Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Autumn Decor

The crisp,chilly mornings,cute cardigans,boots,pumpkin spice lattes,and the crunch of beautiful leaves underfoot...are a few things I love about autumn.I prefer the term autumn over fall-sounds much more beautiful to me.I tend to decorate my house with neutral colors.Bright orange and red are beautiful-I just don't want my house screaming those colors.I did incorporate more color this year tho.I didn't spend any money on decor this year-just shopped the house and outdoors.I'll show the living room first.

The old window  came from my Mom when they moved.I made the autumn banner from book pages.



An old book stuck behind the broken window pane.




I love my "give thanks" pillow I won from Jennifer from Dear Lillie.The vase is filled with dried okra (pods?) from our garden.The tray was a birthday gift from my sister.



Here is a shot of more of the room.Our living room is big and it's hard to get the whole thing on a pic.Especially if you have an ugly 90's plaid couch under those pillows and blankets on the right.I ordered a slipcover today.I am soo excited!!


A few touches of red/orange/brown on my open shelves in the kitchen...








A shot from the livingroom.



Simple table decor..




German Chocalate Cake.Hubby's birthday cake every single year.I really should bake it more often.


 

My first attempt at baking a pumpkin roll.It was good-just needed more of that cream cheese filling!!

 
After you're done licking your chops,come hang your hat in the laundry room.



This "gallery" wall full of random things was inspired by Pinterest.I seem to have a fetish for hanging empty frames on the wall at the moment.I hung wreaths,a basket,dried fern leaves and book papers too,along with a painting I found for FREE in the bottom of our motorhome=).The blue and browns mach my house inside perfectly.Sorry about the bad pictures,the sun was glaring in the door.



My grandma's old ironing board is standing in the corner.She passed away 3 years ago-I always think of her when I see it.


My brothers used this dresser.I may paint it one day but I'm too lazy for now,I'll let it.

 
This next picture isn't really "autumn-ish",but I decided to show you anyway.I used the springs from the baby bed all of us 9 kids slept in for my inspiration board/photo board in the office/craft room.
 
 
 
It's definitely sweater weather.Bundle up and enjoy the beautiful hues outside your window.It will be Christmas before we know it!!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Celebrating Life

We had a picnic/party in the backyard this summer to celebrate the life of Neveah Starr.Less than 12 hours later I was in the doctor's office hearing the news that the baby had died.Was he/she still alive when we celebrated??I like to think so.Maybe the baby could sense our happiness-knowing that he/she was wanted,that we were so happy to have the chance to love even tho we never met.The evening was perfect-filled with happiness,smiles and lots of white...the perfect send-off-to Heaven party.I smile evey time I see these pics~memories of having my little baby with me...just taking time to make an ordinary evening extra special and celebrating the great gift of life...spending time with my family.
 
 
I hung some white sheets on the washline and covered the picnic table with an old quilt.
 

Bouquets of Baby's Breath(the perfect flower for this occasion) and snippets of boxwood greenery in metal cans were used for center peices.

 
The white plates were ones Slim's family used at home.The wooden bowls are thrift store finds.I tied our wedding napkins and silverware together with a peice of wine.


We had  homemade grilled burgers,chocolate cake topped with Cool Whip and canned strawberries(Slim's favorite dessert) and fresh squeezed lemonade.


These were so juicy!!We had veggies and dip too,but I didn't get a pic of those.




 We took a few pics together.We were so happy!!I love spending time with this man-he always makes me smile.He was there for me,cried and prayed with me,cooked for me and did housework,took Kobe to work with him so I could rest after my miscarriage.I could not have made it without him.He was really hoping for a girl-I pray that one day God will grant him his wish-he deserves it.

The little boy blue had so much fun.He loves being outside.
 






 
 

 
I cut out some hearts from sheet music paper I had on hand and strung them up with twine.I painted over a $2.00 thrift store picture with chalkboard paint for a chalkboard and hung it from the washline with a wire clothes hanger.I set a pot of flowers on my $5 highchair I found at a yard sale last summer. 





This picnic reminded me to always cherish the important things in life.You never know what tomorrow will bring,so make each day special in some way.I'm so glad we had this picnic-the next few weeks were emotional ones.Remembering that God gives life and takes it away became more real.A thought just struck me today-I am blessed that God chose my 2 children to be with Him.It's great that He loves me enough to give me hardships to make me become more like Him-to have to trust that He has a reason for everything.It's not easy,but good for me.
"Don't let your hearts be troubled.Trust in God,and also trust in me."-John 14:1~Jesus' words.
 "Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me.Your rod and staff protect and comfort me."-Psalm 23:4 
I am blessed that he chose ME-a little ole' country gal to have my children in the richest,fanciest place ever-footloose and fancy free,without a care in the world.I never have to worry about them needing a thing.Sure,I miss them.A lot.Think of what could have been.Who they might have become.The times we would've have spent together.I always think of them when I see the stars-knowing they're up there waiting for me to meet them.It will be worth the wait.
Spend time with your family.Do fun things together.I never heard anyone regret doing special things that make memories.It doesn't have to cost much-it's the love and memories that counts.
Celebrate life!!