a is for abigail...

My baby just turned 15.

A few photos to help me to remember these days

(current photos taken by her biggest sis.
the ones at the end of the post are from our family photos last fall)

She's my 

fun lovin', 

guitar  pickin', 

 football throwin',  

pie makin', 

basketball dribblin', 

piano playin',

keeps me on my toes,

on my knees,

and

always puts a smile on my face

girl.

She's sugar and spice with just a  bit more spice.

This girl has the gift of laughter.

She laughs all of the time

and 

She makes me laugh.

Every. single. day.

The kind of laughter that comes quietly and then doesn't stop.

The hold-your-stomach, laugh-till-you-cry  kind of laugh.

I wanted to show you these

so you would know where I was coming from

with her bedroom re-do.

(my 3 girls)

She  is her own girl with  her own style.

We were going for a feminine look, but in a different way,  

one that reflects her personality.

So come back tomorrow.

I can't wait to show you!

more or less...

more

or

less?

I tend to... um...over-do it with my decorating.  

The trend of simplicity is finally starting to wear off on me.

Don't get me wrong, 

I am, by no means, a minimalist;

but the idea of less is more 

is sounding more and more appealing.

I'm going for less...

*******

You may have noticed

I have been at a loss for words, lately.

I have missed all of the linky-parties

and visiting with you all.

I am keeping my head down

working on all that needs to be finished.

I am, literally, on the final touches of my girl's bedroom

I'm looking forward to sharing 

with you all next week. 

******

"Even if something is left undone, 


everyone must take time to sit still 


and

watch the leaves turn."

Elizabeth Lawrence

Isn't that a lovely thought?

maybe, someday.


But  today  our days are full,


full of winter prep


full of heart to heart talks


full of last minute painting before the snow flies


full of school, sports, and music lessons


full of family celebrations. 


****


Today our hearts are 


full of love.

Autumn,  

the year's last loveliest smile. 

William Cullen Bryant

Autumn roses.


I can't help it.

I love my roses.

This particular variety smells heavenly.

I've been walking around with the jar offering whiffs
to all who are near...

pure heaven, I tell you.


***

Where are the white pumpkins, you ask?

So do I.

Apparently, we have had too much rain.

 They're still in the field.

I'll try again this weekend .


***

1.

2.

3.

4.




while we're waiting
tell me,
which edit do you like best?

raindrops on roses...

these 

are 

a few 

of my favorite things!

It is  officially fall.

We went from 90 degrees last weekend

to 54  yesterday and today.

Rain, gray skies, fuzzy blankets, 
sweatshirts,
space heaters,
and baking goodies.

My girl and I made this 

caramel-apple-upside-down cake

(found on pinterest)

yummi-o

recipe found here

Fall cleaning has begun,

my first soup of the year is simmering on the stove,

and

white pumpkins are promised for the weekend.

I am  hoping there will  be just a few more roses.

I am enjoying every. last. one.
~
~
~
p.s.
Have  you been following any of the 
31 days postings?


There are over 700 posters.


Here a few that jumped out at me:


31 days to rebuilding your house and your heart
at life in grace
(you might remember that Edie's home burned to the ground last Christmas)


31 days to change the world
at chatting at the sky


31 days of lovely limitations
at Nesting Place


31 days of purging
at marla taviona .com


and my favorite


31 days of letting go
at flower patch farmgirl
but then again I love everything this girl writes.

go see for yourself.