It is....

Finally Fall

By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

Are your soft socks out yet? 
My feet actually got cold last night, so on came the socks.
 I kicked it in gear today, making the nest snugly for Fall.

 Randall is happy to sniff the aroma of 
pumpkin pie coming from the oven.

My kitchen sounds like a choir, as the Tea Kettle whistles,
 the beef stew bubbles, the bacon crackles, and the mixer hums.
I guess I should turn my iPod off,  but listening to "Hank Williams," sing 
"Hey Hey Good Lookin', What You Got Cookin'," makes me and my kitchen sing!

 Spices are readied for the "Snuggle Season Simmer," I prepare every year.
 It is not for consumption, only for making the whole house smell like heaven.

 The kitchen pantry is waiting for the canned harvest
 to fill its shelves.

Randall is chopping wood for the fireplace.

  I bring out the down comforters, 
flannel blankets, & quilts.

 I set a basket of last winter’s pine cones by the fire.

 The Fall Yankee votive candles are perfect.

 Cozy media classics come out,
 as warm season music, movies, and books,
 are put away.

 Rugs cleaned and returned to cool bare floors.

Warm cozy wardrobe unpacked,
 Uggs replacing flip-flops.

 It feels like I have bunches of brand new cloths, 
without spending a dime. I hope they still fit!

I love it all! I am grateful for it all!

"Because Of You"
Mother!

By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

Because of my mother, I am who I am.

Because of you,
I love babies!
Because of you, 
I love and crave MUSIC!
Because of you, 
I know how to love my man!
Because of you,
 I am a "country girl!"
Because of you,
 I am a "Mama Grizzly!"
 Because of you,
 I know how to play and have fun.
Because of you,
 I can ride any kind of bike, twirl a baton, play hopscotch, volleyball, jump rope, jacks, etc.
Because of you,
I know how to "gussy up!"
Because of you, 
I know how to "pray."
 Because of you,
 I can tie my shoes, button & buckle up.
Because of you,
I know cleanliness (next to Godliness of course).
  Because of you,
 I can sing, dance, know every nursery rhyme ever written,  fairy tales, and Bible stories.
Because of you,
 I love dogs.
 Because of you,
 I love rock and roll music (we watched American Bandstand).
 Because of you,
 I love orchards and gardens.
Because of you,
 I can make something out of nothing.
 Because of you,
 I can cook, clean house, iron, do laundry, and sew.
Because of you,
I laugh & giggle....alot!
Because of you, 
I can shop for anything, whatever my budget. 
Because of you,
 I defend and take up for those who need it. 
Because of you,
 I make popcorn and watch old classic movies.
Because of you,
I am funny!
Because of  you,
I have a "passion to write."
Because of you,
I look both ways, when I cross the street.
Because of you,
"Gospel" music is my favorite.
Because of you,
"Country" music is my second favorite.
Because of you, 
I LOVE Family
Because of you, 
I LOVE & WORSHIP GOD!
Because of you, 
 The list could go on forever;
Because of you!

"AS YOU WISH!"
By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

"Castle Petite"

Nov. 8, 2006 we moved into our brand new house. 
 This home is like no other! Randall built it with his own 2 hands. 
 I drew the “plans,” and Randall built the house. We worked on it together.
 It is the only home we will ever build. I drew the plans 25 years before it was built.
 I placed the furniture in the rooms of the plans, a long time ago.
 It gives me goose bumps when I ponder this blessing. 
How can anyone but the Lord God fulfill such a dream?


We named it "Castle Petite!"

It sits on 3 and a half acres, surrounded by a forest of trees.
 Cedar, Oak, Maple, Poplar, Dogwood etc. A beautiful creek runs through it. 
Wild flowers of Queen Anne’s Lace, Lady Slippers, Pansies, Violets, are everywhere.
 We see wildlife on a daily basis, which we never tire of. 
So many kinds of colorful birds, it is impossible to be bored!

I can hardly comprehend it all. The “House” my dearest darling built for us!
 The “Home” God gave us. I am humbled and so very grateful.

"Master Bed Chamber"

By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

Those who have known us "forever," will tell you,

our linens, spreads, and duvet cover

 have been the same for 30 years.

 Soft, comfy, and in need of the occasional mending.

 I wash them, and hang them outdoors to dry. 

"Chintz," and "Barkcloth," hardly ever wear-out! 

I hope they never do.

Some ask, "why don't you get something in style?"

 This is "My Style!"

 I think we've had it so long, 

it may be back in style anyway! 

The "Snuggery"

By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

The sofa's were purchased for the "Parsonage,"

 in California over 30 years ago. 

Yes, they are the blue ones.

When the couches were over 20 years old,

 they were to be thrown out. I rescued them.

 I shampoo them once a year.

 Machine washable, Target's "Simply Shabby Chic,"

 barkcloth slipcovers, $20.00 from eBay.

 Kid and dog proof!

 Should last another 30 years!

  

The "Scullery"

By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

The "Kitchen Sink," is over 100 years old. 

Deep enough on one side to bath babies and puppies! 

Randy and Dad built all the cabinets, and plate racks. 

I painted them in easy to wash, English oil base enamel. 

The "Dessert Rose," Franciscan dishes, are a cherished gift from my friend "Rosemary Spencer!"

I purchased the lamp shades at the "Dollar Tree," and covered them.

 I bought the "Chandeliers," on sale at "Walmart!"

The "Early American" Pine Hutch has been handed down to me from my "Mother," who inherited it from her "Mother!"

The floors are simply 1" by 12" by 12' pine boards, secured with cross cut nails, 

stained and varnished. Putting the floor in, was a family affair. 

All of us hammered, leaving blood, sweat and tears in its crevices. 

The real "Fireplace" saves us lots of money. We have an abundance of wood. 

What I love the most, is how cozy it is. 

Meet the "Hens." Mimi, Dolly, Fanny, Dixie, and Ruby.

"With God all things are possible!"

"And they lived.....

"Happily Ever After."

True Story