February Book Club, Dreamy Vignette, Winter Whites, and a Birthday Party!

A Little Loveliness with Melissa Lester

A beautiful Christian lady

with equally beautiful ideas.

If you haven't been to her site,

you're in for a true treat.

Oh, and Melissa, I've got this book

on my To Read List! Sharing with friends

that enjoy good reads as I do ~ 

Oh, oh, oh, I want this! All of it! Well, okay, so the picture won't look like this as I'll have to use one I have but I like this one! And I won't have the champagne bucket but I'm planning a trip to a local Goodwill store and our TJMaxx to find some pottery I can spray paint white and silver. I already have some mercury, so this weekend I hope to get this set up on a table behind our sofa. I love the tree and just bet The Hood will gather some branches for me and I plan to use scrapbook paper for the hearts with twine hearts. I may use blue and white to go with a winter theme I'm trying to stay with for awhile longer. Living on the coast has taught me to hold onto Winter just as long as one can! Where did I find this awesome photo?! At one of my favorite sites, diy Design Fanatic. You'll love what Pam can do to a home {smile font}.

320 Sycamore! I love your yarn balls!!! And you tell me they were on Target's Clearance! And not being with our youngest daughter the day after Christmas (when we always go to Target!) I didn't see them! Shoot, I'd paid full price for these three!. I'm thinking I just might go find some Styrofoam balls, spray adhesive, and some old sweaters that are too small.  The sleeves will make good boot toppers with my jeans and I'll make some yarn balls. Go see Melissa's other Winter Ideas and stick around to check out her site. You'll bookmark it just as I did a few years back!

I loved what Jenny put together for Noah's birthday this year. Camp Noah. He loved it! and she was thrilled to see the happiness in her baby boy's face. I loved the photos but you'll love the ideas should you have a little boy of your own. Or a big boy! Her oldest chose a spend the night party (I bet it would've been easier throwing a party {wink font}. That's Noah in front of the tent that was part of the play ground. Go to Project Maddox: Building a Blessed Busy Life. Camp Out Birthday Party Theme. Oh, my babies. Oh Father, do they have to mature and grow so quickly on us? I know you have such plans for them, but they are such ministering angels to me. Right now. And I'd like them to remain that way just a little while longer. Like a few more years? Then they can get back into the growth stage of growing up and heading out. We are so blessed. Number 6 is on his way. Do you read the thrill in my heart?!

This was Jenny's Flashback Friday photo and I have to admit there were teary eyes in this house tonight. Elle, maybe 4 months old. Noah, 3. The age Elle is now. Ian. Much shorter three years ago than he is now. I think Noah grabbed my heart the hardest. Simply because he looks so young and at that time he was still asking, "Nan, I hold you?", which translated to "Hold me, Nan". But I always have loved the way he phrased it. Now it's sweet history. Sniff.

What is this?! Who lives where there's still a Christmas tree?! Bookcases that aren't being used as bookcases. Ah yeah, it's me. In fact, the whole house is in a bit of disrepair. It's been chilly and we've been enjoying it, getting out and about along with sleeping late {yawn font}. But that ends tomorrow. The tree is about all that's left and it comes down in three pieces! I'll post what I do with this area, along with tablescapes and redecorating some of the bedrooms. Being retired, means doing as you can. There's no over time. But we're loving it and I wouldn't have it any other way. You really can do more with less. And oh how freeing.

So, until ~ pray for those on your heart, our nation and her leaders, and take some time to be good to yourself. Find a quiet place and listen for the whispers in your heart. He wants to 'be still'. Listen for him. He has something to tell you, I just bet. Have a God-filled weekend.

Time for Pools & Beaches ~

Pool & Beach! at Pottery Barn

It's Pool and Beach time at Pottery Barn. The Mister calls it Poverty Barn, a name he learned from another.

I love these products!! I don't love their prices. UNLESS, you happen to find a good SALE, which is possible! And you can also find dinnerware at good prices at times. Mainly? I use Pottery Barn for ideas and decide what I want and what I don't want. Then I go looking in flea markets, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, even Penney's homewares!

Wire & Wood Row of Hooks

I could so use this in my laundry room, which is our back door into the garage. We wouldn't need it at what one would call the back door. There's no walkway to it {happy font}. However, our laundry is narrow and it would catch our tall son in laws at the shoulders as they haul in clothing bags and other items when the families visit. I'd love to look for something like this, but it just wouldn't be feasible for me. How about you?

Wall mounted storage shelf

I would so love to find something like this! I would hang it in the kitchen, by the patio door, just for decorative looks. Useful, too, when our granddog visits as there's a place to hang a leash, and possible a pretty towel for quick clean ups. I haven't seen anything like this, but then I haven't looked. I will now.

Molokini Floral Tote Bag

Pottery Barn has this for a good price, but if you know a Thirty-One representative (I use Joy Gordon in Prattville AL) you can find one larger with more pockets and lots of different patterns. I love 31!

Chesapeake Daybed ~ Oh.Wow.

A daybed. Right up there with a swinging bed. Even above a wicker swing, and way above a wooden! My thing about these happens to be a concern for mildew on the mattress and covers. Doesn't that happen?!

Hammock ~ place for dreaming

Our neighbor next door has a knotted hammock between two pine trees. I love it. I do. I love it. When she is out there with her book, she look SO peaceful. The Hood is cutting our pines down. Dangerous in this part of the world to have pines overhead. There are no hard woods behind us, so no hammock. Drat.

Palmetto All Weather Wicker ~

Isn't this gorgeous?! I would love to have this on our porch, but in white. It wouldn't seat everyone, though, so I think I'll have one of these and one of these.

Chesapeake Rectangular Dining Set ~

It would just about seat all the adults and I love tables large enough to decorate. Just might talk him into one of each. You think?!

White Outdoor Drapes ~

I've mentioned on here before that I plan to do this on our porch but I am not using panels this costly. I plan to go to Lowe's, but up some $9.99 dropcloths and have the Hood string up some clothes line wire and I'll clip large rings at the top and slide them on. Mostly for looks, as our backyard is green and shady, but it will be nice to close off the sides during a rain shower. Not to mention how it softens the living area.

Scallop Shell

Isn't this gorgeous?!?! I think I've seen similar items in souvenir shoppes around here, so I'll be on the lookout now. Maybe Old Time Pottery will have just the one I need. If not, the 'Shark' shop will.

This one and the next three are just to show you, and me, how easy it is to scatter them around the house! I love it when the grandbabies touch and even smell the "ocean". {And try to remember, if it can be picked up, patched up, or cleaned up, don't worry about it. Feelings are more important and life is too short.} 

This is ONE faux dogwood branch with a nest on old books. And I have a table just waiting for this vignette. Notice the book tied with twine? The cover's been torn off. A girlfriend and I, this past week, saw this in a boutique for $25. Yeah, we giggled. This is easy to duplicate!

Suh-weet!! $29.50 Melamine Plates, Set of four

You know my weakness for plates, especially salad & desserts. These are dinner plates, so I'd pass on them and purchase the smaller ones. But it gives you the idea of mix and matching and I love doing that.

Croquet Set, remember these?!?!

And I'm ending with this. How many of you remember croquet sets?!?! I know the grandparents we lived near had one and I would love to have it now! You would NOT believe how expensive this set is, so I plan to be on the lookout now for one when I hit the flea markets and places like Target. A little distressing on a new set and it looks nice and weathered. We loved playing croquet, although my sister and I were the only ones playing by the rules. The twins loved kicking the balls and laughing. Boys. So, did you have one?

Have a great week! Get ready for a great Summer, and blessings to all ~

Wow, What an Absence ~

There's so much that's happened and I've been busy trying to keep up with it. In fact, I rarely even pick up the laptop now that it's so easy to check email and Facebook from my phone. It would take too long to fill you in tonight, so let's just say we have moved! We are loving the area!! We are loving the house!!! BUT we have burned out for the time being on painting and trimming things out. Took February off to rest, enjoy exploring, and having family in. The Mardi Gras parade here was my first one (The hubs was sick) and I cannot wait until next year! Such fun and happiness in the air, although it had rained the day before. I took photos of the house before we moved any boxes and furniture in and have taken photos during the reno. It will take time but we are having fun doing it. Built in '94, it had not been updated since and an older couple had owned it so you can imagine the time era it was caught in. However, in retirement there's time to work, time to nap, time to eat, time to ride around down by the coast and smell the salty air and hear the seagulls. Never, ever thought we'd be here but it came down to where would it be easier for our daughters to visit. Our favorite spot will remain a favorite vacation spot, as well as Disney World now.

So have a great weekend, sorry there hasn't been much on here and remember, people who rain on your parade are jealous of your sun and tired of their shade {wink font}.

Happy November ~

I love fall and we are in the midst of it. I pray that you and yours will have a time of rest and relaxation during this time of cooler weather and breezes. I am in the process of taking photos of our home in it's present state, as we are beginning to change things and make this sweet abode our home. We love the area and look forward to settling in and making a trip to the Gatlinburg area in the near future ~ ah, Gatlinburg.That's not our present home as our girls wanted to visit a warm place and a closer place {smile font}. We are thankful we listened to them. John and I are very happy to be here and making new friends. Have a great week and may it be filled with love and laughter! Blessings ~

Two Happy Thoughts!

John retires tomorrow!

I asked him how long he's worked

and if he would miss any of it.

"I've worked 40 years and I

will NOT miss a day of it."

WhooHoo!!

He'll be in front of a big screen for all the games now!

And they won't be recorded!

ALSO

I'll be posting BEFORE pics of the house

and will share with you as we

paint and trim it out.

Right now, it's just fine.

We have g'babies in MS to see first!!

Stay tuned ~

Hang in There!

Yep, still here,

JUST

busy,

Busy,

BUsy,

BUSy,

BUSY!

I had no idea retirement could be this way!

But am I having fun!

Now,

to get my man retired.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Truly, I'm still here but between fun things like water aerobics (still haven't gotten regular with that, but it's fun!); yoga (same way!); and meeting new friends, I am getting ready for John to retire and then we'll be renovating the home we've just purchased. We are so excited. New flooring, kitchen revamp, screened porch cleaned, painted and decorated, and all rooms given a new coat of paint and brought into the present time frame! Love the layout of this place, don't love the 1994 decor. Or the fact that they chose NOT to install a master bathtub. What's up with that?! The HOA does the landscaping, and takes care of it, so other than adding some Japanese maples (which I love) and Natchez white crepe myrtles (which I adore) we'll be set outside. Oh, and adding a bench and container plants along with a swing and a place to set icy sweetened tea. It may have taken me two years to get over not being able to teach in my classroom, but I'm loving being retired now and able to visit with family and friends when I want; sleep and get up when I want; and have my John all to myself on his off days instead of leaving him at home the days he was off and I worked.

Don't abandon me. Hang in there. I haven't gotten the camera out yet, but I'm now in a position to show you the rooms as they are now, and then take you through the progression of how they will be. Our two youngest have been able to visit and given me such great ideas for this home and I'm excited to begin. So, hang in there with me and we'll soon have this show on the road! Have a week filled with love and laughter~

Guess What!

Have you ever prayed for something?

And had God answer it so quickly you had to hustle

to get everything in order. Like.right.now?!?!

That's what happened to us when we began praying

for guidance in whether to stay in our quaint town

or step out in faith and grab that brass ring.

Within two weeks, we were smacked with blessings

sent only by God, as no man could make things

happen so quickly and the perfect home to appear.

We are over the moon and will close the mid June.

Neither of us have ever been sun and surf folks,

but honestly, there is so much more to do in GS!

Our daughters? They couldn't be happier that now

there's a neat place to stay! Rent FREE!

Complete with built-in babysitters.

You will be coming along with me on this

adventure as I begin  I love decorating homes

and I am thrilled to have another one. We will keep

a  home in our current town until John retires,

so it will be a challenge and lots and lots of fun.

Who cares about the work?! Paint can change a room,

a house! And although there's a bit of renovation

we want to do, it's still a dream come true.

For all of us.

I wanted to share this today, as I am sure

I'll be asking for ideas on paint colors, furniture choices

 and other suggestions you may want

to throw in the mix. I'm open to them!

Have a great week!!

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for Him.

Psalm 37:7