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Archive for the ‘Ect.’ Category

Pinterest Power

Posted in diy, Ect., tagged , , on October 14, 2011| 1 Comment »

True confession time:  I spend WAY too much time on pinterest.  It’s almost an addiction.  I justify it by saying it inspires me and reminds me that there is much beauty in the world.  It feels good to do something with all that inspiration:  I redid my fall mantle yesterday.

We made this family tree with handprints after seeing a similar one on pinterest.

 It’s messy, wild, and has my babies handprints- love it!

Fall Indian corn arrangement via Aunt Suzan and Sycamore Springs Farm.

Candy Corn hurricane glasses via pinterest.  Need wider candles but just used what I had.

Never met a bunting I didn’t like.   Super fun to make.

Today my heart is full, I’m counting my blessings:

 sleeping late, Joey made coffee, fall break, time to create and breath and just be.  God’s gifts all.

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Sycamore Springs Hayride and Pumpkin Patch

Posted in Ect., tagged , , on October 2, 2011| Leave a Comment »

This weekend was spent on our family farm at Sycamore Springs in Allardt, Tn (near Jamestown) 931-879-5526.

Here is the view from the hayride of the tree house, new trees, and pumpkin put-put in the background.

Every Friday 4-7 and Saturday 2-7 in October are open to the public.  Field trips and parties by reservation.

We rode through the Tennessee trail to one of the five pumpkin patches.

It was the quintessential fall activity to help the kids find the perfect pumpkin.

Team Thompson on the hayride

Wreaths, gourds, butternut squash, and Indian corn are available.

The white polar bear pumpkins were a favorite of A and G’s .

Tom Turkey is our mascot.

My kids were able to convince Grandmama to ride the Pumpkin express.  Corn hole, put-put, gravel Tonka pile, old-fashioned games, fire circle for s’mores, and gift shop are available.  I’m biased but it’s really worth the drive!  I’ll throw in spiced cider for our Farragut friends who make the drive!

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Happy Fall

Posted in Ect. on September 17, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Today, I’m loving autumn: The last of the garden’s produce

My to do list crafted by a first grader

Camping in the back yard with s’mores and fire circle

Pumpkins from Sycamore Spring Farms.

Sweet graces of Autumn.

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Thankful kinda Feeling

Posted in Ect. on September 5, 2011| 2 Comments »

As I was cleaning up supper tonight, it hit me.  Waves of gratitude over rainbow dirty dishes.  We had just finished a meal that a thoughtful friend had delivered.  My family was safe, well feed, and home for the night.

Ava and Graham were playing together and lost in fairy, castle, Lego world.  No fighting was miraculous indeed.

As I glanced at flowers from yet another kind, precious friend.  My heart felt so full of thanks.  Often I am bitter, cynical, weary although God has given me so much.  There is always grace all around me.  I wanted to document my gratefulness and remember the goodness of this day, this moment.  Will you join me in this simple praise of thanks?  God’s mercies abound, if only I will notice.

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Artsy-Smartsy

Posted in diy, Ect., tagged on August 29, 2011| 2 Comments »

One of the display pieces from the shop has been repurposed for our resident artists.

I want the kids to know that art and seeking/making beauty isn’t a every now and then thing.  Art without mess, something I haven’t mastered.

 It’s been a hard week.  Our son is having some health issues.  The shop lease is up and I’m not renewing it.  Work is in full swing with many demands.  I have been focusing on the gray.  I want to see the beauty of God in this real, gritty sometimes crazy life of mine.  I need new eyes and a renewed heart.  His handy work is all around me.  Maybe this new art caddy is more for me than the kids.

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Turquoise, Red, and Lime, oh my!

Posted in diy, Ect., tagged on August 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I was asked to do a tablescape for a women’s luncheon at church.

The red, turquoise, and lime make me smile.  Love them together.

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Simple Simon

Posted in Ect., Foodie Goodness, tagged on August 13, 2011| 1 Comment »

After two weeks back at work, I’m exhausted!  I was too tired to cook and going out with the kids seemed like way too much effort.  Olives, apples, grapes, tomato, and basil with rustic bread, havarti, manchego, and cheddar.  So very simple and so very good.

I’m working to simplify several areas of life right now.  I’ve decided to focus on the consulting and staging aspect of Design Narrative and discontinue the retail shop for now.  It was a fun ride but a retail platform isn’t the best fit for my life.

 I wonder why less really is more in so many ways.  I’m attempting to be more mindful about my commitments and expectations (not easy for a classic type A, just give me the outline, multi-tasker).  After reading Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts, I realize how much I need to grow in being really present and aware of the grace of now.  Not when the goal is in hand, house finished, five years down the road, or five pounds lighter but now in this day.  Simon says: Simple. Ah that wise Simon.

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Summer Celebration

Posted in Ect. on July 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »

I’m trying to soak up the last bit of summer.  My full time job gears up again on Monday.  I’m trying to combat the knot in stomach about not knowing my school assignments (never know until the first day of contract) with prayer.  I know August will bring changes for our family as we enter into a new season.  So glad God’s grace is already there and trying to keep that in mind.

This week we took A to her swim team banquet.  Village Green had an undefeated season and won both the Smokey Mountain and City Meets!  Go Gators!

A’s trophy is for participation.  She had a great season but was definitely a rookie.  It’s olympic gold to her.  Kind of makes those hours by the pool worth while.

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Artful Living

Posted in Baby Boos, diy, Ect. on July 21, 2011| Leave a Comment »

My kids love to create.   We have an art cabinet, an art basket,  art buckets, and a craft bar (post for another day).

We were up to our ears in artwork.  Raise your hand if you’ve had to sneak your kid’s papers into the trash late at night.  I came up with this solution for our kitchen.  I used a curtain rod and sliding clips we already had.  The masterpieces are changed out every few days.

Just a few of the creations this week

A made this mask with grosgrain ribbon today.   I think she was going for purple gorilla look.

Watercolor by G.


A circa 2006.

A vintage 2010.

A’s handy work vintage 2008.  These paintings make me smile every time I walk past.  It fits my design philosophy of using what you love in your home.  Each time I look at these it reminds me of the little hands and perspectives that designed them.  I’m striving to really appreciate my children’s story as it unfolds.   I’m so very grateful to be part of it.

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Fiesta 2011

Posted in Ect. on July 18, 2011| 2 Comments »

What’s a southern girl to eat on her birthday?  Why Mississippi Mud Cake of course!

Sweet A brought me this fabulously wrapped package.

Inside was her prized possession, purple sparkle nail polish.  Later she clarified that my gift was the right to use her polish.  So basically I got a time share for purple sparkle nail polish-best present ever!  Love that girl.

Chocolate Fettuccine- This is bliss.  Chocolate crepes, berries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.   My all time fav dessert.  My family knows my love language is chocolate!

Parents and sister surprised me with this funky, fun Fiesta ware.  I love it!

Guaranteed fun with five kids 6 and under.

Thinking of submitting this to Awkward Family Photos.

It was a great day.  I am blessed.

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