Living Room Re-do (Part 3)

I'm finally getting to enjoy the fruits of my labors -- and I really do like the colors,
and atmosphere,

and the dramatic change that has taken place over the last three months.


My previous posts will show the part 1 and part 2 of my first home project, so you can make the comparison. I know I will be switching plants and photos around somewhat in the future, but otherwise, there's not much room to change the larger pieces. I tried to keep to a small budget, by re-using pictures, and candle holders, and the oval area rug; but enjoyed finding a few new, but inexpensive accents as well.


The hallway is still not completed -- I at least got the cupboard doors off this past Saturday, and the bottom trim touched up. I'm thinking of painting the drawers and doors, as I have tired of their stain color (it's possible it is original for this home :)

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 25th

So, I found this site (and challenge?) last week, and decided to take on the weekly post. Why? Even though I think of myself as introspective, I don't think I allow enough time to think and observe about my life and surroundings.

I also am always looking for ways to keep up with regular posting. I still have my niece's wedding reception pictures and stories to add, as well as a picture taking session with my daughter and grandson earlier this month.

Anyway, here are my thoughts for this Monday (evening :))
Monday, August 25, 2008
Outside My Window... Gray and white clouds against a blue Montana sky
I am thinking...i’m tired of hot weather. We set another record today
I am thankful for...God’s amazing and abundant grace in my life.
From the kitchen...fresh cucumber salad and leftover chinese
I am wearing... shorts and a striped polo shirt
I am creating...a new picture file…
I am reading... a walk with Jane Austen by Lori Smith
I am hoping...for cooler weather tomorrow
I am hearing...the hum of my neighbor’s air conditioner
Around the house... my living room makeover is almost complete – woo hoo!!
One of my favorite things...The U.S. Open – 40 year anniversary memories :)
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Perry and Karen’s lunch with staff to tell us about their work in the Middle East.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

We be blessed!!!

The Wedding

Monday was a long-awaited day of worship and celebration, as my niece (beautiful bride!) began a new season in her life.

The ceremony was wonderfully intimate, as my niece has been an important part of our church for most of her life. She knows the pastor well, and all of his delivery was very personal, which was touching. I'm thankful for the Lord providing such a caring shepherd - his happiness is evident in the final moments of the service.


The groom's grandfather blessed the couple by reading from Scripture.

After making the initial exit down the aisle, the husband and wife then returned to greet each of their guests as they left the sanctuary.


I always enjoy the spirited singing by the congregation and the song choices reflect a lot about the participants. Their first song choice was "How Great Thou Art," and I observed two male family members near me, wiping away a tear, which once again reminded me that the Lord is working in each moment of worship.

There were many family and church members in attendance, as well as friends and former coworkers, verbally affirming their care for the couple during the ceremony (at the couple's request), as well as by their joy.



More celebration, feasting and fun to follow in my next post...

Saturday morning coffee

This past Saturday, our family enjoyed a coffee at my older sister's home. The occasion was a pre-function gathering for my niece's wedding.

Things I love about the coffee times:

3-5 conversations happening at once

A chance to share the most recent family pictures

A chance to share "new" news, with the greatest amount of family present

A chance to honor my father and mother, as they enjoy the gatherings more
than anyone else :)

So, the mother of the bride requested a picture of her daughter with her two older cousins (aka the "Three Musketeers")
This next picture shows the activity of the last 10 years - the addition of three spouses and another very cute, little cousin.

Another picture with the bride's siblings and sibling spouse did not turn out :( -- and another cousin left before the picture taking session.

Lights out

Friday night, about 9:30 pm, the lights went out in my home - okay, the lights, tv, computer and FANS went out on the day we reached 100 degrees.

So, earlier in the week, I had opened and enjoyed my shipment of candles from these good folks - they really became good folks because they allowed me to light the important rooms in my home, as, before their shipment, I would have had only two pillar candles. It is especially funny to me that the candles were purchased mainly for their color and decorative appeal for my living room makeover
-- and their greatest value ended up being their usefulness (and what they have been intended for over time - LIGHT)

Anyway, I wholeheartedly support this company, and got to prove in one night, how excellent their tapers and floating candles performed.

It also allowed me the memory of how I used to enjoy the "lights out" time with my children; as it allowed us to play a game, or tell stories, anything outside of our electric or electronic world ... and find the flashlight and candles.

A Family Affair

Even though I don't usually have a summer agenda, I do usually know of certain key events which will take place in that 3 month span. Saying that, each summer seems to also provide at least one "surprise" event to my non-agenda.

This summer, it was a Karls family gathering, in honor of the patriarch of the Karls clan - that would be Franklin, who will be turning 90 years young this October. Because many of the Montana family would not be able to attend the California celebration in October, it was decided to have a separate gathering while Franklin was visiting Montana in August.

So, Saturday afternoon found at least 50 people arriving at his niece Marian, and her husband Pat's home. Franklin knew of the gathering, but was surprised to see additional cousins and even classmates and neighbors from his boyhood days in Stillwater County, Montana.

This banner showed individual and family photos, including the Karls homestead home, in the upper right corner.

Franklin, (in the Karls King hat) with Don Karls (a nephew) and his daughter, Kathy Karls. Kathy is the oldest - and Don the youngest, of the grandchildren of Casper Karls (Franklin's father.)

John Maxwell, Franklin's classmate, and his son, Mike Maxwell.

My mom and Ted Schuman, a neighbor and friend of both the Karls and Lutgen families.

Franklin with his nephew, Joe Karls. Some of Joe's six grandchildren were at the birthday party - and Franklin's comments showed an amazing knowledge of each generation.

...and talent abounds. One of Franklin's nieces sang a song with humorous and touching lyrics that fit Franklin's life, to the melody of "Forever Young."

I was pleased to accompany my own parents, John and Cecelia, pictured here with Franklin.

What a fitting honor to an attentive and generous uncle, who, following his own brothers' passing, has cared for this clan with love.