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!

Hi, I'm Christy...

And I am a mom-a-raz-zi.

Definition: n. pl. A mom who doggedly pursues her children to take photos.

I take pictures of them at work...

Or at play...

Of celebrations...

And special days...

Whether they are smiling at the camera...

Or looking the other way...

I can always capture them when they are catching some zzz's...

For 8 tips to bump up your game as a Mom-a-raz-zo, go here.

A New Season...

I haven't been a very faithful or committed blogger these days. For those of you who have continued to read along in spite of my very sporadic posts, thank you. 

As we enter this new season of leaves changing colors, mums, and apple cider, our family is entering a new season in life as well.  I am sure that in the days to come I will be writing a lot about it all. Right now, I am learning to know what it really means to take one day at a time. Strange how a change or new circumstance really does force you to slow down and gain so much perspective. I'm being reminded again that God is faithful, knows my families every need, and that He is holding us close and showing us the way. He is my strength, my joy and the One to be praised for so many things.

I Love Numbers...

Have you noticed numbers seem to be appearing on everything these days? Who would have thought that a number could make something look so pretty?  Numbers to me represent order and there is something so simplistic about them when all lined up.

Pottery Barn

I especially love the number 5. There is something graceful and whimsical about the way that it looks. 

And the number 3 is just plain fun don't you think?

I recently found the coffee mugs at TJMaxx for $4 a mug. Although I wish I had all nine mugs, I will settle for the two. Somehow I just couldn't justify spending almost $40 on mugs no matter how fun it would be to have them all. 

In this month's edition of Country Living there is a whole page set aside for items with numbers on them...

The possibilities of where to place a number really is endless. Everything from burlap bags and pillows to glasses and plates. Or how about choosing your favorite font and framing them up to hang on your wall. I know that all it would take is some stickers or stamps to make some really great things. I must be careful though, otherwise I will end up with numbers everywhere!