Touches of Love

 Good Morning! I don't have a ton of time to chit chat this morning. We had a busy weekend. We have been working on a project. If you've been around for a while, you know, I love a good project!  It's not one that was wrapped in a day, so I will share it soon. 

I spent some time decorating for Valentine's Day this week. Come on in and take a peek. 

I've had this basket for several years. I love that I can change the items in the basket seasonally. I purchased a small floral wreath (which was less expensive compared to buying stems) and cut it in half.  I had the hearts leftover from another project. I painted them and glued them to skewers and wala I had a new decorative piece for the front door.  

Let's take a peek around. I pretty much used items I had on hand. 

I made the conversation heart banner and added conversation hearts to my faux cake. The candies that were left I added to the Mason jar. 

I like to keep the center piece on my table simple. I need to be able to easily slide it out of the way for toddler crafts and dinner. 

Nothing over the top, just a few touches here and there. 

Now I'm off to mop the kitchen before the little guy gets here. A dirty floor inside the door we use the most is one of the hazards of winter weather.  Have a great week, friends!

Wendi 

Joy in the Ordinary

 Some ordinary, yet joyful moments from my week. 

A new rug and mat for the front door. 

All of the Christmas decor has been tucked away for another year. I enjoyed laying out the decor and putting it back in place.

I find joy in the simplicity of the every day decor. After all of the extras that Christmas brings it feels like a breath of fresh air. 

Surprisingly, our girls are still laying well. I thought it would have dwindled more since it's turned cold.  

This makes Megan happy since selling eggs is her side hustle. She currently has two regular customers and another one that wants on the egg list. 

Have I mentioned one spoiled cat lives here? 

For Christmas he received a heating mat specifically for a cats. It's set up so he can't chew on the cord. The blanket Megan put on him is just too much! *smile* Oh yes, he's one spoiled kitty. 

The tradition of appetizers on New Year's Day continued this year. 

Chuck usually works on New Year's Eve and we are generally sound asleep by midnight. It's nice to have a day when we can munch and I don't have to worry about providing lunch and dinner. 

The bonus is that we were able to eat the leftovers for lunch all weekend!

You would think with all the decluttering that took place last year there would be nothing left. Ha!

As I've been organizing I've found plenty to donate. One thing I have learned is that decluttering and organizing are two things that always need a little attention. 

Look around, really look around and you will find joy... joy in the every day, joy in the ordinary. 

Wendi 

Fourth of July

There is something special about the 4th of July that makes this girl so, so happy. I don't know if it's the food, warm weather, beautiful fireworks, time spent with family and friends or the joy of hearing the kids giggle with all of the excitement. Or maybe it's the love I have for America. Whatever the reason may be, it feels my heart with joy!

A peek at my 4th of July décor. 

We started the day out puttering around the house. I spent time cooking and cleaning up the inside while Chuck worked on tidying the outside of our place. 

We headed over to my parents that afternoon. Not the greatest picture since it was taken through the front windshield. I love, love, love how our little town places flags down the main road. 

The afternoon was spent swimming and socializing. 

Then the girls headed to kitchen to put out this spread. 

Ribs, fried chicken, BBQ chicken, grilled hot dogs and smoked sausage, along with a variety of sides. Yum-O! 

After we eat we do pop its and sparklers for the littles. 

By the time the big firework shows start they are usually tucked soundly in bed.  One last picture of my little family before we headed home. 

Once home it was time to set up for our backyard fireworks show. 

Once our family, friends and neighbors arrived it was time for my honey to work his magic. 

   

It was a day full of fun, chaos, and love for America. We went to bed tired with more precious memories stored away. I hope your Fourth was fantastic!

Wendi 

Happy Easter!

                                 

                             

Alive, alive, alive forevermore

My Jesus is alive, alive for forevermore

Alive, alive, alive forevermore

My Jesus is Alive!

It was a beautiful day to celebrate my risen savior! We started the day with a little backyard photoshoot. 

Later we ended up at my parents. Delicious food, and lots of it! I brought home tons of leftovers. Yay!

The M & M crew! (My mom and Megan)

The little guys sort of hunted eggs. They are still little and the littlest was more interested in running, which involved lots of chasing.  

Before we called it a day I insisted that we all stop for family photos. Some find it irritating, but I know one day they will thank me. *smile*

Especially when you capture a little one with a finger up his nose (ha!) and my glowing niece who is about a month away from having twin girls. 

I hope your Easter was just as beautiful as mine!

Wendi 

Valentine Day Tradition

We keep Valentine's Day very simple around here. Going out involves a lot of wait, crowds and expense. Years ago I started a new tradition and it continues. 

When I woke up I found this note on the counter. *smile*

I started the day preparing in order to make the evening less hectic. 

It's our tradition to have lasagna and sugar cookies. Once cookies were made the lasagna was wrapped and in the fridge, I set the table. 

Let me be honest... I don't love the table cloth. I received it as a gift from my mother-in-law for Christmas. I thought I would love the black check paired with the black chairs. Sadly, I don't. The good news is that I don't use a table cloth often. You win some, you lose some, I guess. 

Anyway, each table setting had a card and the persons favorite candy. The is Megan's. 

It's been a while since I have made a lasagna. All I can say is yum! Good news is we have leftovers that I have slated for dinner on Sunday. Win, win!

When I went to clean up, I found that Megan had re-arranged some of the table decor. 

This made me smile. 

After dinner settled we ended the night with some television and a couple of cookies. 

Sweet and simple. Just the way I like it!

Wendi 

Valentine Decor

I can't talk about home without speaking about décor. No matter your style, having things you love around is one of the things that makes your place a home. I enjoy decorating for the seasons and holidays.

After all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas I know many find it nice to have décor that is simple and quiet. I find that the pops of pink and red that comes with decorating for Valentine's Day helps to chase away the winter blues. 

Enjoy a peek at how I've decorated my home for Valentine's Day. 

 No matter how simple or elaborate you decide to go it's the thought put into your decorating that shows your family you care. 

Wendi