More redecorating....

Someone recently asked me if I had re-decorated every time I changed residences. The answer is, "Sort of."

We bought furniture when moving into larger places, sold furniture when downsizing, and replaced furniture when it was worn out (by cats or kids or guests). We went through the mauves of the 1980's, went darker with navy in the 1990's, and now have added even more color in our current abode.

Accessories came and went , too. There were the days of the homemade crafts hung on the walls, and yes, I even have a paint-by-number with nostalgic attachments hung in the same room as my daughter's incredible art. I've had the floral swags for a good while and I'm ready to ditch those dust catchers. I've had hideous cowboy art (but, thank goodness, no velvet paintings) and some cheesy posters along with beautiful photography done by hub.

Over the years, I've refined, added, subtracted, and arrived at a beautiful home where we and our guests are comfortable. Lovely but livable. Restful but colorful. A reflection of my sensibilities, indeed. You feel welcome here.

Even after 30+ years of marriage, there's still re-decorating to be done. It never ends, young ones. :) I'd like to replace the floor coverings in this house, complete the exterior landscaping, and replace the dining room furniture. Perhaps those projects will be for next year! :)

New Year, New Kitchen

I spent the first week of the new year re-doing my kitchen thanks to friends Vicki and Leanna. Leanna just bought a house (her first) and is busily re-doing it to her liking. What fun I've had doing that so many times! Vicki has a gorgeous kitchen which I would love to imitate (which is the sincerest form of flattery, right?) Anyway, with their inspiration, I tackled the job.

This beige and white kitchen came with this house. I immediately added the wallpaper border (with hub's help) and a few French accessories. I hated the beige countertops. I loved the white cabinets (like I've had in several houses). I have a white refrigerator. I have almond dishwasher and stove. Yuk! yuk! YUK!

I thought I'd love to have a dark granite countertop, but the money is outrageous. So Vicki showed me how easy it is to stain the cabinets which is what I did this week. A little stain, a lot of work, new knobs and ceiling fan....voila! new kitchen!! And guess what...the almond countertops don't look so bad any more now that everything goes together (with the exception, of course, of my white refrigerator and microwave ..sigh! )
Thank you, friends, for the inspiration!

Deck the Halls

Well, Christmas is right around the corner. It's coming early for our family on Dec. 22.
The decorations are done, the gifts are wrapped, the groceries selected, the menu planned.

Hurry, Christmas!

Goofy in Love

yes, that's my son looking goofy at a kiss from his wife....ah, love! It can make a grown man melt!

Another Thanksgiving post

I know everyone has been posting about Thanksgiving, but now it's my turn!

We celebrated with family, as many people did. I love this photo because it shows four generations of our family:
Right to Left:
1st Generation:
Mawmaw was able to attend with her husband and really enjoyed the day. Although she hadn't felt well all month, special effort was expended to join us. I am thankful for that.

2nd Generation:
Next is me. I was happy to be with my family on Thanksgiving and always enjoy the feasting. I'm thankful that God has allowed our family to remain close, healthy, and happy.

3rd Generation:Next is daughter-in-law, KarenD. She hosted this year and did a wonderful job. She always makes everyone feel welcome and even included a family friend who was alone for the holiday as our dinner guest.

3rd Generation: Next is daughter, LydiaN. She and her husbend spent the day with us also. She always adds fun and laughter to our celebrations as well as her expertise as photographer. It's always a joy to have her around.

4th Generation:
Baby Ian!! We can't see his dear features yet, but we felt his movements inside his mommy's tummy. We can't wait till he makes his appearance in late February so we had hold him and love on him. I patted him and told him to hurry up 'cause Grandma was ready for him! :)

I am thankful for my family and grateful to God for His wonderful blessings to all our generations.

Special Lunch

On Sunday, I and six other Arbonne consultants from our Region went to Dallas to have lunch with Stacy Thorn, Executive National Vice President. Stacy lives outside of Tulsa and has been with Arbonne 10 years. The first four she spent as a District Manager, then decided to get serious about building her business. Since then, she has steadily grown her company...and now makes almost $80,000 per MONTH!

Yes, network marketing can do that. It is hard work in the beginning, but pays off BIG in the long run. I am excited about the possibilities that anyone can do this!

Someday I will meet up with Stacy again...at a VP dinner! I appreciate all referrals from my dear readers and will travel to do presentations anywhere.

Kudos to Hubby

First of all, let me say that my hubby has done it again! He has spent the weekend creating another sitting area in our backyard and did an excellent job. I went to two stores to get the decorative items, and we'll add more as the seasons change.

This will give us a stopping place halfway down the hill to the bottom of the yard. We are going to move the chimenea down there to get it out from under the wisteria that now grows completely over the pergola.


I know we will enjoy this new spot very much. Thanks to the hub!