September 11, 1999 — the day that I walked down the aisle with my best friend to become his wife. My hubby and I planned the entire wedding ourselves, without the help of any family members or a wedding coordinator. A lot of hard work and time went into planning out all the details. The day turned out so wonderful and beautiful. We thank God for the glorious memories.
J and T during their first dance!
We do not usually celebrate just for one day, but instead of the whole month. Anniversaries are a treasured milestone and we believe that they need to be celebrated.
My hubby is guest writing this post on Memorial Day.
Today, we celebrate Memorial Day. It does not sound right to me when someone says to me “Happy Memorial Day!”. It is not a happy day, but a solemn day and a day of remembrance. Too often we get caught in holidays meaning that we must head to the mall to check out the latest sales; we must be barbecuing the pork steaks, chickens and ribs; and heading off to someone’s house for a party. But let’s take a moment to remember what holidays are really about, not just Memorial Day. Christmas has gotten to the point now where it is all about giving and receiving presents and Thanksgiving is about eating too much, watching football and getting ready for the next day’s shopping adventures.
Today is Memorial Day, the day set aside to honor the men and women who sacrificed their life so that we could live in this country. The foundation of the United States has always been a country where people come to so that they can be free – free from government oppression, free to choose their own religion and free to speak their own mind. Men and women of our armed forces have gone to war to preserve that freedom for over two hundred years. Many of have fought and paid to keep that freedom possible with their life. They gave their life so that you can have a life of freedom. It is quite an amazing testimony to their commitment to what they believed in and to this country. Let us never forget them or their sacrifice.
My wife’s Uncle Fred and Uncle Thedo served in the United Sates Army. I am grateful to them for their willingness to join the Army and preserve my freedom as an American citizen.
Uncle Fred serving in the United States Army
Uncle Thedo in his full Army uniform
Also my father served in the United States Army. He too served to preserve the United States as a beacon of freedom for all the world.
May is my birthday month and it has been awesome. One day is not enough for me to celebrate so I have decided to make it a month-long celebration. Part of the this year’s celebration included a day at the Shaw Nature Reserve, about an hour from our house. We walked four miles through wildflower gardens, prairie lands and wetlands. We had a blast on such a beautiful day. I wanted to share some photographs of the adventure. Even though I am a ‘girly-girl’, I do like to be ‘one-with-nature.’
JT and hubby
We saw a family of turtles as we started on the trail through the wildflower garden.
Turtles
The Butterflies are so pretty.
Butterfly on coneflowers
Getting a picture outside the Bascom House.
Bascom House
The coneflower meadow was so lovely that we had to take a picture of it.
Coneflower meadow
Walking with my hubby makes me feel so thankful and joyful. When I look at God’s creation I know that I am so blessed to see such beauty.
Waterlilies
So green, just beautiful.
On our way back to the Jeep we saw a turtle in the water.
Turtle
And some beautiful white flowers and, oh my, a bumble bee.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and remember it is not about the barbecues, the parties and picnics. It is about the soldiers who gave their life, fighting keep our country free so we can have the barbecues, picnics and parties. Take a moment to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and your country.
Happy Mother’s Day to two special ladies who are in heaven. My Mother and my Grandmother. Two special ladies who impact my life. I don ‘t say they were … because they are in my heart forever.
I learned so much from them and thankful that they will always be in my heart.
My mother didn’t like being in front of the camera so I don’t have a lot of pictures of her. Below is a picture of her graduating from high school. This is a favorite of mine.
Jt's Mother Graduating from High School, before heading to San Francisco
This photo is not in the best shape but it shows how lovely she is to me. My Mother will forever be in my heart. She is a smart, confident, strong woman who encouraged and pushed me to be the best.
My grandmother, a stylish lady. The picture below is a dear favorite of mine. She’s a hard working woman who did anything for her children. She’s a strong woman.
Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers whether you have children or you don’t have children, whether you birthed a child or have not given birth to a child. We all have a mother.
All the pet moms, aunts, great aunts, people in your life who are like a mother to you.
I pray that everyone had a great Resurrection Sunday! Today was a full day. I thank you Lord for giving us your Son Jesus. He is risen!
I have on all black because I serve in Helps Ministry in the computer ministry. I can brighten up in my accessories though.
We dress in black because we are behind the scenes.
JT in black
My bright blue bag is from Maxx New York. My Blouse is from Denim & CO. and my pants are from Isaac Mizrahi for QVC. Those Isaac Mizrahi pants are so comfortable.
We played this video at my church and it was so good I posted it here.
You still have time to enter my Giveaway!
I am collaborating with MarketPlace Handwork of India to offer my elegant readers the opportunity to win a $100 gift card to spend on their site. Please visit the MarketPlace Handwork of India website and leave a comment below on this post, on my blog, letting me know which item you like best. Please note, that this giveaway is only available to residents of the United States.
Please submit your comment by Sunday, April 15th and I will randomly choose the winner on Monday, April 16th.
I am so honored to have my blog selected for this week’s Links a la Mode from the Independent Fashion Bloggers group.
A big shout out to Jackie Clark with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance for writing such a wonderful and inspiring message to all the women who are battling cancer, to let them know that they can still look pretty and fashionable in spite of what is going on.
The turn of the season can trigger a serious need to purge, refresh and recharge our style. While the sun shines brighter and each day gets longer, our bloggers are finding fashion inspiration everywhere they look. From runways and designer collaborations to hip-hop and the Hunger Games. From gardens and fairy tales to rainbows and relics of beautiful starlets past, this week’s Links a la Mode is just a peek at what’s making bloggers tick this spring. Enjoy!
THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: MARCH 29TH
Arash Mazinani: 5 Things The Notorious B.I.G. Taught Me About Personal Style
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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