The "Treasures" on the Farm

Tradition: The week after Christmas there is a "Ho Down" at the Hampton farm in Missouri!

Oh... and it's crazy... crazy fun! I think the most we fit in the small farm house was 30 people at once and maybe it slept 23 the night before :). Talk about intimate... no cell service, no cable, no internet... 100% quality time with everyone for a week! Woo I think I could without talking for at least a week now!!! But, it was great! While we were at it... us-ins sister-in-laws decided not to sit around all week... so you ask what we did? Oh yes, we scavenged the old houses on PaPa's farms. They were great grandparents houses... and boy did we find some treasures!!!

So below enjoy looking through some of the good, the crazy, and the treasures that we found in Missouri!

Of course... the trip included LOTS of pictures... here is one of many!

The infamous... Hampton Farm House... yes this is where nearly 23 people SLEPT one night!

Here are the wonderful PaPa and Grandma Hampton, we love them dearly!

Did I mention, we play cards... A LOT!

While the women scavenged... the men cut down wood for the furnace!

Oh and must we mention the horribly embarrassing make-up lessons that took place! Let's just say, I got lots to learn... and buy! :)

And the dishes... and the culprates! Cheryl and Grandma had a blast cooking... with EVERY utensil and pot available...

...and we had the joys of clean up! But oh was her cooking worth it!!!

The run down great grandparents houses... we tore through! Beautiful antiques!

And for the fun....

Oh and the treasures...

Papa Hampton looked at us like we were crazy for getting all this stuff... but, we told him... oh just wait til you see what we turn this into!

Geesh we got lots of stuff! Thanks to the Manuels... they brought a trailor :)

Oh I can't wait to DIY all of this goodness!!!

Did I mention we crafted A LOT while we were there too :) so fun!!! And don't you love the Crafts N Trends Bow in her hair :)

And the WHOLE crew... yea we hardly all fit on the porch :)

And then just the two of us! We LOVE the farm!

Stay tuned for the DIY's to stem from this!!!

Christmas Time is Here...

Ok, so I am a little late on posting decor pics of my house and the posed picture of Parker mounting the star on the tree... but, believe me, it has been aseason to remember!

HAHA HIS FACE LOOKS LIKE HE IS STRUGGLING!

The start of December was me with this awful flu strand... yes it lasted a WHOLE week, even caused us to have to postpone our Christmas Party. Anyways... got through that, then spent a day in the hospital with my poor hubby who totaled my car (not

his fault by the way)... praise the Lord he is fine and backin working order :). I am in constant praise for his life these days, each moment is so very precious. Oh, did I mention we got the "move forward" to go to North Africa/Spain from our church...? Yea, we leave in January (stay tune for updates). So, im telling ya, it has been a whirlwind.

But, for now enjoy these pics... they take me back over the couple weeks... entirely glorifying our Father, for life, blessings, family, friends, and each other!

OUR FIRST VILLAGE!

YAY IT IS FINISHED... AND IT THERE IS A FEW PRESENTS :)

OUR LITTLE FAMILY!

"Where We Came From" Wall

My ongoing project in my room is finally COMPLETE! I am so thrilled to finally be able to post this! My husband is very sentimental... as I am too (he would just beg to differ). He is sentimental in the little things (all things), and I am more sentimental with few things! But, we both hold very dear to our hearts "Where we came from..." our family!

Therefore, when I had a huge open wall available in my room, I knew the project would be this: find all the pictures possible from both of families of where we came from... grandparents, great grandparents, parents, etc... anything and everything! The oldest pictures that could be found, were found.

So lets get started on how this all started and how it panned out...

First of all was the picture frame search. As many of you shoppers out there know, frames aren't cheap. My first SCORE was going to a garage sell many months ago and landing about 10 picture frames at .$10 each! So, for a $1 my project had officially started!

Then, I took a $2 can of off-white spray paint (to match our colors in our room), carefully took out all the glass pieces, and began spraying!

Ok, after that was complete they hung empty on my wall and out of the wall for a while. I knew this would be a time consuming project and wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to tackle it!

We had made a trip back in June to NC for a wedding and in the mean time was able to stop in and see Parker's family. Me and his mom (Cheryl) had a great time one evening looking through tons of pictures and scanning my favorites. That was one more step in progress (slowly coming along)...

Then for my pictures, I waited til my mom had some time to look through pictures with me and we had a great time of laughing through memories and missing loved ones as we saw them. What beautiful thing it is that we are able to have pictures to reminisce on! I love Pictures!!!

With a few steps left to do, I knew they would be the most challenging ones... so I waited til I had a long morning and sure enough... this past Saturday Parker was working, I was caught up on the house and on hair bows... so I began to tackle the next steps! After going through pictures I quickly realized that 10 frames was not enough.. so I had to get more so I first went to Goodwill (first Saturday of the month the whole store is 50% off) and I was able to get about 11 more picture frames!

Well, I then came home, measured each frame and carefully marked how many pictures of each size I would need (TIME CONSUMING!). After that was complete I printed pictures off.... and I was soooo close to being done!

I contemplated spray painting all the frames off white, and then I thought it may give an eclectic look if I don't spray the new frames, so I didn't... I collaged the pictures on the floor like I wanted and carefully hung them each on the wall! And almost with tears in my eyes, the project was finished... I can't go in my room without loving on that wall! It is more than just a wall... It is Where We Came From!

(Oh and do you like my chandelier? Craigslist find for $15!!!)

Thanks for hanging with me on this post... I know it was long, but I had to share the details since I have been waiting SO long to finish this and share!

Happy Fourth of July

July Fourth is held dear to me in more than one way. First and foremost, our God founded country was given freedom on this day in 1776, allowing Americans to experience freedom for 235 years. This is beautiful every time I travel to distant countries that are living in bondage to government officials, when I open the Word of God with my friends in a coffee shop, or simply am given the right as a woman to vote and walk the streets if I desire. Freedom should not be taken for granted. May we all on this day, on this weekend, remember what July 4th is really about!

Secondly, it was 11 years ago today that my hero, my mother's father, and my papa passed away. He was a dear and precious man who lived life to the fullest always with a smile on his face. I can remember time and time again of his refreshing spirit making a gloomy day bright. He was just that kind of man. He was my papa. He was part of fighting for keeping our freedom in World War 2, aboard the USS Wisconsin as a navy seal. Not only was that why he was considered my here but also that he was a husband to my dear Mema and a father to five beautiful woman, his heart was always for others best interest and for lost souls. He will always be remembered and loved... especially on this weekend of July Fourth.

I do hope you have a wonderful and safe Holiday as we remembered loved ones, those who fought for our freedom, and celebrate the freedom we can experience because of that.

Before I leave you today... I want to leave a few great ideas for decorating for the Fourth if you are scavenging around and stressing before your big party tomorrow!

"A Bit of Sunshine" brings us a unique and creative idea for a Stars and Stripes Banner.

Check out the HOW TO HERE. It is simple... and CHEAP! YAY! I hope you enjoy!

I personally have tried this flag cake recipe and it is delicious... Taste of Home brings us there very own recipe and it is creative and fun for the Fourth. Check out how to make it HERE.

Lastly, Check out these nifty and creative ideas, found on "Young House Love", to spice up not only your food and decor, but also your dress and paper goods :) I love it! I almost wish I were home this weekend to do some of these fun things... but I will settle for vacation in Florida!

Enjoy!

Happy Fourth of July! Enjoy the family, friends, weather, food and fellowship, and the Freedom we have to experience these things!