Sam's Retreat...

The latest project in our home these days is getting bedrooms rearranged and decorated. For the last 12 years our sons have shared a bedroom. Fortunately, we have always had a bedroom that has had plenty of room for them. We are now in the process of moving our daughter's room downstairs, so that meant her old bedroom was up for grabs.

After a flip of the coin and several discussions between the two boys, Sam moved into a new bedroom. It didn't take long for him to decide how he wanted the room decorated... All things Civil War.

What is really neat about his room is that we have several family heirlooms from this time period. The shadow box above the nightstand displays buttons from a coat and belt buckle which was worn by a relative that was a Second Lieutenant for the Union.

A Civil War quilt made by my Mom drapes the foot of the bed...

These built-in shelves in the closet hold books and photographs...

A new coat of paint and hardware on a dresser now proudly displays a couple of Sam's heros...

James Longstreet and Stonewall Jackson...

When visiting a few battlefields this summer, Sam new exactly what souvenirs he wanted to bring home...

A Civil War G. I. Joe...

For the curtains, I simply used cream colored burlap and attached them with drapery hooks.I then tied them together with a piece of leather twine. No sewing here...

A few more heirlooms- a picture of our relative that fought in the Civil War along with his commissioning paper that was given to him on October 29, 1862. Also displayed is the land grant that was given to our ancestors.

Last Christmas, my Dad gave these soldiers that he played with as a young boy to Sam...

This chair sat at the desk that belonged to my grandfather. I can remember sitting on it as a young girl as my sister and I would play "office". It's been repainted and the seat has been covered with a few different fabrics over the years, but of all the furniture in our home, this simple chair is one of my favorite pieces.

Next on the list... Ben's room which is going to be a World War II theme and then Jessica's room. Shhhh...her room is going to be a surprise!

Stars and Windows...

One of my favorite things to decorate with right now are stars and windows. It all started when my parents gave me these two window frames from their old house when they were replaced with new ones. This is a project that I did a few months ago to fill up a large space in out great room.

As far as I knew all the windows my parents had saved had been given away. I know that you can find these window frames at flea markets, thrift stores, and even garage sales if you are fortunate enough. I have seen them being sold from $35 to $60. I love the fact that that mine came from the house in which my parents lived. It's a great story isn't it?

Over Christmas, I got a phone call from my sister, Sarah telling me that my parents had more window frames in their garage and that she was going home with several of them. My parents weren't at all surprised when I called them and asked them if I could come over and get some too! I LOVE these windows!

While Sarah was here we went to a store here in town called the Flower Factory. They have some incredible deals sold at wholesale prices and you just never know what they are going to have. One thing they always have are these rustic stars in a variety of sizes and colors. This large one was only $9. Yes, $9.

These cream stars were just calling my name. I love all things cream and what I love even better is that each of these stars were under $2...

I actually ended up going back and getting several more along with some red and cream ones that I think will be so much fun for the 4th of July. Yes, I'm counting down for the warm days of summer.

So, tell me, what are your favorite things to decorate with?

Flower Fun...

Today my son, Ben and I went to a local flower store. I love this store because they have incredible prices and the flowers are absolutely beautiful. Having fresh flowers in the house is just one of those special things I like to do every once in awhile. Here is what we got today...

Now I can find those special places for them...

Like in the entry way...

The dining room table...

And my nightstand...

Here are some of my favorite pictures...

What are some things you like to do to make your home special?

Kitchen...

I thought I would share some pictures of our new kitchen. I really wish I was able to show some pictures of what it looked like before the remodeling. There are pictures somewhere in the bag of undeveloped film in my drawer. To get those pictures I would have to take about 8 rolls of film to be developed. I'll save that for another day. Yes, I did just recently make the switch to a digital camera. Change isn't always easy for me with some things. I loved my old camera. That camera went everywhere with me and I captured many special memories using that camera. It was kind of hard to pack it up knowing I wasn't going to be using it as much anymore. Does this sound like an unhealthy attachment? I am having a lot of fun with my new one though!

We are currently living in a parsonage. It wasn't officially a parsonage until our family moved in last September. It is a wonderful home. I have so many memories of being in this house prior to us actually living here. At some point in my daughter's life she has been in every single room of this home for Sunday school or youth group meetings. It has been an incredible journey of how the Lord has brought us here. I'll save that for another time, another post.

As I was saying, our kitchen was completely gutted so that there would be a whole new layout of the kitchen. This house was built in 1973. It is your typical "Brady Bunch" style tri-level. Need I say more? There was A LOT of updating that needed done. Thanks to a group of talented and gifted men from our church who spent many, many hours of hard work, we now have a new kitchen.

I love this island. I love to prepare food here and then be able to use it as a serving area. Before this, the kitchen was enclosed.

A new window was put in so know we can look out into the backyard.

This is the first time I've ever painted a room red. I love it! It's called Posh Red from Lowe's.

Just in case you are wondering I do know "raspberries" is misspelled. As the Nester from The Nesting Place says, "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful."