Deck the Halls with Boughs of Colored Leaves Fa- la la la la la

Getting the house ready for fall. Inside and out. We made the annual scarecrow to welcome the folks to the Stokes'. He's a cutey!

I had to put in my favorite fall pic of Kel. We won this huge pumpkin at Walmart by guessing the weight.

Jordan beautifying the yard for us.

Well we started off with a bowl of chili and candy corn for dessert.

Josh, Blake and Kel lovin the Chili.

We needed to decorate the ledge, so Blake volunteered. He's such a good sport!

Wow!! Out with the old and in with the new.

Blake is taking his responsibility seriously. Busy little decorators.

Lookin good!

So much stuff!

Matt had to get in on the ledge action.

The final masterpiece.

more...

Kate and Jordan.

Oh No!! Not more fall decs!!

Kim, Mary and Cat..Kim had never decorated like this before, she is so creative!!!

I love the Crotons, they added life to our fall decor.

nice view

Kim brought me over some new harvest decs.

Matt checking out the bellows.

Blake wanted to leave these in the ole Bass' wide mouth, but Katie said no. Oh well....Doesn't hurt to try.

The finished fireplace.

Kati and Julia synchronized decorating.

In Everything give Thanks to the Lord.

Mary and Jules lookin lovely..

Josh and Matt caught with the cookie jar.

Kati and crew rearranged the dining room.

Beautiful pic of my children..

Josh, Kati and Matt

One of my favorites

This barn came from Home Interiors, back in the day.

Hooty....The polyester owl that Kati bought me this year.

Julia with her creative self

Her little special touches.

Kati, Mary and Julia are a great team.

I love this one of Kate and Jules

This is a cozy corner

Julia picked this plume from her yard last year for Sarah and Sam's birthday party and it's still alive!

Transformation!! Thanks to everyone for all your hard work and creativity. It looks wonderful!!

Now we can relax and work the puzzle..

Java blessings from Janet:) Happiness for me!! Coffee and Chocolate, simple pleasures!! The house is all ready, now all we have to do is brew a pot of coffee and have some fall parties!!

It's That Wonderful Time Again!

Fall......those of you that know me best, know that fall is my very favorite time of the year. I love all the fall colors, the scarecrows, the fall harvest of corn and pumpkins, hayrides, hot apple cider, and festivals. There's only one problem.....we live in the South, in central Florida. Although, we do experience subtle changes, temps and slight leaf variations, it doesn't even compare with the amazing Fall season that our northern friends experience. So.....we Floridians have to "create" our own Fall season. Turn down the A/C, bring out the fall decs, invite some faithful family and friends, make a pot of chili ,brew a fresh pot of coffee, get out the candy corn, make some cookies and have a "celebrate Fall party" We do this every year and simply transform our home from summer to fall. This year a new "decorator" joined us. She said she didn't have any skills, but lo and behold she had great ideas and was a fantastic asset to the team. I stand amazed at how the dear Lord continues to bless my family. How grateful I am to have such wonderful friends, family and a beautiful home to live in. It all belongs to Him. So, yall are welcome to come on over and have a cup of coffee with me and enjoy our "fall house" I think it's time for some parties!!! I will post the decorating pics soon. O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His wonderous works. Psalms 105:1&2 Happy Fall Yall...

Sewing and Baking with Julia

Julia came down for a baking and sewing night. We brewed a pot of coffee and got to work. Julia's goal: to finish a nursing blanket for Ruth, one of her friends from college. My goal: While perusing an old Southern Living magazine, I found some delightful pound cake recipes. So, I chose to make the Lemon Coconut cake. I carefully followed the recipe, while Julia created her own pattern. Julia took pictures of different fabrics and sent them to Ruth.. She chose this beautiful print.

Cutting and ironing!!

The happy little seamstress.

Doesn't that look delicious? I'm not saying mine's going to look like that, but I'm hoping it will taste wonderful.

All the fresh ingredients...

Just the right amount...

Add eggs one at a time...

This was my finished product.. It doesn't look as good as the one in the magazine but, it was so moist and great with our coffee...Midnight coffee...

Hot out of the oven...The zest of lemon made the house smell so good.

Julia also made this little pillowcase dress for her niece, Sydney.

Mission accomplished!! It looks beautiful and I know Ruth's going to love it. We had such a fun evening sewing and baking...Looking forward to finishing our next projects. It's late and we had better call it a night.. A good night:)