Months of Sadness and Happiness

Oh boy......where do I even begin. I've been away for so long. When your college daughter says you've not posted in forever, you know that's an issue. That they take time to read this silly thing, makes me happy!

Well, my last post was when the hubby, daughter #2 and her fiance, and I headed to Spokane for the fabulous Farm Chick show. It was amazing to say the least. Found some wonderful treasures...as did Christina! Got a chance to see a few smiling faces I've come to meet over the years! That was as much fun as the show! Just hoping next year's show isn't the same weekend as Chris' graduation from high school!

You know how summer is.....kids home from college and out of school, everyone working summer jobs, lots of yardwork, spending lots of time with grandson, Peyton and just plain farm life! Really can't even begin to tell you what we did......it's been so long ago!

August started off with a bang. Getting ready for fair week....which means being second in command at our church food booth! And then life throws you something you weren't ready for....Joe's sister died suddenly from a massive heart attack at 47. No warning signs....nothing. Joe's family is so close.....closer than most families I know. Well when tragedies strike....this family rallies. Within hours everyone was home! And let me tell you....it's been hard....extremely hard. She has 3 kids, 19, 17. and 15 and a husband that's not sure where life's going. It's not fair....everyone's grieving and still asking why. I guess that's normal...whatever normal is.

Now we're watching the final stages of lung cancer take another one close to our family. She's like another Grandma to my kids and my mother-in-laws best friend. What a ferocious disease this is!

But with all sadness...comes happiness. We all got to come together in September to watch Christina and Patrick get married. It was such a bright spot after so much sadness. Wedding chaos was good to keep our minds on track. And what a wedding it was..... rain doesn't damper this family.

Now everyone is settling back into normal routines. Whatever that is... Christina and Pat bought a foreclosed house. So painting and cleaning are on the top of my list of to do's. The twins are back at school...both at Oregon State. Yeah!!! And definitely loving it! Chris is a senior in high school. Brian's home working on the farm and will finish up his degree Winter term. Jenn and Mike are expecting a baby girl in December. Peyton is the apple of our eye. Grandpa is in a blissful state whenever he's here!

And me....not really sure what's next? A trip with the fantastic girlfriends to Omaha in November for sure! But after this kind of year, I'm not taking anything for granted! Kinda looking at life through a whole new set of eyes. What's really important???? Family and Friends. That's where my priorities are!!!!

xoxo
Lonnie

Look Out Spokane...here we come!

Boy what a busy last couple of weeks. I have so much to share with you guys.

First my trip to California and then hand surgery.

But it'll have to wait....this takes center stage this weekend!

I'm ready for a fun-filled weekend of shopping, relaxing and seeing old and new friends!

Catch ya next week!

xoxo

Lonnie

Sunny California Weekend

Off to sunny California tomorrow morning for a busy weekend of teaching at Gilding the Lily.

A little heavenly store in Fullerton, CA full of all things wonderful.

You can spend hours and hours looking through every little box of treasures....

I always manage to come home with some fabulous finds!

I'll be teaching these two pieces

Spending Friday night at the Crescendoh launch party in Orange, California.

Can't wait to see what Jenny Doh and her team have up their sleeve!

She's starting something amazing with "Art Saves"
I always forget to take the camera out of the bag and snap pictures.

Hoping I'm better at it this weekend.

xoxo

Lonnie

My Jewelry Fix

I've been searching for some new display pieces for jewelry and just hadn't found what I wanted. Well while at the thrift shop the other day I found this....well not exactly like this.

It was originally a gold painted mirror. Voila...a little white paint and some linen and Adorable.

Definitely what I wanted!

Thought I'd share what I've been working on lately.

Remember the mini paintings from the previous post...

well here's what I did with a few of them.

And a few different ideas for the class I'm teaching at Gilding The Lily next week.

Can't wait to be back in California....where the sun shines all the time.
Can't wait to see everyone again.

Love teaching at that place and surrounded by all the beautiful goodies.
Hope to see you there!

Hope you'd enjoyed the little glimpse of a few of the things I've been keeping myself busy with.

Lots and lots more to come! I think I'm on a roll!!!

xoxo

Lonnie

Oh Decisions....

Oh goodness do I need some help. Fabric swatch samples came today for the couch I bought at the rummage sale. They all have a linen look background.

Hmm...I like the brown. Maybe with the main part of the couch the floral and the seat cushions dark brown.

Or do I love the linen back lighter patterns better? Oh decisions...

Will it hold up to kids, grandkids and dogs?

Let me know what you think.

Here's the couch below.

Come on girls...don't let me down. Let me know what you'd do!

xoxo

Lonnie

A Great Day...with the Kids

What a wonderfully sunny Mother's Day!

The kids and I went for a Mom's day breakfast at one of our fave's,

Alices Country House.

Spent the morning laughing, chatting and of course eating. I love it when everyone is home and we can have some major family time. Just wish Joe could have been there to enjoy it with us. He'll be home tomorrow from Belgium.

I can't believe what amazing adults these kids are becoming.

I'm so proud of the paths they have taken and are setting out to take.

I am truly blessed that God has had a part in their destiny

and they welcome him with open arms.

Who would have thought 25 years ago I'd have

6 kids, 2 son-in-laws (Patrick almost) and a grandson.

I am one thankful Mom to have such a fantastic family!

They'd step up to the plate for anyone who needed it.

And what would our family be without another one of our favorite pics!

We're pretty sure Chris wasn't saying the pledge of allegiance...but with him you never know.

Still gotta work on those son-in-laws. They don't quite get it yet!

Maybe next year!!

Thanks for the fantastic day kids.

Your Momma loves you bunches.

xoxo

Lonnie

Mother's Day Blessings

No better picture depicts my kids than this picture. This is their true form.

I'm so thankful to have children that make me laugh, make me cry and make me proud!

Didn't ever think I get to this spot......they're almost all grown up!

Makes me kind of sad.

They've turned in to some pretty amazing people.

Thanks guys for letting me know...I did good!!!

xoxo

Mom