I chopped, sauteed, seasoned, juggled, stuffed, baked

then...

we ate

we laughed

we talked

the chickadees played

we shared the day with friends

we celebrated the day by giving thanks for all life's blessings!

Today

we lounged

we laughed

we played

sipped coffee

splurged on leftovers that has this momma feeling footloose and kitchen free...

Tonight

the sleeping bags are out...

the chickadees Christmas tree is lit with white lights...

their friends were called for the first sleep~over under the tree..

to write Christmas wish lists...

to dream!

xo,

This may seem simple for some...

but for me

it's rare.

Not because I'm not content..

it's because my brain is always in creative mode!

After my dining room redo

my first instinct was to finish pulling the room together with all the "stuff" that makes me sing..

&

after that move right along to

spreading the love I now have for my dining room onto another spot in my home.

I "tried" desperately to make that happen

the ideas were there

but all in fast forward

bouncing around without a clear focus

I tried to kick my way past this

but I kept missing the ball

getting frustrated

which resulted into writers block...

so I did the only thing I could do...

....I stood still....

It ended up being the perfect timing

I sat with my calendar

checking schedules

penciling in new things

some with "sharpies" so no matter what they won't get changed

&

found myself reflecting on the year

how fast it went

what all has happened

the growth I've seen in my children

that the change they all went through starting new schools

is starting to feel like a great comfortable pair of shoes.

The newness has finally worn off.

They are walking like themselves again.

The waters are maneuverable.

Their boat is once again

s t e a d y

I know that it wont always be this way

it'll bounce around...

new courses we haven't yet experienced are going to approach

sometimes fast and furious

other times

painfully slow

So here i sit

with my hot tea

my turkey is safely in the freezer

the fridge is half hazardly stocked

my pantry is a mess

I don't have a centerpiece

or place settings to match

or a detailed list on what gets done when

&

I don't feel stressed!!

Because, I took the time to stand still...

see the happiness in my childrens face

see the love in my husband's eyes

see our faith alive in our home

leaves me

feeling

h a p p y

&

t h a n k~f u l

Here's to a week where kitchens are a buzz with activity...

stuffing is being stuffed or baked, cranberries are simmering, sweet potatoes are mixed with mini~marshmallows and baked till golden brown

turkey's of all sizes are being showered in lovely seasoning

ovens are working over time

loved ones will be gathering around the table

&

celebrating a bountiful feast!

Take the time

to

stand still

you'll feel

thank~ full!!!

thank you for sharing a part of your day with me and leave me with the sweetest comments

you are the sugar in my tea

the cozy i wrap around my latte!!!

xoxo,

Welcome, come on in....

I'll make you a latte while the Banana Chocolate Chip monkey bread bakes

&

take a peek at how my Cow painting

lead to making myself comfortable on my dining room floor with a box of chocolates

while the lively chaos of daily life swirled around me...

{does anyone else sit on the floor... think... it's amazing how a room looks from a different vantage point}

as I was pondering my dining room red0 like it was a piece of wonderful literature

my oldest daughter poked her head in....

questioning my floor sitting and asking me...

Being my oldest and wise 14 year old she knows me very well

&

how my brain works!

So, without further ado...

I'd like to show you my new delicious brown dining room...

I've completely fallen in love!

I'm rather shocked that it's taken me this long to discover that I "need" a brown room

will always have to have a brown room in any house I live in...

it feels right

it feels wonderful

It's inspired me to plan a dinner party...

with all the frills...

sit down

china

place cards

a couple of courses

accompanied with couple bottles of wine

dessert

after dinner drinks

savor the meal

linger over the variety of conversations that would take place by bring together a mix of wonderful friends!







As you look around, you need to know that the "accessorizing" part is not done...

I'm completely stuck on my buffet piece...

haven't found

and/or

decided on what I should place on it...

so for the time being...

it's a work in progress

which is always fun

because

it gives me something to

hunt for...

and I love a good hunt!!




I also haven't decided on window treatments...

with or without...

just not sure

{input is always welcomed}
I use Benjamin Moore Paints:

Branchport Brown

&

Linen White

Thank you for stopping by!

You're welcome anytime!!!

Here's to a new week, new adventures, to life...

you just never know what will inspire the next redo!!!
xo,

Have you ever read a book and thought the book was written just you?

About you?

Described you perfectly...

page after page it revealed all your idiosyncrasies!

Laura Numeroff series of children's books:

are the books that would describe M E.

If the author needed to write a new book to go along with her wonderful series and wanted my advice on a new title this is what it would be...

I think you get the idea!

I needed to share this story before I show you my new dining room...

one that I've officially finished trimming out this week...

which will now lead to accessorizing it to compliment the new color...

and

as you all know by now...

Now that i gave my nest a very thorough

upside down

inside out

shaking

shining

organizing/filing

dumping

washing

cleaning

I'm officially declaring.....

via
I haven't flown away...
I'm still here...
with so much to chatter about...
but
my nest is being deep cleaned...
the soapy sink full of anything that can be washed
kind of cleaning!
Be right back with loads of goodies to share!!!
Miss you,
xoxo,