It was love at first sight. . .

We met at the local hardware store. My family always went to town on Saturday afternoon as most families did in the small New Mexico town of Carlsbad where I grew up. We went to visit with friends and neighbors, do a little window shopping and sometimes drop by the corner drug store for a cherry coke. I always begged my parents to let me go across the street from the drug store to the hardware store. Upon entering the store, I always climbed the stairs to the second floor. There is where the toys were housed. In large glass cases were the most beautiful dolls I had ever seen. I was especially smitten with a beautiful bride doll. I am pretty sure she liked me, too, and wanted to go home with me. For months, I would make my weekly visit to the dolls, each time praying she had not been sold to some other little girl. Then, one afternoon I came home from school and there standing on our dining room table was my doll!! My sweet sister, Myra, had bought her for me. I will never forget that moment and will always be grateful to my sister for that wonderful surprise. I wish I could say I still have my doll, but down over the years, we lost contact. I am not sure what happened to her, but she will always have a special place in my heart. What special toy or present from your childhood will you always remember and cherish? Wishing you all the happiness in the world! Love and blessings to you!

Treat everyone. . .

with politeness~

Even those who are rude to you~

not because they are nice~

but because you are.

Grace isn't a little prayer you say before receiving a meal. . .

It's a way to live. . .I am asking God to help me live with grace each day. . .

I have been "fluffing my nest" quite a bit. I am sharing pictures of my cottage apartment living room. . .

I have added rosy pillows, plates and paintings to give it a cottage look. . .

I have been able to purchase several Christy Repasy paintings and some of her beautiful vintage bottles. . .

I had thought I would decorate my new home in a little different manner, but I am who I am and this is the style I love. I hope you are having a good week so far, dear friends. You are a blessing to me!

A Bedroom is for Dreaming. . .

I just wanted to share a glimpse into my cottage bedroom, my favorite room in my home.

I love to decorate with soft, romantic colors. . .

my parents gave me this small white cupboard. . .I will always cherish it. . .

I have filled it with my favorite things. . .pretty china pieces. . .vintage embroidery. . .

the top of my chest of drawers. . .the romantic heart pillow. . .little bunny in a paper cup. . .

Every bedroom needs a soft chair where morning coffee can be sipped. . .

And a girl has to have lots of rosy pillows!!!

Thank you for letting me share my room for dreaming with you today, sweet friends.

I dedicate this post to my daddy, faithful husband and father. He spent his whole life loving us and taking care of us. Thank you for that, daddy! You will forever be in my heart. . .

Celebrating Love and Marriage. . .Texas Style. . .

One of my very favorite Texas brides and grooms. . .My grandparents, Maude May and G. W. Russell. . .

I love how their hands are almost touching. . .Married many, many years, raised a very large family, and now sweethearts forever in heaven. . .

A Texas wedding starts with that perfect dress. . .

and the perfect venue. . .

Our Texas men know how to show respect for our ladies. . .

And Texas ladies definitely know how to accesorize. . .

We get our brides to the church in style. . .

A happy Texas bride and groom . . .

no wedding would be complete without a dance. . .

How about a little Texas two-step or Cotton Eyed Joe?

Last, but not least, our Texas weddings have to be sealed with . . .

A big Texas kiss!

Today I am participating in my friend, Stephanie's "Wedding Party Celebration".

I am having to post a little early. The party doesn't really start until Friday. Stephanie has hosted this party for several years now. Thank you for being our gracious hostess, Stephanie! Please visit Stephanie and all of the participants at http://angelicaccents.blogspot.com/ for some great wedding fun! Remember the party starts Friday!

These things I've learned. . .

Let your heart guide you. . .

It whispers, so listen closely!

Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until. . .

it becomes a memory. . .

Wishing you many happy memories today and always!

Sweet little heart pillow was purchased from Jil at "Annie's Shabby Attic" on Etsy. I love Jil's work and will always treasure this pretty pillow. The pocket pillow was purchased from Bette at "Handmade by Bette" at Etsy. I love everything about it. I have both of these pillows hanging in my cottage apartment.