Faith, Family and Friends: January 2014

Remember These ~

August: Osage County ~ the Movie

A girlfriend and I went this afternoon to see the movie and I'm delighted that Julie has this post tonight on the site! The movie was definitely a dark comedy about family members having to gather after a tragedy and it's a very dysfunctional family. To say the least. But the cast and the plot made me laugh and tear up. I wasn't sure I'd like it, as we all have family secrets that cause pain and we'd rather NOT see a movie about another dysfunctional family that does, but this is one I was so very glad I went to see. I loved the characters, well played by the cast member and although the scenery was no where like the beauty of The Christmas Candle we went to see during the holidays, it still shows how that part of our country, the Plains, looks. Barren. Few neighbors. I'm going now to read Julie's article and more about what she's found out! {If I'm not mistaken, doesn't The Pioneer Woman and her family live in Osage County in OK?! Maybe not. Need to Google that.}

Favorites During the Holildays

I've long followed Susis Harris and found her post on a tradition in their area that just fascinated me! I'm sure it will you, as well. I won't go into it anymore except visit and read and then smile. I know you'll smile. I did. Click HERE to visit SusieQ and leave her a sweet comment. She's requested prayers for her little family. No reason that we need to know of as she's already gone to the Lord with it, and He's in control. But say a prayer for Susie's family that peace and comfort will prevail while God works out the details. Thank you, valiant prayer warriors.

Charm Home is our own precious Cristie Curlee Holcombe! Yes, the one on an HGTV show, Elbow Room, yes the one with her own interior design company, and yes the one with Chase and now expecting a little girl in June!! She stays rather busy, doesn't she?! And this is her blog that keeps us up on all of her goings and comings. She obviously learned organization from her second grade teacher {wink font, as it was moi!} You'll find Charm Home, The Blog HERE!

Melissa Lester has a job outside the home, that took her family to the Birmingham area! She is now an ass't editor with Victoria magazine, one of my favorite reads! I've followed Melissa for a long time and loved how she put birthday parties and book clubs gatherings, and other family functions together with yummy goodies, decorations, and little gifts to send home with those present. I've wondered how in the world she would be able to continue this. Again, organization. This link will take you to the tea she hosted recently during the holidays but if you click on her blog title and read down a few posts, which will delight you, you'll find a post where she takes us on a tour of their new home - BEFORE they moved in. I'm looking forward to seeing it after Melissa's touch has been added. I follow some of her boards on Pinterest and can tell you that I'm loving what I'm seeing as far as wallpaper and fabric swatches! So yes, I'm looking forward to seeing this home progress with Melissa's talent for decorating.

Two things ~ one, this was one of my favorite vignettes and little tree this year. I saw it on Pinterest and knowing how The Hood loves owls, I made this tree just for him following the design shown on Pinterest. Loved it! He loved it! Two, this is my 1001th post and that just rocks my boat tonight. Wow, it's been eight years since the accident and I began blogging not long afterwards to have a means of keeping in touch with the world while I recovered at home. I've met strangers that became friends and have been blessed in many ways thru the blogging world. Thank you to those that faithfully keep in touch with me via the blog and for those of that come here to read what's going on in my little part of the world. Always feel free to leave a comment. We heart comments. May 2014 be another awesome year for us all and please continue to pray for America and her leaders. I'm beginning to feel the America I know and love slip away as the government takes over more and more. I know my Father is in control and all this will go as He wills, but I still ask that He continue to bless us and remind Him that there are many, many good people that adore Him as I.

before i fell in love ~

Note ~ this is my 1,000th post!

Winter Whispers

Our Christmas decor stays up later than most as we celebrate during January, when all three daughters and their families can arrive together. It's relaxing, the shopping rush is over, and we sit and reminisce, while the little ones play with each other. A nice way to begin a new year. From the middle of December to the middle of March, I thrive on the colder breezes and the crisp air. I love the quietness of Winter. It's a time of hot chocolate, warm fires, and good books.

I love bottle trees.

And how easy will this be to put together?!

I do need a nice white pitcher, however.

I never would've thought of putting a

piece of coral on top of crystal but it works.

And pearls. What lady doesn't like pearls?

Here's another adorable vase,

with an ornament from Christmas

and cute limbs from a craft store!

Here's a link to last year's Winter

thoughts and photos. I pray that

you stay warm and dry and enjoy

this time of quiet and reflection.

the love of thousands

Winter Home in Montana

Ah, yes. Julia, you've done it once more.

Given me a glimpse of a dream home

One I could live in so easily and enjoy each morning I awake.

The colors inside are soothing.

The details fascinating.

And that's just inside the house!

Can you imagine this view at breakfast? Or any meal!

I'm not a fan of banquets where one has to crawl out or in

but I wouldn't quibble if I had this view and a decorator

decided to design the area in this fashion. I'd just enjoy.

What really sold me was the nods to John Wayne and Roy Rogers. My two cowboy heroes. And look at the bunks at the end of this room?! It's not an easy task making up bunk beds. I know. I used to share them with a sister, but they didn't last long. It's really difficult to make up the top one and I can do without any extra tasks. But oh, aren't they adorable and so cozy. And there's more!!

Click here to visit Julia and see more of this beautiful log home in Montana. You won't be sorry. Then go to her heading and just click on it. You'll see other homes she's spotlighted recently and if you have hours to kill, check out her Celebrity Homes, Real Estate Mistakes, etc etc. Yeah, hours I've spent just browsing her site. And I still haven't seen it all. Kudos, Julia. You rock.

And this log cabin will be in my dreams ~

Here's another treat ~ You'll have to go see it for yourself.

Sigh ~

Winter 2014

Happy New Year!! I've been busy with family, friends & life and blogging had to take a back seat. This year I want to spend more time just like this ~ with His Words, family and friends. Here's a few shots that made me smile this week ~

These first two are Facebook feeds that crossed my path. I must say, the person that thought up the pup was very creative. I love the ears and tail. And C S Lewis said so many good things to remember and use in our lives. John and I truly believe these words. You're never too old to make a dream come true.