Wedding Wednesday

Time for my Something Old. It will more than likely go in my flowers.

There is a Cameo that has been in my family for years. And if my genealogy is correct it was my Great-Great Grandmothers, Ethel Gates. She died in 1920 when my Granny (Great Grandma) was just a little girl and this cameo was handed down to her. Not sure where it came from before then. It became a tradition for the brides in my family to wear this beautiful and historical piece. 

Back in October I hinted to Grandma that she should have Aunt Ardes locate and fix the piece because I might be needing it this coming Spring. She promptly picked up the phone and went to her bedroom. I could still hear half the conversation. 

Grandma: Ardes?...Do you have Mom's cameo?...Now, you just keep still about this, but we might be needing that here soon....Jessi, in the Spring....Ok, you could bring it here and we could go get it fixed together...Alright, I'll talk to you later. 

Is that not the sweetest conversation on the planet? "You just keep still" That melted my heart and became my new favorite saying. It made me miss not having a sister. 

Well the weekend of my shower the cameo made it's appearance and it was all I could do to not tear up at the sight and touch of something so valuable to the women in my family's heritage. A way to again feel connected to them all...clear back to the lady that passed at that young age in 1920. And I know that they would and will all be thrilled that I am wearing this piece.

It is such a blessing to have the cameo and it's history with me on that special day.

That's this weeks Wedding Wednesday!

2 Weeks! Unbelievable.

Blessings!

mum's the word monday

We got rain.

Blessings!

J&J lately

Jerrel Graduated Nursing School and accepted a job at a local hospital all in one week. 

Grown-Ups? 

I'm officially on summer break and twiddling my thumbs wondering how to live without completing focus questions, online assessments, and listening to lectures about phonemic awareness. 

We have found a place to live. It's a little house on a working farm. It has a fenced in yard and allows dogs. We are on the lookout for a canine companion once we get back from Michigan.

Speaking of canines I recently saw this dog and thought it was so "unique" it deserved a picture. Sorry if you think it's cute, Senor Smarty Pants does too. Sorry you have no taste too. Anyway when I tried to get the attention of the other ugly (there I said it!) dog, the person hiding/laying in the drivers side seat lifted both dogs to get a picture...oops. Faux pas. Glad he couldn't hear my comments.

I received my Student Teaching placement! I will be in C-town in the 2nd grade, with an awesome teacher, I've learned from her already. I might be a new person at the end of this experience.

After moving home, I'm certain that I have about 40 times more stuff than Jerrel. I'm calling Help for Hoarders tomorrow. Hope that made up counseling and cleaning service exists. I think I may be turning a corner though, I have gotten rid of about 6 grocery bags of clothes and other goodies. And the trash-I'm embarrassed about how much existed.

We've been learning more about companion planting and planning our garden. Nope, its not in yet, we had 30 degree temps Wednesday...not exactly gardening weather yet. Hopefully we won't be too far behind.

So that's us. In a nutshell. The month of May...finals, graduation, job, wedding, moving, boards, home improvement...whew I'm tired just typing it.

Blessings!

Wedding Wednesday

The weekend's weather rocked. I sunbathed, enjoyed meals alfresco, and completed so many projects! I was so busy. I slept like a baby those nights, with my windows open and breeze blowing in. 

I have affectionately named the theme for the reception "Junk Stock." Cute huh? We have collected many silver trays and pretty candle sticks to kinda class the event up...if you will. I found a tutorial on Pintrest on how to make mercury glass. It seemed simple enough and like a great way to get some more silver in the space. 

So what do you need to make your own mercury glass? Not much. Some glass, Krylon Looking Glass spray paint, a spray bottle with 50/50 water and vinegar, and a rag. 

Tip: Find glass at your local thrift shop or Goodwill. I know our Thrift Shop has hundreds of vases, most in the back because they won't all fit up front. All different shapes and sizes, they are just itchin' to get rid of 'em. 

Spray the glass with the paint, just enough to cover it and you kinda need to work fast-it drys quickly. Immediately spritz the glass with your water and vinegar mixture. Like this. 

Now use the rag to pop the bubbles. You can blot or rub to pop them. I used a combo and it created a nice variety of textures on the glass. But don't rub too hard or you might rub off the paint (personal experience) because it's not totally dry for a few minutes. DUH.

You can also do another round if you desire a heavier look or think you missed a spot. 

All in all, this collection of vases took me about 20 minutes and then I dug around and found a few more things to do. It's kinda addicting because it's so easy and they end up looking so cool!

I also think spraying with a darker color first then doing the mercury treatment would make the spots show up more but they would also be opaque. I might have to try that next.

I'm off to find something else to paint.

That's this week's Wedding Wednesday!

3 weeks. Say What?!

Blessings!

Thrifty Thursday

Thrifty

Thriftier; Thriftiest 

1. Thriving by industry and frugality: prosperous. 

It's Thrifty Thursday, the time of the week where I share my thrifty finds from garage sales, antique shops, and of course thrift stores.

There is not such thing as "Just running into the thrift store." or "Just glancing around." We just say that for effect. And it's finds like the ones below that keep us coming back for more. 

Blog meet my new basket purse and 2nd favorite to my Fossil. Basket purse meet my blog. This thing is in mint condition, I'm thinking it just sat around in someone's closet for years. I'm vowing to not do such a thing. It needs to see the light of day! 

And the inside is just as cute! 

Told ya so.

Another excellent find, if I do say so myself.

Blessings!

Wedding Wednesday

I had the most wonderful weekend. My aunt and cousins threw a Bridal shower for me on Saturday. It was really the first time that I felt like a bride-that was different. 

When I got the invitation I was instantly excited and in love with the idea for the shower! 

I am forever thankful for my cousin Alissa for taking the pictures you see here. So gld she could capture some of the moments!

I was so thrilled with everyone that showed up. It was so uplifting to be surrounded by "my people."

The party planners so get me. Snack trays? Hello, adorable. 

Annnd the grub was pretty good too! The gooey stuff? That's banana's foster, I could have ate my weight in it and then some. YUM. 

I'm not a big game person but the little games that were included in the shower were really great. We had a "The Price Is Right." game where food items for each meal were in a bag and the total price for the meal was guessed. If Grandma Woods would have been there she would have creamed us all. 

The other game included separate interviews of both Jerrel and I. Participants then had to guess who's answer was read. I was just a little scared. Questions included: Where is one place you would like to go together? What is your favorite thing about the other person? How many children do you want? Etc. 

The gifts were arranged according to their "time" and we opened them like we were going through the day. It was so fun. 

The thing that really warmed my heart was the kind of gifts I received. The things weren't all new and shiny. They weren't totally state of the art. Nope, so many of them had a history. Like the tea set above, it's from a thrift store. One of my friends picked it up for us. And I adore it. My Great Aunt gave me my Granny's rolling pin and a dish she used for pickles. Grandma Smith gave me her 61 year old cast iron skillet. It was one of her own wedding gifts. Those things about had the water works going. Grandma Carol gave me an old butter dish. My mom gave me blue Mason Jars filled with pasta. 

Don't get me wrong though, there are shiny gifts that I'm thrilled about..a bread machine to be specific. Score! My hinting to Grandma J worked.  

I had lots of helpers. Love my family. 

I think Red has a future in the moving industry. Her commentary while bringing presents to and fro made me giggle. Like after I received the pillows and sheets she stated, "Hmm, now all you need is a bed." Thank you for the memo Missy.

There was conversation and advice. Love and laughter and it was special to be around these people for this shower especially since we are going away for our wedding. It was nice to celebrate with them.  

Speaking of laughter...Thank you Auntie Kris.

Such special friends came for the brunch and I was able to share a family heirloom I'll be wearing on the big day with them. I'll share that with you all hopefully next week.

Thank you again for the shower ladies!

That's this week's Wedding Wednesday.

4 weeks!

Blessings!

mum's the word monday

Blessings!