Year End Wrap-Up

Hello...yes, it's been awhile! Where to begin..........

We went to Honolulu for my 40th Birthday, in October. We had a wonderful vacation seeing my family and homeschooling along the trip. The boys read Hawaii's Story, written by Queen Lilioukalani, Hawaii's last queen. I wanted them to read a first hand account of Hawaii's history before we went. It was wonderful sharing with the boys all about Hawaii's history as well as our wonderful Hawaiian and European family history in the islands.

Me and Mr. Landen on the flight over to Honolulu...only 7 1/2 hours to go!

Me and my 88 year old Grandpa at The Outrigger Canoe Club for a dinner by the sea, with the family.

 

Me and my cousin...I sure have missed my family!

 

Honolulu Mission Homes...A great way to look out how Hawaii started becoming a destination forEuropeans and Americans. Even my husband Glen really enjoyed learning about Hawaii.

Seeing my Tutu (Grandmother) in the memory care home was difficult, but yet felt so good to hug on her too.

 

Seeing my husband Glen relax, was the best Birthday gift to me EVER!

 

My Dad, ornery as ever, on our last day.

Then, two days back on the mainland in Texas, and it hit! I got the most horrible illness that 4 Dr.s couldn't diagnose....of course! Only me!

2 cat scans, 1 MRI, an X-Ray, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and ...a partridge in a pear treeeeeee! UGH!

So, I was sick for over a month. They think it was an embolism in my abdomen that may have also been followed by some sort of infection. But, after a grueling recovery and then trying to get energy for Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating, I barely made it! I couldn't have done it without all three of my guys help.

That's why there hasn't been any recent posts on here...oh how I've missed blogging!

Without further chatting...here are a few Holiday pictures to catch you up!

Homemade peppermint bark for neighbors and friends.

Landen, my youngest, helping me finish the living room.

 

I love our lighted owl tree topper, (that unfortunately doesn't show well here), and Santas Elf with his list of neighbors and family on the Good List!

 

 

This is in our school room. We use our Advent candles each year.

 

This year I used oranges and pinecones on the staircase garland. Do you like my "doggy gate"...otherwise known as a fireplace screen.

Our entrance table...

The tiny nativity scene.

Kitchen island, complete with our joyful nutcracker baker.

 

This year I did a woodland scene on the kitchen table.

This bird cage is hidden in the previous picture, but it's in the corner of the dinette. It was my husbands idea to put the tree in the cage. I added the little stocking.

A Pinterest copy...I decided to make my love of books come to life this Christmas, with a book tree!

The formal dining room table.

The formal dining hutch adorned with a Christmas village.

The ottoman tray, with a little Christmas cheer.

Christmas hedge hog singing carols.

 

Check back soon, for New Year ideas, resolutions, and inspirations for starting the year off right...in life and homeschooling! I'm BACK !!!!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and CHEERS to a Happy New Year!

 

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Fantabulous Fall Update!

I promised an update after my pumpkins came in! Well, here it is! I decided to do a white wash over my outdoor orange pumpkins. I also did a grey base coat on one and then the white over it and it turned out lost a chalky grey.

Then, I decided to pint my mini baking pumpkins white indoors too.

 

I sure had fun adding my blue and white pumpkins!

 

 

 

Happy Fall Decorating!

 

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Happy First Day of Fantabulous Fall!

Does it get any better than Fall? I'm really not sure.

Leaves change colors, the glow outside is a little more golden, we emerge from our cocoons of air conditioned homes to feel the crisp of the northerly winds, we start baking because....well, just because, and the best part of ALL.....Fall Decorating!

I love the pumpkins, gourds, ghouls and fall leaves gracing our doorsteps, and table tops. This means mulling spices simmering on the stove to get me in the mood and practically wishing the weather to dip into the 80's....

{Well, it is Texas...we don't see Fall weather until the end of October to early November. So, I'll take the 80's over 93+ any day.}

Fall is fabulous and I decided even though pumpkin shopping is scarce, I couldn't wait. So until my beautiful blue pumpkins come in....we have more hues of orange.

Have a Great First Day of Fall!

I can't wait to get my blue pumpkins to add to the fireplace hearth. The orange pumpkins will go on our back patio....ahhhhhh, it's so close to finished. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, ha...my family is now laughing if they are reading this!

 

I found this chalkboard print from Pinterest...the bummer is I forgot to pin it after I printed it...sorry!

I'll try and find it and pin it to my Fabulous Fall Decor Board.

 

 

Had to try this idea I found on Pinterest. I had the hat and a plastic pumpkin in need of help. The handwriting could be better...but, oh well, hopefully no one stares at for too long...grin!

 

 

 

Our schoolroom Fall additions.

 

On our ottoman in front of the sofa.

 

 

Landen working hard, but loving the touch of Fall in our schoolroom.

 

It helps to add a bit of historical significance to the history of All Hallows' Eve and witches. I'm glad we were able to visit Salem a few years ago. It really was neat to learn more about, well...a sort of shameful part of our American history.

Our little skeleton has played a pirate, just a skeleton, and now a colonial gentleman. Hmmmm, I wonder who he'll dress as next year? We love him!

 

The patio is getting there....the marshmallows may have been too premature...it's not quite cool enough and yes, the chocolate is missing because, they too melted...oops! I just get too excited and too ready for Fall weather activities... like s'mores!

Happy Fall and Fantabulous Fall Decorating!

When my blue beauties come in, I'll update the photos. See you soon!

 

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