Our House is Becoming a Home - Part 4

The past month has brought most of the decorating together and I couldn't be more pleased.  

The artwork was hung in the dining room and the mercury glass candlesticks grace the dining table.  I have the automatic battery operated candles in the holders and it's so pretty in the evening when they come on.  On the antique cabinet in the bottom right picture is a collection of oriental ladies.  

This is one of our guest rooms that we call the "Queen Room" and it houses a solid walnut bed and night stands that my Dad built about 25 years ago.  He also built the frame for the mirror to match the bedroom suite.

The chest under the TV was my paternal Grandfather's sea chest.  My Dad refinished it many years ago and it looks nice with the bedroom suite.  Daddy also made all the crosses on the wall. They are some of the last wood working projects that he did.  I have a lot of mementos of family in that room.

This is our guest room that we refer to as the "King Room."  This beautiful bed once belonged to Tommy's Mom.  

I love the bedding that my designer helped me decide on for both bedrooms.

Just last Thursday my designer came and hung the window treatments in the living area.  We have fabric shades on all of them that roll up under the swags.  We didn't know if we would want any window treatments or not but after living with them for a time I felt like that the windows looked unfinished.  And, Randi agreed and she came up with this suggestion and I think they are "the icing on the cake."  The family room in the top left is a bit dressier than the other living areas so we choose a dressier fabric for that treatment and it sort of sets that room apart. 

This is a close up of the swag (the less formal fabric) so that you can see a little more of the details. 

It's been such a fun process and I'm sure I may add a few more touches as time goes by.  But, it is good to go for now.  Thanks for sharing in the process.

Things are rockin' and rollin' here at our new house today.  Our daughter and her two sons arrived late Saturday afternoon and Tommy's sister and her husband arrived yesterday.  So, we are enjoying a whole lot of family time. It rare for this group of family members to get to be together so we are going to make the most of it.

I'll see you the first of next week and I wish for you and yours abundant Thanksgiving blessings!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's another Hodgepodge and Joyce came up with some "doozies" today.  Hope you enjoy

1. What's surprised you most about your life, or about life in general?
Oh, my! there's been so many surprises in and about my life. Most have been wonderful and some have been terribly painful, but they have all made me the person I am today and for that, I am grateful. I know, that's not very specific, but, that's as specific as I'm going to get.~sorry~

2. Among others, these ten words were added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year...awesomesauce, beer o'clock, brain fart, buttdial, cat cafe (apparently this is a real thing), fatberg (gross-read the definition here), fat shame, hangry, Mx (gender neutral), and skippable. 

Your thoughts? In looking over the list, which word do you find most ridiculous? Which word would you never in a million years say out loud? Which word would you be most likely to use in conversation?
I think they are all pretty stupid and have only heard of brain fart, and buttdial.  The others are new to me. I think hangry is pretty ridiculous.  Since I do not drink I would likely never say beer o'clock as I would have no need to. Depending on what I might be describing, I might use the word awesomesauce. ~doubtful, but I might~

3. Do you like gravy? Is there a food you'd rather not eat unless it comes with gravy? Do you make your own or buy the canned or store-made variety? Turkey and gravy, sausage gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, country ham and red eye gravy, biscuits and chocolate gravy, pot roast and gravy...which one on the list is your favorite?
Yes, I do like gravy but I rarely indulge.  I prefer dressing to have a little gravy on it.  I have rarely made gravy but when I do I usually buy the store made variety and doctor it a little.  Mashed potatoes and gravy are hard to beat.

4. Do you have a plan? Do you need a plan? Have you ever had a plan fall into a trillion pieces? Explain.
Yes, I generally have a plan and I need a plan.  I have always functioned best with a plan and find I am far more productive with a plan.   Yes, I have definitely had plans to go awry and I have always lived to tell about it. ~life happens~  Plans were far more important to me when our children were home and we were juggling their schedules and our own. I am a planner but there are just some things that cannot be planned.  I do not fly by the seat of my pants very well. ~chuckle~

5. November 19 is National Play Monopoly Day. Do you own the original or some version of the game? Do you enjoy playing Monopoly? How likely is it you'll play a game of Monopoly on November 19th? Ever been to Atlantic City? Ever taken a ride on a railroad? Is parking in your town free? Last thing you took a chance on?
I do not currently have the game but we wore one out through the years that the kids were at home.  I loved playing Monopoly but it's most unlikely that I will play tomorrow.  I have never been to Atlantic City and it's not on my list of places I "must" go. Yes, ridden a train several times and parking in our town is free.  I can't remember the last chance I took but I've taken several in recent months as we built our new house.  For one,  I ordered almost all of the decorator rugs we have in this house off the internet and I did not have to send one of them back.  I took a chance and it worked!

6. A song you like that has the word (or some form of the word) thanks in the title, lyrics, or meaning?
My Tribute sung by Andrae Crouch, he can raise the hair on the back of your neck for sure!

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude....what is something you're taking for granted that when you stop and think about it, you're grateful for?
Oh, my goodness, there's likely more than I would care to admit that I take for granted but the very first thing that came to my mind was good health.  The older I get the more grateful I am for my good health as I know that it can be taken in a matter of hours.  There's hardly a day that goes by that I don't hear of someone who is dealing with a life threatening or debilitating condition.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

On Monday I went to the Verizon store to get a new IPhone.  I had a 5c and I upgraded to a 6, just the plain 6.  After the young man assisting me had given me his sales pitch,  as I almost choked over the prices, I ask him to tell me the difference in my current phone and the 6.  His response tickled me too death.  He said the processor was much faster, the camera was upgraded and that Siri had graduated from college in the 6 and she only had a high school education on my current phone.  I guess she's got a doctorate in the 6 Plus!  But, she's plenty smart enough for me on the plain 6 and I'm using her more and more everyday.  I use her for almost all of my texting now. So cool!  I often wonder how we ever survived before cell phones and I can't help but wonder if the younger generation will ever know the value of real communication where you actually talk to someone face to face.  I've seen teenagers actually text their friends  that were sitting in the same room with them. Something is terribly wrong with that picture.

Monday Musings

It's beginning to feel like fall here in NE Louisiana.  I actually turned on the heat one morning this weekend to just take the chill out of the house.  I look forward to us turning on the the gas logs but it will need to be a bit more chilly.  There's nothing like backing up to a fire on a cold day!

 We had a great time in Branson, Mo. with our friends this past week.  We saw some great Christmas shows, enjoyed a little retail therapy and ate some good food.

 We stayed at one of our most favorite places, The Keeter Center.  They have the most awesome "turn down" service and we always came in to these delicious cookies and cold milk each evening. Talk about spoiled! 

 We saw the Texas Tenors and they are AWESOME!!!  You may have been watching America's Got Talent the year that they won "their claim to fame."  Their harmony is unbeatable and they definitely put on quite the show.  And, hey, they are very easy on the eyes as well. ~wink~

And, we saw the Lennon Sisters and the Osmond Brothers one evening and talk about bringing back memories.  Have mercy!  My Daddy use to take me to my Grandparents house to watch the Lawrence Welk show every Saturday evening until we finally got a TV.  I always wanted to be a Lennon Sister when I grew up.~chuckle~  They still have a great sound as well.  It was a fun getaway!

Once back home it was "all hands on deck!"  I have a very busy week ahead as I prepare for Thanksgiving week with company.  I have my menus lined out, the grocery list made and hopefully it will all come together without a whole lot of fuss.  We are so looking forward to sharing the time with family and only wish that all of our family could be here.  ~one of the drawbacks to everyone living all over the US~

Our little Sweetheart was 9 months old this past Wednesday. She is such a delight!  Isn't she rockin' that outfit and head accessory! ~too cute~ 

Bridget sent this Saturday evening as Coleman was literally "sleeping like a baby."  I can hardly believe those chubby, rosie cheeks and this CiCi can hardly wait to squeeze him this next weekend.  ~our little miracle boy~

I leave you with this..........

Monday's Musings

We are only a little over two weeks away from Thanksgiving.  I'm looking forward to our first Thanksgiving in our new home.  Hubby's sister and her husband will be joining us and we're looking forward to their arrival.  Bridget and the boys will be here the weekend before for about 3 days but will join Clint at his parents for Thanksgiving Day.  Yes, it's all about sharing once the kiddos marry.  And, hey, that's alright, it's a part of God's plan.  But, for now, here's the latest in my world............

I received my doTerra Essential oil kit this past week and so far I'm a believer in the lavender oil.  I have always, always loved the smell of lavender but didn't know that pure lavender oil was an inducer of sleep and calmness.  I go to sleep in a jiffy but often wake up between 1:00-2:00AM and am wakeful for a couple of hours.  Well, I started using the oil about 4 nights ago and I've enjoyed some solid sleep.  I've just rubbed one drop on the bottom of each foot, inside my wrists and a couple of drops on my pillowcase.  Easy peasy for sure!  The other oil I have used is the lemon oil and I add two drops to one of my many glasses of water as a detoxification for my body.(notice I said I only add it to one of my glasses, my doTerra advisor said you do not want to overuse it)  I used the frankincense to help heal a scratch on my ankle.  That's the only 3 I have used thus far but I'm looking forward to using the others as I have need of them.  And, only time will tell if I feel they are worth using but I'm off to a good impression thus far.
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Okay, all together say "aweeeeeeeeee."  Aren't these two just the cutest?  Need I saw more........I think not! Our Princess and little Sweetheart.

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Today is my sweet Dad's 86th birthday.  I am still amazed that he has lived to see 86 years.  The Lord did an absolute miracle in restoring him following his being stricken with GBS 4 years ago. He definitely has residual effects but for the most part he is doing well.  We took him out to eat Mexican food this past weekend and the wait staff celebrated him by donning him with the sombero and singing happy birthday to him.  Just an added note: you would not even want to know how old the denim cap and vest is that he is wearing in these photos.  He loves them both and I suppose when you get his age that you can just plain wear whatever your heart desires regardless of what you daughter thinks about it. ~chuckle~ My precious Mom likely rolls over in her grave each and every time he wears these.
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Hubby and I had a few friends over Saturday evening to watch the "famed" LSU/Alabama game.

All I can say is that we certainly did our part to pull out a win but it was just not meant to be.  But, believe it or not, the sun came up yesterday morning anyway.  I'm so glad that it's "just" a football game.
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A Thanksgiving thought for the week.........
  

We're off for a fun time in Branson tomorrow so I'll be back "in the loop" in about a week.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means the Hodgepodge.  You can always link up with Joyce too or you can read others responses by clicking on the above button.  Enjoy! And, just so you know, this will make my 800th blog entry. ~that's a lot~

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something you're looking forward to on your November calendar?
Hubby and I will be going with friends to Branson, Missouri next week.  The Christmas Shows began Nov. 1st so we will take in some of those.  And, we will be staying at one of our very favorite places, The Keeter Center.

2.  If I gave you a thank you card right now who would you send it to and why?
It would be to the Pastor Search Committee at our church.  They have worked tirelessly for the past year to bring a new pastor to our church.  They have taken their job so seriously, have earnestly sought God's will and they presented their candidate to us on Oct. 25th.  We had a "get to know him" reception the day before and then he preached for our morning worship.  We voted immediately following the service to call him as our new pastor.

We are beyond excited! Aren't they a fine looking family!  Yes, I would send a thank you note to all 6 of the faithful members of the committee with my heartfelt thanks for their commitment to the job.

3. Of the breads listed, which one's your favorite...bagel, cinnamon, sourdough, garlic, banana, biscuit, pita, Naan, or plain old fashioned white bread?
Well, I can't say that I would refuse any one of them and there's 2-3 that would likely be a favorite but since Joyce ask for only 1 then I guess I would say cinnamon.  What's not to like about cinnamon?

4. What's something you have in abundance? Is that a good 
  I have an abundance of flameless candles and I think it's a very good thing.  They come on around 5:30 everyday and burn for 5 hours and then go off until 5:30 the following day.  I  love seeing them burn in the evening, there's something very peaceful and comforting about burning candles. Now, on a more serious note, God's abundant blessings, more than I could or ever will deserve, that's for sure!!!
 
5. November 5th is National Love Your Red Hair Day. Are there any redheads in your family? Who's your favorite redhead?

There certainly is!  This is our beautiful daughter in law that has the most gorgeous red hair you have ever seen.  This pic was taken last Christmas when she was just about 6 weeks away from giving birth to our precious Andi Kate.  And, might I add, Andi Kate has very little hair right now but what she has is definitely red 
 
6.  The travel website Busbud recently calculated the most Instagrammed spot in every state. Go here to see what made the list where you live. Are you happy with your state's #1? If not what do you think should be the most photographed spot in your state? Have you snapped a photo there? If you live outside the USA answer as it relates to your state, city or province.
It is Burbon Street in New Orleans and I can certainly see why.  I have been to Burbon Street but was not into picture taking at that time in my life ~it's been quite a few years since I was there~  I think a lot of the bayous here in our state make lovely photos as well.

7. I'm going to try to have something related to gratitude in this spot each week during the month of November. Here's this week's question-

What's something you've learned about yourself this year that you're grateful for?
Well, this probably shouldn't be that hard but I can't think of anything that I've learned about myself this year that I'm grateful for, or that I'm ungrateful for either.  Guess I could say I learned that I am a survivor. Yes siree! I survived the building of our new house and moving from the house we had called home for almost 35 years. ~no easy feat~

.  8. Insert your own random thought here.

This is our busy little Andi Kate.  In the photo on the left she has the safety belt around her in the cart.  But, she wiggled until she turned herself around and stood up.  Now, in case you have forgotten, this little Sweetheart is only 8 months old.  Of course, on the right she's getting into our kitchen cabinets while she was here this past weekend.  Yes, she's a busy little Sweetheart! ~notice her red hair~

Happy mid-week my friends!

Monday Musings

Monday, November 2nd, how on earth did that happen?  In just 9 short days we will have lived in our new house 3 months. And, in just 53 short days we will be celebrating Christmas.  Time, please slow down!

Last Thursday a group of ladies from our church and community hosted a morning tea for about 100 5th graders in one of our local schools.  The event was held in our church's family life center. Each table was decorated and a tea service was used to serve the tea.  They were served fruit, miniature muffins and sandwiches and of course, hot tea.

Many of the ladies donned their hats for the occasion

 The students came in two groups and were dressed in their Sunday best and they could not have been a more appreciative group.  It was a time for them to learn about manners and politeness and for them to feel very special.

The event came about because the principal, pictured above, wanted her 5th graders to have this experience and asked if we could put it together for her. It was a lot of work but a smashing success so that made all the effort worthwhile.

~~~~~

Last Friday, Bridget and her co-workers all dressed up as Waldo from the books, "Where's Waldo."  They cannot refer to the day as Halloween, so it is called Book Character day.  ~whatever~ I did think they looked mighty cute! (Bridget is on the far left)

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I swapped out my Halloween decor for Thanksgiving decor this weekend and also baked some Pumpkin Bread.  It was such fun to be decorating and have the smell of fall throughout the house from the baking of the bread.  AND, can I just tell you that it is absolutely wonderful to have my seasonal decor just steps away from where I need it.  I guess I'm as thankful for my wonderful storage rooms as I am anything in this new house.  No more carrying it down the stairs!!!  Decorating is actually, once again, fun!!!  

And, as we prepare our hearts for this season of Thanksgiving, I leave you with this........

May all our hearts be happy hearts!

Friday Favorites

It's been a few weeks since I participated in Friday Favorites and I've missed it. So, today thought I'd share some of my favorites and they may end up being some of yours as well.

Bernie Mevs, where the name came from, I have not a clue. ~guess I could Google and likely find out~ But, they are the most comfortable shoes.  I'm not particularly fond of their looks but it's generally  hard to find a really sharp looking pair of shoes that's 
comfortable as well.  But, there are days that these are the perfect shoes and they come in several styles.  They are referred to as "the 12 hour shoes."  So, sounds like they might be the perfect shoe for someone that has to be on their feet a lot during the day.  I like this style because it has some height to it and a strap across the top.  I have such a narrow foot that I probably could not even keep them on if it weren't for those straps. 

If you are ever in need of ready to use white chicken meat then you will love the Tyson Grilled and Ready.  I wanted to make Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti the other day but I did NOT want to take the time to boil chicken breasts for the meat to go in it.  So, I just knew that I could find something that was already cooked and here's what I found.  It worked like a charm and it's less than $3 a bag.  Of course, there are many ways you could use it and they come in 2-3 different seasonings.  I'll be making sure that I have this on hand from now on.  And, I used it a couple of days ago for Chicken Noodle Soup and it worked beautifully for that as well.  I'm not sure how long this has been out and I may be way behind times on it, but I'm so glad I now know about it.

Okay, are any of you out there Essential Oil users?  I have been researching Essential Oils for a while and am awaiting my first supply right now.  In my research I was most impressed with DoTerra and decided to go with them.  I know folks that have such great testimonials about Essential Oils and just decided I would give them a try.  I'll let you know my opinion after I get "into" them.  I also ordered the DoTerra Essential Oil Guide to serve as my reference.  After researching the various companies DoTerra was definitely my favorite and I'm hopeful it will stay a favorite once I start using them.  DoTerra is made from all natural ingredients and many of the others are made from synthetic.  Time will tell if I am a testimonial along with some other folks I know. Stay tuned........

Ladies, does this not look like a little piece of heaven that could be perched in your back yard?  It is called a She Shed. I had never heard of such until last week and then I went to the internet to check them out and feel in love.  They are the women's version of a Man Cave.  They can be build anyway you might like but they are all very tiny and cozy.  Now, even though it appeals to me, I will not be having one built I can assure you.  Hubby would tell me that this new house is the closest thing to a She Shed that I will ever have. ~and I'm good with that~ But, they are so, so neat and talk about getting away from it all...........there's no doubt it would be a favorite if I had one. ~wink~

Have yourself a great weekend and don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour Saturday evening. ~not a favorite of mine~