Wow all this for $30.25

Mark flew back home today so on my way to the airport I hit this wonderful estate sale.  This sale has been going on for over a month and they haven't even made a dent in this hoard.  Everything is 75 to 85% off this weekend because this is the END!  I scored this fantastic stool for $10 and that was the most expensive item I bought.  I'm not kidding guys all this for $30.25 which included the sales tax.  Oh my gosh, I may have to go back Saturday because there were a couple of crocks but nothing unusual so I passed on them but if she goes 90% off they might be worth checking out again. 

Christmas 2013 in Georgia

Told ya I'd get pictures posted of what little décor I'm putting out this year.  I know, I know, I said I'd post those pictures on Monday but hey I have a valid excuse.  I have somehow thrown my back out and have really no idea how I did it.  I mean it's not like I've been extremely active or anything.  As best as I can tell, I did a lot of slow, browsing walking thru Target, 2 antique flea markets, grocery store, ect..... so yesterday was spent laying on the floor of the den watching Parenthood last and current seasons with my feet elevated on the footstool.  Yep, I bet it was a purdy picture.  I finally ordered myself a pizza around 2:00 and drug myself downstairs to answer the door and then the young delivery boy makes a comment of "Oh, I really like your pj's".  Lucky for him I had already included the tip when I ordered the pizza or he wouldn't have gotten anything. Smart aleck kid!

Welcome and come right on in for a quick little peek

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there it is folks....sweet, simple and done!!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainy, Relaxing Weekend

Hi everybody and I hope no one falls and hits their head when they realize that I've posted twice now in this month.  It was a rainy, dreary weekend in Georgia but I used my time wisely to decorate for Christmas and spend time with my treasured friend, Maria.  Mark left Saturday for Germany and he'll be gone until Thursday so let the games begin.  You know that when the cat's away then Clarice and I play house.  LOL!  It has been heavenly to sleep in our own bed, stay up as late as we want and watch mindless tv and eat donuts for dinner and breakfast.  I'll post pictures of the house later today after I finish filling in with fresh greens.  Now remember that I have to keep things scaled way back since the house is on the market.  But ya know, I'm starting to really like the less is more concept in some spots.  Don't get me wrong as soon as the house sells, I'm dragging all my stuff back out because I've missed it but less/more sure makes cleaning easier.  LOL!

After lunch yesterday with Maria, I made a quick stop at an antique store and I found these wonderful old, chippy painted trim pieces.  The wheels started turning...ok they turned with loud squeaky noises since they don't get used much nowadays.  Let's see...now where was I going with this...oh...I stitched up Love Letters last year from BBD and it's a small cutie but I just couldn't decide what I was going to do with it.  Then I had a wonderful idea, what if I took the block of wood and attached the stitching to it.  Oh that would be amazing but how do I do it?  I mulled that over last night and finally came up with this.

 

 

 

I'm just loving this idea and it fits perfectly in with the BBD Noel that I stitched in 2009.  I still need to add some greenery to the cabinet so try to imagine a little fresh cedar laying there.  I paid $8 for the wood and the stitchery was done from stash odds and ends but I think it makes a real statement. What do y'all think?

No title because I've lost my mind!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted but I just haven't been able to get back into a routine since I got back from Arkansas.  My trip was extended an additional week in order to help my MIL and FIL get settled into their new routines.  Jack's really in a great place with caring people and he seems to be slowly adjusting to his new environment.  It's been probably harder on Kay than it is on Jack.  She's been caring for him every day for the last 54 years so she's having to get used to only seeing him a few times a week instead of every day, all day long.  I'm hoping that her ladies group will keep her busy and she will take up some of her hobbies again like painting, flower arrangements and sewing.  It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do but I'm so thankful that I'm not working now so I could be there to help them.  I decorated Jack's room to make it feel more like home and the pictures aren't the greatest but here they are:

Back Wall with metal wall art

Family photos

Snack table

His hat rack with his military ball caps

 

And lastly his new quilt

I just got back from another vacation as Mark likes to call my time in Arkansas a vacation (NOT) but my parents took me to Asheville, NC and the Biltmore House.  My Mom had a convention to attend so I got to go and keep my daddy company during the day.  It's such a special time of laughter, tears, family stories and just enjoying time alone with my parents.  I always come away from our trips with a new appreciation of just how amazing my parents are as people as well as parents and grandparents.  The Biltmore was just beautiful and is decorated for Christmas already.  Of course, the house is very grand and elegant and as usual I was more interested in the servants quarters and the kitchen.  The house did not disappoint any of us but I do have to say the kitchen was one of my dreams!  The copper pots and pans are original to the home!

 

 

 

And this is how Clarice reacted when she saw my suitcase come out again when I was packing for my NC trip.  I think she misses her momma a lot when I'm gone. I looked for her in every room until I finally saw her little white chin 'cause with her eyes closed she blended right into the suitcase.

 

 

I have lost my stitching mojo right now and haven't picked up a needle since the first of Oct.  I unfortunately I had joined Vickie from

A Stitcher's Story but I just didn't get anything more than part of the tree trunk stitched.  There was just so much going on in Arkansas and then again in Georgia and Tennessee when I finally got back home.  I hate that I just couldn't finish or really even get a good start on this SAL because it was Vickie's first and as you know, I don't do WIPs so this is a first for me as well.  I will finish it but think I'll wait until after the new year. 

 

While I was home I got to see my wonderful, smart, gorgeous, witty nieces (yes, I could go on and on about these special girls forever!) Rachel is a senior in HS so it was extra special that I got to be there to see her.

 

And this was Josi's first homecoming so I was thrilled to be a part of it with her as well.  But an even more special time was that I got to see her baptized into the Christian faith and I have to tell you that I was just so touched to get to be a witness to that event in her life.  I get all teared up just thinking back on it now. 

 

No new news on the home in Atlanta but we are still praying that the right family comes along really soon.  I would love to be in Tennessee before winter really sets in and then I could "nest" in our new home which we haven't even started looking for yet....LOL!  I just don't really want to look until I have a contract on our home because I just refuse to carry 2 mortgages at all. 

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week and do something today that makes you smile!  I did because I had a starbucks pumpkin spice latte and snuggled with Clarice this morning so it's been a special day already.