Grateful...

~ for hand me down furniture. We have been given two computer desks, a twin bed frame, a King size bedframe, a wicker dresser, and another sturdy end table.

~ for quiet evenings reading in bed after the house is put to sleep.

~ for pink dishcloths, kitchen towels, measuring cups, and flatware.

~ for red grapefruit dish soap that smells wonderful and suds up beautifully.

~ for inspiration found on the world wide web.

Furniture

I bought new furniture. No, not brand new, but it is new to me. I stopped at the Waterfront Rescue Mission Bargain Center and literally hit the jackpot. Not only did I find pieces of furniture at reasonable prices but they were on sale, too!  

{Cindy's chair from My Romantic Home}

I purchased...

2 cane chairs similar to Cindy's chairs pictured above - $20 each

Wooden end table - $10

Floral chair - $15

Matching floral sofa - $30

and...

a brand new dining table with 6 chairs - $498

(it has a few minor scratches and dents)

With a little paint, fabric, and cleaning I'll have lovely furniture to add to our home.

***

The closing has been pushed back to Wed., Feb. 3rd....two days later than we were originally told, but we can hardly complain as the whole process has gone by so fast. Some good news - I didn't have to put up any security deposits for utilities with my letters of credit from my current utility companies.

We're just taking things a day at a time.

All is well...

House News

As it stands now, we will close on our house on Monday, February 1st, and will take possession of it that day! We started the paperwork on January 11th and it's hard to believe that a mere three weeks later we will be homeowners.

We are working with great people, to be sure, and we stay on top of things. Whatever information was requested, we were able to provide that day or the following one. I'm sure that helped to speed things along.

If we close as planned, two of Alfred's sisters are going to meet me at the house Monday night to help me paint the kids' bedrooms. Between the three of us, it shouldn't take long to do two rooms. I definitely want to get those room painted before we begin moving furniture in. It will be soooo much easier!

Paint colors chosen:

SW6808 Celestial by Sherman Williams - girls' room

SW6946 Surfer - Kendall's room

Needless to say, I'll be pretty busy here with last minute packing, moving and unpacking. I'll pop in as often as I can and will return to regular postings (with photos)  as soon as I am able. For now, please forgive my scarcity.

xx

Favorite Things

Dandee from My Favorite Things answered these questions on her blog. They looked like fun, so I am joining in.

1. Name an author you love: Only one? I love so many, but the one I turn to most often for inspiration is Sarah Ban Breathnach.

2. Books you love: Simple Abundance, Mitten Strings for God,  A Year by the Sea just for starters...

3.. Something that always excites you: Seeing animals in the wild - raccoons, deer, rabbits, etc. I never fail to exclaim in childlike glee. My husband gets so tickled at me.

4. Something you hate: Incompetant drivers on the road!

Thanks for visiting!

Low Tide

It has been a low tide time in the homeschool realm with all of our preparations to move. And yet the learning never stops. We have just been living life - visiting the park on nice days, reading stacks of books, watching movies, taking care of pets, painting pictures, playing board & computer games, cooking, cleaning, talking....

Our days unfold naturally with no rushing about, for their is no agenda but to seek joy. I have made it a point to slow down and treasure these moments with my children. In the afternoons we watch a movie, all cuddled up on the couch.

I realize I don't often watch movies because my time is taken up with other things...things that can wait. My children's need for time and attention can not. So we enjoy afternoon movies together, like The Boy Who Could Fly and Heidi.

I am reminded of my own childhood, spending time with my Mama and sisters, connecting while movie-watching. The movies I watched as a child, I now get to share with my own children. Together we are making new memories and connections.

Laundry, Books, and Home

{source}

Last night the washer broke while washing a load of laundry. I'm so thankful that Alfred was able to identify the problem and located a replacement part for less than $22. Tonight he will repair the washer and I will be a happy wife and laundress once more!

Right now I am reading Katrina Kenison's wonderful book, Mitten Strings for God, and The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I am currently waiting on Katrina Kenison's follow up book, The Gift of An Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir and Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne. I have felt very uninspired lately and not up to reading much of anything, but I feel my love for reading is blooming once more - like Spring whos return is slow and leisurely.

Things are coming along just dandy with the house. Oh, I am looking forward to getting everything moved in and unpacked. Being able to turn the house into a cozy home will be work, yes, but such fun!

Alfred is going to build floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the office/learning room for all of our books and in the girls' room to hold their dolls, books, music cd's, and pretties in lovely baskets. I shall paint the shelves white. I figure we will save money making our own bookshelves and they will be far sturdier than the not-so-cheap partical board ones you find in stores.

May you have a lovely afternoon!

Four Quick Takes

1. It has done nothing but rain here today. Alfred and I had a wonderful day of doing nothing besides napping and watching Animal Planet on television.

2. Everytime I think we are done with paperwork on the house, there is more documentation we need to provide. The VA wants to know e-v-e-r-y-thing. It really is ridiculous, but these are the hoops we must jump through in order to have a home, and once done we'll never have to do it again.

3. I really want (and need) some new pieces of furniture. Rather than paying thousands of dollars for furniture, I'm willing to wait and shop thrift shops, yard sales, and Craigslist fot sturdy pieces that I can refinish myself.

4. Polka dots are coming back into fashion! I've always been fond of polka dots. I remember as a child, Mama made me the cutest short sleeve button up shirt that was pink with white polka dots. It was one of my favorites! Polka dots are just fun and flirty.

{source}

How was your weekend?

The Year of I Can

I have always been really good at procrastinating, putting everyone else's needs ahead of my own, and resisted doing new things out of fear of failure or looking ridiculous. But one can not fully live life that way and I am tired of sitting in the shadows watching everyone else play in the sunshine.

I decided that this will be the year of "I Can".

I got another haircut, a short and sassy one, because I adore short hair. I had previously spent five years growing it out because Alfred preferred long hair, but I have to live with it and care for it. Now it is a cinch to care for and looks uber-cute!

I am making positive changes in my life. I'm drinking water now instead of my favorite drink: caffiene-free soda. I am eating small meals throughout the day and limiting sugar treats. I have begun exercising again with the hope of losing the extra pounds I have accumulated over the past 5 years.

I came to the realization last night that when I was diagnosed with Rhuematoid Arthritis, I checked out on living life. RA became my excuse to not try new things/activities. Granted, I have limitations (I need plenty of rest and can not run or do high-impact exercises) - but I have allowed it to overtake my life to such a degree that life has essentially become stale and predictable.

The time has come for me to confront these false notions and regain my life back. To re-learn how to take care of myself, to listen to my body and my intuition, to discover my personal style, make time for my hobbies, and infuse my life with joy and passion.

Here's to a new year, a new me, and a year of possibilities...

Gray

The skies are gray and cloudy here. We had thunderstorms and heavy downpours beginning yesterday afternoon and lasting until this morning. Though the rain has moved out of the area, the dreariness remains.

The house looks bare. Each day Mama brings me boxes and I quickly fill them with our possessions. I wonder if I will ever finish packing. Of course, I will, but it is overwhelming if I stop and think about it. So I don't think about it. I just do what needs to be done.

Things are moving along with the house. The appraisor was out yesterday and we should have the results by Friday or Monday at the latest. We may close even earlier - on the first instead of the tenth. It is all moving pretty fast...much faster than I expected.

With all of this going on, lately I find myself very tired and ready to go to bed relatively early - even with a mid-day nap. I no longer fight it. Instead I succomb to my need for sleep. It has been a good change for me.

Wishing you a day of blue skies and sunshine! 

Pictures

Yesterday the weather was so beautiful! I took the girls to the park to take advantage of the warmer temperature and sunshine. Today the high is to reach 73!

Today's scrunchy 'do...

The Haircuts...

Kayla & Kenzie

Whaddya think?

Not Happy

I don't like my haircut. If I can not come up with a satisfactory hairstyle, then I am returning to the cute, sassy short haircuts that I love!

 

I really like this last one.

Which one do you like?

Busy Weekend

We were on the road all weekend. Kendall had Akayama Ryu Jujutsu camp (martial arts) from 9am - 4pm on Saturday, then had to rush home, shower & change to get ready to escort a young lady to her Homecoming. Alfred and I had breakfast out, browsed in a few furniture stores, then stopped by to visit his aunt and uncle.

Sunday was camp again for Kendall from 9am - 12pm. Then we were invited to lunch at the home of a friend and co-worker of Alfred's in celebration of Alfred's becoming a certified open water diver. After the lunch we stopped by Alfred's sister's house and finally made it home by 5pm.

Can we say tired?

Today, the girls and I are getting haircuts. My hair has grown so long and is beginning to get big, horrible, nasty tangles so it's time for a change. I'm going for this style (not the color!):

I think her hair is adorable! If I am ever to have gray hair, I want Paula Deen's color.

::smile::

Other than haircuts, I'll be doing laundry and packing. We have about a month before we can start moving things into the house. Well, I will start moving things in. Alfred will be in Mississippi for training.

It looks like it's going to be a fabulous day here. The sun is shining and it is considerably warmer than it was last week and even yesterday! I hope to spend some time outdoors this afternoon and soak up some of those warm, sunny rays.

It Begins...

My packing and decluttering will begin today. Mama brought me home four boxes to get started. There is so much to do. I have made a list of things I must remember to do; such as cancelling or transferring services, requesting new electricity and water service, putting in a change of address, notifying the bank and changing my address on all bills. This list helps keep me sane.

We are meeting with the mortgage advisor today to sign the loan documents.

Then there is laundry, meals, homeschool, and more to tend to....

*Breathe in. Breathe out.*

All is well.

Houses and Headaches

Truly, I had no idea of the amount of paperwork involved in buying a house! I know it will be worth it in the end and this is the first and the last time ever that we will have to do this.

I spent yesterday calling around for insurance quotes and gathering paperwork together, for Friday's meeting with the mortgage advisor for the signing of the loan documents, that I had acquired a headache. I was out of ibuprophen so took Tylenol PM instead. Two hours later I could barely hold my eyes open! It took me a while to figure out what made me so sleepy (because I didn't think the Tylenol worked before, but I had taken it before bed then). I went to bed at 7:30pm which is unheard of for me.

Since Mama works at a grocery store, she is going to start bringing boxes home on stock days - Tuesdays and Thursdays - which will aid me in my decluttering as well as to start packing up the things we do not need (knic-knacks, pictures, etc). There is no sense in waiting to the last minute and becoming stressed and frazzled for no good reason.

I wonder what today will bring?

Good News!

The house is OURS!

We close February 10th. Alfred then leaves for two weeks on Feb. 12th for Army training, returning on the 27th. The owner has 10 days from the date of closing to move all of her stuff (she has a lot of stuff!). But I can start moving the smaller things in after the 20th. I imagine I can get a lot moved in a week's time. We will probably rent a moving truck to get all of the furniture moved in one fell swoop.

Can you tell I am excited?!!

I have to say right here and now that none of this would be possible without the Lord's blessing. He made a way when it looked as if no way could be found. Nothing, no thing, is impossible for the Lord! I am so thankful and humbled by his blessings and provision. He is indeed a good God and worthy of my praise.

Moving Forward

We put in a bid on the house yesterday. Now it's a game of wait and see...

I have decided to really pare down our belongings, ridding myself and my family of all clutter, in preparation of our possible move.

If we get the house, then I will be returning to city life, though I won't be leaving behind my country-loving heart. Nor will my quest for simplicity change.

The lot our house sits upon is a little larger than our half-acre yard we have now. There is a greenhouse,  clothesline posts already in place, a rustic potting table beside a wall of jasmine, a firepit, and a raised bed vegetable garden. Even in town, I can garden and hang the laundry out in the fresh air and sunshine.

The backyard is surrounded by tall bushes and trees. It reminds me of a secret garden that gathers us tenderly and wraps us up in a mutual love of nature.

As we move forward into this new chapter of life, I am beginning to realize that the possibilities for growth, change, and creating a fresh new outlook on life are endless.

Possibility, we welcome you!

A Few Pictures of the House

The kids' and guest bath

Living Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Kitchen

Isn't it simply charming?

*dreamy sigh*

My Daybook

FOR TODAY... from Tracy's Daybook
*

Outside my window... sparkling frost is covering everything with it being 17 degrees!
*

I am thinking... about today's meeting with the realtor to do a daytime walk around at the house and get the ball rolling before someone buys it out from under us.
*
I am thankful for...each new day that dawns.
*

I am wearing... pajamas, socks, robe for as long as possible.
*

I am remembering...early married life and how little I knew about cooking and tending house.
*

I am going... to be decluttering in hopes of moving. I am staying positive.
*

I am currently reading... nothing currently. I've been stitching instead of reading.

I am hoping... for warm weather soon!

On my mind...my dear husband that had to go out to work in the cold.
*

Noticing that... gas prices are once again on the rise.

*

Pondering these words... from Titus 2:3-5 "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
*
From the kitchen...new recipes and old family favorites.
*

Around the house... dishes, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, laundry...

*

One of my favorite things~ God's Word
*

From my picture journal...

Please visit Peggy to read more Daybooks!

I Am in Love!

"When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."

~ Deuteronomy 6: 10-12

Alfred and I have found the most perfectly wonderful home for sale. It has everything we could possibly want: a little coy pond, a fire pit, a green house, an outbuilding, a raised bed vegetable garden, potting table, a landscaped yard, sunroom, dining room, breakfast room, an office, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, a walk-in pantry, lots of closets, and lots of cabinets in the kitchen!

It is beautiful inside and out. The walls are painted a warm creamy neutral color with white trim - so no painting is needed. The home has been well taken care of and we know it is the home for us!

We looked at it last night with a realtor and are going back tomorrow to look at it again during the daylight hours, particularly the yard. We'll see where we end up, but I am hoping like crazy that we can at last become homeowners.

This one thing I am certain of: There is such a thing as love at first sight!

Cross-stitch WIP

I started this project a few years ago and decided to pull it back out and finish it once and for all. Then I can tackle all the other stitching projects waiting for me.

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

It's going to be beautiful once it is completed, no?

Show and Tell Friday

This is my lovely collection of angels and cherubs that sit on top of my tv. A few were gifts, but the two white ones I found at different thrift shops for about $2 each.

Thank you for stopping by to view my show and tell!

Now you must run to Cindy's beautiful blog to view her show and tell along with many others!

Homemade Hot Cocoa

4 cups instant nonfat dry milk powder

1.5-2 cups sugar

1 cup non-dairy creamer

2/3 cup cocoa

1 pkg. chocolate or vanilla pudding mix

*

Add 1/3 cup mix to cup, fill with boiling water.

Enjoy!