Guess I'm Not the Only One

From the looks of the blogs I follow, I'm not the only one that seems to not be taking the time to update and keep current my blog. It first began as a means to document family news, then with the way it expanded I began showcasing blogs I visited and thought you may enjoy as well!

Then I discovered Pinterest. Oh.My. Pinterest. If you haven't checked it out yet or begun your own boards, it's a new and interesting place to share and find information on everything. EVERYTHING!

I'm not sure how many boards I presently have but I love and learn from each and every pin placed on a board! Talk about adding to my Bucket List!! Here's a few recent pins ~

This is found on the board 'Adorable Abodes'.

I could SO live here, in England. On the water.

'Amazing Architecture'

And there are some awesome examples!

The one above is on the National Register

of Historic Places. It's a round barn!

'Beauty of Birds'

God didn't have to make so many,

with such different colorings,

and amazing features.

But He did. For us.

'Breads & Appetizers'

I love food. I hate weight gain.

But I love food.

And I love this recipe!

'Free Fonts'

Yep. They're free.

I just can't understand how to

download them. But bet you can.

Go visit. And in the meantime,

I'll try to do a better job of

keeping my blog up with fun sites

and neat home decor ideas!

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.

Two Favorites ~

If you have followed me for any length of time, you know that Hooked On Houses is one of my very, very, long time, favorite sites. There is SO much to learn on her site and she is one of the kindest bloggers I've met since being a part of the blogger's world. I tried once to choose my most favorite part of her site and it wavered between Movie Houses and Realtor Mistakes, but then I gave up, called it quits and kept digging and delving.  Seriously, you can never read everything she's either dug up or a reader has sent in. It's forever changing and I love that.

This afternoon I knew by her caption I was going to like this post. The landing didn't look too shabby to begin with, until I scrolled down and saw what you see here. Oh.My.Stars!! Now, I know a designer came in and did this, but I just bet with the determination and a husband to say 'yes' or 'I can do that for you' you or I could do this, too. That is, if we had a landing. Which we don't. But that doesn't stop one from dreaming, even when you tell everyone that YES this IS the last house for us. {Snicker font} Our best friends know us too well. Take a nice long look at the AFTER shot, then hustle over to Julia's site and see a few shots of the rest of the home. Leave her a comment, too. We heart comments. Bookmark this site!

And oh my sweet friend, Dawn. The Feathered Nest. One of the very first sites I found while up late one night recovering from the accident and trying to find out what a blog was all about. She's become a 'friend I haven't met yet' and I treasure her thoughts and artwork. They come from the heart. You can find more posts on both ladies if you look over to the left and scroll down to labels. Some blogs you just can't get enough of, and these are two of mine.

I have long loved Winnie the Pooh and feel such a kinship with him. This is one of the quotes close to my heart. Dawn has always offered her beautiful vintage and antique prints for free for you to use to create your own beauty. Yeah. She's a gift of His. This print today is just one of many. Click here to go to her site, if you don't already have it bookmarked. I always feel better having visited. And there's normally a smile on my face ~ 

Summertime ~

If you have a blog, you'll understand. If you don't, then please be patient and accept my apology now. It's been a busy summer with family and friends visiting and we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Which means I keep up with them through Facebook and have taken the time to sit down and stay current here. This blog began as a diary for me and those to follow after, then I branched out a bit and found it fun to share decorating tips and recipes. It's a nice outlet and I enjoy it. However, I'm going to have to take a hiatus for a month or so and let things settle down. We are working on some projects around the house that have been pushed back due to fun times and the seemingly constant rain, and threat of rain, we are having this Summer!

So if you're a follower, then you'll be notified as soon as I post again. If you aren't a follower yet, I'd like to have you as one. It makes it easier for you to know when a post is published.

I pray that you have had a safe and healthy summer and that we'll meet here again in the Fall. Oh, the feelings that word evokes! Cooler temps. Fall foliage. And SEC football!! Specifically, the University of Alabama! Let's get ready to roll into Fall and capture another National Championship for the great state of Alabama. We hold the crystal ball for the last four years {BIG smile font!}.

Oh, I Just Love to Share!

I know it isn't Easter anymore, but there's always next year. This is a bit more than I always do, but the way she put sequined eggs in the bunny baskets is an idea I can use, along with some of her tablescape ideas! So click here on  Easter Table Setting and enjoy her post. There are tons of ideas! My grandbabies would LOVE to see this but it's a bit much when they may or may not be here for the Easter season {smile font!} I love this blog and have been a follower for several years now. You may want to click on Home and read through the rest of her posts. You'll not be disappointed!

I am new to this blog. Bargain Hunting is a fun and uplifting site. She is a grandmother with a grandson that was born premature. In anticipation of his homecoming, she and the two little sisters had a precious child's tablescape to welcome him home. This table is so sweet! Which has given me another reason now to collect some of these items and decorate a table just for our grands when they visit. Too, too cute! Kudos, Laurie, I've become one of your latest followers and love reading back thru older posts! God bless your little grandson.

Another blog I've found and have enjoyed has a posting today of a beautiful arrangement that will look great on The Hood's side of our long bathroom vanity. It's manly and classic looking. Now to get to Tuesday Morning and Hobby Lobby to put it together! Go to A Stroll Thru Life and read more about Marty using feathers in her home. Marty, I've just become a follower and have thoroughly enjoyed what I've read thus far. Look forward to more!

"Therefore encourage one another

and build one another up,

just as you are doing."

 1 Thess 5:11

Blogs & Babies

I love her header. And if you do? Then you'll love her blog! Talk about home decor and DIY projects! In fact, the one today that I'll link you to shows the cutest overhead light! John and I were at Lowe's this past weekend, looking for a light to replace the fan we have in our kitchen. I do remember seeing pretty linen shades and lights similar to it. Thinking now, we need to reconsider and look at them a bit more closely!

THIS is our very favorite stew. I am still perfecting my recipe, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to find hers on here tonight. I've referred you to Susan's blog before. You need to click here and head to BNOTP. When you finish this post, keep reading. There's a lot to see!

Oh, Melissa Lester. I've drooled over your blog for quite a few years now. You'll always be one of my favorites. I love your party ideas and I love your book club ideas! Not to mention what a beautiful Christian you are and that you share His words as an accomplished speaker.

This sweetheart was ready for Wacky Wednesday today. She's growing too quickly for my heart. It can't keep up. It still wants to rock her to sleep. 

This sweet young man chose his Uncle Heath to showcase at his school for community helpers. We were touched and very proud. Way to go, Noah. Nan and Pa love you, and Heath? We pray for you so often. Heath and Leslie will have our sixth grandchild this month and we're over the moon. Just a couple of more weeks and little Owen will be here!

It's been a week filled with sinusitis, warm windy days, and cold nights. Weather that feels good but keeps one coughing, sneezing, and sucking on throat lozenges. How many of you have had the snow I've been dreaming of?! I've seen it on the news but it missed us.

Oh, Naps On the Porch ~

 Today I was going to share a few Mardi Gras tablescapes and a couple for Valentine's Day, but I got delightfully stopped at Naps On the Porch! First, I saw the salad plate and lusted after it, until reading that she purchased it at Marshall's and we don't have one around here. I need to find where the closest one is! What you'll love about this writer, one of the things you'll love, is that after each post she tells where and when she bought the items, along with the brand name if listed.

Where we live Mardi Gras is celebrated not as much as places further west but we do have our parades. Each year I say I'm going to decorate for it and then I get caught up in Christmas and wanting to enjoy it a bit longer, then I enjoy the cardinals and the wintry whites, so it's difficult to fit another holiday in and enjoy it any length of time before decorating for Spring and Easter! How do you do it?!

I also love her purple plates and don't think I'll have a difficult time finding similar ones. Love Tuesday Morning and TJMaxx! Now to find a Kohl's and Marshall's nearby! Here's a photo of our little Mardi Gras Princess! She's grandbaby #3 and growing up too quickly on me.

Okay, so after I read her MG post, I looked for Valentine's Day. There are quite a few tablescapes but the one below was my favorite. Again, she tells where you can find the dinnerware and other pieces she selected for this look. 

Click here for this Valentine's Day tablescape. I'd love for you to tell me how you decorate. How often do you change? For the seasons? For the holidays? Mix the two?

THEN, I saw Winterscape and decided then and there to plant nandinas this spring at our home. Just so I can use them at Christmas and during the winter. I don't see them around here, but I plan to hit a nursery and bring some home. The birds love the berries and I love the color they bring inside. They will look so happy with my cardinal salad plates!

Here's where you can find her post on her Winterscape.  The snowmen make it look festive and you have to smile, even if you're not already!

There's a bar at the top of her blog that shows other sections to explore and I found one on a gorgeous new 'old' Victorian home. Below is one of the four tablescapes found in this home (can you imagine FOUR!)

There are quite a few posts for Touring a Victorian Home and I promise you'll love every one of them. I haven't finished looking through each but I've loved what I saw. I've followed NOTP for a few years and she's gotten larger and added more sections. She has a world of tablescapes. She also keeps a Linky party going on table settings so yeah, you'll find lots! 

Reminds me of a dear friend I have in Prattville, Lynne Griffies. Her home is always beautiful but at Christmas it absolutely shines and is breathtaking. Each room has a theme. And a tree. Big trees, little trees. I think each year she comes up with something new. It always thrills me when she posts photos on Facebook to share with us the many vignettes she's created. I'd love for her to have a blog simply to share her home at different times of the year, and especially at Christmas, but she's a busy lady! I'm thankful she has the time to share on Facebook.

When I find a blog I enjoy I want to know everything about it. Hooked on Houses?  Hours.  The Feathered Nest? Hours, (and Dawn has some of the sweetest FREE printables you'll find.) If you have a favorite blogsite, leave me a comment. I'd love to visit. Blog hopping. One of my favorite pasttimes.

~ Until, I pray you're having a great week and are looking to have a fun filled weekend.

A. A. Milne’s Country Retreat For Sale

I am a huge fan of Julia and her site. It didn't take me long to figure out who lived here, even before reading the write up Julia included. I have long been a fan of Winnie the Pooh and A. A. Milne. His country retreat is on the market and oh, how my heart longs to live there. The outside holds beauty enough but if you'll visit Julia's, Hooked on Houses, you can view more of the interior as well as the gardens.

What a wonderful and delightful book for write for your child. One that will go thru the ages beloved by us all. Thank you, Julia, for sharing this. I so loved reading about it. {Note: you can click on the heading of Hooked on Houses to be taken to the more recent posts. Also, across the top you can find tabs for Celebrity Homes, Realtor Mistakes, and other posts worth your time. But be forewarned, one can spend hours here!}

Oh Pooh bear, I do so love you ~

Word Verfication or Not?

I hate, hate, hate these things!! And for years I asked other bloggers not to use them as they made me think twice about leaving a comment. It takes time and most of the time you can't make out what they want you to write! However, just in the last month I have been overrun with advertising sites leaving comments. My settings are that I have to approve any comment first so it never got beyone my email address but I'm tired of it now. So, I apologize but if you would like to leave a comment at any time from now on, you'll have to put up with Word Verification. Again, I apologize but it's become a necessary evil. Blessings!

Saturday Shout-Out's

Nesting Place. Another blog I found through, guess, Pinterest! And I think you'll like it, too. You can also become a follower on Pinterest. She has a pin for you to use. One of my favorite posts that she had highlighted was a before and after of their living area. Above is the BEFORE photo. Below is the AFTER. Aside from slipcovering the furniture, I'll let you go and read what else took place. (I love the curtains!) 

PS ~ I'm a new follower on both sites!

Here's another one for you to visit and enjoy while being inspired! Whimsy ~ the photo below, which I love because it's soft, creative, beautiful, and just makes me want to be sitting there ready to enjoy a good meal and fellowship with those I love, is a small piece of a bigger picture.

It's a wedding!! And look at the tables, and the lights, and the setting! And yes, I'll let you click on over to Whimsy to find out how it was accomplished and ooh and aah over all the photos she has. And yes, I'm a follower. Not sure is she has a Pinterest page, I couldn't find one. But I'll keep looking!

Beautiful, but I just betcha it took some time getting those tables ready {grin font}.

Downtown. Upcycle. After seeing this idea on Pinterest, thanks to Deborah for finding it first!, I plan to make dozens of these and include some 'beachy' ones as well. I'm one of those I LOVE CHRISTMAS gals, so it's most likely my largest board on Pinterest. Last year we had just moved into our home and there was so much painting, etc to do that I skipped with almost all of the decor. Not this year! Ashley took this

and made these! I wasn't sure what she used to make the letter blocks until I read further and was so excited! I thought, "Oh no, I have to find tiny blocks and put adhesive letters on these?!" You read. It's so easy peasy!! From the looks of her blog, she's planning a wedding. Hers. And she's taking her readers along for the ride. Might be interesting to keep up as her plans thus far are cute and cheap. 

Christmas. I get excited just thinking about it!

I am always looking for a way to dress our front entrance. Right now, it has an old, needs-painting, double front door and all I do right now is try to keep the pine needles and cones swept off and the light lit at night. (Side note: I have kept our porch light on all night for as long as we've been married. Not anymore. It's on until we go to bed now. I wasn't sure what was leaving the poop on the column base across from the light until my dear husband said it was a gecko. "You mean a lizard?! They don't have poop that size." "No, but a small gecko does?" he said, with a grin. SO, the light goes off before the bugs come out! Ugh!!!! When I saw this front door I knew I'd like her site. This is from the post 'Home Sweet Home'.

If you go there today, you'll see the below photo and the accompanying post. I know I have a daughter that will love this idea and her handy husband may be hearing about this idea. I'm not a crafty person anymore. The last house we left I gave away what Jenny didn't want. My days of saving and putting back were over. It's a liberating feeling but I enjoyed each minute spent making homemade items. I still do, just now enough to warrant something this large. Jenny does. And I bet some of you do as well. Visit Lookie What I Did and read more about her crafting and home decorating. And be sure to leave these ladies a comment. It's easy and we truly appreciate reading your thoughts and suggestions. And, just to know you took the time to visit. 

How neat is this idea?!?!

I wanted to end with a photo of something that had made me smile recently. Those of our grandbabies always do, but a fellow blogger ~ that's also a friend on Facebook ~ had posted this recently and upon reading it felt such peace, as I do whenever I read His scriptures. I have featured Melissa on here before but since I'm sharing her FB photo I thought I'd show you a glimpse of the freshening her living room got recently. Melissa is also on Pinterest! And one of my favorites there, too.

You'll find her at Melissa's Heart & Home, and it's aptly named. Hers is one of my favorite places. 

I hope you've enjoyed browsing through these new sites and that you've come away with some great ideas of your own. Oh, I added a Pinterest button of my own at the top right. Come visit me on Pinterest and look through my boards to see if you'd like to follow any. I love trading ideas and learning from others. Until another day, have a great week and blessings to your and yours ~

A Fern, A House, A Grin

Notice anything about this porch? Stupid Silly question. I love this porch. You can see lots more of it at Between Naps on the Porch. Love love love this blog. But I digress a bit. However, do yourself a favor and go there. You'll stay. And stay. And stay. Just warning you.

What I wanted to tell you today is about her fern! It's called a Kimberly Queen fern. And it's shed free! How nice is this?! Bostons are pretty, but messy. Love to shed. You can read more about the Kimberly Queen fern when you visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. 

I know, I know. I've showcased both of these sites recently. But when I saw the house Julia posted on yesterday I knew I had to. I.Love.This.House. or maybe I'm just in love with the area. The Smoky Mountains. Our favorite vacation spot. We didn't retire there, contrare to our dreams of the past, due to we would be moving further from our daughters and their precious families (which includes grandbabies!) So, we asked, they listened and answered. Hence, we're now coastal. And love it! But the Smoky's have our heart as well. Look at this home! Rustic, romantic, rugged.

I'm not sure if you can rent it but I took it that you could. The photo below is filled with things I love. I stared at it a long time. From the corbels on the island ends to the laser cut molding on the plate rack. I also love the photos on the wall. They look old and I love the way they covered the ceiling in the same wood. It looks like a very loved older home with all the nice new appliances and practical ideas. There's even a cutting garden and two guest houses, BUT I'll let you go to Julia's site, Hooked on Houses, and see for yourself. 

I have to end on a sad smile. I know children grow up. If they live, they grow. It's inevitable. But it's hard on a grandmother's heart. It's hard enough on the mommy, but it's doubly hard on a Nan. This sweet one is the middle child of our baby. He's shy until he gets to know you and he is his Pa's buddy. His mother texted this morning saying he had a loose tooth. Tonight we get this photo.

**Let me stop about the tooth and tell about the haircut prior to the tooth. Sniff, sniff. He has the softest curls and they grow quickly. He agreed to have them shortened today, but thought there was still a bit too much on top, so he asked his mom if the lady would cut it shorter. When she did, naturally it all had to be evened out, which brought it up above his ears. They get in the car and our sweetheart began crying, as in hard sobs. When mom finally got him to talk, he tearfully asked, "Will daddy know me?" Yeah, I had tears listening to my babygirl tell me about her babyboy. It's shorter than they want, but yes, it'll grow back.**

So, the tooth! You can tell by his grin that the hair is forgotten. His first tooth, which surprised me as I felt he had several more years! I don't feel any older, so it always surprises me when they have birthdays {wink font}. Happy First Lost Tooth, Noah! Pa and Nan love you dearly and adore that snaggled smile.

Houses for Sale

I have mentioned Hooked on Houses before if you're a regular reader. I love it. Julia loves houses. Houses of all kinds and she does a great job of letting us know when a celebrity or a house she feels we may be interested in, comes on the market. Another tab on her site I love is homes that movies were made in and movies that personalities live in. Then there's the tab showing what Realtors really should have caught before they shot the photo to publicize! The one she showcased today caught my eye as one of our daughters was a Pampered Chef rep at one time and I have plenty of the wares to show for it. In fact, one, maybe two, Christmases, everyone got Pampered Chef presents!

Doris Christopher purchased this home in 2003 for $6.23 million and is asking $6.5 million. Here's the front of the six bedrooms, eight full and and three half bath home.  I'll let you visit you visit Julia's site to see lots of other photos and explore her site. I've been a follower for quite a few years now and still find something new that I've somehow missed. I know you'll enjoy it. She shows you the house used for the Chipmunk movie!

Julia gave a link to the realtor, so I went there and found MY favorite photo. Here's mine {Grin font}

Ms. Christopher plans to downsize. Hm, wonder how much {Wink font}

You'll Love These Blogs, Too ~

Melissa Lester always brightens my day with her posts. From crafts to celebration ideas, to reading her thoughts on our Lord, I am always uplifted after visiting A Little Loveliness. You will be, too. My favorite is when she discusses the books her club reads, and shares the recipes and decorations that accompany their gathering to discuss the book. She's a very talented woman. A very spiritual one that sees beauty in the smallest of things. Go visit, you'll be blessed ~

Freckled Laundry and Jamie ~ She shares her thoughts, her dreams, ideas and goals, not to mention a dreamy way of photography. The photo below is credited to another, but it shows a little of her artistic ability to put words with photos in a beautiful way.

I have introduced you before to The Feathered Nest.

Dawn is a lover of vintage lace, toys, babydolls, and items that stir the heartstrings of days gone by. She is also such a love in  that she gives you art to upload and use! I have ordered from her Etsy shoppe and still love the items. They never go out of style with me. But like her, I'm a girly girl and I love the softness of life. Visit her soon. Here's a favorite photo of mine that she's sharing today.

This blog is different than most of the ones I frequent. But I love it! Brooklyn Limestone ~

Mrs. Limestone has set her site up to easily find what you're looking for. I found this under her DIY tab. How cute is this?! She used a Halloween theme. I plan to use it for the four seasons. I have dinnerware for each of the major holidays, but how nice to have dinnerware to use those weeks in between.

Visit her limestone and see what you think. I think you'll be impressed.

Susie Harris. She was one of the first blogs I found when I began mine and I've been an avid follower ever since. She is talented, funny, compassionate, very artistic, and a Louisiana lovin' woman. I love her signs and the way she shares her daily life. The photo I've chosen to share from her blog today is a furry baby of hers. Susie takes you through the good and the bad times of her life, all the while letting you know that when it's all over, she'll thank you for being there for her. Go check out her site and stay long enough to see the signs I'm talking about! I'll include one for you! She will custom make you one as well!

Didn't I tell you? Simple but grabs those heart strings.

Early Morning Meditations. I wanted to share this site with you because I love our Lord and this man does, too. Raymond Elliott is a minister of the Gospel and I know without a doubt that you'll be moved and uplifted, comforted and loved, when you visit his blog. He has other writings as well, one is humorous hunting tales and another is memories of the college he attended in Montgomery, AL. Visit and be blessed.

Yes! This is me! I wanted to share with you a very special time in my life. In our life, for it affected all of those that know and love me. When we go back to Prattville, it's not uncommon for someone to tell me they prayed for our family and me as I lay 'sleeping' for 77 days. It was a journey that touched us all in a way that changed our lives and the way we live now. We are closer, we appreciate taking that first breath each morning, and we know with certainty what's ahead for those that love the Lord. I hope you'll take the time to visit and if you've had a similar experience I'd love to hear from you. I still like sharing mine.

Asleep ~ 77 Days It really happened. And someone always comes. His children never leave alone.

~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~

Note ~ I appreciate proper capitalization. Apparently, this font does not. I apologize for that. I do know better.