My Winter Wonderland

Folks around here were concerned about the lack of snow this winter, NOT!!  We've had our share this month alone, it's a good thing too, nobody wants a dry summer and fires in our neck of the woods. Here's our "Grace Haven" covered in a blanket of Winter Wonderland!

I'm loving our snow and all the beauty that comes with it...we take many walks and winter drives here and watch for wildlife, there is plenty of it, even in the winter.

This little fella found his way up on our deck, Bun Bun, isn't he/she darling??

We've had more progress on the house this past Fall. Our deck is finally complete and we're loving it. Thanksgiving was warmer than normal, so my sister and family came to visit and we enjoyed sitting out there in the sunny afternoon!

Our new deck, finished construction late Fall 2013.

Enjoying the deck even in December!!

My father-in-law recently passed away last month. It's been a difficult time for my husband and extended family. Many trips back and forth to Portland OR since this Fall. He was almost 90 years old and lived a full and wonderful life. We will miss him so much, but he is now free and happy in Heaven with his beloved wife, and resting in the arms of Jesus!!

RIP James R. Colligan...we will all miss you!

My little shop, "Attic Charm" continues to do well in Philipsburg. I'm enjoying my creativity and re-staging my loft area every month. I have new ideas up my sleeve, will start sewing this week.

The new year brings adventures, more home progress, travel, and Kayaking!! Pat and I enjoy kayaking and this summer we are hitting the lakes and streams around our area, and believe me we have plenty to explore! Hoping everyone has much to look forward too this year!!

 

"Vintage Embellished Bottles"

I had fun creating these lovelies!!! Taking old and new bottles and applying vintage lace, jewels, a little burlap here and there, and of course a touch of glitter!!  I had more fun creating the tags that compliment each bottle.

 

 

My little shop "Attic Charm" is gearing up for the holidays!! Let the shopping begin! Have a great day everyone!!

It's a "velvet" pumpkin patch!!!

These little beauties are heading to my shop this afternoon. These were so much fun to create. Using vintage velvet (hard to find these days) and real pumpkin stems embellished with a hint of glitter.

SOLD

Let the season of Fall continue in your part of the world where ever you are! Blessings!!

Welcome to my pumpkin patch!

SOLD!

Just finished creating these cuties!! So fun making burlap pumpkins!!! All in my shop now ready to find homes!

 

 

SOLD

 

 

Added some new burlap pillows to the shop also...

 

SOLD

 

 

SOLD

 

 

Also did up a few burlap & lace rose broaches. They look great on jean jackets, aprons, purses, or lamp shades....

 

SOLD

 

 

 



"Fall" has arrived at "Attic Charm".

Have to say..."Fall" is one of my favorite seasons of the year, especially  in Montana. Our Aspens are just starting to turn colors. We've had an unusual warm September here, but this week it's starting to cool down. Maybe frost this week or even a little flurry or two.

I've had fun re-staging my shop for this season. In the process of creating burlap and velvet pumpkins this year. I've added a few more burlap pillows also. Our charming town of Philipsburg has slowed down with traffic, but the holiday season will be picking up soon.

Enjoy a little tour around "Attic Charm".

I've added a couple more of my sister's watercolors.

Wedding Number Three

And so it goes...we just returned home from our third wedding in Lake Stevens Washington. August has been a month full of marriage love and new beginnings for these lovely couples.

The lovely Kaithlyn and handsome Jonathan recited their vows in front of family and friends. A wedding full of sparkle and glamor. A tasteful Italian dinner was served, wedding cake made by the groom's mother, and a fun dance party.



I do!!!



First Dance

Father (Bruce) - daughter dance

Mother (Liz) - daughter dance

Liz and I

Dance Party!!

Groom's parents, Patty & Ricardo

The happy couple drove through a tunnel of glow sticks...as we waved them on to a blessed and happy life together. (Wow was that sappy or what??? LOL)

Wedding Number Two

We had a fantastic time last weekend in Stillwater MN at my nephew's (Josh) wedding!! The venue was off the chart, a very authentic barn/farm wedding. A weekend affair with so many new traditions, lovely weather, new friendships, oh my goodness the list goes on!!

The amazing old Victorian farm house on the farm.

 

Dinner and Dance were held in the barn

Bride & Groom's table in the background

Bride's bouquet

Fun beer station

Josh works the organic farm, three greenhouses full of produce

This lake is right on the farm property, Pat and I took a canoe ride before the wedding

Pat having fun on the tractor

I really enjoyed being with family even my cousin from Florida and her husband made this special event. We laughed and we laughed...reminiscing of days gone by when my folks were still alive and all the Italian family gatherings we had as kids, etc..

My cousin Vi & Me

Cousin Vi & Cindy

Jenna & Michael

Tyler & Megan

Pat

Dan & Josh before the ceremony

The ceremony was held down at the "point" on the lake.

Dan & Cindy walking Josh down the isle

Jenna & Megan stood up for Josh (Cindy's girls, my beautiful nieces)

Megan's girls Eden, Avey, and Cora is in the wagon

Olivia and her parents, Dick & Susanne walking her down to Josh

Rings

New tradition, tying of the knot, symbolizing their unity

The family on both sides playing tug a war to pull on the knot to tighten their union forever!

Olivia &Josh

Josh took Olivia out on the lake for private vows and champagne toast

We loved this new tradition

Dan, Olivia, Josh, Cindy

Loved Olivia's boots!

Jenna, Michael, and Pat

Dinner time, Josh & Olivia arriving

Many emotional toasts were given by family and friends

Listening to one of those emotional toast

Later that evening over 50 lighted sky lanterns were lit and sent over the lake, it was breath taking

So a big congratulations to Joshua and Olivia Rutherford, may the Lord pour blessings over this union for many years to come, let this new journey for them begin!