Summer Musings

Happy August, Friends!
Yesterday, I had a summer-is-almost-over awakening! Even though I had flipped the calendar into August just a few days before, the thought jolted me. I AM NOT READY!
Are you ready?

 

One of our favorite ways to spend summer is swim. My husband loves playing with the girls in the pool. It's always so much fun when they can "carry" him in the water. 

So many giggles go into that. 

What has filled your summer days? 

We've also been blessed to have two extra kiddos with us this summer. A previous co-worker contacted me at the end of the school year to see if I would watch her kiddos for the summer months. It works out that they are the same age as my two. They've had a built in play date for the warm months.

That has brought much fun and laughter as the kids run around chasing each other, throwing water balloons, swimming and doing crazy-fun kid stuff.

I hope you experience some laughter and fun before August leads us into September. I'm trying to sponge up every bit of sunshine and fun I can.
Tammy

Saying Good Bye ...

You think that you'll never do it again. Once hurt, twice shy kinda thing. Have you been there?
We have been hosting Chinese elementary students in our home for four years now. After the first time I said I can't do this again.
You take two lovely people into your home and then think you can just say good - bye after a week or two. Not that easy. It's an emotional roller coaster for sure.

But each time the email comes around and they are in need of host families, we are one of the first to sign up. My girls take turns offering up their bedrooms. They say they don't want to do it again, but every time they are all giggly over their new - found friends. They don't want them to leave. Good byes are hard and long. 

This year I had the privileged of leading the group. I was so honored to be able to communicate to the whole group (33 students and 3 chaperones) through a Chinese/American translator. We taught daily English classes and then toured our local hot spots. It was so much fun! We only lost a student once! HA! Her friend left her behind as she noticed the time and poor Tina (her American name) was stuck in a mall with 10's of entrances. Finally I tracked a slightly shaken Chinese teenager down.

They come to learn the language and get a taste of your culture. One year our "daughters" made us a traditional Chinese dish of rice and chicken. We'll never forget the two pound bag of MSG bought at the local Asian store for the meal. They said they had to have it. They used one table spoon for the dish. We promptly through it away when they left. HA!

In general the kids have always been very polite and cooperative. They "try" our American sandwiches and cereals, but if you ask them if they want Ramen noodles or white rice they are quick to take you up on it.

I love hosting the students because they are not as inhibited as the adults. They will tell you if they like something or don't. Even if their culture is not that up front.

Even though it was very hard to say good bye again this time, I would do it all over again. I can hardly wait until next summer!
Until then, my Chinese friends.
Tammy

Missing China

Happy Monday!

I've had one of the greatest weeks of my life recently! I spent it touring 33 Chinese students and their chaperones around Pennsylvania.

More Pictures and stories to come! Now I need to catch up on some much needed rest!
Tammy

Victorian Lady

Hello Dear Friends --
How's your summer going?
You know how I've found it fun to name the furniture pieces I've found? Well I have another one for you!
Meet Victoria!

My sister found this Victorian beauty along the curb and rescued her. I'm always amazed at what people throw away! She had plans to paint her until I offered to buy her. 

Here she is at the head of the table. I think I will eventually give her a fresh coat of white. For now, she's all scrubbed and looking a little tattered in some places.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Tammy 

Chevron Basket

Still at it, my friends.
I gave this little basket a bit of a makeover. I was in need of some Chevron around my living room. This is what I came up with. Like?

Behind this wall is our hall closet. It's always been a bit of a problem. It's very deep, with two large platforms. I've never really known how to best organize it and so over the years it's become somewhat of a dumping ground.
Today I took the rod from my daughter's closet to see if it would fit in here. It does! And with that one little fix we are able to store so many extra coats and jackets.

I love me an organizational project. How about you? Do you like to organize? What have you organized lately?
Happy July 4th weekend my friends!
 
stars and stripes forever,
Tammy

Have I held you in suspense long enough?
I wish I could tell you I found an envelop of money in the drawers of Cecelia, but instead it was three BIG, Black Wolf spiders!!!!!!

The first one was found coming out of a drawer in my drive way as I hoisted Cecelia out of my jeep. (I was so thankful when I discovered the spider outside of my car and not IN my car especially as I was driving!!!!)
The second one also snuck out of one of the drawers while I was cleaning her off. But the third one ran across the floor in my sun room as I finally dislodged the two bottom drawers that were jammed shut.

The Wolf spiders move lightening fast! I was both surprised and horrified! Thankfully with help from my youngest we caught and ousted the last one.
I've been moving Cecelia all around the house for the best fit. First I had her in the sun room and then to my kitchen to add some color there. I used C.C. Caldwell's Chalk Paint on her to give her some nice shabby appeal. Do you like?

But now she is back in the sun room at the far end of my farm table. I like her there. Although lately I couldn't help but think of her as my dresser in my bedroom. Maybe another day (sigh).

I'm dying to show you these DARLING little suitcases I painted. I got them at the Luckett's Fair and used C.C. Caldwell's Chalk paint in Vintage White. I have a few more touches to add and I'll be sharing them here!
Take Care my friends!
Tammy

CECELIA

Warm and rainy greetings, dear friends!

I promised you a story on Cecelia! And a story you shall get!

Her story (yes, I'm referring to a piece of furniture! HA) begins one sunny morning when my mom called me up to take the girls for a couple hours. So I was left with the abrupt question of, "Now what do I do?" Have you Mothers ever been in that situation? So much of our lives are wrapped around our children. I love it immensely, but every once in awhile a break is WONDERFUL!

So I grabbed my bike and off I pedaled for a four mile trek. Along a stream, through some woods, all the while gazing at houses that had to cost anywhere from $500,000 and more. I love looking at pretty things and so it was all together peaceful and exhilarating. 
That's when I spotted her!
The For Sale Sign on the house said $780,000. That included a marble spiral stair and open floor plan with all the amenities. But I was looking beyond that...... to Cecelia.
In all her brown, matte finish, pushed disrespectfully among some weeds along the roadside she stood out gleaming to me. AND SHE WAS FREE!
"Lord, if you will please keep her here until I can pedal home, I will be back for her." Doesn't God delight in the desires of our heart? HE PUT THEM THERE!!
Without any thought to picking her up and getting her into my jeep, I pedaled hard and fast.
There she was waiting for me as patiently as when we first met. Did I really expect any less from God?

But what I didn't expect is what I found
inside her.
More on that in a few days!
LOVE,
Tammy

DIY LOVE

Hello Dear Friends -- 
I hope this summer has been treating you well!
I have been SO enjoying the hot sun on my bare skin. Have you noticed in your part of the world how the sun languishes long into the early evening, making friends wherever he goes? I am trying to catch every warm ray! 

In the midst of enjoying the sun, I've been working on a few DIY projects. I wish I had some before pictures to show you. This chair had a white, caned back which ripped through right after we brought her home from market. I was so dismayed! I got to thinking about some burlap bags I picked up at a hardware store for .50 cents.

I ripped out the old caning and hot glued in part of the burlap bag I cut out to fit. I hot glued some braiding from the fabric store and she was done. What do you think? 
I've named her Isabelle. I'm very excited about the transformation!

This is her sister. Her back has lasted fine, but the seat fell through! Can you believe it? My man cut me a new bottom out of plywood. I am waiting for my new ruffled "skirt" to fit her like on Isabelle.

In the meantime I put together this book page table runner. Isn't she a beauty? I'm so excited about it! Her yellowed pages look perfect running down the long white farm table. They were meant to be! HA!

Since we are on the topic of book pages, I wanted to show you my book page wreath I made. It's my first one. I really like how it turned out! 
In the next post I want to share with you the story of Cecelia. She is my new blue dresser.
If there was ever a gift, she would be it. More to come! 
Love,
tammy

Hello Lovely Ladies --
I am just celebrating a Fabulous Spring day here in the Northeast. 82 degrees with an easy breeze. I so enjoyed hanging out on the patio with my three year old niece. What a priviledge and blessing!

I'm a little giddy over our new living room color. I've been longing to go all white throughout the house. My husband labored for a whole weekend until he got it just right. He's a perfectionist! I'm thankful. I am not!
I was so excited to get all the furniture and accessories back into the space. What do you think? Do you like it?

I love this shot with my chalkboard wall that leads into our kitchen. I've often thought of taking this wall out so it's all one big room. Don't think my honey will go for that.

Recently Beth Moore was in our area and I went to see her. It was fabulous, of course. I loved this sign at the event.

I hope you are enjoying some warm temperatures and balmy breezes wherever you call home.
Blessings,
Tammy

Spring!
Doesn't it put a bounce in your step? The clouds have moved apart to reveal the sun.
It's warm on your skin. You could just bask in it. And you do.
I feel like a sunflower at times that turns a yellow head to face the sun. I just want that warmth to refresh me. It's been so long.
Do you ever feel that way in life? The warm Spring sun reminds me of God's goodness. Of how he cares about me. Really cares about me and you!
I was given a devotional book recently called, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Have you seen it? I'm hearing wonderful things from people of how they have been refreshed by the energizing words that the author speaks. She uses Bible verses to speak hope and joy and peace.

Listen to this: " I love you regardless of how well you are performing.Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you are doing enough to be worthy of my love. No matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer to that question will always be no. Your performance and My love are totally different issues ... I love you with an everlasting love that flows out from eternity without limits or conditions."  As you can tell the author writes as if Jesus Himself is spaking directly to you. She ends each mini lesson with scripture verses that you can look up.

 I encourage you to get a copy! It will warm your soul like the sun on a fresh, Spring day.

I had to share my birthday cake with you. I wish you were right hear to have a piece. My sweet man made this zebra cake for me. Isn't he sweet!

Take care my friends!
Tammy

Satisfied!

Happy Spring, dear friends!

I wanted to share with you this warm and yummy dish I made tonight. It's one of those MEAT AND POTATOES meals that (all the) men I know want their wives to make. Trust me, ladies! This one is a keeper! Your guys will love you for it!
Now, I had to keep the cheese part of the meal a secret until after my man ate his fair share. Why? He is not a fan of swiss cheese. I never thought I was either.
But this ham and potato casserole changed all that!
Even my youngest daughter assured us repeatedly (when she saw it) that she didn't like it. (she had it once before) But somehow magically, she devoured not one, but two portions!
It's that good folks! When the kids and the husband like it, in my book, that's a keeper!!
So if you want this recipe, leave me a comment. I'll be sure to get it to you!

Enjoy your week!
Tammy

In Hot Pursuit

Dearest Friends  --
I've just learned something so wonderful I had to share it with you! 
Like, as soon as I read it!
Think back to when you were pursued. Chased. (not by a dog or police man. Think good thoughts!)
Stick with me here, this is so good I'm a bit giddy about it!
Are you remembering a guy you were sweet on when you were in school or college? Wasn't it wonderful to get his phone calls? His notes.  How about when he would drop by or give you unexpected surprises?
Weren't those times pure joy. You looked forward to his next advance. And the next.
And he was in hot pursuit!

Well, get this. God is in hot pursuit of you and me. Read Psalm 23:6 . "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life..."  To follow in the Hebrew is the word radaph. It means to run after. To chase. To pursue. TO HUNT YOU DOWN!
Are you getting this? God's goodness, his love (HE IS LOVE!!!) is pursuing you. He's hot on your trail.
Let this sink in ladies. Meditate on this. Rejoice in this very thought.
Our God, the very God of the universe seeks to follow you passionately. He loves you!! 
WOOHOOOOOO!!! Are you squeeling with me?
This is going to carry me through the next several days!! Maybe weeks. I'm like that.
Be blessed!
Tammy

If you are interested in reading more about Radaph visit A Holy Experience and read Ann Voskamp's full account of this wonderful word!

Fluffing

Hello Dear Friends --
How are you?

One of my favorite places to hang out is our local book store. They have a cozy cafe, which always seems full, and lots of decorating magazines and books to linger over for free!

I usually keep a small notebook in my bag just for writing down the ideas I see. Some ideas I go home and create into the late hours of the evening, others I put on my to do list.

Since this picture I painted a number five on my apple crate and changed out the desk chair to my white cane chair. It's amazing what the smallest detail will do.

We are supposed to be painting our living room and hallway area white this Spring. I keep debating it. I like the rich mocha color. But I've always dreamed of a creamy white and shabby living room. My furniture is a deep olive-brown micro fiber. I would love to cover it in white slip covers but I think that it would be more cost effective to buy new furniture. That's not going to happen!

Until then I keep pondering how I can make my own slip covers out of white drop cloths. I'm not a sewer! HA!

I love my new grey washed Paris clock. Not much else to say. (sigh)

She makes me happy.
What makes you happy?

Tammy