Blog updating....a process!

I have moved most of my blog to a new platform. But it's still a process...in process!!

My Recipe Blog link is still at the top cross-column under the header, but because of my change of platform that was hosting my blog, that will have to be totally moved, created and many more recipes added. I'll update when that is done. 

I thought too I should add...why did I name my blog "The Irish Laurel"? Well, I have much Irish in me, and I love my Irish heritage. I also love the Mountain Laurel flower. So, I combined a "few of my favorite things" and that became the name of my blog!!!  The photo below is of the Mountain Laurel. It's such a delicate, beautiful flower!

I will continue to blog of my life, my adventures and the little memory making things that happen. But I'm also adding a bit more depth to my blog,

I had mentioned we are attending a new church, amazing church. It's amazing because God is the center of the church. So evident in the love of the people, the warmth and caring that happens every Sunday. The pastor has had such amazing sermons; we have grown so much from his sharing. And so...I'll be sharing each week what made me "think", what made me "search my soul" and "what is helping me change for the better". In this process I want it to be a continual season of spiritual growth...more of Jesus!!

A brief review of our December Disney World Trip

If any of you have known us for a while, know that we LOVE Disney World. The "we" is my husband, youngest daughter, and me. We travel there at least once a year and always have a wonderful time!! 

Well...the December trip, which was only 3 days thank goodness, was NOT a wonderful time. They were originally calling temps in the 70's and THAT did not happen. Also, no sun, cloudy and cold and breezy. We about froze. Everywhere we went was air-conditioned which did not help. We only had hoodies to wear; some people were wearing coats and gloves...those were the smart ones! Because it turned dark at 5, the temps dropped more. So, we spent the evenings in our room with the heat turned up. We normally are in the parks and shopping at Disney Springs in the evenings, nope...we stayed in our warm room!  Our highlights of the trip were our dining experiences...those never disappoint. Always great food and wonderful servers! 

So, when we arrived home, we sat down and looked at our calendar for 2026 and I found such deals, that we have a trip booked to Disney in August this year, celebrating our youngest daughter's birthday along with my husbands. And YES, we have been there in August, fully aware of the heat. We can deal with it, since all places are air-conditioned. 

Welcome 2026!

What will 2026 bring?

A New Year and a new blog direction. I will still list my "life memories and experiences" but adding onto that will be part of my spiritual walk. More to come.

2026!! Well as the usual...maybe expected "to do" for the new year is a list of resolutions. I would rather call them

Expectations of memories or maybe crossing off "to do lists"!

My first is what so many say and do....I WILL exercise more.

Maybe I should say my first thing would be more in depth Bible reading and study. And by study I mean a fun and life changing and challenging studies. There are a few women out there that have wonderful studies that I will be using.

The one study I'm going to start is with the author/speaker Lisa Harper. I just recently began following her and love her sharing and her life story.  She is amazing and so down to earth, but a true lover of God!!

Here is the link to her website    Lisa Harper

Also I hope to join a women's bible study at our church. A few were mentioned and I hope to begin attending one. 

I truly love the old Hymns. I feel that we have lost something by not singing them during worship services. They have such deep spiritual depth.

This song, this old hymn still is one of my favorites, speaks so clearly and strongly today. Just posting a few of the verses that especially speak to me.

How Great Thou Art:

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the world Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Chorus: Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home what joy shall feel my heart
Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim
My God, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art

 

Wrap up of Summer 2025

Back to my blogging!....no seriously I'm back! 

A bit of a re-cap of 2025 ....so far.

• Disney World Vacay in February...as usual a wonderful time!
• Celebrated a BIG birthday in May, Family met together for a my bday dinner out and I was spoiled by the gifts! 
• Remodeled our laundry room, new paint, new wallpaper, new wall cabinets, floating shelves, and a floor cabinet! (more info below) 
• Made many summer trips to Norms our local ice cream shop! (did I mention...MANY trips!)
• Made a day trip to Pentwater. Browse shops and had lunch, both my daughters and my youngest granddaughter joined us
• Loved the summer that has totally flew by
• Planning a December Disney World Trip...never have visited the parks when they are decked out in Christmas decorations, really so excited!
• Decided to start decking out the interior with fall decorations. A bit early for me...but just somehow got in the mood!
• Biggest news of all...and a MAJOR answer to prayers. We have found a new church. A group of people have started a new church, hired a pastor (who by the way is wonderful). One of the couples (that we knew from long ago) is  in the start-up group posted about the church beginning...we were intrigued. Went to the first service thinking probably not many will be there since it's new. Wow, we were blown away there were around 260 people ...it was wonderful. Have had two services and really love the love of the Lord they have and how warm, welcoming and friendly the people are!!

So, a little more detail on the laundry room upgrade and re-do. What I started with was a plain laundry room with light blue (was supposed to be gray but looked blue) walls and a washer and dryer, that's it! I have been searching for blogs and the net looking for the style I wanted. Slowing came up with ideas. and FINALLY started putting them in place. With the new paint color, lighter, it opens up the room more. and then adding white wall cabinets on either side of the floating shelves, above the washer/dryer and it turned out perfectly!! I also found a blog that she shared how she made a hanging wood slat cover that covered up the large ugly washer/dryer plugs that show above the appliances.

Those plugs have always bothered me...so I went for it!! Made it and love the result!! Photos below