Backyard Happenings

I realize I haven't blogged in forever.

We have been ridiculously busy and overwhelmed since Irma.

I try not to say her name. 

Because of HER, it got us to thinking about how to be better prepared,

just incase we ever have another hurricane. 
Let's just say "h" word.

First we decided to raise the sea wall.

Everything dominoed. 

The dock was damaged, so we dismantled part of it.

Building the sea wall higher,

required bringing in dirt.

Bringing in dirt meant new plants.

Thankfully, I had help from this missy.

That made us realize the pool deck wasn't going to work. 

We tore it down.

We built a new one.

Can you see the light at the end of that tunnel.

We chose cable fencing around the deck and pool 

which I am in love with.

We finally ordered grass.

Can you say a prayer that it'll grow?

Can't believe that I am hoping for rain.

All in all,

Mark & I love big projects.

It has been fun.

The dock still needs work but it should be soon.

Another prayer please.

We know we are so blessed and we know Who is in control.

I have this sign in my kitchen to remind me when I need reminding.

I am glad to be back at documenting our lives.

So many have switched to Instagram but I apparently have the need to talk so this works for me.

Hope you are all doing well.

Have a Great Weekend!

Coastal Wreath

How excited was I when my sweet friend Kim snuck by my house and dropped this off.

I have been wanting a beachy wreath for my front door.

How great is the whale?

I love him!

See the sand dollars scattered around?

Kim is so talented.

Here's the problem...

I was perfectly happy with my reddish door and now,

not so much.

When I tried it on my white kitchen door,

I love it more.

See my dilemma?

Just not sure if I want the door white.

Any suggestions?

It shows up well on the red.

Maybe black.

Decisions, decisions.

Thank you Kim!

You are amazing!

Birthday Fun For Elijah

This boy is 9!

We celebrated Elijah's birthday 

on the river this year.

It was the perfect spot for some boys to be boys.

 G-Pa and Daniel pulled them around the river all day.

Dani watched from the dock.

The watermelon cut in the shape of a shark was a big hit.

Abi made the eyes out of tootsie rolls.

We put our slide up for added fun.

Go Kacey!

What did I get?

Could it be another fidget spinner?

Of course!

I have a few videos and thought I'd share.

Just click on the arrow and it should play.

Noni and G-Pa got him a hover-board.

How fun is that?

It was a big hit.

Time for cake!

Happy Birthday to you!

And this is how we all felt at the end of the day.

I didn't want to get all mushy and gushy about my firstborn grandsons birthday.

Just know that I sure could go on and on about how I adore him and how the day he entered this world was the best day ever.

He is a special boy who has my heart.

God is so good and I am so blessed.

Christmas On The River

I love Christmas!

I love decorating and baking and shopping and giving.

This year was extra special 

because we are in our new home on the river.

The traditional tree that I've been loving all my life 

just wouldn't do.

It wouldn't look right in this house.

It took me a jiffy to know I was going with teal.

I'm very decisive,

ask anyone.

I put this tree up a few days after Thanksgiving.

I didn't want to take it down.

I grabbed my camera just before I took it down
so the presents are long gone.
In retrospect,
I wish I would have cleaned out the fireplace.
No worries,
I cropped out the soot and ashes.
That's how I love you.

I added fresh branches to the fireplace mantle.

It shedded needles everywhere but the smell was well worth it.

I found lots of wonderful ornaments at Belk.

I love Belk.

Found some more at At Home.

Have you been there?

It is my new favorite store.

Good thing it's 45 minutes down the road.

Found out recently we are getting an IKEA!

I got the sailboat soon after we moved in.

It blends in with any of my decorating.

Same with the mirror.

Found it at Kirklands.

I scattered ball ornaments everywhere.

I'm late to the game with this blog.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

One Glorious Summer

Fall is around the corner.

I've been ready since the middle of July.

I don't remember a summer so hot.

I am pretty sure it has something to do with my age.

I must say,

it was a glorious summer.

We moved to our dream location on the river.

Our daughter married the dream of her life.

Welcome to the family Felix! 

You are exactly what we needed.

Thank you for making my daughter happy.

We did a little traveling.

South Florida, Texas, North Carolina 

but pretty much stayed around home.

We have spent many wonderful hours 

with family and friends.

Logged plenty of beach hours,

and spend the night with MiMi hours.

Nothing cuter than sleeping kids.

They are worn out from the 

hours of searching for Pokemon.

It has been a jam-packed summer.

Did I mention I am so ready for Fall?

If you follow me on Pinterest,

you have seen these but I think I need them.

They speak to me.

So non-traditional.

Who am I?

I know!

I love them.

I need some pumpkins.

Bring on the Fall!

Birds In The Living Room

The living room has been my favorite project of our new home. 

It has 5 large windows and also a sliding glass door. 

I love all the light in this room.

It also looks out to the river which makes me love it more.

I recently found the perfect art for this room.

What are the odds that the The Painted Hive would offer a free download?

God just loves to bless me.

Aren't they great?!

I know.

They measure 24X36.

I had them printed at Office Max.

 The Painted Hive made it so easy

to download directly to Office Max.

They mailed my prints in a few days.

I got the rustic frames from Hobby Lobby.

Imagine my frustration to wait over the weekend 

for them to go 1/2 off.

We painted Kilz on the brown walls before we moved in.

I love the weathered 

way they turned out.

We may just leave them.

I am looking for baskets to go on the tv shelf ma-bob.

I think some like these 

I found on Pinterest would work.

source

I am in Tampa with Mark this week.

It just dawned on me that there is an Ikea down the road.

Time for a road trip.

I will let you know what I find.