Another Wedding......MINE!

Several years ago I lost my husband and son in the same year. My husband died suddenly at work one day from a heart defect. Six months later my son, Preston, died of cancer at the age of 18. Because of our faith in God and trusting in His infinite wisdom, my three remaining children and I were able to go on. It wasn't easy, but we knew He would watch over us and help us get through this most difficult trial that was required of us. Little by little we picked up the pieces and went forward with faith. We continued to be blessed with more precious grandchildren and Sara's wedding to her sweet William. This past Summer a mutual friend (and God, in my opinion) found a way for the new "Mr. House of Whimsy" and I to meet. He had also lost his wife. We immediately felt very comfortable visiting with one another.  We dated all Summer......and married in September. : )

Of Course I had to put a pair of my birds on the wedding cake.  Everyone told me so.  : )

Below, immediately following the Wedding.

Below, a little later at the Reception Hall.

I chose champagne and cream for the colors...very traditional.

Below, we used a few of the white trees w/ lights from Sara and William's reception.

Right after cutting the cake:

This cute photo below was the very first time my granddaughters met Mr. H. o W. (House of Whimsy).  They kept bringing little wind up toys over to him.  It melted my heart.  : )

I'm very grateful to all of our combined adult children for being so gracious about this shift in their lives.  I'm sure it has been challenging at times, but they have all been completely amazing.  I'll always love them for that. 

So now you know who to blame for my lack of blogging all Summer.  What a handsome distraction.  : )

How to Paint Your Dining Room Chairs in an Afternoon...

...so your dinner guests won't know what a slob you really are.  Ha!!!

I've done this routine SO MANY times over the years, that I have it down to a system.  You only have to make this "template" once and then use it on every chair after that.  It works like a charm and saves a ton of time. 

After the chair was covered with the newspaper template, I then hung it with strong wire from this A-frame you see below (which had a huge tarp under it the day I did this project).  While it was hanging, I sprayed the legs of the chair.  Next, the chair came down onto the tarp and I sprayed the back.  No matter... that since I procrastinated, I had to do it the afternoon before the occasion in 125 degree weather (kidding)...but it felt like it!  However, SO WORTH IT!!

Just look at what a neat and tidy homemaker I appear to be.  Notice I didn't have the guts to take any "before" pics.  Umm...Wow!  Why do we ignore things like this until we're forced to see just how bad it really is???  Or am I the only one?  : (     Hope not!

The dinner was a total success!   What a wonderful evening... with wonderful company.  : )

It's Great to be Eight...Again!

This Post will help clear up some confusion (see last Post) as to whether little Miss C and G are twins, as well.   They are actually two years apart but almost look like twins when they're dressed alike. : )

Baptism Day

Little Miss G decided she wanted a colored sash on her pretty baptism dress so we used some leftover Bridesmaid's fabric from Aunt Sara's wedding, to make it extra special.  She was happy with the results. 

Sweet family photo!  We're so proud of you, Gracie! 

1 + 1 = TWINS!!!!!!

I've patiently waited for the 12 week mark to announce our exciting news. Most twin pregnancies are considered high-risk until 12 weeks. We now know that they will be identical. How fun!!!! 

This Nana can hardly wait for December. : )

No doubt the future twins will have THREE mommies!

The Best Seat in the House...Finale

Okay, time to "fess up".   For some reason I stalled on finishing this slipcover last Summer.  It finally occurred to me that I wasn't going to get it done.  So I commissioned my good friend, Julie, who makes slipcovers all the time, to finish the job for me.  All I cared about at this point, was completing the project.  So here you go...one year later!!  I know...............

Old photo of the chair, below:

Julie, you're my HERO!!!

This completely AMAZING pillow, below, came from Pottery Barn and was a birthday gift to me last month.  It's 24" inches square.  LOVE IT!!!

I leave you today with pics of my new "do".  The photo below was taken just a couple of weeks ago.  You can see how dark my roots had gotten.  My highlights were disappearing. 

Kim to the rescue!  You're a miracle worker, friend. 

We also put lots more layers in.  I hope you're enjoying your Summer!

M.L.

Summer Changes to the Front Porch

Just a short one today, to let you know I'm still alive. I've just been very busy with lots of Summer projects inside and outside of the home.

My inspiration for the arrangement above, came from the magazine photo, below. 

Below, I recently found these new chair cushions at Home Goods.  LOVE that store!  : )

I hope you're all doing well.  I know I've been MIA.  
ML

Addicted to Vintage Enamel Floral Pins

Ever since we collected all those vintage enamel floral pins for Sara's Bridal Bouquet, we got kind of addicted to looking for, and collecting them.  

 On Sara's last trip here, she found this one (above) for me to buy and the next two (below) at one of our favorite Antique Shops in town.  

Sooooooo CUTE!!!!

These last two were from Ebay.  A sickness...right?  But a fun one!  : )

Sara's pretty bouquet below:  Aw........sweet memories!

Two more from Etsy, below (over a year ago). 

I finally put something new in my neglected little Shop.  I had more fun photographing this than making it.  : )

I hope you enjoyed the flower overload today.  Ha!
Linking to:
 http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/
 http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/ 
http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/
 http://projectqueen.org/
 http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/
 http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
 http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/