It was August 3, 2014, when we finally made the move to enter the blogging world. Our thoughts then were to try this for a few months and see how it goes. Now August has come again, and like every year since ‘14, we are grateful (and amazed) that we have completed another year of everyday living. Not even in our dreams did we imagine reaching an 8 year milestone…an anniversary that we are able to celebrate because of the faithfulness and encouragement from our readers!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Be sure to read to the bottom of the post for the winner of the giveaway from Spot Of Tea.
The very first post was titled “Why Everyday Living”. Our first pic showed us together facing away (maybe revealing our best side). Well, today we have decided to turn around and face the camera with a pic made the same day!
Originally it was Butch’s idea to start a blog. He bought the domain a couple of years earlier, but had never written a blog post. Thinking he never would, I decided I would. Sweet friends, I had no idea what I was doing! Somehow we have managed to publish 1,357 posts!
About a week after the initial post, my first tablescape was published. This is not “that” table, as those photos were…shall I say, not very good. I certainly was no photographer, and still claim an amateur status. I was regularly sharing tablescapes to my Facebook page, and with my friends’ encouragement, I began Tablescape Tuesday. The first few years I posted a tablesetting every week either in the dining room or outdoors. The above photo was from a tablescape blog hop in 2017. My very heavy dining room chairs (with RM’s help), were carried to the garden. The things I have done in order to share a table are too many to mention!
On October 25, 2014, the first Simple + Southern Sunday was published. The idea was to share our week in photos which might include happenings around home, a special occasion, food, and often a sunset. Somewhere between the summer of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 I talked Butch into writing the post. It has been so much fun to see how our readers have responded to him. He has a wide knowledge of many subjects, loves the outdoors, has a great mind, can work with his hands, and has a unique way of communicating. All of those talents plus many more is why I call him my Renaissance Man. I was a little apprehensive how my mostly female readers would take to his posts. I know I am prejudiced, but to know him is to love him. Why would I have doubted that y’all would love his content?! When grandchildren came along, they became regulars on Simple + Southern Sunday. With this past Sunday, 407 have been published with an estimated 5,200+ photos.
A garden had always been a dream of mine. In June of 2015, we shared the above photo as the dream became reality. I can hardly believe how different it looks now. RM has to be busy at all times and is now in full gardening mode since his retirement. He has more ideas than I can keep up with and it makes me tired to think of the work. Looking back over all the garden blog posts provides us a written journal with photos to show its progress.
In May of 2016, our first grandchild was born to our son and daughter-in-love. From the time they told us they were expecting, Butch and I were over the moon with excitement. I was so thrilled that I shared several posts before she arrived…you shared suggestions for my grandmother name, you were invited to a sweet baby shower, you were the first to see her nursery, you helped us welcome “the princess”, and you are still offering gracious comments about all three of our grands! You all are dear to my heart.
I began Gardens Galore, a link-up for bloggers to share their gardens, in the spring of 2017. The inaugural party was June 12 with 56 posts linked. It was a fun party for those who love gardening or just enjoy seeing the hard work of others. With a very busy life, it became too much to continue the link party and Gardens Galore ended in September of 2018.
We shared our most personal story of God’s grace in January of 2018. It was our prayer by sharing that it would encourage and bring glory to God! You can read it here!
March of 2018 began a twice monthly series originally called Floral Fridays! I was invited to join three amazingly talented blogging friends as we shared our love for flowers on the first and third Friday of each month. We had a name change by the end of that year when it became Monday Morning Blooms on the first and third Monday of each month. June of this year brought another change when our dear Shirley retired from the world of blogging. Lidy, Mary, and I now only post on the first Monday of the month.
We became grandparents once again in 2019. Our second princess was born in May. We could not have been happier to have another precious granddaughter! She and her big sister are totally different in their looks and personalities, both created in the image of our Heavenly Father!
Butch and I have been blessed to visit many countries (40+) and most of our 50 states. Sharing many of our trips has been a joy. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to the green forests of the Appalachian Mountains, from the rugged coast of California to the white sand beaches of our native Alabama, from large cities to small towns, America offers the most beautiful scenery. From the canals of Venice, to the south of France, from the Scottish hills to ancient Ephesus, from London and Istanbul to villages in Africa…there is so much to see in this world! Pictured above is the Garden of Gethsemane from a trip to the Holy Land in 2011.
Who would have ever thought that the year 2020 would change all of our lives in so many different ways?!! Much could be written, but I won’t go there today. Butch and I had often talked about a garden shed, but life was busy and it just never happened until June of 2020 when I posted, “Is This Really Happening?“.
We named it Sunshine Cottage! It isn’t a garden shed but a space for me to play with dishes and enjoy quiet time. It is also a playhouse for our girls where we play dolls, read, snuggle, have tea parties, and sometimes enjoy a sleepover on a blow up mattress on the floor!
I enjoy decorating the cottage for all the seasons, but especially Christmas. I have room to display so many wonderful hand-crafted gifts from my beloved Mother, like the hand-painted ceramic Santas on the shelves!
So many stories of my sweet Daddy have been shared with you. I was planning a big birthday party for him as he turned 90 in October, 2020. A pandemic prevented a large party, but we celebrated him with a small family gathering outdoors at our house. So many of you ask about him and I am thrilled to report he is doing well! He still lives at home by himself even though he is not really mobile without the aid of a walker. He is most happy living in his home as my brother and I take care of his needs. He will be 92 this October and there isn’t a day that I don’t thank the Lord for the blessing of his long life and his good mind.
In April 2021, we were blessed with another grandchild, this time a beautiful little blue-eyed boy. We could not go to the hospital to meet him because of restrictions, but had to wait until he came home. When I look at him, I often get teary-eyed because he reminds me so much of his daddy. He is full of life and never stops…to have a fraction of his energy would be wonderful!
Retirement at last for Butch! He finally decided that at the end of December 2021 he would retire. The above photo was taken in his office before the retirement party. I have often said, he is the hardest working man I have ever known. His first job was the summer he was 14. After 56 years, it was time to enjoy doing what he wanted. Has he stopped working, no? He rarely takes a day to relax, it is not in his DNA. He is still doing some consulting work with the company he worked for and is constantly working outside. I love having him home!
A new monthly series, Tea On Tuesdays, began on the third Tuesday of July. Blogging friend, Mary (Home Is Where The Boat Is) and I are excited to share tea with our readers.
I end with photos of two beautiful girls and a handsome boy. I am so grateful to be their PJ! They are truly rich blessings from the Lord. Thank you for reading and following Everyday Living. Many of you have followed from the beginning and others have joined during the journey. Your love and encouraging comments have blessed our lives immensely. Our prayer is that you know and experience the love of God in your everyday living.
Congratulations to Nancy G. who is my winner of a generous gift package from Spot of Tea.
She will receive 3 hand-crafted teas, flower pot infuser, heart sugar cubes, and vintage teacup.
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Good Morning Pam, What a wonderful blogging journey you’ve been on since you hit the ‘publish’ button, and I’m so glad you did! So many wonderful milestones you have shared, especially those adorable grands and your beautiful family. Wishing you many more years of tables, garden flowers, teatime and Everyday Living! Congrats to Nancy, she’s in for a treat.🫖
Thanks so much, Mary. You have always inspired me ♥️
Dear friends, I loved this post… I want you to know that the first time I entered your blog and commented on something was in September 2015. almost the entire time of your first post…
I also want you to know that I have ALL your posts saved on my PC, because I think they are great: beautiful, interesting, made with a lot of LOVE.
Life put an obstacle in my way and I had a fall that forced me to go live in my daughter’s house because I couldn’t do anything for myself. Thank God I’m “almost” the same as before because there are always consequences of a fall like this, but you can say I’m fine.
I am very happy to review the kind things that have happened to you in all this time.
I send you a big hug with love
Mi dulce Dolores, recuerdo bien la primera vez que nos conocimos en septiembre de 2015. Tu aliento ha sido una tremenda bendición. Tus visitas siempre calientan mi corazón y traen una sonrisa a mi rostro. ¡Eres mi amigo español que me trae alegría! Te envío amor y abrazos, Pam ♥️
Your everyday living has turned into a life of beauty, love, hard work, travel, and a great family. You have truly been blessed by God. Happy 8th Anniversary.
Thanks so much, Deborah for your sweet comments ♥️
Aw, what a wonderful journey through pictures! I loved seeing and hearing about your blogging story. I am not sure when or how I first found your blog, but it has been a real blessing to come here and visit with you throughout my time knowing about you. Your life is very rich and it is always such an encouragement to read about how God is blessing you. Happy Blogging Anniversary, and may God bless you to blog for many more!
Thank you, Cheryl for your sweet friendship and encouragement ♥️
I love every bit of this. Congratulations, Richardsons!💞
Thanks so much ♥️
Congratulations on your 8 year anniversary. I found you through your Garden Party! I’ve been with you and Butch ever since. And oh how I enjoy seeing the Littles!
Thank you for this sweet post down memory lane.
I am tickled pink to have won the give away! I enjoy tea very much and am looking forward to trying these new teas. Thank you so much! I can’t wait!
Nancy from ~Two Trails One Road
Thank you for your sweet comments and encouragement through the years ♥️
Darling Pam, I feel so blessed to have found your blog and eagerly look forward to every post. Even though we have never met face to face, we have shared prayers and adventures from afar, and I truly value our friendship. Congratulations to you and Butch, and I look forward to many more stories and beautiful pictures.
Roxanne, your sweet comments and encouragement through the years have been a great blessing. Thank you and I value your friendship ♥️
Happy Blogiversary Pam and Butch! Blogging is such an amazing and wonderful journey! When I started in August of 2012 I had no idea that I would have so many adventures, make so many new friends, and learn so many things! This post is a wonderful recap of your past 8 years, and isn’t it wonderful to have your blog posts as memories of what you have been doing, enjoying, and celebrating! Your posts are always uplifting and positive, it is always a pleasure to join you 💕 Jenna
Thank you so much, Jenna. You were one of the first bloggers that reached out to me. Thank you for your sweet comments and friendship ♥️
Pam, what a wonderful journey! You and Butch have a beautiful family, and I’m always in awe of your gorgeous property with it’s gardens, and your lovely tablescapes inside and alfresco. Well done! Congratulations to you and Bruce on this 8th Anniversary milestone!
Thanks so much, Sarah. Your sweet comments and encouragement always warm my heart ♥️
Congratulations Pam and Butch! Eight years is quite an accomplishment and commitment to your readers. Thank you for all the hard work and encouraging words. Your everyday life is filled with many beautiful blessings and we thank you for sharing them with us. I love each topic and learning new things as well as getting new ideas from your blog. For me personally, it helped lift me out of the grief of losing my precious Mom. I was so sad and was struggling to get back to “normal” where I felt like participating in life rather than just going through life. God directed me your blog and I gradually became interested in so many of the things that you have written about. You touch lives in such positive ways! I wish you many more happy years in the blogging world and in everyday living! Your sweet spirits are a wonderful light and example to others. Happy Thursday! Clara❤️
Clara, you have been a faithful follower and I always look forward to your comments. You are a wonderful encourager and even though we have never met, your friendship is a blessing ♥️
Thank you both for sharing this powerful reminder of God’s grace and love for us ~~You have both been an inspiration to me, and I hope and pray for your continued good health.
Miki, thank you for your sweet and encouraging comments. Blessings ♥️
Beautiful gardens and babies. It’s a boost to the soul to read your blog.
Leslie Anne, thank you for your encouraging comments ♥️
Pam, I am so grateful you’re in my life! Your photos and words bring wisdom and beauty and smiles. I so appreciate this walk down memory lane. God has blessed you with a rich and fruitful life and it’s a joy to share it with you, even from afar.
xo
Linda, your kindness warms my heart. Thank you for your encouragement ♥️
Such a blessed life. Putting God the center of your life and also the beginning of your post with verses, has definitely pronounced favor , mercy and grace over your family. Love your family. Love every post y’all have done. Look forward to many more. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thanks so much, Sharon. You are a sweet and gracious lady. Blessings always~
Congratulations! What a lovely online home you’ve created for yourself. It’s wonderful to think of how many people you’ve blessed along this journey.
Thanks so much, Richella. Your encouragement warms my heart ♥️
I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing all the beautiful photos you post. Your grandchildren are lovely . So glad you enjoy all the hard work and you share your fruits of labor. Bless you for the joy you share. Thank you!
Della, thank you for your kindness and encouragement through the years ♥️
Clara said it all. I am blessed to be called friend by you and blessed to have read your post for a long time not sure from the very first. Each post is a loving and learning experience, from the scripture verses to Butch’s walks to the grands pictures of growing up to your beautiful garden. Pam your imagination has no end. The Tablescapes and flower arrangements are straight from your heart. I got tears eyed reading today’s post. So special.❤️
Alice, you have been with us for a long time. You are a
blessing and I have loved every story you have shared with me. I am so glad you are my friend♥️
Good Morning Pam,
I am so happy you started blogging and share your beautiful home and gardens with all of us and also that sweet family. Your blog always makes me smile and I love seeing your beautiful property. Congrats. xoxo Kris
Kris, your sweet words warm my heart. Thank you dear one ♥️
Congratulations! A beautiful post full of your wonderful journey! I joined your blog much later but I have enjoyed every post. I have learned much and thankful to you and Butch! Long may you continue to blog on!,!!!!
Maureen, we are so glad to have you on our journey. Your encouraging words mean so much to me ♥️
What a lovely recap to celebrate your blogging anniversary! You and Butch do amazing projects. Building a cottage in 2020 was a great accomplishment.
Sharing your family and your gardening and decorating skills are phenomenal! Your travel posts are so interesting too.
You both have an encouraging heart and my sincere congratulations today for your blogging success. Bonnie
Thank you dearest Bonnie. I am blessed by your friendship ♥️
Just testing this here.
Thank you for sharing your story of our amazing God ! We can never praise Him enough for all He has done for us and is still doing for us.
This is the first time I’ve commented but I look forward to your posts and enjoy reading them. Thanks for the inspiration.
Rhonda, Amen and Amen! I am so happy you commented. Your sweet words are a blessing ♥️
Congratulations! I was so blessed the day I came across your blog. I look forward to every post and am so inspired and encouraged by Everyday Living. I truly feel that you are family and we really are because we are part of the family of God. May He continue to bless you and Butch and your family. Blessings today and always.
Thank you Bobbie. You have been an encourager and friend. I think of you often 🙏🏻♥️
Happy Blogaversary! I had not met you before today but was captivated by your post and your recount of the blessings in your lives. May there be many more!
Thanks so much for reaching out on your first visit. It is always encouraging to hear from first time visitors ♥️
How beautifully you and Butch have redeemed the Lord’s trust in you to bring His light into our world and to make it an even better place to experience. Your shared
conversations and prayers have enhanced my days and my esteem and love for you and yours grow deeper each day. Congratulations on this grand anniversary and fulfillment of your blog’s promise. The scope of its offerings is awesome and
we all have been so enriched by your Faith, curiosity, talents, openness and fine taste. May Everyday Living continue to bless us all for years to come. So grateful.
Mary, my dear one, I could never thank you enough for your kindness. Your emails warm my heart and often bring laughter. You are a blessing and I am thankful for your friendship ♥️
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! Your home and the photos you share of it are absolutely stunning. So much love for God’s creation in your garden.
Thank you for your sweet comments that are so heartwarming ♥️
Happy Bloggiversary!!! Grateful for your wonderful blog. Thank you for such encouragement and beauty and inspiration. Thank you for sharing God ‘s Word. Thank you for sharing happiness and your precious friendship. Congratulations, dear friends.
Thank you from my South American friend. Your presence always warms my heart ♥️
Happy Blogoversary Pam and Butch. I am so thankful I found your blog a few years ago as it is one of my favorites. Love the content and following your personal stories and travels. God Bless you and your family! 🎉🌻💜
Thank you, Lynda. I am so happy you found us. Your words of encouragement are a beautiful blessing ♥️
Happy blog anniversary Pam and Butch. Your blog has brought all of us such beauty and Grace. Love your gorgeous tables, garden and more. Congrats to Nancy G.
Thank you dearest, Linda. You always encourage ♥️
Happy 8th Blog Anniversary. Pam wishing you many,many more years of flowers,gorgeous tablescapes and every Tea Party be filled with happiness and friends.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
A special thank you Marilyn, Joan, and Marion for following for many years. Your encouraging words warm my heart!
Pam and Butch, if I had to choose just one blog to read, it would be yours. I read every bit of today’s post, including the one which told your very personal story of God’s grace and goodness in your life together. I love your teamwork in creating such a beautiful blog that honors and glorifies the Creator and all of that which He has made. You will never know how many times your posts have blessed and encouraged me. Much love to both of you from your sister in the Lord, Cindie
Cindie, your encouragement warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes. Our prayer has always been that God would use the blog for His glory and purpose. You are a blessing. my sister in Christ♥️
Pam, I wasn’t there at the very beginning but I’ve been following you a long time and enjoyed every post, every peek into your beautiful world, the glorious gardens and tablescapes, the wonderful holiday posts and of course your beautiful family, Butch and the grandlittles, too. Happy Blogaversary! I’m so delighted Butch signed you up — and that carried on!
Thank you, Jeanie. I think we met in 2016 when I posted about our trip to Martha’s Vineyard and you commented that you had been. As they say, the rest is history. Thank you for your encouraging comments all of these years ♥️
Happy Blogging Anniversary, Pam! I enjoyed reading all about your blogging history. I always enjoy a visit whether it is seeing a beautiful tablescape, taking a walk through your gorgeous gardens, or just reading about all the happenings of everyday living. It is always a joy to visit! Your grandbabies are absolutely beautiful, and I know you enjoy them so much. I look forward to many more of your wonderful posts, my dear friend!
Shannon, your kindness warms my heart. Thank you for your encouragement, my friend ♥️
Happy anniversary! I loved learning more about you and your blog and I love all of your posts.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth ♥️
We have all been so BLESSED by you two’s love & dedication to your blog!!! We admire the time & commitment it takes each week to do it❤️It truly is a Labor of Life, Love & Happiness💞I especially how you both honor our Father God in your life, marriage & community😍✝️Thank you for pouring yourselves into all of us!!! We appreciate you both & adore your darling family including those three sweethearts called grands‼️ We all so rejoice with you in the Joy of Grandparenting💞💞💞I so look forward to each post and relish your lovely gardens & beauteous tablescapes along with those stunning flower arrangements!!! We love them as well as your precious Tea Times & story times in your Lovely Sunshine Cottage!!! Again, thanks for giving us daily glimpses of your little slice of heaven in North East Alabama‼️Much love to you & Butch 😍😘
Penny, thank you for the years of friendship and encouragement. You are a blessing and I hope to come south to meet you in the future ♥️
We would so welcome a sweet visit from you, Pam & Butch!! Y’all come down here & stay a spell😍
Pam, what a beautiful post! I loved reading about your history with blogging and my goodness, what a lot you two have accomplished. I love seeing your gardens, your tablescapes, and hearing about the grands! Congratulations on your blogging anniversary and I hope there are many more to come! Kim
Kim, you are a sweetheart and your comments always warm my heart ♥️
Good morning, Pam. This was such a treat to read. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! Spoiled by the beauty you share, I wish you many more years. You are truly an inspiration and a joy. Enjoy these last days of summer!
Thank you for your sweet comments through the years. Blessings always ♥️
I so enjoyed reading this post, such a lovely commitment you and Butch have shared with us, thank you. Your posts always bring joy and a calmness to me, and although we have never met in person, I treasure the feeling of friendship and count you and your sweet family, your loving home, and beautiful gardens a blessing. I always enjoy the scriptures you quote and how they weave into the blog. Thank you for all that you do and may God continue to bless you.
I Have loved your blogs since you started, the pictures and messages are a real inspiration.
Loved this post and congratulations to you both on your blog anniversary! God is good. Loved all of the wonderful pictures. You inspire me and so many others. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Happy Blogging Anniversary. I enjoy every blog that you and Butch post. Wishing for many more blogs to read.
Happy blogging anniversary Pam & Butch! A lovely post 😊
Bless you both, Jennifer
Pam, I loved reading the history of your blog. I feel that you give us a wonderful gift every time you post. Your energy that comes through with every photo and beautiful tablescape just amazes me. You work so hard to show us the beauty. Also, you are just blessed with so many talents, and Butch also. I could just go on and on …the decorating…gardening…photography…and such expressive writing. Thank you for giving us this gift, and also, thank Butch for me. I will look forward, hopefully, to many more years of your expressions of beauty. Betty Phillips
Betty, your sweet comments warm my heart. You are a
blessing and have a special gift of encouragement. I will show Butch your comments and I know he will also be encouraged. We love sharing and are so happy that you enjoy.
Love and hugs,
Pam
I know that you know how blessed you are to have a man like Butch who is a hard worker, faithful companion, and loving person. You 2 are just right for each other! Happy Blog Anniversary (better late than never for me…I am just pitiful!), and I wish you many, many more!
Thank you, Alycia for your sweet comments. You are NOT pitiful dear one, but most delightful!
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! I always enjoy your posts because of their sweet spirit. Keep on bringing us your inspiration and lovely family.
Happy Blog Anniversary! It is always a joy to read your blog posts!
Thanks so much, Penny! Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend!
Congratulations, Pam! It’s always a pleasure to read your postings, whether about your travels, gardening, tablescapes or life and I look forward to each new post you and your renaissance man write. Wishing you a very Happy Anniversary ~ Suzanne.
Thank you so much, Suzanne for your sweet comments!