Empty Nest on Mulberry Street

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T16:38:00.004-05:00

Wishing all of you a safe and Happy St. Patty's Day!I just love the blending of our heritage's. If you are lucky enough to know your heritage...you know from where you come. If not...then you can start a new hobby...your family genealogy!

Have a great St. Patrick's Day! Make sure what you eat...is really suppose to be green!

Stay out of my refrigerator!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!

2009-02-20T09:57:00.007-06:00

February 22, 1985...wow that seems like so long ago to some of you. But to me...that was just yesterday. I remember that day so clearly. That was the day my BEAUTIFUL daughter

Amanda Marie

was born. She is 24 years old now. Where did the time go?

I was blessed with only one child. But wow what a great child! She is such a joy. Now I am sure not everybody would agree with me on that. But guess what...we know I AM RIGHT and they are wrong!

My brother, Uncle Greg...he has always been a big influence in her life...calls her TARB. He would never tell her what it meant. She called him Tarber. She finally figured it out, only because...well Grams slipped one day. Good ole' Grams. She has a soft spot for Amanda. TARB means BRAT!

Well this girl is a DIVA! I'll make no bones about that. She is SPOILED in every since of the word! But heck, how can you not spoil such a beautiful thing.

Plus now, sweet revenge. She is a mama herself and I hear things like, I understand why you would say that. or She does exactly what I did to make you mad. or Did I do that too? or Because I am the mom! Music to my ears! Grandma hood!

Now let me tell you...I went through the boyfriends (ick!), softball, cheer/pom, dance, pageants, animals and the occasional I am not going to talk to you Mom! But we have always been best buds!

We have grown up together. Sometimes my friends would ask who the parent was. What is that all about? I remember when she would go stay with my brother or my parents when she was on her school break. I would mope around until the last week. And then she would be home and I would be so relieved! My PAL was home AT LAST!

Amanda is married now to Jeremy Hopper. He is in the Army and they are stationed in South Korea. Amanda went over August 15, 2008. They have a 5 year old little girl, Sydney and a little boy on the way.

For her birthday, I sent her a box. In the box....a chocolate cake mix, 2 tubs of chocolate frosting, several bags of cookie mix...chocolate chip, chocolate chip with walnuts, peanut butter, sugar cookies, Hershey Kisses. Now don't you think that is enough sugar love from mama. Oh, yes there were gifts and some other things she asked for...no...can't leak any more info. She will have to wait and see.

I am sure she will have a great day. She is with the man she loves and her sweet little girl. I am sure it is not complete cause mama is not there but other than that she will do OK.

Isn't my girl beautiful now that she is all grown up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!

Can you tell she is 26 weeks pregnant here. She has only gained 20 lbs! Yes! We all hate her. She is so dang tall and skinny!

Happy Birthday to My Big Sister!

2009-02-13T09:05:00.009-06:00

Today, February 13 is my Big Sisters birthday!

CATHY!

HAZELRUTHE'S

So...I have decided to have a Surprise birthday party for her. I live in Arkansas and she lives in Idaho. This should be fun!

You know her as Hazelruthe'S. So please stop by and wish her a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Who knows...if she tells me that you were here at the birthday party and you visited her blog and left her birthday wishes and mentioned you were at the surprise birthday on my blog...you might get a sweet chocolatey little yummy prize.

Don't you get a goody bag when you go to a birthday party?

Leave me a comment that you went and wished Cathy a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and that gives you and extra chance not to get left out!

Thanks for helping make my sisters birthday bash a big one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATHY!

Love your Favorite Sista

A New Place to have fun!

2009-02-06T11:38:00.004-06:00

I was perusing one of my favorite sites...Blog Dex and I found this great place that is having a 15 week Tea Cup give away. Can you believe that 15 weeks!

You must go and check this wondrous fabulous blog out! Rose Haven

This is a beautiful blog...Jan is such a sweet lady! and the fun ....oh and her blog is beautiful!

I can not believe the beautiful people I find in this blog world! I wish the media would see this world and publish more of it! If more of the blog world was published this would be so great!

Fun Fabulous Finds

2009-01-29T15:14:00.004-06:00

Holy Moly!

I found a really COOL Blog!

You gotta go there!

It is outrageous!

It has Fun Fabulous Finds!

You will find all sorts of things. Things for big girls and little girls! Things to buy, give a ways! and great gift ideas, just great FUN!

You will soo0 enjoy this! Hurry...don't dawdle now!

Really Cool Blogs!

2009-01-28T14:35:00.006-06:00

I was doing what I do best perusing others beautiful blogs. I found this really great blog.

No! Not on my own. I found it through my sister of course!

Hazelruthes!

(You must check out my sisters blog. She is my inspiration and my guru!)

OK now that you have checked out my sisters blog check this out!

Sara ...she is amazing!

What do you think of these two talented ladies? Wild isn't it? Yes! I do want to win! But even better than that, when I grow up, I want to be just as talented as they are! How great would that be! A dream come true!

I think Hazelruthe (Cathy) got all the creative jeans in our family. I was adopted...or so that is the family tail that has been woven all these years. But then again she has always told me something about my brother and she were cinnamon bread and I...I was livers worst....Do you think she was pulling my leg??? She is older...maybe she stold the creative jeans???

Habitat for Rhonda

2009-01-16T11:41:00.004-06:00

Well, I know we all go through changes. Some are good and some not so good.

Guess what? It is time for the changes to start on Mulberry Street. Yes! You are correct! The little cottage is getting lots of new and exciting changes! Yeehaw!!

I have been away at the summer home. That is what we told my cute batooty grandaugther. Now I am comin home! But, boy oh boy! My little cottage surely needs my tender lovin care and it is so gonna get it. So watch here and see what happens. I am so excited!

I am starting with less than a shoe string budget so I am sure I will have lots of really great tips to share.

One of my favorites...yes this is where I came up with my button name. Habitat for Humanity. We have a great store in our community where you can get all sorts of building supplies very inexpensive. http://www.habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx

From paint to light bulbs to cabinetry to light fixtures to nuts and bolts. Check it out see if you have a Habitat for Humanity in your area. They are a great cause and are always looking for volunteers and hey if saving a buck can help you and then your bucks well spent can help someone else less fortunate...I say that is AWESOME!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-08T19:20:00.002-06:00

Well another year has come and gone. Did you get everything done that you wanted to do? Oh...probably not. I know I didn't...but I guess that is OK. We are still here and still have time...so keep on plugging.

I really do not put out the RESOLUTION list. I just have goals that I always keep in mind. Things that I am continuously working on. You know...things that will make my life different as well as others. Things that will make this world a better place.

If we start with ourselves...maybe...just maybe...one day...this will be a great place to be. There is no better place then to start with yourself.

I guess one can always have hope!

I hope you do well with all of your RESOLUTIONS, goals or what ever you want to call them.

Now don't get me wrong...I do have a list of goals...but that doesn't start at the beginning of the year. That is ever evolving... yeeehaw! and so exciting when you accomplish one and just as exciting when you add one.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T15:40:00.007-06:00

Well the time has come. If you have not gotten it made, baked, cooked or bought it is down to the wire. YOU BETTER HURRY! or forget it!

I say...start to enjoy. Plus it is all about family any way...isn't it?

This year is going to be a little different for me. The first year ever without my daughter and granddaughter and son in law. They are celebrating in Korea.

The Jeremy Hopper Family

Aren't they beautiful!

I am very happy they are together and have each other. It would break my heart to know that Jeremy was all alone in Korea by himself. So I am OK! I know parents have to grow up sometime. By golly it sure is hard.

I knew Amanda was all grown up when she told me all she wanted for Christmas was a good tradition family dinner for her family and presents for my granddaughter Sydney. Doesn't that just make you know that you did something right some where along the line.

But then your heart breaks when your granddaughter says she wants grandma (you) wrapped up in a big box with a bow on it for Christmas. Oh Syd! Grammy would love that too! That just tore me up inside. But that made me so happy! She misses her Grammy, her best bud!

The day after Thanksgiving did not have the same meaning as the day after Christmas will not mean the same. My shopping buddies are not here. Yes, Jeremy is so happy. The greenbacks will still in his bank account a little longer than usual.

Well this year we have an unexpected surprise. My brother and his crew are coming out to visit. This should be quite the excitement for us! 5 kids! Yeeha! I am the Favorite Aunt! Auntie R! Oh yah...I am...even if I am the only one that believes it... that is OK. He is my favorite brother. He knows it.

I hope everybody has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and SANTA is good to all!

Decorating for Christmas

2008-12-11T16:37:00.007-06:00

Wow!

I missed decorating for Thanksgiving.

Bear with me,

I am starting to decorate for Christmas!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-30T10:51:00.006-05:00

Don't you just love Halloween?

I do!

How ever said Halloween is just for Kids?

Here are a few of my Favorite things.

Way Scary Things!!!!!

Witches Too!

The beauty of naturally creepy things!

Oh and this beautiful Pumpkin Sculpture by
Lana Manis at Honeysuckle Lane

Yummy Treats!!!!!

I could go on forever but I won't. Are you going to dress up? I might. I love to remember all of the fun costumes from when I was a child...of course they were homemade...the only way to go. Usually out of Mom's old prom dresses or something special...her Mexican hand painted skirt.

I loved being a gypsy. That is what I am going to be this year a gypsy. Yes...I bet I can still wear the skirt and yes...I still have it. How great is that!

Don't You Just Love Halloween?

TRICK OR TREAT, SMELL MY FEET GIVE ME SOMETHING GOOD TO EAT!

Fall Is Beautiful

2008-10-07T17:27:00.007-05:00

Fall is Beautiful and one of my favorite times of year!

I love the changing of the colors!

I love pumpkins in the pumpkin fields.

I love carmel apples!

I love the memories of picking apples as a child!

I love the cool crisp breeze in the air!

What is there not to love about fall?

it is just a beautiful time of year!

Bon Voyage!

2008-08-15T09:24:00.011-05:00

Yesterday I was up bright and early to take my beloved girls to the airport. Their flight left at 6:00 am. My daughter Amanda had mixed emotions, she just kept saying "I wish this was over!" And my Granddaughter, Sydney, "I am going on an Airplane to see Daddddy!"

Yes! It was one of those precious bitter sweet moments that you have your heart ripped out and never know if you will make it through but know you will some how. Only by the Grace of God!

My only child and only grandchild left Northwest Arkansas to be with husband and daddy who is (deployed) stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. They will be there until April 2010. Jeremy is in the United States Army, serving our country proudly.

I have been very supportive. That is where they belong. My daughter is not good without her husband. Jeremy completes Amanda. (Yes, I am very jealous!)He is very good with her. She is a very demanding diva. Amanda is an only child and very spoiled. Wow how did that happen? Did I do that?

Ummm....I think I have been told that is my fault. Guess what...I did and I can handle, oh yes and very proud of it also. She has been my whole life.

Now it is Jeremy's turn. Boy, he and I have a very close bond. No one else in this world understands and loves her as the two of us do. One day when she is rich and famous, Jeremy and I will sit back with smug little looks on our face and we will know where she has come from.

Yes she will be famous one day.

So, you ask how will I survive with out my beautiful girls? Well, it will be a challenge. I guess I will spend a lot of quiet time by myself doing the things I have not done in a long time.

This is the time to focus on me. As Syd has been saying "Grandma it is not all about you anymore it is still about Sydney!" and she puts on her little pout.

There will be a lot of tears for my girls just because I am lonely. That is a given. But I am happy they are where they are suppose to be, with Jeremy my son-in-law. He has been with out his girls since April. He has been lonely also.

God Bless all of you and keep you safe until he brings you home to Mama. I Love You!

BAD WORDS!!!

2008-08-11T17:04:00.008-05:00

Have you ever said something and immediately regretted it?
There is a phrase that I absolutely despise "Shut Up!"

I actually used it!
I was mortified!

It broke my heart!

But what is even worse was the person I said it to took it to heart and it broke their heart also.

It is amazing how two little words can make such an impact on someones life.

And not such a good impact!

I truly did not intend to be ugly and hateful. I just blurted it out!

The conversation ended so abruptly and I was crushed because I was unable to apologize.

I was sick for the rest of the weekend. Just sick!

I know, you think this is crazy, but I am the girl that hated to take the trash out and burn it when I was a kid because the trash had feelings too.

I like to treat people the way I would like to be treated.

This does not mean that I actually get treated the way I treat people but I can hope maybe someday it will happen.

I was just being petty, small and thoughtless.

I needed to apologize but of course this person would not answer their phone after they had been spoken to like that.

Can you blame them?

No! I can't.

I felt like I was all tangled up in a knot. I really needed to apologize. There were buckets and buckets of tears! I know call me crazy but it is true!

Two reasons I felt so bad, Who I said it too and that they so did not deserve it, they are so sweet!

So what I am saying, is I am so sorry for being so ugly and hateful and I will never tell you "Shut Up!" again!

I promise! You so did not deserve that.

Everybody deserves to be treated the way I would want to be treated and that is not how I want to be treated.

People Need Love

CLUTTER!!!

2008-07-25T11:22:00.006-05:00

Well today I had the most frightning experience, in my own closet. I don't think I am the only one that has every had this experience. No, not many of us talk about it. Yes, it is a humbling experience, I think that is why many of us do not talk about it. I heard a voice. I looked around and then I saw it.

I SCREAMED! "Holy Cow! "

The little red beast thingy said clean it out sister or I will bring in my leader. Well of course, I was a little bit bilgerent. What little red beast tells me what to do with MY CLOSET?

Not like I wear any of the clothes that I have in there. You know there are what 3 or 4 sizes that are yes too big for once. I do not like them, they are out of style, out of season, should I go on, oh yes, the most important! dumpy and grandma like that is the best!

Not to mention the shoe area. How many pairs you ask do I have? Ummm...not sure. But what I can tell you...is that I do wear the black flip flops and the brown flip flops, what more do you need in the summer.? Wardrobe covered right!?

Well I just stood there in the stooper I am always in when I am in the closet, always trying to figure out what am I going to wear. Out fit #1, #2, or #3. Gosh... So many choices!

The STRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do we do this to ourselves!!!!

If I were a perfect size 2 or 4... then what??? No!!! Life would not be any easier....my closet would be that much worse wouldn't it?

Well guess what??? I felt a tap on my shoulder... is it the LEADER? So I turned around slowly... "Holy Fuzzy Things!"

The boss man! He was kinda cute...but a little intimidating. "Clean it up Sister!" I couldn't belive a little fuzzy guy like that, could talk.

He must have been 1,000 years old. So think how many closets he had been in? Yuck! Think of some of things he would have seen? Would have smelled...ewww!

Then came this low hiss like growl and a puff of purple purfumed smoke and he was gone.

So of course in my stooper, I got it in gear and started to chuck things out the door and quick.

If you don't want this experience I suggest you get it in gear too girls and clean it out!

He is one fierce dude!

Simplicity

2008-07-18T11:34:00.002-05:00

SIMPLICITY!

What is it?

And how do you get it.

I guess well all have different definitions of the word. We have all tried to simplify our lives many times my weeding out the junk in our closets and garages and the junk drawers.

What about all of the stress in our lives? That is a big one we all forget about.

Something that always gives me peace of mind and is so simple is a llama. I absolutely love them. In another live years ago I was fortunate enough to have llamas. When I wanted to escape that is where I went out with the llamas...now not possible. Only the memories.

But we can all continue to strive to elevate the stresses in our lives.

So go and....SIMPLIFY! and ENJOY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SWEET PEA!

2008-07-11T09:22:00.003-05:00

Have you ever heard a phrase or word and it has just taken your breathe away?

Maybe even melted your heart?

Thought you were at the movies?

Had to pinch yourself?

Well It happened to me today!

This morning I happened to be in to in the right place at the right time ...and over heard a "Southern Gentelman" say in a wonderful southern drawl to his lady friend, "I will talk to you later Sweet Pea."

Oh! was that not something that made your heart race or what and then came his low southern laugh.

It was almost like a book.

Sweet Peas will always have a new meaning won't they! (sigh...romance)

How sweet!!!!!

New Image For Me!

2008-07-10T16:22:00.002-05:00

(Gate Lodge Under Construction)

Wow! It has been so long since I have posted on my blog. I have neglected it. I guess because I have not been an empty nest. My girls came home and the house exploded. There has been no "ME" Time!

I am going to get back to blogging and it is going to be with a New LOOK! It will be fun and exciting! I have been cruising through a lot of really great blogs and have some really fun and great ideas.

So hang on and watch what happens with the Empty Nest on Mulberry Street.

Thank you for letting me share.

I AM A FLOOZY!

2008-04-15T16:05:00.003-05:00

I am a Button Floozy! This is so exciting! Who doesn't love Buttons? Everybody loves buttons. Now I can take some of my crazy ideas and pass them on and even better I can get some great ideas from some very talented Floozies.

Check this out! This is one of the treasures you will find.

Beautiful!

This is little necklace by Minski she has some great fun stuff! Check her out.

There are other great fun things to find too! How too's .

Go there check it out!

Become a Button Floozy too!

You Create A Beautiful Day! Award

2008-04-10T15:26:00.011-05:00

I have created a NEW award! Yes! This is so great we can create! I have had so many lovely new people pop up and some not so new. But each one has created so much beauty in my little world, so I wanted to pass it on. I love treats, awards, special moments, presseys or what ever...hmmm is that the girlie girl or the grandma in me...well I guess it is the best of both.

OK the rules!

Rules **** Must be followed very closely****

1. Give to 3 BEAUTIFUL Bloggettes.
2. Smile because you are making their day BEAUTIFUL.
3. On the day that you send out your 3 Awards commit one (or more) random acts of BEAUTY.

So see! It is very important to follow the rules! Especially #3.

My Awards go to.....drum roll please........

Miss LeAnn at Pink Icing On The Cake

Miss Cathy at Hazelruthes

Miss Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home

Please visit LeAnn, Cathy and Kelli they are all very, very talented, funny, sweet ladies that will "Create a Beautiful Day" for you and undoubtedly create random acts of beauty and don't even know it!

Enjoy Ladies!

Putting Fun Back Into The House!

2008-04-03T17:09:00.001-05:00

Well, this is the day we have been waiting for. The son-in-law has finished his training (ARMY)! Woohoo!!!! They are on their way home. He got his wings! They are packed and the little red Neon has sprouted wings! We are on the count down as to when we hear the motorcycle rev its engine. Maybe I will get a hug, before he jumps on it?? I have been the keeper. You know!!! That has been a real job! I have taken good care of it...a flat tire is all that it has acquired. I have protected it from the looming beast of a husband. So now the 2 dogs, 3 cats and the husband and I await... the arrival of the daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law. The questions is... Should I clean and cook and make them feel at home? or Should I be just as Dysfunctional as always? Let's wait and see! Enjoy your day!

Don't You Want To Be A Fairy?

2008-04-02T16:38:00.003-05:00

I think at one time or another all little girls have wanted to be a fairy or thought they were a fairy. I am "Fire Hailglitter"! How pretty is that?! You can be a fairy too! It is soooo easy and fun!
I am Fire Hailglitter

Protector of the lonely.
Lives where fireflies mate and breed.
Is only seen in the light of a shooting star.
Dresses glow with fiery colours.
Has cheery turquoise wings like a butterfly.

I so see me fluttering! I am fluttering among the stars in my bright fiery dress with my turquoise wings only seen every so often...as a shooting star. How romantic! Yes!!! I am the the protector of the lonely!!!! Go seek your fairy name. Live by it. You to shall seek wisdom from your name. Enjoy!

2008-03-13T20:45:00.003-05:00

I Sparkle! The Sparkle Fairy from Hazelruthe! This is fun. I am learning and sparkling all at the same time! This is my first award since my Piano trophy.

My first blog

2008-03-12T19:23:00.002-05:00

Whew who! I did it. I am up and running. I have been thinking about my little bloggy and now here it is. What a project. Plain and simple right now. But that is how a beautiful work of art starts out and then it evolves.

A mamma bird starts her nest with a twig and then a scrap of yarn, a piece of a broken leaf and continues to add. I hope my bloggy turns out to be as beautiful as a birds nest.

You are probably wondering why Empy Nest. My girls are gone and this is very recent. This is good. My daughter an only (very spoiled) child and my grandchild have moved to be near her husband. He is in the Army. This is the first time my girls have been away from me.

So I am enbarking on a new adventure! Time for me!

I am going to start enjoying! Doing things I like to do again!

This is the begging! I have a long long list!

I have been a closet clicker and have been purusing all of the beautiful craft blogs. I hope I can make my bloggy as beautiful as what I have seen.

I have the genes. It runs in the family. Hazelruthe has been a big inspriation. If you don't know her check her out at http://www.hazelruthes.blogspot.com orhttp://www.primitivepeddler.com.

This has been fun, but I must work on bloggy some more. Please check back with me for all the new changes and I am sure it will be more exciting next time.

Watch my nest grow!