A small tribute to one of the greatest men I will ever know.

February 12, 2012

You never have enough time with those you love. Even if they are 97 years old. 197 wouldn’t have been enough. But God is the creator of life, and he alone can call us home. 
As I type this, I get a sharp pain in my chest, because it hurts to think that this world is without my Pepaw anymore. It hurts to think how my father lost his hero this weekend, as well as the hero to all his brothers and sisters. It hurts to know my children won’t get to experience the magical summers he was part of making for all of his grandchildren. But I, along with everyone of his children and grandchildren, will carry his memory with delicacy, and pass it on with pride…
 
{Pedro and Lucia. Wedding Day.}

 

{A proud father to his first born son. My grandparents leaving the hosptial.}

 

{We celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at the church they were married in San Antonio}

 

{At their 65th wedding anniversary with 13 of their 15 children (two died very young).}
 
My little family and I heard my grandpa’s heart was starting to go, so we headed up to see him. He passed away before we could get to him. I was so close…
 
As I rushed to the hospital I drove through the small town where my life started, and where he built his. I drove past his favorite restaurant, Jerry’s where he would go for birthdays and special Sundays..
 I drove past his street where my grandparent’s house stands… where many hours of meals were shared, long chats over grandma’s iced tea on the front porch, endless summer bbq’s with the best brisket you will ever taste, where fireworks would shoot off the back fence, where we gather around him and be serenaded in spanish by his sweet voice and hand made guitar, where we would bust pinatas over birthday celebrations, where he would slice the biggest slivers of watermelon I ever held and passed to all takers with a big grin on his face…I can almost taste it now. I never wanted those summers to end.
I drove past the church of The Aunnunciation where he faithfully attended Mass, in the very front pew, for all the years they lived there. He never missed a Sunday. Where he humbly served his parish and all the parishioners through fish fries and the Holy Name service. To him, God was very real, and the most important thing in his life. Through this church, many of his children and grandchildren were wed and baptized lead by his example. He lived his faith through his actions. 
 
As I pulled up to the hospital, I had that sense of urgency to be with my parents and siblings who had already arrived, and I ran tears streaming down my face through the emergency doors. Was this really happening? Do we really have to say goodbye? It was hard to see so many loved ones with broken hearts, but we stood together surrounding the man we loved so much, and said our goodbyes. I held his hand just as I intended, and told him how thankful I was to him for being open to life and having my dad, the tenth child. I thanked him for the love he gave to each of his 64 grandchildren, and the legacy he left for us to live. I thanked him for being a loving husband to my grandmother for 72 years, and leaving us with the example of what a selfless spouse should be. 
 
When you are with someone who just passed from this earth and into the arms of the Creator, you can’t help but want to go with him. My thirst for heaven has never been stronger.
Rest in eternal bliss sweet Pepaw! We can’t wait to hear your music again one day!
 
“And with your final heartbeat kiss the world goodbye, then go in peace and laugh on glory’s side. Fly to Jesus, Fly to Jesus, Fly to Jesus and live!”~ from Chris Rice’s song “Come to Jesus”
 
 
 

DIY Wine & Cheese for Two Feature for Design*Sponge + 3 Valentine DIY’s

February 9, 2012

Completely honored to have a DIY feature for Design*Sponge. One of the very first blogs I started to follow, and a long time favorite:) You can check out the full DIY for this hand stamped Wine & Cheese for two set here.
Here are three fun and fabulous Valentinte Projects and touches to get your creative minds going:)
Also, on the topic of love;)….have been completely amazed by some of the Spread the Love posts I have been reading. Totally uplifted by reminded how many good people there are out there. I needed that this week! Go see for yourself!

Recipe Mediterranean Flatbread

February 8, 2012

I was at my local grocery story Publix, and they always have these friendly sweet southern ladies cooking up something good for you to sample. I was in there to get peanut butter and bread, and came out with a basketful of ingredients to make this dish.
Its dangerous in there I tell you.
The moment I tasted this I knew I had to make it to share with my husband, and then with all of you, so here is my adapted version:) I will say, this is a recipe for risk takers;)
Ingredients:
1 red pepper
2/3 cup cilantro (coarsely chopped)
1 Ib. pork tenderloin
1/2 cup diced red onions
1/4 cup canola oil
2 Tbls. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 Tbls. minced garlic
1 Tbls. Tomato paste
1 Tbls. water
2 naan flat breads (regular or garlic flavor)
1/2 tsp. salt (I always use sea salt for good flavor)
1/2 tsp. pepper
And wait for it….
6-8 oz. Key Lime Yogurt
(I know, sounds completely absurd but I promise it ties everything together magicly. 
Now don’t make the same mistake I did and get whipped yogurt. argh.)
Steps:
1. Place red peppers, cilantro, onions, oil, paprika, cumin, garlic, tomato paste, and water into food processor or blender, and blend until smooth.
2. Preheat large saute pan on medium-high with a few tbls. of oil. Cut your pork into small pieces.
3. Place the pork in pan, season with salt and pepper, and saute until cooked through.
4.  Reduce heat to low and add sauce; cook 1-2 minutes until warmed.
5. While that meat and sauce is warming pre-heat another skillet to warm your naan bread.
6. Cut your flat bread into fours on plates. Tope with meat and sauce mixture.
7. Drizzle yogurt on top of the meat and garnish with cilantro (optional of course).
Its fun to bring in a mediterranean inspired meal and give your tastebuds something new to try. Hope you enjoy!

CLOSED* I {Heart} My Readers Giveaway: Theit Camera Bag!

February 7, 2012

I told you it was gonna be good.
I am so appreciative of you readers. The ones that take the time to visit and comment frequently AND the ones that are behind the scenes and always supportive. You are the reason I blog! So, I thought since February being the month of love and appreciation, I would bring you a giveaway that would knock your socks off:)

Hence, the THEIT Bossi Bag in Gravel. Its gotta be one of THE BEST designed camera bags I have ever laid eyes on. Beautifully  designed on the outside, with loads of room and safe space for your camera + lenses on the inside. Much appreciation to the wonderful ladies of THEIT who have generously offered to give one lucky IHOD reader one of their very own!
TO ENTER (must be an IHOD subscriber or follower):
1. Visit THEIT and let us know which of their products catches your eye!
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (Please leave a separate comment for each):
2. Like THEIT on facebook and let them know I sent you! 
3. Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know you did!
example tweet: Just entered the I {Heart} My Readers #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for the Bossi Camera Bag from @THEITbags! http://inhonorofdesign.blogspot.com
Giveaway will end Monday night, February 13th at 10PM EST. Open to US/Canadian Readers. Must leave a valid blogger profile or email address in order to contact you if you are the winner. Best of luck!!

True Beauty Files: Ignoring the Groundhog

February 6, 2012

Who cares what the groundhog says? 
I am not waiting another 6 weeks to bust out the brights:)
{Dress/belt: F21 (in stores), Jacket: Necklaces: c/o Padgett Hoke, LYLIF, F21, Jacket: Francescas}
Style Word: I am one that doesn’t feel comfortable revealing my entire back to the general public, no matter how beautiful that backless dress may seem. But as I came across this dress that I couldn’t resist, I was determined to find an alternative. A way to address a backless dress: Wear a tank or cami in the same hue as the dress, and it will blend a little more naturally. Of course, this won’t work for every backless dress, but in this particular case, it did the trick! 
 If you plan on participating in the Spread the Love link up, the post is up for you to share your posts!
(Will resume The True Beauty Files link up next week. So get your outfit posts ready!)
P.S. You all are going to FLIP over tomorrow’s giveaway!! See you then!
The True Beauty Files:
A lookbook for the modern modeste.
“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” 
~ Audrey Hepburn

Style File: February Weekend

February 3, 2012


 <<<<<<<<<<< all images via Ban.do >>>>>>>>
When February rolls around, this is the shop I find myself visiting more than any;)
And since Monday, we will be sharing how we spread the love over at Megan’s blog I am sharing here just a few ways I did so this week…
1. Got my lazy bones out of bed early to make Gabe some coffee and breakfast, and to have some time with him before he went off to work. So glad I did. He is extra cute in a tie.
2. Called a few good friends who I haven’t spoken with in too long.
3. Sent a surprise package to a sister.
4. We did Gabe’s favorite act of kindness….pay for the people behind us at the toll booth:)
5. The babes and I made some bread for the neighbors. (Little G loooves to help bake.)

 

I can’t wait to see what you all come up with! If you plan to link up Monday to this movement of kindness in the blogosphere, grab a button and link to Mackey Madness on Monday!

P.S. Notice some new changes around here? 🙂 Thanks to Ana of Blog Milk, I have a new link bar and post footer:) She was SO wonderful to work with! If you need any blog touch ups or design work, have a look at her new site!

P.S.S. I am guest posting today on A Newfound Treasure (awesome blog!) sharing a style and home trend I love:) Come visit!

DIY: "You are a Gem" Valentines

February 2, 2012

I like to call my good friends and family “gems” because they are hard to come by, and they are of much value:) I thought this was a fun way to let them know…

Materials:
Cream and Red cardstock (linen is a nice touch)
Super Glue
Flatpost Earring Findings
Rhinestones (8-10 mm)
Mini Envelopes (find some here.)
Ribbon (I used a canvas ribbon)
Letter stamps and pad (optional)
Instructions:
1. Attach rhinestones to flat base earring using super glue or jewelry glue. Let dry for at least a few minutes.
2. Stamp or write your words on the cardstock. “You are a gem.” or “Gem of a friend.” Cut the phrase out.
3. Cut flag bunting shapes out of your red cardstock.
4. Glue the phrase to the flag shape and insert a pair rhinestone earrings on the ends.
5. Insert into mini envelope packages and tie with ribbon!
*You can purchase sterling silver earring bases and real rhinestones to upgrade the quality and for friends with metal sensitivities!*
Hope this helps with Valentine’s Day ideas for you. Who said Valentine’s are just for lovers? 😉
Happy day!

UPDATE: Another option is to buy a pack of rhinestone earring sets to use instead of making your own.(I found a good size pack at H&M for 6$)

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