Today is my Sweet Guy’s 12th birthday. While he will be enjoying a traditional children’s party very soon I wanted to make sure that the table was decorated for a special meal. It will be just the four of us enjoying his favorite foods tonight. The centerpiece is a small wheelbarrow that Mr. Décor gave me while we were dating…16 years ago. I filled it with happy sunflowers, mums, red berries and roses as well as other bits of flora and fauna. It is surrounded by a bounty of dollar ... View the Post

I recently found myself frantically searching for my fall themed napkin rings. They were no where to be found. So I quickly got creative. I began with miniature grapevine wreaths I have had for awhile. (You can find these at most craft stores.) I had also been hanging onto some cedar acorns that once had been in several sweater drawers but had lost their scent long ago. I started priming and then remembered the “before” pictures. Oooops! Do you do that too? :) After the ... View the Post

For all of you who prayed for our dear Rudi I am happy to report that after a week of rest and steroids he seems to be more like his old self~ smiling, waving and wagging. Rudi often smiles for our family. Generally it accompanies a good belly rubbing. I have had only one other dog in my lifetime who smiled and that was my dear golden retriever, Peaches. Does your dog smile? Laura ... View the Post

I have slowly been adding a few fall touches to my home, some to create sweet dreams of cooler temperatures. Before Pinterest, I would often tear pages out of magazines and place them in clear protector sheets that were organized by room in a binder. One image came from Victoria. The snuggly layout featured darling sheets from Pine Cone Hill. I adored the “Love In Bloom” hand embroidered pillowcases. As well as the “His & Hers” cases. I did not love the $74.00 price tag. Longtime ... View the Post

It’s 3 am. I kneel down by the soft temporary pallet next to my bed. A steady “thump, thump, thump” of a tail greets me despite the pain it’s owner feels.  I lie down next to him, nose to muzzle. I run my hands over the long length of his small body. I whisper sweets nothings and then say “I am going to pick you up and take you outside.” As gently as I can I lift him up but still there is a whimper. Cradling him in my arms we head down the small hall, past the kitchen and out the back door. It’s ... View the Post

Here’s the backstory: Sweet Guy has been working on the Boy Scout merit badge on Personal Finance. One of the requirements is that he keep a 3 month budget calendar with the thought of keeping track of how an allowance is spent. In our home we don’t give an allowance. Chores are done as part of the responsibility of living in the home and helping the family as a whole. However, opportunity is given in that extra chores can be done for pocket money.  I would like to say he eagerly does extra ... View the Post