I love the checkerboard pattern. I love the interest it adds to whatever it is on or simply by itself. I like it on clothes, on accessories, just about anything!
So imagine my delight, my joy, my sense of serendipity when I happened upon this set of dishes last week at TJMaxx. I say serendipity because I wasn’t looking for dishes…but there they were…waiting for me. Now since I did not really NEED any more dishes, I only bought 4 of each. And, when I got them home…they looked as good as I knew that they would. My friend, Tina, happened to be over and she said, “You only bought 4?” Well, I could tell by the tone of her voice that she did not think that was wise, and I had already been thinking I should have gotten all 8. It was too late to go back that night, so as soon as school was out the next day, I headed back over and hurried into the store…hoping that no one else had bought MY dishes. And there they were…waiting patiently for me to return and bring them all together again. And so I did. Now I have a set of 8. But, I really NEED 12, since my table will now seat 12. Not that I could seat 12 at my table, since I still DO NOT HAVE ANY CHAIRS!!!!! But, when I do have 12 chairs…I can seat 12 people…and they can all eat off of my delightful checkerboard plates.


I may even mix things up a bit, and mix in some of my red plates!

And, how do you like it with the mustard plates?

I could even use them with my orange bowls!

Oh, and the possibilities are endless! What about lime green? Wouldn’t that be fun?

WELL…

Alex had his first procedure this morning. I felt so at peace about this…even though I was not there to tell the doctor just how to do everything! Alex called and said it was over and told me a little about it. He said they put a metal contact over his eye, and then with a laser, cut tiny slits all around the eye. He said it hurt some, but he wasn’t complaining at all. Just the beginning.

I expected to feel very conflicted this morning…with me here and the surgery center 200 miles away! But, God reminded me that He is the one that set this thing up. I, nor Don, had anything to do with it. It was all in God’s timing. So, obviously, He knew I would be busy with my programs. He didn’t see fit to arrange this when I could be present…and so be it. God’s timing is perfect! Even though I was anxious to hear that all was well, I really felt a total peace. A peace that only God can give. And, if you are reading this and do not know how to find that peace…I would love to tell you more about it. It’s for everyone…and it’s FREE!

So, my first program was today. The sweet group of 3 year olds did very well! Of course, whatever they do is always cute! But, they sang and said their verses and poems, and it was very cute. 1 down and 3 to go!

This was especially fun today because several of these boys and girls go to church with me, too. And, Sweet Sophie, from China, was in her very first program today. She did great! What a long way she has come from the scared little girl who arrived here 8 months ago. She sat on stage, and sang, and did her part when it was time! Her mom, Sherrie, made a picture of her. I’ll post it when I get it from her.

I’m waiting on Don and Alex to arrive and then, it’s another big day tomorrow. I’ll make some pics of the decor and share with you later.

Thanks all of you, for your prayers for Alex today. God is good! And you are special to me.

EDIT: Go here to see Sweet Sophie and myself after the program today. This is her mom’s blog.

This has been such a busy time for me. I just can’t seem to find the time to catch my breath!

Of course, the wedding consummed all of last weekend. On Thursday morning, Mom went in to see her doctor to get a shot of steroids to help clear up her cough and URI. She wanted to be feeling good for the wedding. Imagine our surprise when the doctor said she was to report straight to the hospital. Pnuemonia. So, off she went, and got started on her IV antibiotics. She insisted, though, that I continue on with the wedding prep. Our relatives from NC came down for the wedding and I did not even get to see them until the wedding. They did not even get to visit with Mom until after the ceremony. By the way, she got out of the hospital on Saturday morning, rested a bit, got ready, and met us at the church at 4:30 for pics. She was very weak, but I don’t think anything could have kept her away. Thankfully, her doctor goes to our church, and he attended the wedding, too. He let me know he was there in case she needed him. That made me feel so much better. She made it through the ceremony, but left afterward, which was for the best. She visited with my aunts and cousins for a little at her house.

The relatives were planning to leave early on Sunday morning, but, cousin Lisa called me late on Saturday night and said to call them when I got up…they wanted to come and see The Creek House before they left. I was so glad. They came over, and saw the house. We had a chance to visit for about an hour and then they were off on their 12 hour trip home.

These are such special people in my life. I love them all so much and wish that I was able to spen more time with them. Some of my happiest memories have been spent with them, and the rest of their families. They would be here in a heartbeat if we needed them, as we would for them. Family…that is such a beautiful word. And, these ladies are family in the truest sense.

After they left, I went back to bed and slept, off and on, all day. Then Monday, it was the start of another week FULL.

Alex and Don left Monday morning headed to Birmingham. Don had a follow-up appt. with his dr. from his surgery several weeks ago. Then, Alex had a day full of pre-op work with his eye surgeon today in prep for the first phase of his surgery tomorrow. All went well today, and he is set for tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the first of my 4 Spring Musicals. Another one Thur., then another on Fri. Shirts that were to be delivered last Friday, have been arriving a little at a time…which has been a little unnerving, to say the least.

I have 4 new magazines and I am on my way now to climb up into the middle of the bed…with a Diet Dr. Pepper…and read until I get sleepy. If awake, I’ll watch some American Idol…if not, I’ll just dream about it!

Here are a few of my pics of the reception. The large center arrangement was made by Billy Rich….isn’t it grand? It looked even more amazing when the hanging lanterns were lit and all the food was in place. The twigs went all the way to the ceiling.

There were 10 tables for people to sit while they ate. Tina and I did all the arrangements on these tables. The white blobs you see at the top of some containers are floating candles. And the cloths that look pink, are not. They are actually a champagne color. The whole wedding was done in shades of white, cream and champagne.

Here are just a few very quick snapshots I took yesterday. There will be lots more…made by a professional photographer I know. These are by his very amateur mother.
The church.

The foyer of the church.

The bridal bouguet.

The bride.

The bride.

The groom.

The bridesmaid…resting…

The bridesmaids…ready…
Sweet friends and junior bridesmaids, Morgan and Laura.

Joy and Tommy.

The church…front.

The church…sides.