Home Again

Wow! Thanks so much, everyone, for your kind words and prayers for our family during this past week!!! It means so much to have friends that can lift you up in prayer!

I thought I'd ease back into being home by showing a few pics of the past week!

Aren't these little ones above cutie-patooties?!?

My 2 girls (the black cat and the artist) with my nephew (the puppy) on Halloween!

These fall pics were taken at my in-laws home in Michigan.

The girls love to visit some of the local parks and the nature centers there when we visit. Below is a picture of them on a HUGE rock there!
They had a great time walking the trails around the park!


God is good, even in times of sorrow. We really felt everyone's prayers at work this week! It was hard to say good-bye to Grandpa, but we know we shall see him again one day in Heaven!

Thanks again for your kindness :), and I hope to get back into things here at

The Blessed Nest

this week!

Prayer Request, Please

I just wanted to ask for your prayers...my husband's grandfather just passed away earlier today...we'll be travelling up north to be with family for the next week. This is the 3rd grandparent we've lost between us in 11 months! So, if you would, we sure could use your prayers for the family and for safety in travel. We know Grandpa was a believer, and we're thankful for his long, good life, and the wonderful Christian example he set for the family.

Thanks, and I'll be back to visit with you all next week!

Creating a Welcoming Home -- Progressive Dinner Party

You're invited to "join me" for a...This Saturday evening my husband and I will be hosting a Progressive Dinner Party at our home for our church class! I thought you might like to join us (in bloggy spirit at least!) as we prepare, decorate, cook, and host!

Have you ever heard of a Progressive Dinner before? It was a popular form of entertaining in the past few decades, and for good reason! It's really simple and fun!!! Usually what happens is that you hold a 3-4 course meal, with each course being hosted at a different home. This would obviously work best if you lived in the same neighborhood or close together! The party kind of travels along, and each hostess is only responsible for one part of the meal. A Progressive Dinner Party is also really fun because it allows people to get to know each other better as they change seating with each course!

For our party, we are having the Progressive Dinner all at our house!! We will have around 3 tables set up in different rooms, and everyone will be changing seating at each course! But don't worry, I am not "hosting" all of the courses!!


I am only providing the main entree' and sides, and beverages. Other couples were asked to bring either an appetizer or dessert to share!



So far we have 5 couples coming, and maybe 1-2 more will be RSVP-ing later today??



Today I'm going to finish getting my RSVP's and do my party shopping for food and a few little things!

Tomorrow I'll share more detailed party plans!

Do you like the pictures above? The top table decor pic is from Martha Stewart Living, and the bottom 2 from BHG. I love the pretty inspiration! :)

I hope you'll join me again tomorrow!!!

Family Goals -- We're All In This Together!

(above image from The New Yorker)

Continuing our "Dollars and Sense" series:

When trying to budget and save $$, it's wise (after the parents have discussed a plan first with each other) to sit down for a family meeting! :)

1. Use this family meeting time to discuss things positively, honestly, and age-appropriately! Even younger kids can understand that the family is going to be careful spending money, and that everyone in the family can be a helper with this! Be sure not to worry your kids, but sound positive about changes and the ultimate outcome. Let them know "We're all in this together! :)"
2. Brainstorm as a family some ways to save $$ around the house. Use this time as a reminder to turn off lights, unplug items not in use (energy is still being used when plugged in), turn off water faucet when brushing teeth, etc.
3. Talk about how everyone is going to be making a few sacrifices to save $$. Give a couple examples of sacrifices that you are willing to make (giving up coffees, color your own hair), and let everyone come up with a few ideas of things they could give up/cut back on. Talk about how everyone has to work together to reach the family goals. Add up what these savings would be each month, and get excited!!
4. Let kids know if they want something they can either: 1) put it on a future gift list, 2) think of a low-cost version of the same thing, or 3) come up with a way to earn the $ themselves! Remind them of what is a Need vs. what is a Want, and let them know that they might not get everything they want & that's ok.
5. Have a list of fun, free family events that you could do together (we just went to a free kids Fall Fest and had a great time), and vote on something to do each week! Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean there can't be amazing family fun!!!
6. Discuss where monthly family savings will be used. Maybe the extra $$ will go toward paying bills, saving for a new couch, or a family vacation! Kids feel excited to know they are saving for a goal. You could even create a chart to color in the money saved until the goal is reached!
7. Have family meetings once a month to do an update on things!

I'd like to add that even if there are no kids at home, you can still meet as a couple and have this discussion! :)

I hope this will get you started on your own Family Meeting!

Have a blessed day, and tomorrow for "Creating a Welcoming Home Thursday" I'll give you my plans for a dinner party we're having Sat. night! It'll be a fun twist on things!!

Sunroom -- Cottage Seating

If you've been reading my blog, you'll remember that we're going to be doing a makeover on my sunroom! You can see all of the before pics of the sunroom here.

Everyone wanted to know what I was planning to do, and I thought I'd reveal it a bit at a time! I will tell you that the furniture layout will stay the same, as I've just recently rearranged it. Sometimes I'll be asking you to vote for your decision on different decorating choices!

If you'll recall, I got the couch and chair for FREE from my sister when she was redecorating! I like the fabric okay, but I've always wanted a room with these:

Yummy, lovely, crisp and cottagey (and bleachable!) slipcovers!!!

I found these at Ballard Designs in a size that should (after careful measuring) fit great! So, on the Christmas gift list they go, and hopefully it'll work out!! :)

You likey?!

I lovey!!!

Soon I'll share my inspiration "board" for this room :), and we'll also be finishing up our "Dollars and Cents" budgeting series! I've also got a party coming up to share fun ideas and recipes with you as well!!!

Have a great Monday!