bushel & a peck

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Courtesy of Pinterest

 

Your First Birthday!

Today’s extra special

because you turn ONE!

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In a few short days we’ll eat cake and ice cream

and have lots of fun!

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It seems like just yesterday

you were brand new.

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And now, there are so many things

you can do!

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We’ll light your first candle

and make a big fuss,

to be sure that you know

you’re precious to us!

Today’s extra special

because you turn ONE!

and the best thing of all is…

your life’s just begun!

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all 3hugs&blessings are especially for this baby-girl-done-turned ONE!

Thanking the Heavens that God made little girls

especially this little darling livin’ under the sun.

happy birthday ‘merica!

it’s the monday giggles…AND it’s independence day!!!!

 

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Photo Courtesy Pinterest

 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!”

“I Am An American!”

I am an American.

That’s the way most of us put it, just matter of factly.

They are plain words, those four.

You could write them on your thumbnail,

or you could sweep them clear across a bright autumn sky.

But remember too that they are more than words.

They are a way of life.

So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly;

speak them proudly; speak them gratefully.

I am an American.

(author unknown)

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Photo courtesy Pinterest

hugs n’ blessings to everyone wearing the red, white and blue today!!

Father in Heaven,

We, the people, in the

land of the free and

the home of the brave,

desperately need You.

Oh that we would leave our ways

of seeking to be blessed

and instead seek to bless others.

We beg for Your guidance and wisdom

for our leaders.

We ask You to protect our land

from enemies, both within and without.

And we praise you for the freedom

we have through the blood of Your Son.

May Your plan be the desire of our nation.

Amen.

Author: rachel wojo

play ball!

it’s the monday giggles:

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God grant me a vacation to make bearable what I can’t change.  

A friend to make it funny and

the wisdom to never get my knickers in a knot

because it solves nothing and

makes me walk funny!

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you’re fun…not funny.

But, I am blessed!

Blessed, beyond measure!

And this past weekend,

more than anytime ever,

made me feel it..

from the

top of my head

to the

tips of my toes!

I recently reached the half-century mark and with some poking and prodding and heavy campaigning I acquiesced in allowing my family to host a”Toasting” Dinner Party (with my besties,) for my birthday.

(I do believe it was Cuppycake’s heavy sighs of, “You’re going to make me look bad,” that was the final offensive-tactic which did me in.)

And I must admit having my (recently expanded) family next to me, seeing all my dearest friends gathered around, listening to the hum of their conversations,  the circling around a table eating family-style…all of this…brought me the GREATEST joy as I reached this mile-stone in my life!

Their meaningful hugs, tender words, and lively toasts will truly remain in my heart forever

And even before the start of the evening

other dear-ones, both near & far, showered me with loving affection…

I pray one day they come to know just how much I needed  

(without ever knowing)

their kind words,

their genuine support,

and

their undeserved love.

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Such a beautiful Weekend…

A Texan friend of mine introduced me to a southern phrase once as she was discussing a young woman’s behaviour which was a bit unbecoming, “She’s too pretty to act ugly!” she said.   I’ve often reflected on this and  I do believe, as do others, that there is a culture of individuals; (unfortunately mostly woman,) who prefer to exploit the presummed flaws, unknown defects, and failings of another to exult themselves.

However, I can tell you every woman I was blessed to share my birthday weekend with is not one of them!  They are kind, compassionate, strong, tender-hearted women who are always looking to strengthen those around them.  And I am most definitely a better person because of their presence in my life.

They are the ones who have helped me to feel

courageous,

empowered,

stead-fast,

and 

loved

especially when I have been the most vulnerable these past few years.

And because of this I wanted to honor them

so that they may always remember

 they are truly…

(too pretty to act ugly!!)

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(I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS!!!)

hugs n’ blessings to all those who choose to be pretty!

(males included!)

and a few extra hugs to everyone who made me feel so special for my “5 perfect 10’s” birthday!

*to find out more about the (too pretty to act ugly) campaign please watch the video clip below and be sure to support other’s by choosing to be pretty!

“There are friends who bring ruin,
but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24