Oh no you didn't...Oh yes I did.....

this is a pic of my small bathroom off of my family room, it's my favorite room in the house....love my English Hunt Scene paper. It's not for everyone, but it is for ME....

I love putting fresh tree sprays over my prints at Christmas...it's soooo pretty.

Ho! Ho! Ho! I went over to Lowes to buy some fresh garland for my front porch...and as I was at the register I noticed some greenery freshly cut from some Christmas trees they had just sold. So....I ask the cashier if they were throwing those branches away....uh I think so she replied. May I take some please? Sure....and before she could turn around I had dashed over to the branches and loaded up my truck - ha....I knew exactly where those branches were headed...and the trash wasn't it! So...here are a few pictures of the outside decorations....the branches look so pretty in my pots don't they? Well...we're only at the beginning...much more to do this weekend. Burrr....it's really cold out today too! Hope everyone is enjoying the day. I've got my office Christmas party this evening....I'm really excited...I'll post pictures later!

Oh Santa...plates please...

uh - these need no explanation! Roosters...roosters...roosters....


oooo love these 12 days of Christmas plates....they are just soo pretty!

AND....I adore these doggy plates....I would love them for my family room! ooooo I love them!
someone please stop me!

Oooo I was just sitting here browsing through some of my favorite home websites...and I found the most adorable plates....they are just too pricey, and I won't be able to splain to hubby....so I'll plead to Santa...and maybe....just maybe....he'll add them to my list. I've been so good Santa - ha! I first found the 12 days of Christmas plates and oooooo I was sooo excited - ha! Yes lovely plates like these really make me happy!

The decorating continues...

Well...I think I'm almost done with the inside...and my husband told me he'd take care of the exterior, so I'm happy! I'll be tied up most of the day tomorrow with work, so I thought I'd post a few more pics of the holiday decor. I also wanted to share a photo of a platter I picked up last year during the after Christmas sales....it's very pretty in person. But what I like the most is what is written on the platter...

THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON...

THE WONDER OF GIVING...

THE CALM OF NATURE...

THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTMAS...

Ahhhh such beautiful words...I decided to display this lovely platter on my kitchen counter so that I can see it each and every day, it's a gentle reminder of the magic of Christmas...

The decorating has begun...

Well...I thought I'd get going on pulling out the Christmas stuff! I guess most of my work would start in the dining room, considering I had to clean the hutch and wash all the Christmas china...not my favorite task let me tell you. I started collecting my Christmas Spode quite a few years ago, I just love how simple they are, and it's always a treat to pull them out for the holidays. I'm just beginning the long...tedious task of Christmas decorating. It's a daunting task...but once it's done, well I truly do enjoy it and of course it's for the kids. Just a few pics to share with you...but I've got sooooo much more to do. Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. It's crisp out today, and I decided I'd better stay inside and get started!

Toile Shade...

Phew...well it's time to slow down a bit...and get ready for the Christmas rush. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I took a drive over to my favorite shop "Louise's" and was looking for a new shade for the small lamp I have on my kitchen counter - remember? The one with a crow on it.... I thought I was out of luck, until the cashier asked me if I wanted her to take a look "upstairs" to see if she could find one. And what do you know....she comes down with the perfect little lamp shade....I mean it couldn't get any more perfect than this. I was just thrilled. It's one of my new favorite things....

Sweet Lauren and Cristen

So, we're here at my sister's enjoying Thanksgiving together...it's just wonderful! I was showing my brother Classic Charm and my dear nieces Lauren and Cristen want to be guests on my blog. They are sooooo darling. Lauren is so smart, she prayed at the table...and her words were just breathtaking. What a sweet angel she is...Here is a beautiful picture of Lauren (6 1/2) and Cristen (4 1/2) - ha they wanted to make sure I didn't miss the 1/2.....Hope everyone is enjoying the day. I know I am!

Thanksgiving Day is here...

Ahhhh the day we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. I've been up since 6:30 a.m. getting my dishes ready to take to my sister Martha's today. I'll be taking a boneless turkey breast that I picked up at the local butcher, it turns out really nice and juicy. She's roasting a 22 pound turkey, and we need a little extra as she expects quite the crowd....ha! And, instead of the pumpkin chiffon pie I had planned on...well Annie my cousin from Southern California e-mailed me a "Pumpkin Dump Cake" recipe that sounds just sinful....so it's in the oven baking as we speak...and I'll share the recipe with you on my next post.

And yesterday....the doorbell rang in the early evening. When we opened the door there was a man standing there with the most beautiful centerpiece just for me! It was from my dear friends Diana and Mario. They are just so sweet, and much too good to me! And since I'm not hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year...well I'll be taking the beautiful flowers to Martha's so we can all enjoy them as we feast today. I'll bring it back home after dinner. My son Adam wasted no time at all. He ate his bowl of cereal by candlelight last night. He's going to be a hopeless romantic I'm afraid....a trait he picked up from his mother....ha!

Well my friends....I wish you all a wonderful, peaceful, joyous day. Don't worry about the calories, and enjoy the time with family. Sending sweet blessings...

Happy Thanksgiving...

I'm off of work now until next week Monday...and today well I have nothing other than relaxation planned, trust me this is a rare occasion. I've had a hectic schedule lately, and believe it or not...just getting over this lingering cold. I'm sure we'll all be busy in the next few days. I wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with family and friends, or however you choose to spend your holiday. I am grateful for each of you...

A few new things...

Well, yesterday was my Friday off, at my job we have the choice of working a 9/80 schedule...that means that we work 9 hour days Mon-Thur, and get every other Friday off. I've been working this schedule for many years now...and I love when my Friday rolls around. So, yesterday was my day off and my husband was off too, so we got up early and went out to breakfast, then he took me shopping for a few new things. My foyer has been in need of a new runner and rug for the front door. And...we found a nice set (well it wasn't a set, but we put it together, my husband is quite the decorator too :). It looks really pretty in person, pictures just don't do it justice. So, here's a snapshot , and a few other snapshots of the foyer. I think they'll blend in nicely with the Christmas decor. I suppose I should start pulling that all out any day now...

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. Today I'm thankful for my dear sister Martha. Since the two of us are closest geographically to our parents...we are the "lending hand" for them. We take turns taking mom to dialysis 3 times per week, yep we have to be up by 4:30am to get her there by 5am, and then we get ready for work...it's a hectic schedule for both of us, but mom is doing so wonderful that it's almost painless. It's a blessing to have such a dear sister...

Runner in the foyer...olive, cream, and red

the red carpet matches perfectly to the reds in the runner...

this is to the right of the front doors...love this spot

a plaque I have in the space beneath the stairs...

and I just added this plate to my laundry room,

it reminds me of crisp linen...

Remember...

You'll notice the music doesn't come up automatically on my blog. But that's because I put a new video at the bottom of my blog for the holiday season and could not figure out how to play continuously. The lyrics made my eyes swell with tears, and I'd like you to press play, with a kleenex in hand. If you saw my previous post, it's an urgent reminder to all of us...please let's not forget...

My son Adam has a heart of gold...he saw this video and he says with urgency....mom we have to help them mom...we have to help them...awe...what an angel. He's right now looking around for coins and collecting them in a sandwich bag...:) Tomorrow we're taking some coats and clothing to the local shelter...a wonderful lesson to share with my boys!

Today I'm thankful for being reminded that my actions can make a difference in this world...

Make a difference...

Did you know? -- About 12 million American families last year worried that they couldn't afford to buy food, and 32 percent of them actually experienced someone going hungry at one time or another, according to the Agriculture Department. Pretty sad statistic right? And you're probably wondering why I posted this.

Well....today while I was working, I received a note from a member of the Town Council for the town where I live. He extended an invitation for me to fill an empty seat on the Board of Directors for the Civic Fund of our town, a non-for-profit all volunteer organization dedicated to providing temporary assistance to residents of our town who are in need. First of all, I have never sat on any Board of Directors seats...and geez all I can say is what an honor. I was recommended because when Katrina hit our country, my husband and I went out and distributed over 350 flyers in our neighborhood asking for donations. Well...if you would have seen the overwhelming response from our neighbors.... it would move you to tears. Our garage was filled to the brim with cases of diapers, cans of food, toiletries, and so much more. And the one that touched my heart the most was a middle aged white man who backed his truck onto my driveway...and guess what? He went to Kohl's Department store and cleared the sale racks....yep he had stacks of clothing sorted by size for children. As I was thanking him, he stopped me and said "Oh I'm not done", then he opened up the back seat and out came cases of diapers, cases of baby formula, and wipes. Yes, people have huge hearts - and it's a reminder that we can all take part to help others, no matter how small the gesture. My family all helped me organize the items and label them in boxes, and we drove 3 SUV's filled with items over to our police department and watched the trucks with all of our goods take off to help those in New Orleans. That my friends was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. So, yes I accepted the honor and I intend to take my role very seriously, and will do all I can to help others in need.

So at this time of gratitude and abundance for most of us - let us remember those less fortunate than us. And as the song goes...Everybody's Someone!

Today I am thankful for all that I have in my life. We are truly blessed.

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie...

Well I've been scouring through my magazines in search of the perfect Thanksgiving dessert that I could bring along with me to my sister Martha's house this year. She's the lucky hostess thank goodness :) My brother and his family will be coming in from Southern Indiana, and my sister and her family will be driving up from Fishers, Indiana. It will be so nice to be together - I'm sure the kids are going to have so much fun! So the lucky recipe that I've chosen is this scrumptuous pumkin chiffon pie...yum I can taste it already. For recipe go to Midwest Living.

And today, I'm grateful for my dear friend Karen, who has brought so much laughter into my life. We work together and every day we share so many wonderful times. Thanks for being such a blessing...I'm so glad we're friends!

Way to go Emily...

Ahhh today was such a busy day...I ran both of my boys around to basketball games..and birthday parties. It certainly was an action-packed weekend. And just to think another busy week begins tomorrow. Well, just as I was about to sit down and relax and browse through some blogs...I get a phone call from my sister-in-law to tell me that my dear niece Emily has won FIRST PLACE with her cheerleading squad. And they have the distinct honor of performing at Disney World the first week of December! WOW! What an accomplishment for sweet Emily - we are so proud of her! Have a great time at Disney Emily and don't forget to take lots of pictures!

And today I'm grateful for all of the wonderful parents who despite their busy schedules, dedicate time to volunteer, coach, mentor, and be positive role models for so many children...thank you!

Wiped out...

Well...I've had a rough week...fighting a cold and my usual hectic schedule wiped me out this week. Ahhh...I'd like to rest my head on this bed. Is this lovely or what? Ha, found it while browsing Horchow - no I'm not a frequent shopper...more of a browser and dreamer - ha! I was disappointed tonight. I prepared a nice hot cup of tea...and got ready to settle into my favorite chair and put on a fire....and agh - we're out of logs! I guess I'll try again tomorrow. I hope everyone is having a good weekend, and getting some rest...I know I'm tryin...

Today I'm thankful for my dear friend Diana who has been in my life since we were just little girls...and let me tell you - we could go months without talking and the minute we talk or see each other, we don's skip a beat. It's nice to have a close friend like that who shares so much of who you are. I'm so grateful to have her in my life.

Dreamscapes...Take Four

Well....I've been down with a bad cold the past couple of days...feeling better now...but still fighting the sniffles. Should of had my flu shot! So, I'll share some of Chad Barrett's pieces with you....so beautiful.

A short excerpt that I found on the net about Chad Barrett:
Barrett earned degrees in painting and art history from the Savannah College of Art and Design. While attending, he discovered that he could combine classical painting techniques with a sophisticated use of Southern decorative tradition, to create art that is simultaneously original and familiar. His Southern roots are still a source of inspiration, along with the joy of family.

Today, I'm thankful for my co-workers...who keep me going day in and day out with their friendship. Makes my work much more than just a job....and I'm grateful to have them.

Dreamscapes...Take Three

Happy Tuesday! Well...today I will share with you Jo Moulton's works of art...and they too are just beautiful. Ahhh I'd love to have a conversation with each of these wonderful artists...and the first question I'd ask is where do you get your inspiration? Enjoy...

Today I am thankful for my husband Gary...who no matter what-he is there for me. Last night I got home late after stopping at the store, and he had already fed the boys, and they had completed their homework and were in their jammies. So thanks honey for helping me out, especially when I really need it!

Dreamscapes Take Two...

Happy Monday and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear friend Eva from Evansville, Indiana!!!! Well I've been inspired this week and I suppose I'll make this week an art showcase, ha! I'll share all of my favorite artists with you and their amazing work. Geez....I'd love to open up a shop and sell all of these amazing works of art....but where will I find the time and money?! Ooooo these are so beautiful! Ok, I think I just talked myself into a bathroom redo - HA!

These prints are the amazing work of artist Arnie Fisk. I have only one of his pieces in my home.

And today I am thankful for my beautiful boys...who are such a blessing in my life. I just love them and they love me back!