Merry Christmas!

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed, And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem:(because he was of the lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped  him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.Luke 2:1-14. 

Believe...

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the LORD; be it unto me according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For He that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is His name. Luke 1:38,46-49.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37.

I need to change....things.

I was reading Matt. 25: 1-13 this evening. 

The words written in this book have always impacted my life. 

Every time I read these verses, they make me rethink what I am doing with my life.

Am I taking for granted the time I've been given?

Am I wasting precious minutes that I cannot live over again?

Why do I put off the things I should be doing today....thinking I have plenty of time to accomplish the things that really need my attention this very moment.

I used to be so faithful in my spiritual walk.

I loved the journey I was on. 

Even when the road was rough, and full of ruts...I knew I could depend on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

After we moved to the Lakehouse, I became lazy.

I never really connected with a church family up here.

I taught some Bible studies, and sang with the worship team. I also sang solos, and for special occasions.

I just didn't feel like I "fit" in. So I "fell away".

My youngest daughter, and I are trying to keep each other accountable (long distance).
That is why I am hoping to move back home...closer to my family. My oldest daughter attends church with her family, and would like to start our family Bible study back up when Mr. Lakehouse and I move back home.
My middle daughter, and her family also attend church. They would like us to live closer also.
I am trying to do better. I long to get back to my first love...Jesus.
I understand blogs are for decorating, and making our houses pretty, and sharing our newest piece of furniture, or mirror, or tablecloth.
If you choose to skip over my blog, because it's not about what's important to you, I understand.
If you know what I'm talking about....drop me a line.
God Bless You!
Debbie
xxoo

Popping in....

Hello everyone.

I thought I would check in, since I've been absent for a few weeks.

The house is still on the market.

We've had a few lookers, but no offers.

We are going in to the slow season, as far as selling houses go.

I wasn't going to decorate for the holidays...but then realized it would be Christmas...no matter what the situation.

So.....I bought a few cans of "pretend" snow, and sprayed the "pretend" tree....

I was going for a flocked look.

Instead, I got a "frosted" look.

I used all of my mercury glass ornaments, and also the silver, and a few white ones.

I should have bought lights on white wires, instead of 300 twinkly lights on green wires.

Oh well, it turned out cozy. I would like to add a few more ornaments, some ribbon, and picks...but that's for another day.
I hope you are all well, and enjoying the holiday season.
Big Hugs!!
Debbie

Keeping busy.

Hello everyone.

We've had two showings here at the Lakehouse. No offers.

I've packed some things, hoping for the best.

I'm trying to stay positive about selling this place.

The results of the six month CT scans, and chest xrays came back good.

I can now start going once a year!

On my way home from the physical (6 month), I stopped at one of my favorite vintage shops.

I found this wonderful mirror!

It's all chippy, and worn...perfect for the shabby mantle at the old Lakehouse.

I'm having fun with the old chairs we re-did.

I put two of the extra chairs over by the fireplace for a cozy little corner in the dining room.

I finished painting the stairway the other day. It's white, of course.
The next room I plan to do a little freshening up is one of the bathrooms.
I hope you are enjoying the weekend.
It's sunny here..but quite chilly.
xxoo

One chair left.

The five dollar chairs are all finished except for one.

I like the mix of styles around the table.

It fits the rest of the house.

We are still waiting for "that person" to walk through the door that will fall in love with this old Lakehouse.

Giving us the go ahead to move back home, and be closer to our family again.

Enjoy the weekend everybody!

Five dollar chairs.

Hellooooooo.....

Even tho we put our house on the market, I'm still doing projects around here...in between packing things up (in hopes of selling the Lakehouse), working, cleaning up the yard, and sending things off to St. Vinney's.

I found these chairs at an estate sale this summer for five dollars each.

One of the captain's chairs was missing...but for five dollars each, I couldn't resist!

Mr. Lakehouse cleaned them up, glued them, sanded them, then painted them a nice creamy white.

I cleaned the seats up, and am now working on recovering them with a pretty Damask that my sweet friend Debbie, from Florida, sent me home with last Spring.

I think they would look really cute with a ruffled skirt. 

I'm not sure what I will do with them until we move.

For now, they will sit with the farmhouse chairs, around the farmhouse table.

Our poor realtor. She probably cringes when she has to show our house...worrying if the place is going to look like a flea market inside.
Oh well, variety is the spice of life, right?!

Getting things ready.

You might as well pour yourself a cup of tea, because there are quite a few pictures with my post today.

I will try to keep the words at a minimum.

We are putting our house on the market.

My heart aches to be closer to my girls, and their families.

I moved the bedroom furniture around in the two rooms upstairs.

The two with the VERY slanted ceilings. The two very small bedrooms.

After last night, I'm a little down.

We participated in the annual golf-cart, poker-run in our sub-division. 

There were six houses that we stopped at.

Each home had a theme.

Decorated with beautiful furnishings that all matched.

Some were beach-themed, with sailboats. Others had woodsy decor, and knotty pine walls.

Of course, there were the "decorator" homes. The ones that left you feeling like you would NEVER host anything at your house!!!

We were invited to have a drink at the new neighbors house at the end of the evening.

She was so proud to show me all of her new furnishings. The carpet pieces, paint swatches, window treatments, etc.

My heart sank.

Who in the world is going to walk into this house and think it's a place they can picture themselves living in?!

I guess I could have decorated the place like an up-north retreat...but then I wouldn't have wanted to live here!!!!

I guess it is what it is.

White.

It can be considered primed, and ready for whatever color they would prefer.

No more chippy, worn, rusted, vintage, mis-matched pieces.

I hope someone finds some potential in this place.
Maybe they will envision a place for their matching furniture with dark wood frames, oak tables, and hang moose, and deer heads on the walls.
They could sit in front of the fire in their long underwear, and wool socks, and talk about hunting and fishing.
That's what my husband wanted to do......

Lovely Saturday...

Delight yourself in the surprises of today.

That I am here is a wonderful mystery to which I will respond with joy.

Kind words are like jewels that live in the heart...and remain as warm memories long after they have been spoken.

May you grow to be as beautiful as God meant you to be when He first thought of you.

Passages from a book given to me by a dear friend that passed away from breast cancer a few years ago.
She lived life to the fullest. I miss her with all my heart.

Chippy, and white...

Happy Friday everyone.

I'm trying to get used to my smooth legs.

It's taking a while, but I think it will be okay.

This is the piece that I hung over the mantle in the living room.

I previously had a very large mirror here.

For a change, I opted for this pretty scrolled piece.

It's pretty battered, and chippy...but I really love it.

There is another piece that will be in it's place for the holidays...but for now...I am enjoying the beat up, shabby looking piece of art that is gracing the wall above the mantle at this time.

Love it, love it, love it!

Little mantle, and other stuff

Huff, puff....I got the little mantle up the stairs by myself.

I can't believe this little baby was in the living room!!

She fits perfect under the slanted ceilings we have upstairs.

Now I'm even more anxious for Mr. L to get started on the white bead board for the walls! and to get rid of those stupid shuttered doors used for ventilation! I know I could paint them white...but if I do, it would just slow down the process of getting the bead board done.

So, for now, the doors are inside the mantle...ugh.

I changed the pink Rachel Ashwell bedding set, to the white one I found at Target this summer.

I LOVE how squishy all of her bedding is!!!

It's like sleeping on a big ol' cloud!

Oh...you wouldn't believe this book I'm reading...it's sooo naughty.

I'm sure most of you have already read it.

"Fifty Shades of Grey".

Oh my....I must have had a really sheltered life, because for most of the book, I kept saying, "What the ??!!"

After reading a chapter, I felt like I should do a few laps around the rosary...and I'm not even Catholic anymore!!!  whew!
So, that's my post for today.
I kind of hop, skipped, and jumped around...sorry..I haven't taken my meds. for the ADD yet this morning.
Have a good one!!

I shaved my legs!!!

Well...it took all summer, but I finally shaved my legs.

Remember the deal...threat...I made last spring?

I wasn't going to shave my legs until Mr. Lakehouse made the larger mantle for the living room?

The one that was in here was very similar, but very small.

Mr. L added some pretty trim along the front of the mantle.

The trim on the bottom is also nicer.

The shaving process took a while.

It was like sheering a sheep!

At least it doesn't look like I'm wearing leg warmers with my shorts anymore.

The legs of my jeans feel soooo much looser now.

I've ordered a piece to hang over the mantle.

I'll show you when it arrives.

The smaller mantle is going upstairs in the bedroom.
I'm anxious to move it up there, and give the room a more romantic look.
Now that I got rid of the Sasquatch leg hair...maybe romance will return here at the Lakehouse...hehe.
AAhhahahahhahahahahaahahahahaa!!!!!!!