Welcome Summer: Sunflower Centerpiece

Welcome!  Today I have a summer sunflower centerpiece in store for you.  If you are visiting as part of the Summer Flower Blog Hop allow me to introduce myself.  I’m Nancy and I blog here at Slightly Coastal about turning our builder grade island home on the Atlantic coast side of Florida.  I’m on a mission to turn it into a house with more character one room, one project, one craft, one DIY at a time.

I was immensely proud to watch my oldest finally become confirmed last weekend.  After going to weekly confirmation classes, I was thrilled to hear him confirm his faith.  We gave him the option of going out to eat at any of his favorite haunts for a special meal on Sunday, but he wanted to eat out on our new paver patio with both sets of grandparents in attendance.  Since we were eating at home I decided a beautiful centerpiece would be called for.

I popped down to our local farmer’s market on Saturday morning just to see what the farmers had brought in for the week.  I was so delighted to find a local farmer selling bunches of homegrown sunflowers.  They are large…and gorgeous.  They make a perfect sunflower centerpiece.

If you didn’t know this, I grew up a PK (preacher’s kid).  I know what you are probably thinking…they are the MOST rebellious.  Me?  Not so much.  I’ve pretty much always been a rule follower.  I can’t always say I was super happy about being a PK.  There were times growing up where I had to make small talk with people and go out of my way to be friendly when I really wished I was just like all the other kids.  But for the most part, I enjoyed having a father who was a preacher and being involved in the church.

 My father retired from the ministry (in official capacity) nearly ten years ago after serving churches for more than 45 years.  It’s a real joy for me to now sit in the pew with him and I know my Hayden feels the same way.  On most Sundays he can be found sitting between grandma and grandpa.

Occasionally, we have the delight of watching my father preach when a minister is on vacation.  In his upper 70’s, my dad can still really deliver a sermon.  To say confirmation is a big deal in this family would be an understatement.

As we sat last Sunday on the patio sharing a meal and visiting, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beautiful family I get to call “my own”.  These are days to treasure.

We all shared what we remembered of our confirmation and what it meant to us.  I so enjoyed hearing the grandparents talk about their confirmation days.

After dinner was over we presented gifts to Hayden in honor of his confirmation.  My husband’s parents gave him a beautiful book of photography by renowned photographer, Michael Belk.  The book, Journeys With The Messiah: A Fashion Photographer Explores The Modern-Day Relevance of Jesus, is a stunning book and I highly recommend it.

My parents then handed him a small wrapped box and in my mind I thought, “How sweet, I’m sure they bought him a cross.”  Hayden began to read what my father wrote in the card out loud, and I quickly realized what was in the box.  My dad wrote about the ruby ring he received and wore when he was ordained in his 20’s.  In the card he wrote about how the ring was worn when he officiated all special events, it’s significance in his life, and its place in his ministry.  I remember him wearing the ring on these occasions.

You see, my dad baptized me and my brothers.

My dad confirmed all of us.

My dad married all of us.

My dad baptized every single one of his grandchildren.  What a blessing.

The ruby and gold ring is indelibly etched into my mind and I can picture him raising his hands to make the sign of the cross with the ring on his right hand.  Hayden wasn’t even finished reading the card when my mom and I were both in tears.   I knew what was in the box.

It is such a special gift.  My hope for Hayden has been that he grows to become the man God wants him to be and I knew in that moment, everyone sitting on the newly built paver patio had the exact same hope as me.  We all dried our eyes, hugged, and tried to regain our composure.  I used to be embarrassed when I cried in the middle of momentous occasions, but I’m not anymore.  You see, I realize that crying is not a sign of weakness.  It is a sign that you are alive.  So, if you are weepy like me, you may enjoy this little “flower” printable.

It was an amazing weekend and I’m so happy these sweet sunflowers brightened our table on such a beautiful occasion.  I’m going to leave you with one more happy photo of their yellow goodness.  Have a fantastic day my friends.

My awesome friend Lucy from Patina Paradise put together this incredible party list. Lucy and I, we like to party at the same places. You should come to the party…it’s a blast:

MONDAYS
*Show and Share @ Coastal Charm 8AM or 8:30AM

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on The Porch
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life 3PM
Inspire Me Monday @ Sand and Sisal 4 or 5PM

TUESDAYS
Moonlight and Mason Jars @ Cherished Bliss 10 or 11AM
* Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style 6pm
* Vintage Inspiration Party @ My Salvaged Treasures evenings at 7 PM
* Dream Create Inspire @ Refresh Living evenings at 7PM
* Swing into Spring @ DIY by Design at 10PM
What’s It Wednesdays @ Ivy And Elephants

WEDNESDAYS
Creative Spark @ Two Purple Couches 9AM
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson 2PM or 3PM

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours 6PM CST

THURSDAYS
DIY Like A Boss @ The Heathered Nest
*The Creative Circle @ Up to Date Interiors 8AM
Vintage Charm @ Charm Bracelet Diva 9AM
* Shabbilicous Fridays @ The Shabby Art Boutique 1:00PM
*Feathered Nest Fridays @ French Country Cottage 3PM
Simple and Sweet Fridays @ Rooted In Thyme 6PM

AKA Design-Weekend Retreat party 7 pm

Creativity Unleashed @ Practically Functional 6pm
*Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home 6PM
the weekend retreat @ AKA Design 6pm
Inspiration Friday @ The Painted Drawer 9PM

* A morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market 6AM

SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS
* Silver Pennies Sundays @ Finding Silver Pennies 6 or 7 AM
Inspiration Monday @ Our Southern Home + 6 more blogs! 1 PM
**Amaze Me Mondays @ Dwellings 5PM