Another day of floofing.

I'm loving my new schedule at the pharmacy.

Working three days a week is so much better for me physically as well as emotionally.

I'm not feeling as exhausted as I was.

Plus, I can see my family a lot more now.

 Since I love decorating,  having more time to floof here at the lakehouse is another "plus" to working part-time.

 I moved the little mantel from the dining room into the living room.

Mr. Lakehouse was a little confused with the cement urn being brought inside.

I found this piece at the market with Laurie.

Instead of leaving it outside for the winter, I thought it would be nice to bring it in and enjoy it.

The next idea was taken from Faye.

I love how she filled a suitcase with pieces of handmade lace.

I like the gathering of vintage items on the big wall of the living room.

The wicker settee is constantly being floofed.

This time I brought the burlap, and ticking pillows together.

 I'm really happy with this look....for now....haha.

Originally I bought this gauzy throw(from Ikea) for the bedroom.

I like the mix of textures on the wicker chair found at a vintage shop last summer.

The drop cloth, throw, and vintage linen pillows add a little romance to the $12.00 chair.

That's it for my day of changing things around here at the lakehouse.
Hope your day is productive.
For anyone wondering...I turned the comment section back on.

Sunrise

I woke up with the sun this morning.

My thoughts, as the light filled the sky, were of past chapters  in my life.

 Growing up with an abusive mother. When I was young, I cried out to God over and over again....asking why He gave such a woman eight children to raise.
After having babes of my own, I thanked God for the experiences as a child. I learned what kind of mother I didn't want to be.

 I thought about Patrick(my first husband) having Leukemia. Our girls were so little. Why would God allow a man only 26 years old to die of such an awful illness?
Through Pat's illness, we were given the gift of salvation.

 Another situation was Mr. Lakehouse spending four days in the trauma unit at the U of M Hospital because of a horse throwing him....causing his lower body to compress into the upper left side of his body. His organs were bruised, and all the bones involving his left shoulder, and ribs were broken.
We learned that God performs miracles of healing, and grace.

 In 1996 a mass, the size of a juice orange was found on my brain.
We were blessed with another miracle. The doctors at St. Joe's Hospital were so amazed at the recovery, they entered my case in a medical journal.
We found the "peace that transcends all understanding".
I also knew that if I died on the operating table(as the surgeon suggested I might) I'd LIVE!
If I made it through the surgery, I'd live.  It was a win----win situation.

 Last winter was the discovery of uterine cancer. During the surgery, my bowel was perforated....causing a long recovery.
We understood that God is in control.

 Doctor reports of lumps in my granddaughter's breast.  The possibility of birth defects concerning my daughter's baby due this December.
The power of prayer....pouring in from the bloggers here.

 As I was reminded of the blessings and miracles of the past years, I was drawn to the sunrise.

I realized that the "Son" shines in the darkness.

Bringing peace, hope for a new day, and the knowledge that God is in control.

Each phase of the sunrise was like the chapters of my life.
The light entered the sky...slowly...but surely.
It filled my soul with joy.
I know that each new day brings unknown  circumstances...good and bad.
I also know that the Son will fill me with His light....just as the sun fills the morning sky with it's light.
I pray that I will stay focused on the Son for the remaining chapters of my life.
Have a blessed day.

Just enjoying the day.

Good afternoon.

It's a beautiful Autumn day here at the lakehouse.

I keep going to the windows and looking at the canal.

The water is sparkling with little diamond reflections of the sun.

 I will miss the water once it freezes over. 
Although we get to see deer, fox, and coyotes walk on the frozen canal during the cold winter months.

The Halloween decorations are all packed away, and I'm bringing out some Thanksgiving pieces....ever so slowly.

It's been one of those lazy days.

The kind where you do a little laundry, sweep the floors, and sip on apple cider.

Do you ever take a whole day and stay in your pj's?

THAT'S the kind of day I'm having.

The kind where you feel all warm and secure in your surroundings.

Finding joy in the little things.

Experiencing the presence of God in every room.

Loving where you are....feeling blessed to be in just the right place.
I hope that you are enjoying your "space" today. Being comfortable in your own skin. Feeling content.
Embrace it!!  Sit back, close your eyes, take in a few deep breaths.....and just be.
Toodles.

Shopping, surprises, and some floofing.

Helloooooooo!

Can you believe it's November 2nd??!!

I guess I can finally accept the fact that it's Fall.

I think Halloween made me realize Summer is really over.

I spent five days with my girls over the weekend.

We shopped Hobby Lobby, Pier 1 Imports, Target, Home Goods, and TJ Max.

I found a few little things for the house.

Mr. Lakehouse and I took a trip down to Ikea on Monday.

We found the jute rug we've been wanting for the dining room.

 While at Home Goods, Melissa and I found this great pillow!
I'm always a little behind  "what's in" for your home. BUT...... I'm really loving the burlap pillows and covers right now. Everyone has probably moved on to something else, but I don't care....I like it. 

My daughter Erin found this great stool for me at Target. She thought I'd like it because it looks "barn-ish" to her...LOL.

She was right, I do love the way it looks.

 After returning to the lakehouse, I found a package in the mail from Evelyn and Rose.etsy.com. Susan embroidered this vintage towel for me as part of Sandi's give away, from A Cottage Muse.  I was very happy to see the vintage towel, since I collect them....having our family initial on it makes it even more special.

 I ended my "floofing" spree with this pretty enamel pitcher we found at Ikea. It's such a creamy white.
I love how it looks on the French table runner I bought from Tracy at French Larkspur months ago.

Having five whole days to spend with my daughters, and their families was such a huge blessing for me.
I was ready to return to the lakehouse, though.  I was anxious to find places for my new treasures, and soooo excited to sleep in my own bed.
As a matter of fact, I'll be heading for bed shortly.
I hope you are enjoying your week!
Sweet dreams*******

A fun Halloween

We spent a few days with my daughters and their families.

Last night was the most fun ever.

The grandkiddos were all excited to go trick or treating.

Sadie was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz..... complete with her Ruby slippers.

Big sister Zoey was Rapunzel. She has really long hair, but it was the wrong color.

Anson and Charlotte were having fun with their glow in the dark sticks.

 Kayla dressed up as Cat Woman....she even had long fingernail/claws.

 Maddie was a cartoon character...a teenage monster, I think?????
The fun was just starting.

 Everyone is ready to go.........

 It was a nice night...perfect for the kids!
I am so glad I got to share in the fun.

I'm speechless!!

A Cottage Muse

Dreaming in Vintage Whites

Sandi

I recently joined Sandi's give away that she hosted on her blog.

NEVER did I expect to receive such an extravagant package!

The box was Full of beautiful gifts.

After opening the box, I started unpacking, and unpacking, and unpacking!

What I Did expect was the Flea Market magazine, and items that Sandi had listed in her post.

What a SURPRISE to see All of the wonderful things that  Sandi  packed inside the mailing box. 

 Every item that I unwrapped I had to catch my breath!!!
EVERYTHING matches my decor here at the lakehouse!! Everything!!!

 You may think of me as a little over-sentimental, but I actually had tears in my eyes looking at all the pretty things that I received.

 I am tickled pink to have been chosen for this give away.
Diana hit the nail on the head when she said I would be "over the moon"!

I LOVE everything!

The pillow is so appropriate!

After my illness last winter, this pillow makes a real statement about how I see life now.

I thank you Sandi, from the bottom of my heart, for this gracious collection of beautiful treasures that will be cherished by me.
I was stunned, to say the least!
And, thank you to the gals that contributed to this truly appreciated package of "pretties".
God Bless!!!

Decor, or memories?

Brrrrr. It's one of those rainy, windy, damp, and dreary days here at the Lakehouse.

One of those days that is good for curling up in your favorite chair, covering up with an old, worn quilt, and watching a favorite movie....like "Lonesome Dove", or "Sarah Plain and Tall".

I think that's what I'll do.

Before that...I walked through the kitchen and dining room this morning...taking random shots of things here and there.

Remember the plate stand my daughter gave me? It was gold. Some of you suggested painting it white, or grey.  So.....I sprayed on a coat of aqua first, then two coats of white. While the white paint was still wet, I pulled my finger over it in a few places.

The white gave way to the aqua and gold.....giving the effect of aged copper, with a beautiful patina.

 Having the rack on the butcher block, full of white dishes not only is convenient, but gives me the memory of my daughter, Erin, and her thoughtfulness. It warmed my heart to think that she was looking for something special...just for me.
The next picture made me remember my grandpa. The little wooden box in the background was his. He kept old coins in it.  The striped towel is from my sweet sis, Laurie...just because.

This vintage pie safe was snagged at the antique market with Laurie.

I realized that the French tag hanging on the handle was made by Donna at My Shabby Chateau...another "just because" gift.

 Pieces of ironstone collected over the years. Reminding me of our 1848 farmhouse we lived in when the girls were little.

The dried roses our oldest son and his family sent to me during my recovery last winter.(they were fresh when I got them..LOL)

I realized that the bowls on the farmhouse cupboard belonged to my dear friend Debbie. She and Joe recently moved to Florida.

Lace and linen draped over the mantel I bought from Debbie before her move to Florida.

Seashells found everywhere in the Lakehouse. Reminders of the wonderful vacation spent on Sanibel Island with Laurie and Rog.

This cute little basin I received from Laurie the last time we visited Heaven's Walk. I realized the French tag hanging on the ball jar lamp filled with white buttons(from Debbie) is from Tracey from My Petite Maison.
I noticed Kayla(granddaughter) in the family portrait can be seen in the background.

Linens, grain sacks, seed bags, lampshade bones, locker basket...all treasures picked up at the market with Laurie, and also Michelle from Emerald Cove.  Reminding me of eating fried pickles, and drinking diet Pepsi.

A much sought after crown, found while shopping with Debbie from Green Willow Pond just last week!

I wasn't thinking of anything in particular while snapping random shots this morning. Only after going through the pictures did I realize each one had a memory in it.

Maybe I'm not just a collector of "junque" after all.

Maybe I'm a collector of memories.

What I thought were pieces collected for home decor...turned out to be pieces that hold special memories of special people.

How about you?

Look around you today.

Are the pieces you decorate with just decorations? Or do they remind you of someone that has a special place in your heart? 

I'm linking this post with Faded Charm for White Wednesday.