Almost Ready for the Big Meal...

 The guest room is ready....

 The tables set....

 Some of the goodies are made and the refrigerator is full!

in process...

 after cooking....

This year we are having our first Thanksgiving in our home. I've been working slowly on everything...the tables been set for a day or two. So thankful that I have a little energy to do this...taken it slow, but I can do more than I have lately!

Happy Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for!!

I heart Damask

I was looking around the house the other day and noticing a lot of a certain pattern. Little bits of it here and there. Guess I may have an infatuation with damask!

In our room:

In the kitchen:

And if that wasn't enough we've added these new additions to our room:

Wreath inspiration from one of my favorite blogs Sara's Art* House. I used what I had and I didn't have quite the colors I wanted, but I still love how it turned out. Yeah for easy craft that I love! I've been wanting some damask picture frames for awhile and I just happened to walk down that isle in Target. Love them and the price too! (Yes I did actually make it out shopping on Saturday...first time in almost 4 months. I'm not "there" yet, but I'm getting there. My new doctor actually has me on treatment too!)

Leaves

The leaves are really changing around here. These pics are not the greatest, but I did want to share the beauty.

Monday:

Today:

I'm thankful...

There are so many things I'm thankful for, but several things happened today that make me especially thankful. God is always gracious and good to give me so many special blessings.

Without further ado I'm thankful for...

1) Fall colors that are really starting to peak. It's so wonderful to look out my window and see the beauty of the seasons on God's creation!

2) Delicious meal prepared by a friend.... grilled pork chops, augratin potatoes, veggies, chocolate chip cookies... We were definitely spoiled.

3) Beautiful fall arrangement from the same friend. Flowers just make me happy!

4) Feeling more energetic and "on the mend." I'm able to do lots more and it's looking like I may just be completely 100% before thanksgiving!

5) A clean house!! This is definitely my favorite thing of the day. Last week we decided that we needed to have someone come in to clean the house. Roderick knew that once I was better I'd go crazy and might end up back at the beginning again. I had seen an add in the ValuPack for a place called CustomMaid and the list of things they did was pretty extensive. I called them to find out the price and was definitely surprised at the high price. I told them I'd get back to them. Roderick and I discussed it and decided to check out other places to see if the price was comparable. I then checked my e-mail and the deal for the day on Groupon was for 2 hours from CustomMaid for less than the price of 1 hour! (They had a minimum of 1 1/2 hour policy so it was a huge saving!) I totally see that as a blessing from the Lord! The ladies came today and did a amazing job. They deep cleaned my entire apartment...even the oven! A clean house truly makes life better! (At least it makes my life better.) Now to keep it clean for the next week and a half before my in laws come. I don't think that will be too hard as we like it so much better this way!

Jewelry Holder Redo

Before:

In all its original glory directly from the thrift store.

After:

This will be used at the show this weekend to display some of Mom's Jewelry. Roderick liked it but said "Does anyone use these any more?" I had to laugh since I know a lot of people that do. Since that comment I've been seeing "Jewelry Holders" everywhere.

 My next project is already in the works and I am loving it! Whoever came up with the idea of embroidery hoop wall hangings was a  genius. There is a danger of  my house being overrun by them!

Where do you think I'm planning on hanging these?

I need help...

I mentioned in an earlier post that I am wanting to redo my bathroom. Being cooped up in a house for 3 months I guess does that to you. The bathroom seems the easiest to change {and probably cheapest}. Plus it is one of the few rooms that has been almost untouched since we moved here 3 1/2 years ago.

So here's how it looks now... well almost I have been sick for 3 months {read its not currently picture worthy so the picture is from right after we moved in}

My inspiration for the new room occurred as I was painting a canvas I planned on selling. The plan for the "new" bathroom is black and white {damask and other patterns} with a little aqua and a touch of light purple. (I already have a purple shower curtain hanging over my washer and dryer and I thought I could just switch the two.) I've scoured the Internet for damask towels, rugs, etc. I've found some great options too! Just have to get better to actually go do the shopping. I'm not really liking the idea of paying shipping for items I can go to the store and purchase myself!

Here's some of my idea: 

* Each picture has been linked to the appropriate site 1.) My painting inspiration for the room. Smaller canvas is actually a picture frame canvas I painted after the inspiration "hit." 2.)Anna's linens - seems to be good quality by the reviews, but is it the right blue?? Not sure. 3.) Amazon - they are also available in misty blue {and green - I'm thinking my kitchen needs them!}, but I think I like the black the best and I'll "doctor" them up. 4.) Etsy - Funky Chicken - I think I want to change the switch plates no matter what I decide! 5.) Macy's - Firenza pattern, I think. 6 & 7.) Target - not getting great reviews, but the best I've found other than IKEA. IKEA rug can't be ordered online and I don't want to drive there for $4 rug(s)! 8.) Macy's - Blue dot, again not that great of reviews, but I think the color would be perfect.

Now, however, I'm in a quandary. I finished the paintings I had been working on for the bathroom and hung them up so the wall wouldn't be bare as I wait to change the decor. {I'm planning to sell them at the November 12th conference.} I LOVE the idea of redoing the bathroom and really love the new color scheme.... but the new paintings do look great in there and keeping it as it is would be a whole lot cheaper...

I've never been a very decisive person... so I need your help! What do you think, should I bite the bullet and make the change or just leave it be? Decisions, decisions, decisions!

*  I find it comical that Sara Mincy's post today has several canvas' with Prov. 3:5-6 on it as well. Love that verse! If I redo the room as planned the "new" canvas will also have that verse.

Enjoying the little things

This saying has really been on my mind and heart lately. I feel like the Lord has struck me with the thought and desire to enjoy the life he's given me, whatever it may be. When life is all comfortable and speeding by, I often forget to "stop and smell the roses." Since I've been sick that's about all I can do.

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks because I didn't want another "I'm still sick post." However, I decided that it was time to post again whether I'm still sick or not. Today marks 3 months of sickness. I've been told that mono is like really bad morning sickness... I'm hoping like morning sickness it will go away after 3 months. (Tomorrow would be nice.) Too bad the "reward" in the end isn't the same!!!

Here's one the little things that has become a big thing lately:

With me stuck in the house most days, outings have taken on more of a gargantuan occasion status. For the last month or two we've had the tradition of going to 3 Amigo's every Saturday. I truly look forward to it! Roderick drops me off at the curb and I either sit on the bench outside (Centerville) or on the benches inside (Battlefield) until he parks the car. By the time he comes in I've gained a little strength again. We ALWAYS share the same thing. When, I say always, I mean always... At both locations the waiter/waitress has placed our orders for us. We love that it's "healthy" and cheap.

I'm hoping when the Lord chooses to heal me from this mono, that I will continue to thank him and enjoy the "little things".

Are there any little things that you've realized really are big things lately?