Crazy Cute Polka Dots

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57wh7KKA_W0/UOBVvH4WKjI/AAAAAAAABkE/IvUvPM9FjE0/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57wh7KKA_W0/UOBVvH4WKjI/AAAAAAAABkE/IvUvPM9FjE0/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> So I have massive amounts of shopping to do, in order to replace so much we have lost. Truth be told I haven't been in a shopping kind of mood. I have mom's memorial to plan for next Saturday and then after that I hope to get a lot of it done. It's hard to replace 11 years worth of stuff, memories, and special finds in a short time and I've accepted that.<br /> <br /> Sure, I can decorate the house nicely but I want it to be special, which means it's going to take time.<br /> <br /> While out ordering flowers today I popped into Dollar General to see if they had any after Christmas things I was crazy about.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03bBt6vFW50/UOBXGdfiyDI/AAAAAAAABkU/vj6lFCflG3s/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03bBt6vFW50/UOBXGdfiyDI/AAAAAAAABkU/vj6lFCflG3s/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I did manage to pick up three cute things for dirt cheap but what I found to be most adorable was their new line of spring things.<br /> <br /> Check these precious polka dots out.<br /> <br /> They were a steal at only $3.00 for the "family" sign and $5.00 for the storage bin.<br /> <br /> They just happened to look adorable up on top of my new bedroom furniture.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9JTq2gcNagA/UOBWhSUvy2I/AAAAAAAABkM/Nmc5NvGUVMw/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9JTq2gcNagA/UOBWhSUvy2I/AAAAAAAABkM/Nmc5NvGUVMw/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> They had some adorable lamps too that I just happen to want to find another shade for. I'll show you when I find or make the shades I like.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFpzlMB0kQg/UOBXaBRmi7I/AAAAAAAABkc/WKjenTLtvQ0/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFpzlMB0kQg/UOBXaBRmi7I/AAAAAAAABkc/WKjenTLtvQ0/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Now how cute are these? Little woves black baskets that are lined for only $2.00 each.<br /> <br /> Of course, they would look better if the wall was painted a color but the landlord says no and we won't be here long enough to argue.<br /> <br /> What's a girl to do!<br /> <br /> Well I'm back to shopping and cooking today. Grandma is coming over for Christmas and so are two precious little boys.<br /> <br /> We're going to eat brownies and egg nog and go look at Christmas Lights finally.<br /> <br /> Serving up pizza too.<br /> <br /> Happy Sunday,<br /> <br /> Valerie<br /> <br /> Linking to <a href="http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/">Sunny Simple Sundays</a> <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-link-party-34/">I Heart Naptime</a> <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></div>

Crazy Cute Polka Dots

So I have massive amounts of shopping to do, in order to replace so much we have lost. Truth be told I haven't been in a shopping ...

Christmas Clearance 2012

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ew54eU6HwiQ/UN3gNVdlyKI/AAAAAAAABik/mvwVmop9_Gs/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ew54eU6HwiQ/UN3gNVdlyKI/AAAAAAAABik/mvwVmop9_Gs/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> It's no secret I am a clearance crazed shopper. My mom loved to shop, her dad loved to shop, and of course they passed the gene onto me.<br /> <br /> Now for the past few years Christmas clearance shopping hasn't been near what it used to be.<br /> <br /> Gone are the days of incredibly awesome markdowns starting at 80 - 85% off, it's more like 50% off but hey there were still a few deals to be had.<br /> <br /> Having lost just about everything in the fire I was in much need of basics like make-up, hair brushes and nail polishes.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpyf6MmdUiI/UN3hdTLo-9I/AAAAAAAABi8/b47S0PPwoOI/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpyf6MmdUiI/UN3hdTLo-9I/AAAAAAAABi8/b47S0PPwoOI/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The whole kit of brushes and mirrors was only $2.50 and the make-up brushes were the same. There's no way I could of paid that even at the dollar store on an everyday basis.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-5Ic8fS51s/UN3hn16Km5I/AAAAAAAABjE/9F_jsa8WGRI/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-5Ic8fS51s/UN3hn16Km5I/AAAAAAAABjE/9F_jsa8WGRI/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Both the make-up kit with several eye-shadows, blushes, and lipsticks were only $10.00.<br /> <br /> The nail polish wasn't bad at only $10.00 too, less than $1.00 a piece.<br /> <br /> All of these babies were found at Wal-Mart.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8oZRSqFSDE/UN3h2YecLbI/AAAAAAAABjM/Dd22n8iqrpU/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8oZRSqFSDE/UN3h2YecLbI/AAAAAAAABjM/Dd22n8iqrpU/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I only made a few stops at the mall including Bath and Body Works Annual Clearance Sale for 3 bottles of these $3.00 lotions. Not too Shabby.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oy257mMrV3A/UN3jIiuKDSI/AAAAAAAABjY/XUHNVlppa4E/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oy257mMrV3A/UN3jIiuKDSI/AAAAAAAABjY/XUHNVlppa4E/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I picked up a jar of the Turkey Brine at Williams Sonoma on Clearance since the other one burned up.<br /> <br /> My last stop was at Ross, the doggies needed a new treat jar and I found one of those As Seen On TV hair removers, not to sure how I feel about it yet. Lol.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIm2Bc_WL9w/UN3jSYtDARI/AAAAAAAABjs/ns1wvdPt-i8/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIm2Bc_WL9w/UN3jSYtDARI/AAAAAAAABjs/ns1wvdPt-i8/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I found a few pictures at Kirklands too for dirt cheap. I'll share those soon.<br /> <br /> So go, go, go check out the Clearance over the next few weeks.<br /> <br /> I still need everything to wrap but I'm sure the wrapping paper will end up on the endcaps for .25 cents in February and that's when I'm stocking up.<br /> <br /> Happy Shopping,<br /> <br /> Valerie<br /> <br /> Partying at <a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/">Thrifty Things Thursday</a>  <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Flaunt it Friday</a> <a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/12/linky-party-pity-party-120/">Pity Party</a></div>

Christmas Clearance 2012

It's no secret I am a clearance crazed shopper. My mom loved to shop, her dad loved to shop, and of course they passed the gene ont...

I'm in Love With A Chair

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZVE6bdl15o/UNyQXNWOkVI/AAAAAAAABh0/oEyoyjI8sTQ/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZVE6bdl15o/UNyQXNWOkVI/AAAAAAAABh0/oEyoyjI8sTQ/s320/IMG_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">After the fire Mr. Wade and I spent a tremendous amount of time wandering through furniture showrooms trying to figure out what we wanted to buy to start the process of rebuilding our lives.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPpufqH56yI/UNyQlVv7R9I/AAAAAAAABh8/ohUhth4XiIA/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPpufqH56yI/UNyQlVv7R9I/AAAAAAAABh8/ohUhth4XiIA/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">This chair certainly hit the top of my list. My mom always said,"don't buy furniture if you don't love it." I love it. Sure it's a bunch of paisley but what's a girl to do if she doesn't have some paisley in her furniture wardrobe.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4knDHqly0Q/UNyQxKd3KHI/AAAAAAAABiE/DepIOuanJXs/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4knDHqly0Q/UNyQxKd3KHI/AAAAAAAABiE/DepIOuanJXs/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>                                       <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">This is what the chair looks like when the delivery people brought her home to me. I think she deserves a name I just haven't figured it out yet. Since this is a rental property there will be no painting of the walls or replacing the ugly rental house carpet so my new girl will have to shine in the corner all by herself.</span><br />                                       <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK5jHOOsrFw/UNyRAau30cI/AAAAAAAABiM/4xgApDS35aM/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK5jHOOsrFw/UNyRAau30cI/AAAAAAAABiM/4xgApDS35aM/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>                                           <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Now isn't that much better? A little red pillow to tone down all those swirls. I'm thinking a throw would look nice to.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">I'm off to the mall with my coupons to see how little damage I can do to find some new goodies for my home.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Talk with you soon.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> Partying with <a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/">Time Travel Thursday</a> <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/">Home Sweet Home</a> <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/">Simple and Sweet</a> <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/">Charm of Home</a></div>

I'm in Love With A Chair

After the fire Mr. Wade and I spent a tremendous amount of time wandering through furniture showrooms trying to figure out what we want...

Making A House A Home

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> We've all read the cute little signs, that say " what makes a house a home is the people who live in it."<br /> <br /> While I find that to be true that's not all it takes....<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQeppmAwIpQ/UNt0D9r-KrI/AAAAAAAABg8/xIAEja34WHc/s1600/IMG_0113+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQeppmAwIpQ/UNt0D9r-KrI/AAAAAAAABg8/xIAEja34WHc/s320/IMG_0113+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9D86psqpTtc/UNt0RU0YSpI/AAAAAAAABhE/EojN2t4rlSo/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9D86psqpTtc/UNt0RU0YSpI/AAAAAAAABhE/EojN2t4rlSo/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br />  Making a house your real home is a lot like the difference between a store bought pie and a home made one.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> See anyone can go to a furniture showroom, do a google search, and put on HGTV 24/7 but the real things that make a house a home are simple, that shell you picked up on the beach on that trip you took with your mom, the picture frame with the picture that your best friend gave you when she came to visit you from Kansas and you were both so broke you went to go hang out at the mall and it was actually more fun than anything you could have paid to do. For me the church cookbooks my grandmas recipes were published in with her handwriting in the front telling me which page to look for what recipe on, complete with her notes at the end of each recipe how she adapted it, those are the things that make your house a home.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj5y1rx73hc/UNt1eB68PUI/AAAAAAAABhc/CrsOMhomQts/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj5y1rx73hc/UNt1eB68PUI/AAAAAAAABhc/CrsOMhomQts/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> That's what I want this blog to be about. Inspirational, encouraging, uplifting, and a how to place for all people to feel like they wanna be home.<br /> <br /> See, with our house burning down on Black Friday, many of our memories and treasures are lost. With new friends bringing us garland, stockings, coffee tables, end tables, and little trinkets our new home has begun.<br /> <br /> Won't you join me on my journey to rebuild.<br /> <br /> After all, home is the best place to be,<br /> <br /> Valerie<br /> <br /> <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/">Share Your Cup</a></div>

Making A House A Home

We've all read the cute little signs, that say " what makes a house a home is the people who live in it." While I find...

Merry Christmas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aycm-8yZKUg/UNn6eEvI7vI/AAAAAAAABgM/Hbk2YZAdimk/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aycm-8yZKUg/UNn6eEvI7vI/AAAAAAAABgM/Hbk2YZAdimk/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pEo56xffo6A/UNn6mFPIRtI/AAAAAAAABgU/_UKyua30TLw/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pEo56xffo6A/UNn6mFPIRtI/AAAAAAAABgU/_UKyua30TLw/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Many blessings to you and your family are coming your way.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeJPInAHiJ4/UNn6ur6h4TI/AAAAAAAABgc/rX94gPw5DAU/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CeJPInAHiJ4/UNn6ur6h4TI/AAAAAAAABgc/rX94gPw5DAU/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to sharing with you for many more years.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4M_QYV4NY8E/UNn62sJaLfI/AAAAAAAABgk/i0hh-MBKOYg/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4M_QYV4NY8E/UNn62sJaLfI/AAAAAAAABgk/i0hh-MBKOYg/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Valerie</div>

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas. Many blessings to you and your family are coming your way. Thanks for rea...

I'll Miss You So Mom

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZyIDmpBE7A/UNEi1ST5rkI/AAAAAAAABfk/x7G4u8cs9wg/s1600/DSCN0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZyIDmpBE7A/UNEi1ST5rkI/AAAAAAAABfk/x7G4u8cs9wg/s320/DSCN0783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Sadly, my mom passed away Saturday at Noon after a long illness. I was blessed to be with her. It was such a surprise she was so young nobody ever thought she was going to die.<br /> <br /> I'm so sorry Mom I didn't get there to see you more.<br /> <br /> I Love You more than words could ever say.<br /> <br /> You have always been the most important person to me.<br /> <br /> I know you are no longer in pain and are with Grandpa but my heart still wants you here.<br /> <br /> 34 Years old is too young to be without you.<br /> <br /> My heart knows I'll see you again but I just want you to know how much I love you.<br /> <br /> <br /> Valerie</div>

I'll Miss You So Mom

Sadly, my mom passed away Saturday at Noon after a long illness. I was blessed to be with her. It was such a surprise she was so young ...

The Aftermath of the Fire

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSsl0Vfwwp0/UMO4XtVofvI/AAAAAAAABek/_M7Aov-HmA4/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSsl0Vfwwp0/UMO4XtVofvI/AAAAAAAABek/_M7Aov-HmA4/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This is the remainder of what was left of our home.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mOa7ZA4mg4/UMO4axR4QvI/AAAAAAAABes/S2kT_tNZY7k/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mOa7ZA4mg4/UMO4axR4QvI/AAAAAAAABes/S2kT_tNZY7k/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> We will never forget Black Friday that's for sure.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQsL7gW8Ul0/UMO4fRW_xYI/AAAAAAAABe0/c_HosodKxA0/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQsL7gW8Ul0/UMO4fRW_xYI/AAAAAAAABe0/c_HosodKxA0/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Mr. Wade is assessing the damage.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />  <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZz2v5Cq-oE/UMO4pR-31TI/AAAAAAAABe8/vl7q0qzO2jo/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZz2v5Cq-oE/UMO4pR-31TI/AAAAAAAABe8/vl7q0qzO2jo/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /> <br /> <br /> Have to say we never expected this.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdIyCmfA4Fo/UMO41RqQhbI/AAAAAAAABfI/5ZzKn3dFwU8/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdIyCmfA4Fo/UMO41RqQhbI/AAAAAAAABfI/5ZzKn3dFwU8/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Farewell home, farewell stuff, and we miss you Kadoodles. We don't know where you are but we are still looking and praying to bring you home.<br /> <br /> Happy Saturday,<br /> <br /> Valerie</div>

The Aftermath of the Fire

This is the remainder of what was left of our home. We will never forget Black Friday that's for sure. Mr....

A Burned Thanksgiving

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> Happy after Thanksgiving ya'll, I'm sad to say our house burned down. I was the only one home with the dogs and one of our beloved dogs is missing and one of our others just made it out of ICU. The other dogs are safe and sound.<br /> <br /> We couldn't get ahold of the insurance company until this morning and are so glad they are coming out today.<br /> <br /> The house is a total loss. We don't care about the house or stuff in it we just want to find our precious dog Kadoodles. She is a small black chihuaua with blue eyes.  She is in much need of medical attention wherever she is.<br /> <br /> Please pray we find her.<br /> <br /> I will be back soon with pictures, I am trying to find one of her online but I can't and our laptop and desktop and all pictures were lost in the fire.<br /> <br /> Many Blessings,<br /> <br /> Valerie</div>

A Burned Thanksgiving

Happy after Thanksgiving ya'll, I'm sad to say our house burned down. I was the only one home with the dogs and one of our beloved...

Happy Thanksgiving

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXl902ez4Uo/UK18fVACa-I/AAAAAAAABdo/IWGiJY89pec/s1600/November+21st+2012+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nXl902ez4Uo/UK18fVACa-I/AAAAAAAABdo/IWGiJY89pec/s320/November+21st+2012+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div> From my family to yours we're wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am so blessed that my 90 year old Grandma is still here and joining us. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Mr. Wade has to work the day after  so I'll be shopping alone on Black Friday.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaBnKaiJDGo/UK18onfKZlI/AAAAAAAABdw/1IxlZPQvwxA/s1600/November+21st+2012+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaBnKaiJDGo/UK18onfKZlI/AAAAAAAABdw/1IxlZPQvwxA/s320/November+21st+2012+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My mom  is still in the hospital, on the ventilator, but  is doing much better. We hope she's home by Christmas.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Enjoy the time you have together it really  is precious.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Many Blessings,</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Valerie</div> </div>

Happy Thanksgiving

From my family to yours we're wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am so blessed that my 90 year old Grandma is still here ...

Happy Early Halloween

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pW0XVOMH7uc/UI3Jiv2fwOI/AAAAAAAABcQ/0fKQjIw1ZPQ/s1600/Oct.+2012+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pW0XVOMH7uc/UI3Jiv2fwOI/AAAAAAAABcQ/0fKQjIw1ZPQ/s320/Oct.+2012+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Mr. Wade and I received the most wonderful invitation this weekend. My dear friend Niki was having a birthday and we were invited.<br /> <br /> When we got to their house we were immediately greeted by this.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jamSvEc7p3c/UI3J9G-jVqI/AAAAAAAABcY/JED00xB0E78/s1600/Oct.+2012+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jamSvEc7p3c/UI3J9G-jVqI/AAAAAAAABcY/JED00xB0E78/s320/Oct.+2012+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> By the time we finished the yummy appetizers I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to get this down. You know I just had to struggle.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5cu_0OOdN8/UI3KUvL4lbI/AAAAAAAABcg/smtxpbDsCf4/s1600/Oct.+2012+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5cu_0OOdN8/UI3KUvL4lbI/AAAAAAAABcg/smtxpbDsCf4/s320/Oct.+2012+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>                                           <br /> <br /> Mr. Wade was nice and full and gave great thanks.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSLEjEjj0uA/UI3Ki1oZlgI/AAAAAAAABcs/B0s7OXyF8so/s1600/Oct.+2012+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSLEjEjj0uA/UI3Ki1oZlgI/AAAAAAAABcs/B0s7OXyF8so/s320/Oct.+2012+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Niki smiled the most I've seen her smile in the last year and a half. Niki has suffered great personal tragedy in the last 18 months and I'm so proud of her for having the courage to celebrate her birthday.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCjHQ23eWgc/UI3K5BisyaI/AAAAAAAABc0/UqEAmeqxljg/s1600/Oct.+2012+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kCjHQ23eWgc/UI3K5BisyaI/AAAAAAAABc0/UqEAmeqxljg/s320/Oct.+2012+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Her sweet husband Eric who is an absolutely fabulous cook, who by the way made us this yummy in the tummy dinner kept us rolling when they took us out to the club their daughter used to work at to bust a move.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8mUCs9Y-Zk/UI3LTHe3ptI/AAAAAAAABc8/gPRlaMrI7jk/s1600/Oct.+2012+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8mUCs9Y-Zk/UI3LTHe3ptI/AAAAAAAABc8/gPRlaMrI7jk/s320/Oct.+2012+050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The club had the OU sooner game on, which ended sadly, Super Freak band performing, the silliest looking zombies I've ever seen dancing to "Thriller," and of course the bride with her head chopped off.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwd_av2WZMM/UI3L1ns_69I/AAAAAAAABdE/73BiaxtTUfc/s1600/Oct.+2012+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwd_av2WZMM/UI3L1ns_69I/AAAAAAAABdE/73BiaxtTUfc/s320/Oct.+2012+048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Sorry about the picture quality but it was hard in the club.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Perhaps one of the best Halloween door decorations I've ever seen was this...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCkW0L7_H1g/UI3MPBCQIoI/AAAAAAAABdM/pt7HzDMId5Y/s1600/Oct.+2012+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCkW0L7_H1g/UI3MPBCQIoI/AAAAAAAABdM/pt7HzDMId5Y/s320/Oct.+2012+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Now what do you say when you see this?</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It's still making me smile.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> To sum it up good food, good friends, good wine, and good fun. A grown-up Halloween for the first time in a long time. Happy Birthday my dear friend  Niki. Thanks for having us. You are loved and treasured beyond imagination. I promise I will always be here for you.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Happy Halloween to All,</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Valerie</div> </div>

Happy Early Halloween

Mr. Wade and I received the most wonderful invitation this weekend. My dear friend Niki was having a birthday and we were invited. Wh...

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">                                          <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0csCZrXODsI/VqGJbhmpLgI/AAAAAAAAMSo/4g2lN56mdrM/s1600/facebook63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0csCZrXODsI/VqGJbhmpLgI/AAAAAAAAMSo/4g2lN56mdrM/s320/facebook63.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I want to say a special thank you to all of you for your super kind words and prayers.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">My mom is about the same but we still have hope.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Today I woke up and it was like a lovely chilly crisp Fall  morning and I was in the mood to make the kids something special and they loved it... Cinnamon French Toast  Casserole.</span><br /> <br />                                               <img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tEA69J6dSkw/UEuuigK9QCI/AAAAAAAABbY/TTd0g-VGarY/s320/Sept.+8th+2012+038.JPG" /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">The ingredients are quite simple and you might have most of them on hand.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">1 Loaf of any type of bread</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Ground Cinnamon</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">1 Dozen Eggs</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 Cups of Milk</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Sugar</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Brown Sugar</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Ooey Gooey  Syrup</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">8 Pats of Butter</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Now preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray cooking spray in your 9x13 Pyrex Dish.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Take your loaf of bread and tear it up in to many bite size pieces and fill your dish.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">In a separate bowl whisk your dozen eggs...whites... yolks...and all.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Now pour in 1/8 cup of sugar and whisk even more.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Pour the mixture over your bread and then pour your milk right over the egg and bread mixture.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Now grab your syrup I use about a 1/4 of a cup and drizzle everywhere.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Then take your hands and sprinkle brown sugar everywhere to taste.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Stick it in the oven for about 30 minutes and then pull it out and drizzle a little sprinkle of sugar and brown sugar back on top.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Now's the time for your 8 pats of butter.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Get that cinnamon out and sprinkle generously all over the top.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Stick back in the oven for another 10 minutes.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you bake the casserole uncovered.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pull it out and check to make sure that lots of the liquid has been absorbed, if not put in a couple more pieces of bread and stir the whole casserole. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sprinkle a little more cinnamon and syrup bake for 10 more minutes and serve.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This easily feeds 8 of us for breakfast.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We always have enough for the next day.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's so yummy that company will love it.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How about  you  what does your family  love to eat?</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Baking,</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Valerie</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Linking to <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/">Sunny Simple Sundays</a> <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a> <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">Show and Share</a> <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/">No Place Like Home</a> <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2016/03/tweak-it-tuesday-185.html#more">Tweak It Tuesday</a> <a href="http://blog.bernideens.com/">Bernideen's</a></span></div>

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

                                          I want to say a special thank you to all of you for your super kind words and prayers. My mom...

Please Pray For My Mommy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CoXdASNMPY/UBb6hkXS7UI/AAAAAAAABaw/hu5h11h03Bg/s1600/Wade+2+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CoXdASNMPY/UBb6hkXS7UI/AAAAAAAABaw/hu5h11h03Bg/s320/Wade+2+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Please pray for my dear sweet mom. She is in ICU on life support due to Chronic Lung Problems.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">She needs lots of your powerful prayers to get her through.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">She has six new grandchildren she needs to be a Grandma to and one little daughter whose heart would be broken without her.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Please hear our prayers.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">We love you, we thank you, and we ask this in Jesus name.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Amen.</span><br /> <br /></div>

Please Pray For My Mommy

Please pray for my dear sweet mom. She is in ICU on life support due to Chronic Lung Problems. She needs lots of your powerful prayer...

Mommy's Day At The Nursery

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4Qu2U5PTvU/UBBODuRGb4I/AAAAAAAABZs/kjL3GWzTVZo/s1600/Wade+2+292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A4Qu2U5PTvU/UBBODuRGb4I/AAAAAAAABZs/kjL3GWzTVZo/s320/Wade+2+292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">It wasn't too terribly long ago I grabbed my two girls and took them for a day at the nursery.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">There were beautiful flowers everywhere.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkyBZ5aIjL8/UBBONJQSSgI/AAAAAAAABZ0/Ze7PhQ7FZYA/s1600/day+at+the+nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkyBZ5aIjL8/UBBONJQSSgI/AAAAAAAABZ0/Ze7PhQ7FZYA/s320/day+at+the+nursery.jpg" width="224" /></span></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Oodles and  Oodles of color.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxKy5-bKKWY/UBBOh_LJ2oI/AAAAAAAABZ8/j_8AvDfaexw/s1600/Wade+2+294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxKy5-bKKWY/UBBOh_LJ2oI/AAAAAAAABZ8/j_8AvDfaexw/s320/Wade+2+294.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I like to think of this place as my own little "Candyland" that is flower candy.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-harj0AM3-TU/UBBOnCZwAbI/AAAAAAAABaE/avoaOPFD_8M/s1600/Wade+2+290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-harj0AM3-TU/UBBOnCZwAbI/AAAAAAAABaE/avoaOPFD_8M/s1600/Wade+2+290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-harj0AM3-TU/UBBOnCZwAbI/AAAAAAAABaE/avoaOPFD_8M/s320/Wade+2+290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">How beautiful would it be to wake up to this every morning.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkozB3QUeD4/UBBOtHK6_SI/AAAAAAAABaQ/6km1JZAH56o/s1600/Wade+2+297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkozB3QUeD4/UBBOtHK6_SI/AAAAAAAABaQ/6km1JZAH56o/s320/Wade+2+297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful Begonias.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPspvyG8QyM/UBBO0eLYLBI/AAAAAAAABaY/z2Y06-LvHIs/s1600/Wade+2+298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xPspvyG8QyM/UBBO0eLYLBI/AAAAAAAABaY/z2Y06-LvHIs/s320/Wade+2+298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Amazingly colorful Caladiums.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">This place makes this mommy's heart go pitter patter.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">After the gardener was kind enough to let my girls help him water we headed on home to plant our pretty new flowers.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">What a magical and beautiful day.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Happy Wednesday,</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Linking to <a href="http://mommysdayout.com/">Mommy's Day Out</a></span></div>

Mommy's Day At The Nursery

It wasn't too terribly long ago I grabbed my two girls and took them for a day at the nursery. There were beautiful flowers ever...

Busy As A Bee

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2LteFOTTt4/UBBRuRlVkJI/AAAAAAAABak/1Z9lfPEPj5c/s1600/Wade+2+299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2LteFOTTt4/UBBRuRlVkJI/AAAAAAAABak/1Z9lfPEPj5c/s320/Wade+2+299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Bussssy Work.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever feel like you have a bazillion projects to complete and you finally make plans to get them done and then the universe puts everything  in  your  way? That's me for the last week. The harder I try to get it done the more things pile up and distract me.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Sorry world but your going to have to wait.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Mommy needs to paint the hallway and the ceiling and then the girls room.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">When mommy is done I will return to the insane number of phone calls it takes to raise six children and  oversee the care of my mom and grandma.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">For now though I just wanna chill with my doggies and get my house settled.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I'm craving nesting.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Maybe it's the heat outside or the recent loss of Rockie, our beloved dog.</span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">This mommy needs to stay close to home tomorrow.</span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">I'm mourning and will be for a long time to come.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">My heart needs to feel safe and nurture my loved ones.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I declare Wednesday, Mommy stays home day.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">So Mommies stay home, stay cool, and chill.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Happy Tuesday,</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div>

Busy As A Bee

Bussssy Work. Do you ever feel like you have a bazillion projects to complete and you finally make plans to get them done and the...

Farewell My Friend

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfNqaM9pMPk/UBBNdN9wZoI/AAAAAAAABZk/j1Cg8R9-9lI/s1600/Wade+2+183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfNqaM9pMPk/UBBNdN9wZoI/AAAAAAAABZk/j1Cg8R9-9lI/s320/Wade+2+183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I went the other morning to let Rockie out of her crate and their she was lying there dead. The first thing I did was shut her crate door and run into Mr. Wade saying please go check to see if she truly is gone.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">My heart is so heavy. I loved her so. Dogs are the kindest of friends. She was perhaps the sweetest big dog I've ever known.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Oh my dear Rockie mommy is so sorry and you will forever be missed. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I promise you I will take special care of your puppies.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">May you rest in peace and this is not goodbye just farewell for now.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Mommy will see you again in heaven.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Our lives are so much better because of you.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I love you,</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Mommy</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">P.S. People dogs really do get hotter than we realize please constantly check on them in and out and make sure they have access to plenty of water.</span></div>

Farewell My Friend

I went the other morning to let Rockie out of her crate and their she was lying there dead. The first thing I did was shut her crate ...

Homemade Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>                                                                       <br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">         <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP2Jo4u02Bo/VzNr7rLNT-I/AAAAAAAANOw/l9DcXEtKyqslACzmzZ8zLeiPpHWtIPgEQCLcB/s1600/facebook84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP2Jo4u02Bo/VzNr7rLNT-I/AAAAAAAANOw/l9DcXEtKyqslACzmzZ8zLeiPpHWtIPgEQCLcB/s320/facebook84.jpg" width="320"></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">My lovely new neighbors were kind enough to bring us over some homemade salsa and offered to let me pick as many tomatoes as I wanted out of there HUGE tomato garden.</span><br> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br> </div>

Homemade Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

                                                                               My lovely new neighbors were kind enough to bring us ov...

Beginnings of a Beautiful Porch

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtZWgagVJIM/T-cIYVlwN3I/AAAAAAAABXQ/8sH83HE1veQ/s1600/100_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtZWgagVJIM/T-cIYVlwN3I/AAAAAAAABXQ/8sH83HE1veQ/s320/100_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Well now is just as good a time as any to jump in and start making my new porch a home.<br /> <br /> <br /> I started out simple with two wicker chairs and an adorable little red wooden table I spray painted.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oH3bCqq6UU/T-cH9UE8zzI/AAAAAAAABXI/xcYEdPTNRrQ/s1600/100_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oH3bCqq6UU/T-cH9UE8zzI/AAAAAAAABXI/xcYEdPTNRrQ/s320/100_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I'm thinking of some flour sack pillows with red letters on them, what do you think?<br /> <br /> Then  I have this great shaded hanging plant,terribly hard to find, that I hung from above.<br /> <br /> I have an adorable metal hanging I'd like to get up, but this brick is stubborn as heck, we've tried everything to get the anchors to stay in for the planters and nothing works,grrrrrrrrr.<br /> <br /> Then I have this super cute bench I found on the side of the road, it's green, and I'm thinking red would be nice. Maybe I'll add a few cute pillows to really say welcome.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQBvzhc0A_Y/T-cHv-hb56I/AAAAAAAABXA/f4KpG9Hl-yc/s1600/100_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQBvzhc0A_Y/T-cHv-hb56I/AAAAAAAABXA/f4KpG9Hl-yc/s320/100_0439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I have an old window I'd like to hang above it, same problem though with anchoring it in the brick.<br /> <br /> Once I get these two things done I am going to pot herbs for my red plant stand and have the honey hang my welcome sign.<br /> <br />  For now this is a good start.<br /> <br /> I also need to break out the Summer 4th of July decor, I can hardly wait.<br /> <br /> Enjoy Your Time on the Porch,<br /> <br /> Valerie <br /> <br /> <br /> Linking to <a href="http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/">Sunny Simple Sundays </a><br /> <a href="http://iheartnaptime.blogspot.com/">I Heart Naptime</a></div>

Beginnings of a Beautiful Porch

Well now is just as good a time as any to jump in and start making my new porch a home. I started out simple with two wicker cha...