharingRedemption’sStories, Dance With Jesus, The Weekend Brew
Saturday:
OneMoreTimeEvents, SaturdaySparks,
TheInspirationGallery, Still Saturday, Recommendation Saturday, Make My Saturday Sweet
TheInspirationGallery, Still Saturday, Recommendation Saturday, Make My Saturday Sweet
Chocolate-Raspberry Love
A message of enticement, inspired by LOVE!
Chocolate-raspberry is OUR thing. It is one of the first desserts we shared on a date aboard the Spirit of Washington dinner train. The same train where we later declared our marriage vows.
Awww . . . romance is in the air!
For better or for worse.
Sometimes he’s had the best of me . . .
. . . and sometimes he’s endured the worst from me.
It’s been a mutual thing, this sharing of best and worst.
God’s love is never ending. His love never fails. He’s never given up on me . . . or my husband.
Sometimes I’m sure that both of us wondered what the outcome of our marriage would be, especially during “the difficult years”.
God knew. He carried us through the hard times. He brought healing into our lives and into our marriage. He set each of us free from the underlying causes of our pain . . . pain that caused each of us to act out in ways that hurt each other. God never gave up on us and . . . thankfully . . . we never gave up on each other.
We share a special love that is stronger now than ever. God knew all along that Our Story would eventually be used for His glory.
Chocolate-Raspberry Love
This fabulous dessert came from a Pampered Chef party and it is a favorite wherever we take it. It is a breeze to make with your favorite brownie mix. I prefer to use a dark chocolate mix and dark chocolate curls for garnish.
Ingredients
- 1 package (19.9 oz) brownie mix
- 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 2 cups fresh raspberries, or frozen whole raspberries without syrup, thawed and drained
- 3 ounces white chocolate, melted
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream sheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Chocolate curls (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Lightly spray bottom of 9x13 pan with vegetable oil spray.
- Prepare and bake brownie mix according to package directions; cool completely.
- Spread jam onto brownie.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the raspberries for garnish; arrange the remaining 1-1/2 cups raspberries evenly over jam.
- In microwave safe dish, microwave chocolate on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Microwave an additional 30 seconds or until chocolate is completely melted when stirred; cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar in medium bowl; mix well.
- Gradually whisk in melted chocolate and milk.
- Fold in whipped topping; spread mixture carefully over raspberries.
- Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
- Cut into 15 squares.
- Garnish with reserved raspberries and chocolate curls, if desired.
- Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
Notes
To make chocolate curls, hold a vegetable peeler against the narrow side of a chocolate square. Using even pressure, push the blade away from you to create curls. Or, using a cheese grater, grate the chocolate square over the dessert.
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It is still for better or worse with us, but most of the time what we experience is the better . . . and Chocolate-Raspberry Love is the best!
Much love to you my Valentines.
Blessings,
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
Monday:
IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, ModVintageLife, TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Wednesday:
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
Saturday:
I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Shabby Flannel Roses for Valentine’s Day
Have you ever had a love affair with an article of clothing? Some things are easy to put into the donation bag and some . . . well . . . not so easy.
Sounds silly right? But this little red flannel shirt and I go back a long way. She’s experienced a lot of life with me. Once crisp and new, she is now aged to the perfect degree of softness. Once stylin’ with a pair of crisp black jeans she now looks better paired with faded ol’ blue jeans. Once a perfect fit, she is now snug across the back and the front. No, it isn’t too many trips to Cracker Barrel (though this new place we’ve found to eat since moving south worries my youngest daughter greatly), it is this strange shape-shifting thing that is going on now that I’m about to turn . . . EEK . . . 60!!! But even with my renewed commitment to fitness (Water Zumba – so much FUN) this shirt is past it’s prime . . . one sleeve is covered in paint, the color frayed, and fabric wearing thin.
So rather than toss my beloved shirt, I decided to make some flannel rosettes, especially since it is red and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With a few strips cut and rolled, and a little bit of hot glue, it was a quick and easy project accomplished in just over an hour.
Voila! Shabby flannel roses! Here, I’ve attached them to a kitchen towel to add to my Valentine’s Day decor.
What do you think?
I think there is nothing cuter than rosettes made of flannel.
I think they are good for my health because they make me smile!
I think they add a great pop of color to my white kitchen.
I think they look perfect right alongside my Valentine’s Day towels.
There are so many things you can do with flannel rosettes. I made these rosettes a few years ago for a Christmas wreath but for
Valentine’s Day you could make a heart-shaped wreath, or attach them to a Valentine’s Day card or gift, or put a pin on the back and wear them on the lapel of a jean jacket (cute right?), or make a whole bouquet of plaid roses and pop them into a vase!
For the complete instructions for making your own rosettes simply click on the link below:
I HEART Shabby Flannel Rosettes!
As a reminder, Farragoz’s Art of Patina is giving away a FREE online painting course to one of my lucky readers. For complete details (with pictures) on the course you can link back to my post HERE.
This is not a paid post.
Blessings,
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
Monday:
IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, ModVintageLife, TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Wednesday:
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
Saturday:
