Oliver turns 2

 Yes its hard to believe its been two years already, little did we know that two years ago our life was about to change that night with Oliver coming 3 months early and only weighing 1 lb. and 14 ozs.  You would never know that today, he is a healthy and very active 2 year old, even though he just still weighs 22 lbs and still can wear 9 - 12 month clothing, but we are so very thankful.  Thought I would share some pictures of the march of dimes walk that took place last saturday.  It was a cloudy cool day, but lots of people turned out for such a special event.  Here on stage is Oliver with his mom and dad, Oliver was the ambassador for our area this year.

 Here is Oliver with his buddy, yes my oldest son Justin loves to play with him, he would make a great dad, hopefully some day he will have his own.  Justin spent most of the time before the walk running after Oliver and even when the walk started he held him for the first little bit of the walk and then Oliver got over in his wagon and enjoyed his ride the rest of the 4.5 miles.

 Oliver on the loose, yes he was all over the place, and he never meets a stranger, friendly with everyone.

 Here is our team banner, we had one because of Oliver being the little ambassador.  The kids had went the night before and set up the tent.

 OK this nana is getting to look old and tried and by this time Oliver was wanting to take a nap after the walk. 

 Oliver found his cousins tricycle after the walk, just a little too big for him.  His cousin Jonah was born 3 months after Oliver but he is weighs 37 lbs, just a really cute kid, he is very friendly also, hate I didn't get a picture of Jonah. And of course his buddy by Oliver's side.

 Here is Brandi, Oliver's mom holding up the plaques she had received from the march of dimes, one is for Oliver being the ambassador and the other is for our raising the most money for a family team.  Yes our little family raised over 6,000 dollars this time.  We also sold I know of 140 t shirts but she put in a last minute order after that, don't know how many was ordered then, so our little team is growing.  Brandi really does a great job with the march of dimes each year.

 Here is the proud parents of Oliver, and Oliver is starting to want that nap, been a long morning, but the rain held off and another walk for 2013 came to a close.

Here is the banner they had put up for those that sponsered our team, they left one off, it was for my son's Justin were he works North Grove medical center and of course my little cleaning business supported our grandson, the fuel company where my hubby works, hum didn't have a picture of my hubby at the walk, yes he was there, and then Katie bugs cakes is Brandi's sister, she makes the best cakes.  It was a great day for a good cause and time well spent with the family.  Today Oliver is spending the day with his mom, miss the lilttle fellow I usually have him on thursdays, but I will be keeping him friday and he will be spending the night with us, spending time with him before you know he will be 22.  Hope everyone has a great week.  Will be back with a few more spring decorating pics, before I put up my summer items.  Vicky

Decorating with Blues

 Hope everyone is doing well, I finally got all my blue items up and decorated, yes it take me awhile to decide were I will display the item and what will look best for the season I am in.  Just love how this turned out with the orange and yellow tulips, this bunny is my favorite, I tend to leave my rabbits out for the spring and summer.  This is on my island in my kitchen, more kitchen pictures to come, been redoing a wall in there, think it turned out great, will show it in my next blog post.

This blue shelf I decided to use at the end of the couch in my den, it sits on a small white cabinet, really hard to get a good picture, it tends to be dark in this area.  Just love the spring sampler I purchased from Pamela over at Our Pioneer Homestead.  Oliver likes to play with the candle and the little bird.  I have to be careful where I put things now because he like to pick up items and look at them.

 I was unsure where I would put this blue shelf, I had orginally thought I would use it in my laundry room, but I had removed a red shelf in here and moved it to the hallway, then I thought I would make it like a wash up area used back then.  I decided to add the very large wood bowl and old pitcher with the blue strip.  This is in the master bedroom, I tend to use reds and blues in here.

 Sorry this picture turned out a little blurry.  I knew exactly where I wanted this one when I bought it, perfect to hang my collection of dresses and bonnets on, like having an area on top to put iems.

This blue item I could see in several places in my house, but for right now I thought it would make a nice center piece for my table.  The little sampler is one of Jennifer's at taylor farmhouse, and the bird I just love, picked it up from Dru at cinnomon creek.

 I wanted to show you the latest blue items I had found, I just love string holders, so I found these at Caroles Country store, she is listed on my side bar.  They are shaker with the blue paint, thought they would be nice on my nitestand.  Just love finding the old items when I can.

This is in my sewing room, been redoing items in there, so here is the first of the other spring pictures I will be sharing in a future post.  Hope every has a great week, been trying to get my flower beds weeded so I can get my flowers in before it gets to hot.  Hugs Vicky

JUST BLUE

My new shelves that is, not me.  No I am actually feeling better, especially after my quick trip up to Kingsport, TN yesterday.  It was a very cold windy day, and yes I did have a headache, just learning to deal with them, but other than that it was a really nice trip.  Love seeing all the rolling hills in the mountains starting to put on their green coat of grass and the rivers running along side the road, water was a little rough with the wind blowing and yes we did see some snow still laying around in a few places.  OK lets get to the good part, the shopping.  Well when we got to Bonnie's shop,  she had the coffee pot on and had stopped and picked up doughnuts for us to enjoy with the hot coffee, it just hit the spot from coming in from the cold wind.  I really enjoy not only coming up to see what she has gotten in her shop, but I get to spend time with her catching up on what has been going on with her and her family.  Just a really nice time spent talking and shopping all morning.  Don't you just love these blues, everytime I open a magazine and see blue stuff I start drooling.  Well I thought I had found blue heaven yesterday, I actually bought all her blue pieces.  Wanted to add in more color to my primitive decor, especially since the spring and summer months are coming.  Also found a few bunnies to bring home, yes bunnies are starting to multiply in my house.  I had gotten down my one and only spring/summer box down, yes that is all I had, I realized I had not collected much for the up coming months, so here was my chance.  I have already a place for the long shelf, it will go in my bedroom with my primitive clothes hanging on it.  The box with the drawer, like a letter tray will go on my table with a spring display, already been playing with it.  The others, well you just never know where it might end up, thats part of the fun in decorating, will share pictures when I get it all arranged.

 This is one area I have already started on, this corner of the living room next to the dining room use to have the large wardrobe here, I moved it into my sewing room.  Now this nook is used for a sitting area after dinner as others might be finishing up there coffee and dessert, just perfect for someone to sit here and still be part of the dining room area.  This area was also featured in the upcoming fall issue of CS, but it will be different, I have changed this area.  Oliver and I sit here and read also, you can see the little bunny I bought Oliver, I just love hearing him say carrots, after I ask him what bunnies eat.

 Just a close view, folded a little quilt, added a box, little basket with eggs in it, little bird for spring.

Love this spring display, the sampler was stitched by Jenn at taylors farmhouse attic, just love her stuff, just received a new one today from her, can't wait to get out.  My other favorite thing is the little blue box with the bunny in it, just too cute.  Well I have just started on my spring house, will share other pictures as I get them up.  I have also just had the phone interview with the writer this morning that will be doing my aritcle for Country Sampler, I received the pictures the other day, really turned out well, well all but one, my picture, I looked old and tired looking, well actually I feel that way lately, LOL, oh well it is what it is.  Hope everyone has a great weekend, will be in the mid-70's here saturday, yeh, can't wait, going to be decorating and piddling away with my stuff, you know that fun stuff we get to do from time to time.  Hugs Vicky

Oliver's First Snow

 Wanted to drop by this cold morning and show a couple of pictures of Oliver enjoying his first snow, and of course had to taste a little of it.  This was our first snow a couple of weeks ago, one minute we had nothing and within the our the ground was covered.  Yes he is growing like a weed.

Oliver was outside with his mom and dad running and playing, his dad said he was mostly interested in the cars.  Oliver will be two the first of May, boy how time flies.  I hate I have not been on my blog since this past novmember, I just don't know were time goes, just doesn't seem to be enough of it lately.  I got sick right after the photo shoot with a sinus infection from hell, just could not shake it.  And then hubby got sick right before  christmas, had to sleep in his recliner for two weeks, and then finally after the first of the year we were finally better.  Just alot going on with working, keeping Oliver and just day to day living.  And of course 3 weeks ago my migraines kicked back in can't seem to get rid of them also.  But on a brighter note, spring is coming, my sister and I went up to Nanbrook farm spring open house this past friday, loaded up on spring flowers and of course a prim bunny.  Spring just can't get  here fast enough this year, started putting out a few items in the house in mid-february.  Looking forward to this saturday, will be going up to The Rusty Relic and Country Heart for their spring open houses, so lots of new spring goodies are coming to my house, can't wait.  Also planning a trip this month to Kingsport,Tn to visit with my friend Bonnie who has a shop, Primitive Gatherings, can't wait to see all her spring goodies and to have a visit with her, she is always so sweet, makes my hubby and I a cup of coffee, just a nice visit with a friend and browsing through her shop for a couple of hours.  Well need to get started with getting caught up around the house, miss everyone so much, have to get caught up with everyone on their blogs.  I hate I didn't get my winter house up on my blog, but I am planning on showing some of my spring arrangements and some things I have been doing to shake up my house.  So everyone take care, Hugs Vicky

Fall Photo Shoot and Oliver walking

 Having problems loading pictures today, wanted to give you 2 for 1.  Anyway about the photo shoot, everything went really well, Bill and Gloria, well it was like having good old friends come by and spend the day with you.  They arrived at 8:30 and proceeded to start in the kitchen, they took two pictures in there.  Gloria didn't bring things to add in, she did pull a fabric pumpkin to add to a display I had in there, the editor wanted a real big fall display in there, she then lit candles I had, I think this picture will turn out so well.  It took almost all morning to do the kitchen I have a long and narrow one, not a lot of room in there.  They took 1 picture in the master bedroom, 2 in my sewing room, 1 in Oliver's room, 1 corner in my den and 5 photos in my liv/den area.  They said my house was very photogenic and they loved how th light came in in the living room.  I am so glad I did this, no regrets, just a relaxing day with them, it took until around 4:30 that afternoon.  They are always on the look out for houses, if you feel like this is something you would like to do you can email me and I will get you in touch with Bill and Gloria.  Still do not know which issue, the editor will decide, either the Home Tour edition or the fall issue, will let you know.

 Hard to tell I had a photo shoot the day before, yes Oliver is back, you can see all his toys in the background.

 Oliver has to turn and sit and then stand up to get in my kitchen, his grandpa helped him learn how.

 Oliver is on the move to see what he can find to get into, loves his new freedom, walks around all day.

 His favorite pasttime is doors, love to open and close them, ok just too cute, I really miss the little guy when I don't have him.

 Yes he just loves to help his Nana rearrange her primitives, he is really good about my stuff he knows what no means.

Still on the move, I think the only time he is still is while he naps.  I hope everyone has a great time with their family and friends next week, families are always very special.  I am starting to put up my winter decorating, yes all the pumpkins are coming down.  I will have a winter tour of my house sometime in early december.  Everyone take care, Hugs Vicky

Date with Country Sampler

I have a date with Country Sampler its going to be November 8th.  I got a call before Labor Day asking if I decorate for fall, seems like they needed another house, one had fallen through, yes I told her I decorate for fall like most people decorate for Christmas, so I resubmitted pictures and they are coming for a fall photo shoot now.  Yikes and its getting close, so much to do and so little time, going to be working on the outside some this week, its going to be around 80 this week, what happened to fall.  Next week I am moving to the inside to clean really good temps are going to be in the 60's next week good fall cleaning weather.  So here is a little taste of my fall decorating, my house is decked out like it has never been before.  As for the rest of the fall decorating you will have to wait until the magazine comes out.    I would like to thank Betty Crowe for giving my blog link to Bill Mathews the photographer, none of this would be happening if it were not for
Betty.  If you have never been on Betty's blog you are in for a treat, its like going by a dear friends house for a cup of coffee.  Her blog is Through my back door, so stop by and enjoy a visit with Betty.  On another note Oliver is walking yes he is rearranging my cabinets and is loving his new freedom, will have to get some new pictures up soon of Oliver.  He is also going to be representing the March of Dimes this time, he is going to be attending a fund raising this coming sunday, a black tie event, he is going to be wearing a little tux.  There will be other events that he will attend and then next April when we have the walk for the March of Dimes we will be leading the walk off.  Well need to get started on some yard work today and some window wasing, just wanted to let everyone know what has been going on with me the last couple of months, everyone take care, will let you know what issue it will be in either next fall or the home tour edition.  Hugs Vicky

Garden Tour

 Gardens nourish the soul, a sign I have hanging in my garden, and I really believe that is true.  Every spring I can't wait to get into my flower gardens and see what has come back from last year and what I can add for the coming season.  I hope you enjoy my little gardens spread out throughout my yard.

 Added a bench in the back of this long fenced area on the side of my house.  I added one of my favorite birdhouses on top, you can just barely see it peaking through.  I love all the purples and yellows I added this year.

 This is just below the last picture, just  right before you enter the back yard.  Some of my tall phlox didn't come back here this year, the corner in the back was just full of them last year, need to think of something tall to go in maybe this fall, so it will be back in the spring.  Love the old looking bird feeder, just adds the right height to this bed.  Throught out my garden you will see lots of signs I have collected, some read, bumble bee crossing,  To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow, and olde garden tools, I am always on the lookout for garden signs they add so much to a garden.

 This large planter sits in an area where I have a bench area next to the fireplace chimney.  This area gets changed out with the seasons.  So glad I took this picture a few weeks ago, this large planter of flowers, well it didn't make it through the very hot days we have had, can't wait to fill it with pansies.  This area is one of my favorite places to sit outside, just too hot this summer to do so.  I plan to make up for lost time this fall.

 This bed sits at the corner of driveway.  I had changed it some this year, added stepping stones, they have dragon flies on them and made a little path to the birdbath.

This is a very large bed that sits in my front yard.  I have all sorts of seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the season here, along with some large pots added for interest.  You can barely see the little blue wagon that sits in the front of this bed, it is up next to a tree.  I love to put pumpkins in it for the fall season.  Well just a few of my flower beds this year, there is one in the back of the house I didn't get to this year, it turned so hot, I had to stop being outside.  I hopefully will get back in them this fall for some redoing while you can still buy some flowers before winter.  This time of the year my beds start looking a little over grown, it is so humid and hot here in the south, and I have asthma, so it prevents me from being outside, can't wait to the cooler time of the year when I can be outside again playing in my flower beds, nourishing my soul.  Everyone stay cool,   Vicky