baby shower

Why Baby Showers Are Special for Grandmothers Too

Phyllis Inspiration, Lifestyle 27 Comments

I have had the pleasure of attending baby showers for new moms and now grandmothers—yes, grandmothers. We grandmothers need our nursery stash as well. And what better excuse for a party than a grandmother shower for a friend? When your gift giving calls for something unique for a new mom, give a gift that is special and sentimental. Here are …

Childhood Keepsakes Remind Us to Keep Handwork Art Alive

Phyllis Inspiration, Lifestyle 29 Comments

I was sitting in my sewing room the other day and looked around at the keepsakes I have kept through the years. I have wonderful artwork from my boys when they were young, quilts from grandmothers, embroideries and crochet from the women in our family, paintings from my mom, and many other things that have special meaning for me. There …

Wedding

Create a Family Treasure for a Special Bride

Phyllis Inspiration, Lifestyle 17 Comments

When Vanessa James got married and I was searching for a special gift for her, I decided that I would sit down and write all my favorite recipes in a three-ring-binder cookbook for her. Since all new brides struggle with dishes to cook for two, this just might be something to consider. Vanessa said this was one of the greatest …

The Legacy of the Button Box

Phyllis Inspiration 9 Comments

From the time of my earliest recollection, my mom had a button box. It was filled with every conceivable button that was made at the time. Buttons were never discarded and were reused on new garments when needed. When my sister and I had a sick day from school—which meant we were close to death—we could play with Momma’s button …

How to Throw a Camping-Themed Birthday Party

Phyllis Inspiration 11 Comments

Planning a party for boys is no small task. For my grandson’s 6th birthday, my daughter-in-law Katie planned a wonderful party with the perfect theme for the birthday boy—Camp Hays. Since Hays is an outdoorsman, she planned a camping party complete with a campfire, s’mores, hot dogs, and all the water balloons they could stand. My son Eric, Hays’s dad, …

Princess

How Love Changes Lives: Raising a Princess

Phyllis Lifestyle, People 8 Comments

My friend John Croyle is the founder of the Big Oak Ranch. Rising to recognition as an All-American defensive end at the University of Alabama during head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s tenure, John had to decide whether to play professional football or to start a children’s home. In August 2014, John and Tee Croyle will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the …