Edgar has arrived!

We picked up Edger Tuesday, and he is making himself right at home. Stella is still trying to figure out why he is here, she has been the top dog since Nick died this summer, so she has been a little bit ornery on occasion, but they seem to be adjusting well. Edgar is a mixed breed with some spaniel and retriever. He seems to be very loving and gentle. He has been a little homesick but hopefully he will come to know this as home.

How could  you resist this face?

In other news the kitchen is coming along, still slowly. I painted the first coat of paint on the outside of the cabinets and it will take a little longer to dry. It has been a topsy turvy mess here, and I am ready for things to be in order once again. I have been reading this and I am ready for some simplicity around here.

 Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider is worth reading. Her approach to simple living is realistic for everyone. After cleaning out my kitchen for the work that needed to be done, it became very obvious to me that it was time for a little simplicity. We had the huge yard sale about two months ago, but it is time to go a little deeper. She addresses the energy and time that it take to care for all of the accumulated stuff, and determining whether or not it is worth it. I encourage you to get a copy, especially if you are sensing the need for more simple living.

This will probably be my last post until after Christmas, so here's wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!

Oops! Tendinitis and Edgar

Here are some totally random updates for the day. First is the BIG Oops! Yesterday, while waiting on the inside of the cabinets to dry before the second coat, I decided to trim out the breakfast area. My sweet guy hates to trim, but doesn't mind the painting. I am the opposite, so this works great for us. I am not sure what I was thinking when I let the lady at the Benjamin Moore store talk me into this one. My very first reaction was, OH NO!

It is VERY dark! Actually it is even darker than what it looks like here, and especially at night. I am trying to soften things up a bit, and Wilmington Tan is not going to do it. I am looking for a soft neutral to go with the white cabinets and black granite looking counter tops. Any suggestions for the perfect color? I have a Sherwin Williams color deck, but may make a trip back to the Ben Moore store to see if they can do something with the gallon that I already have, but would love any of your suggestions.

While in the  process of painting, (a lot of painting) I have developed what my Mom thinks is most likely tendinitis in my left hand. So not only has this been a lengthy process, but a little bit painful too.

I told you this would be some random rambling. So by now you are wondering who is Edgar? Edgar would be the dog that my son would like to bring home for Christmas. Edgar's family doesn't like him very much. He is one of about two or three other pets, so they have decided that Edgar must go. My son has taken a liking to Edgar, and thinks we could give him the perfect home. I have no idea what kind of dog Edgar is, other than my son says he looks like a larger version of Stella. Stella has been pretty lonesome since Nick died this summer, and Chloe went home at Thanksgiving, so perhaps there will be an update on Edgar soon.

Remember girls, I need some suggestions on that perfect paint color. I pray everyone is having a blessed Christmas season.

Snow?????

It snowed today, here in my little bit of the South!

The snowflakes were swirling, and for just a moment we had our own little winter wonderland.

It's cold outside and just right for this.

Both of these are earlier this year.

Pardon my excitement, but just remember how rare it is that we see snow here. It just occurred to me that we have had it twice this year! That is unusual!

Have a blessed evening.

The Way We Were

Here we were just a few short days ago.

And here is a little comparison of where we are today.

Here is what I have discovered in this process.

• Progress seems slow, but we are getting there.
•  It is hard being a perfectionist and remodeling.
• When you have a huge project going on, a little more seems to be added to the pile. We have a car that died, my son called to say his heat is not working correctly (in the 20's here in the deep south).
•  I have Dr. appt. tomorrow
•  My nephew graduates Friday 
•  For the first time in a long time I am longing for a few Christmas decorations, and there won't be any this year. (another story for another time)

This is what I have to brighten the kitchen right now.

I would love to think we could have this pulled together for Christmas, but my sweet husband is on night shift for the next couple of days. He has already painted the ceiling, so today I hope to trim out the remainder with primer,and trim the walls so he will be ready to prime over the red, and then paint. I then have to actually paint the cabinets. The counter tops should be here next week some time so I need to keep rolling.

Oh, and I forgot to add that even though we are keeping it very simple this year, I have purchased only ONE gift!

Bet you can't guess who that is for. Hopefully I will be able to remedy that tomorrow. After Dr appts. I hope to do a little shopping!

Any more project advice for me? I am needing to purchase a new fixture for the kitchen are and over the sink. We have removed the long florescent light. I would like some sort of pendant light over the sink, and the ceiling fan is coming down (over the table) I am open for ideas if you all have any suggestions. Have a great day, and hope you are staying warm!

Snuggling

Just couldn't resist showing you this picture of the little Snuggle Bug that was at my house during Thanksgiving.

It's beginning to look a lot like....

............Not Christmas!

This is what my kitchen looks like at the moment, and since you see empty cabinets, that leaves you to imagine where everything is. My dining room holds most of it, and I am wondering how I have accumulated so much stuff! After we finally got everything moved out of here, I told my husband that I am feeling the urge to purge a lot of things again. As a matter of fact, I started another yard sale box today. I am looking forward to the opportunity to think through what will stay, and what will go.

Here is a little peek at how the laundry room is shaping up.

I am liking this bead board wallpaper that my husband hung behind the washer and dryer! This is my roll that I got for 1 cent at Home Depot this summer. Yes, you read that right 1 cent!

I know this is a terrible picture, but I am excited about my new light fixture! And, yes, I realize that my ceilings are not what is hot right now, but there are just some things that I can live with, and this is one of them. My preference would be nice smooth ceilings, but I am afraid that would send my sweet husband over the edge.

Now a question for all of you that have hung bead board wallpaper.

I am planning to paint it. Is there anything special that I should know before putting the paint on? I sure do not want it falling off the walls when I apply the paint. My husband hung it with glue because that is the only way he hangs it. Do I prime before painting? Let me hear all of your advice.

I know I probably sound like scrooge, but I will probably be doing very little Christmas decorating this year. We will be going to my daughter's house for Christmas, so she said we could come enjoy her decorations. Right now, we are just trying to maintain some sense of order here. It just worked out to where now is when we have  the most time to concentrate on getting this done. New countertops have been ordered, doors are ready to be sprayed by the cabinet man, so I have to get all of the boxings painted to be ready for the doors. Let me tell you one thing I have learned. It is hard being a perfectionist and remodeling at the same time.

Here's my question for you. Any large projects in the near future, and what advice would you have for me as we work at updating and changing a few things around here?

Blessing to all of you!

Thankful List

Today, I am feeling a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. If you have never experienced it, it is hard to explain. With the excitement of the holidays, the hustle and bustle and busyness that comes with it, I often struggle. A cloud sort of descends on me this time of year. I don't know why, but it has been an unwelcome guest many, many times. In order to not give in, me and the Lord are moving on through this. Today I will choose to focus on the abundance of blessings that I have. The enemy will not get this girl! So here goes!

Thankful thoughts for today:
1. It's looking like rain! We need it badly.
2. My daughter, husband and Judah are on their way to see MiMi. This means lots of hugs and kisses are on the way!

3. My boy will be on his way, soon I hope.

4. My Mom and Dad will be joining us for Thanksgiving tomorrow.

5. The remodel process has begun. It is slow go, but I know I am going to love it.

6. A good smelling candle that crackles like a fire.

7. God's Word and His saving grace.

8. A quiet morning to pray and listen.

9. A warm cup of coffee.

10. Beautiful fall colors everywhere!

How about you? What's on your list today? I'm off to get a head start in the kitchen.

Our pre-Thanksgiving meal is going to be Black Bean Soup and Chicken Enchiladas.

I will be away until Monday, but have a blessed Thanksgiving!

"With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord, and in the midst of many I will praise Him." Psalm 109:30

Through The Fire

So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
then my frustration gets so out of hand
It's then I am reminded that I've never been forsaken
and I've never had to stand one test alone
As I look at all the victories the Spirit rises up in me
and it's through the fire my weakness is made strong

(Chorus)
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
and the hill would not be hard to climb
he never offered our victories without fighting
but He said help would always come in time
So just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
and the adversary says give in
just hold on, our Lord will show up
and he will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish
but if I trust the hand of God , He'll shield the flames again
(Repeat Chorus)

One of my very favorite songs I wanted to share with you today.

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance."  James 1:2-3

Blooming Beauties

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings

turn routine jobs into joy,

and change ordinary opportunities into blessings."

                                                                                                       William Arthur Ward

Here are my Christmas cactus' that are loaded with blooms.

a little closer look

I just recently stuck these cuttings in this little pot and they have even put on blooms.

Last year the cold almost got all of them. I will be making room for them inside soon.

                                                                                                  

Randomness

Today's post will be a little bit of this and that. Along with pictures of a couple of things that I am thankful for

today.

Here is a shot, pre-yard sale that we had  the first weekend of November. It was hard to get a good shot of all the stuff, and believe me there was a lot!! Yes, it was dark and we had a customer at 6:30 who wanted everything for a quarter! It was the coldest Saturday so far this fall, so we froze, but we got rid of a bunch of stuff for which I am very thankful, and took the rest to the Salvation Army Thrift Store when we were done. I stuck with it, and it didn't go back in the house. Believe it or not as we paint and re-do a few things I will continue to clean things out, for another sale.

Few more piles of stuff!

We were finally able to get started on the laundry room. Now if I can just find someone to spray the cabinet doors for me.  The cabinet man called as I was preparing the post, and the price is reasonable so we will be getting the doors to him this week. Yet another thing that I am thankful for!It looks very different now, but not quite ready for an after shot. This is what we have done so far:

Insides of Cabinets painted

Walls painted

Outside of cabinets primed

Molding painted

Still waiting for new counter top and sink, cabinet doors need to be primed and painted, new door to arrive and paint, window trim to be painted. It is slow go. I don't know how so many seems to get things done so fast! I am just slow I guess.

It rained today!!!! It has been very dry here, and we have needed rain . Even these birds were enjoying the shower. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so what have you been thankful for this week?

Be Thankful

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary

Because it means you've made a difference

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are

also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become  your blessings.

Author Unknown

Thankful Thursday

Here I am catching up with all of those things I planned to share each day during the month of November.
It has been an eye-opener to see that my attitude of gratitude could change so quickly to, one of frustration and aggravation. Little circumstances that are not what I wanted them to be!  I got so frustrated over them! I started having problems loading pictures to blogger and I am told that it is a problem with my camera and conflicting software. Why all of a sudden, I do not know.

I am now making an adjustment, and for lack of time I may have a few posts without pictures. I am realizing that I cannot become so wrapped up in this blog that it causes me frustration. I do not want to allow the little things that frustrate me overshadow the many, many blessing that I have, so here goes.

My Husband- He is the best! There are days I don't know how he puts up with me, but he loves me and shows me daily. I am blessed more than I deserve.

My Family- I have an adorable new grandson who is a total joy, wonderful daughter, son-in-law, and son. I am so blessed that they all know the Lord, and desire to live for Him.

My Home- My home is nothing fancy, but then again, I am not a fancy girl, but God has blessed me with all that I need, plus so much more.

A Successful Yard Sale- We sold a ton of stuff, the weather was the coldest it had been, we froze, but many, many people came to buy all of our excess stuff.

My Sunday School Class- I have recently joined a ladies class at our church after being in other areas of ministry. We have a wonderful teacher who is knowledgeable, prepared and loves to teach. We have such a variety of ladies I have been blessed to be a part.

Answered Prayer- Several weeks ago I had something that I gave to the Lord. Only He would be able to do what needed to be done. He answered immediately. Does He always work this way? No, but this time his answer was immediate.

Friendships- I am blessed with some wonderful friends who love me, in spite of me, and for that I am so very thankful.

I have so many, many things to be thankful for and couldn't waste the opportunity to share. How about you, what are you reminded of to be thankful for today?

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving-Day 3, Roadside Finds

Yes, I am thankful for a few roadside finds!

I spotted these on the way home from picking up my car.

 

To the untrained eye, this might look like a pile of dead plants that have been pulled up, but you see, I know better. These flowers will provide many more blooms in the seasons to come, and I have the perfect empty flower bed for them. I purchased some similar mums a little earlier in the season to give as a gift, and the cost was around $10.00. At 10.00 a pot, this is $100 worth of plants. Even at 5.00 a plant, that's $50.00. Do you see what I mean. I am so thankful for the little things that put a smile on my face.

What little things put a smile on your face?

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving- 2 Days in One!

October has gone by so quickly, so quickly in fact that I did not get my first post in for the month of November!
Since I wanted to do a series on Thirty Days of Thanksgiving, today will be a two in one day. Just a little catch up here.
Life often gets so busy, that I myself forget that I need to practice an attitude of Thanksgiving and gratitude every day.I do not want to get so caught up in the worries and cares of each day, that I forget to be thankful for all that God has blessed me with, and it is much. I will spend the next 28 days sharing some of these things with you.

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to vote.
My sweet boy came home last night just to vote. I am thankful that he sees this as a privilege and responsibility. So we will be off to vote in just a few minutes.

Second, I am thankful that I will be able to pick up my car today.
I know to some that may sound ridiculous, but I have been reminded over the last week, how I take for granted just being able to hop in the car, and take care of whatever I need to. We have been having some maintenance issues taken care of(you'll have those on old vehicles), so I have had to make other arrangements for transportation, errands, etc.

What about you? What keeps you focused on being thankful for your daily blessings?

How about you, what helps keep you focused on being thankful for your daily blessings?

What tomorrow holds, and where is your hope?

That's just the thing, we don't know what tomorrow holds. I have been vividly reminded of this truth this

week.

-Sunday we visited a friend, whose wife didn't wake up from surgery. What was supposed to be a 3 day hospital stay after surgery, has turned into 7 months, with set backs and small bits of improvement. Where is his hope?

He is very clear, his hope is in the Lord.

-My daughter and sweet Judah visited unexpectedly Sunday evening. Her UC has flared up again with infection. She needed some help and Mom encouragement. She has battled with this for 10 years. Where is my hope for her?

It is in the Lord, our sustainer and Great Physician.



-I found out my Dad has been diagnosed with something called myodisplasia , a blood disease causing chronic anemia.

Our hope is still in the Lord.

-Wednesday morning my Sunday school teacher's husband was attacked and shot during an armed robbery attempt at the bank he manages. He received a head injury, shoulder injury  and gun shot wounds in each leg. Thankfully these injuries were not life threatening and he is recovering. The suspect has not been caught. Where is their hope?

It is in the Lord, the God of all comfort and peace.

Today I am grateful for my Lord and Saviour. Everything I face will be sifted through His loving hands. He is the one I can trust." He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God."

Have you been reminded of God's truths this week?

I'd love to hear how.

Have a blessed weekend.

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains:

From where shall my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who has made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip

He who keeps you will not slumber."

Psalm 121:1-3

RADICAL

I've just finished reading this.

This was not just another "christian " book, with information that we have heard before. Actually we have heard this before, in the Bible.

 Here is an excerpt from the book:

"The reality is, we need community in order to follow Christ radically. I am convinced that one reason may of us have not taken radical steps in our giving, for example, may not be so much because we love our possessions as it is because we fear isolation.

If the radical, simple living we see Jesus talking about were more common in the church, it would be much easier for us to live simply as well.

But we look around, and everyone else has nice cars, nice homes, and lifestyles characterized by luxuries, so we accept that this must be the norm for Christians.

We may get convicted about our way of living when we look at the Bible, but when we look at one another, we assume it must be okay because everyone else lives this way." pgs. 205-206 Radical

This statement rung true for me. Radical lays out challenges that may not be comfortable. It will challenge you to think differently from what we have accepted as norms among the christian community. In short, it will challenge you, to  live a lifestyle for the glory of God, radical living by today's christian standards.

I was interested to learn more about David Platt, and how the Brook Hills Church was living this out. For more go here. For more on Radical the experiment go here.

Have you read it? if so, what are your thoughts?

Have a blessed weekend.

Grandmother's Things

A few weeks ago my Mom called to see if I would like anything from my great grandmother's house. Relatives that were living in the house would be moving, and having to clear some things out. It was so odd, how I could remember certain things and where they were located, actually thinking that they were probably no longer there.

This sideboard was always in the large entry way of way of her house. We used to go over the day before Christmas eve, her birthday, to celebrate with a huge dinner with all of the family. All o fthe kids used to take off our shoes and skate in the hallway on her hardwood floors, where this piece sat. It was still there.

This dresser was in her bedroom, and since Ansley was needing a dresser for Judah's room, I asked for it if it was still there. It was still in Grandmother's room.  

There was this little old wooden high chair that was hidden away in the attic. My mother mentioned it, and I thought it would be the perfect high chair when Judah visits.

Paint or Stain? What do you think? 

 

This rocking chair, that will have to lose the flame stitch cover. I hope to be rocking Judah in this chair soon!The projects are piling up around here, so I have got to get busy! Have a wonderful week.!

Fall

I have said so many times before, that FALL is my favorite time of year! Right now I am wishing for those cooler fall days. We had a little tease a couple of weeks ago, and now the AC is running again! Along with fall comes the opportunity to bring out a few decorations. We are not into Halloween at all, so I prefer all of my decor to remain simple and natural. I picked up this old fashioned pumpkin this afternoon. I have another for the kitchen table (as soon as I get it cleaned off. I have a few artificial pumpkins, and I may or may not pull these out. Right now I am just into plain and simple.

How about you, how are you decorating for fall?

A Little Blue

We are feeling a little blue around here. This sweet girl is missing her Mama and baby once again. She hasn't had a chance to really figure out all of this baby stuff. I am keeping her until her Mama, can tend to her and baby.

This sweet boy and his Mama were here for several days, and my boy came to see his little nephew for the first time. They were all here, and left yesterday, so it's just me and the girls . It gets really quiet when everybody leaves, so I will be trying to make some progress with the closet, and getting ready to do some painting around here. Have a blessed week.

Thrifting with Purpose

Is the great "deal" you find this week always a great deal?

As I embrace the idea of "less is more" the answer to this question, for me, is "NO
Here are a few examples:

Solid oak drop leaf table. Great for the right space!

Problem: I don't have the right space.

Lots of cute clothes!

Problem: I am not wearing them.

Shoes and purses

I only pay full price for running shoes, and it doesn't take long to accumulate cute shoes!
Too Many!!!

Problem: Not enough shelf space, and I am not wearing many of these either.

Lets face it, we all have our favorites!

From here on out, I will be "thrifting with purpose". I don't know where or how I am going to use it, I don't need to bring it home, no matter how great the "deal" is. The "great deals" have become burdens when they are simply taking up space, time, and energy to maintain.

I'd like to hear your thoughts about your "stuff". Do you have any habits like mine that need to change?

Off Topic

Is anyone else having problem with loading pictures in the new editor on blogger. I have not been able to load anything directly from my camera for over a week! It is getting rather aggravating. Am I the only one?

Less Is More!

First of all let me thank all of you who have been praying for Ansley. She has gotten more rest. Judah now seems to have a touch of colic or not adjusting well to the formula. They are just working and loving through the  fussy spells. I have been of little help since I was fortunate not to have that with either of my babies. Again he is the cutest little thing ever, and by the way I did go back and get lots of sweet time with the little one.

Now on to the topic at hand. A common theme that seems to be coming up lately is, "Less Is More". If I want to be real honest, I need to admit that I have just accumulated too much STUFF!

The question I have asked myself is, WHY?

Can I learn to be content with what I have as opposed to looking at what others have, and wanting what they've got? Seeing a new trend and going for it, always something a little prettier, or so we think. The fact is there will always be newer, bigger, better, prettier, etc. to see. Yes, my house is long overdue for some updates, and we are beginning to tackle this.

I am beginning to take a closer look at some habits(of mine) that need to be addressed. Don't get me wrong, I love some thrifty shopping, and good junk, but the accumulation is beginning to weigh me down! My STUFF seems to be managing me, rather than the other way around.

My recent closet clean up came to a halt when the stomach virus hit, then Judah decided to make his arrival a bit earlier than expected(what a joy!),and  I subbed today, so it is still unfinished. However, tomorrow, I will be back at it, clearing the clutter! Getting rid of STUFF!

So how would you answer the following questions:

How much is enough?

Are my belongings a burden or a blessing?

How much time should I spend managing what I own?

I will be sharing some of my answer to these questions in upcoming posts, and show you the progress that I am making.

I will leave you with these pictures of some simple fall decorating that we did at my daughter's house.

The garland was made from fabric that I had on hand, another idea to help clear the clutter. Share with someone else.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on "Less is More".

Blessings!

PRAYER REQUEST!

I am heading back to Florida today. I will be taking Ansley in for blood work and Dr appointment tomorrow. I ask you to please pray for her, as she is not doing very well. We will know more tomorrow or the next day.
Have a blessed week

While I was out.............

This little boy arrived!

Meet Judah.

Born September 14, 2010

I am not in any way prejudiced, but he is absolutely the most adorable little thing!

It was sure hard to make the trip home today without him. I am already missing him so much! 3 hours is a long way when you are a grandmother!

Just a couple more pictures if you were doubting how cute he is!

I will be catching up with all of you later, right now Mimi has got to get some sleep. I have to substitute teach tomorrow and Friday, and they will be needing a sub that can stay awake.

Update and Tying one on!

Progress on the closet/bedroom clean-up came to a screeching halt Friday, when, I got the stomach virus. As much as I tried, and wanted to I slept, except for the periods of time while I was otherwise occupied. I hope to have an update and some pictures possibly by Tuesday.

Just as soon as I was able, here's a little project that I needed to complete.

Shower invitations for a couples shower that I am helping host.

So easy to make, and a fraction of the cost of custom invitations. With the exception of the bandanna fabric and envelopes, I had everything to make the invitations. Total out of pocket cost for the items that I did not already have was $7.05.  In my effort to clean out, I am also trying to use what I have on hand, as opposed to buying more. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

How did it get to THIS!

It should be a little embarrassing for me to make this disclosure! It is pretty bad. Uh, NO, it is REAL BAD!! But it is time to get real here. You are not looking at a random storage closet, but our master bedroom closet. We do not have the luxury of large walk in closets, and our closet has been a jumbled mess for quite some time. This is what happens when you start accumulating all of those great bargains that you love to find at thrift stores, etc, but you are not actually using them.

I have known for quite some time that this closet needs to be cleaned out. Simplifying is sounding really good to me.  There is nothing wrong with stuff, but when it begins to take over, and weigh you down, it is not a good thing! I have been looking around at my house, and feeling the need to do some major purging!

Just a few purses, fabric, and extra clothes.

In the next couple of days,  hopefully I will be showing you a major transformation. My sister and I are trying to preparefor a big yard sale some time in October or November, and I would like to have every closet in my house cleaned out so that there remains only useful items. I started looking for something this morning and have not been able to find it. Hopefully before the end of the day it will surface. Life is too short to be spending so much time and energy managing all of my stuff!!!!

 How about you what is your perspective on stuff?

When it gets to be a burden, it is time to make some changes, and the time is NOW at this house!