SO THANKFUL ARE THESE TWO FAMILIES

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

The houses we decorated on Monday and Tuesday of this week could not have come at a better time for a THANKSGIVING post. Their homes overflow with thanksgiving, with an appreciation for life that probably only comes in situations they have been through. I don't want to tell their stories, but am going to share the short version and what I see in their lives. Both live in ABSOLUTELY beautiful homes, both of them have a house full of kids!
Both families have experienced some really hard days and both have witnessed great miracles in their lives (and I do have their permission to shout God's faithfulness)!

The first home is a family I have known for twenty years. The first house I ever did when starting the the tree decorating business, was decorating the parents home of the husband in this home...you might have to read that twice. That's a long sentence and it was many, many moons ago. I remember when this couple married probably 15 or 16 years ago. I may be off a year or so...but it sure makes me feel old.

I remember when they wanted babies and and I vividly remember when they lost four babies. I really want this to encourage all the readers I have that are suffering with fertility problems. That was the story in this home. I remember how sad I felt ever time I heard they had lost another baby and then twins. They desperately wanted a house full of little ones...Five year ago they were able to adopt a little man. He was so loved and really rocked their world...and then a few days after I decorated their home 2 years ago, a little girl came along! The tiniest little bundle of joy. Another Christmas miracle!

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, I got an email late one night telling me they had just brought another beautiful little baby girl home from the hospital. Their home is now overflowing with little ones. When they talk about the miracle of the adoptions of all three, their gratitude is so apparent. As I was leaving this week, the Mom was holding this sweet newborn and said to me again...
"These children are miracles and answers to prayer"! This year they celebrate Thanksgiving very GRATEFUL!

Click to enlarge

The tree is one we change up every year and this year she wanted to give it a heavy GREEN touch. Last year we did it in PINK and SILVER!

We spent two days at this next house. Unlike the other family, I have only known this family for 2 years. It is a home that is full of KIDS, FUN and lots of LOVE. The Mom at this home is MULTI-TALENTED! That would be putting it mildly. She designed this home and over several years built it. She is a DOCTOR ( a pediatrician which so fits her) ! She is SUPER MOM to four great kids, 2 boys and 2 girls. She is a wife to a doctor. She is a daughter to aging parents! She is one of the most genuine and warm people I have ever met and I am so thankful to call her my friend. But just a few years ago, life suddenly took a scary turn when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her baby was very young. She went through all the yuk treatment and today she is caner free and totally well. Her zest and appreciation for life just radiates from her. She is one of those people you just want to BE AROUND! And I almost did not meet her...Last December, after I was finished decorating, had put everything away for another year, all my help was home doing their own stuff when I got a call from one of my long time clients that someone really needed help. They had just moved into a new home and needed help getting their holiday decorations up. I first said NO! I thought about it all that night. The next day I called to see if one of my elves could work another day, still not very excited about getting the scissors and ribbon out again. Long story short, I said OK, we would see if we could help, never dreaming we were about to meet one of the sweetest and FUN gals ever. We met a lady that loved life, appreciated every little thing and had a glow that I rarely see in people. We ended up spending two full days with the family. As I drove out of their neighborhood, I had a new appreciation for life and for health. I had made a new friend.. That's one of the great PERKS to my job!
One day I would love to share pictures of their entire house.. NO detail was overlooked and it is AMAZING! But for now, here are some glimpses of their Christmas trees ..We do a true 12 foot Southern Living tree in the family room and then a GIANT 14 ft tree in the game room filled with ornaments the kids have made... Enjoy...

Notice we used all her old stockings in this tree...a great way to preserve memories of stockings of the past.

We made two of these arrangements and they are full of tall lights in them..perfect for the spot they are in!

The main staircase that you see as you enter the house.....STUNNING

The mantle in the game room

BEAUTIFUL HOMES, but most of all BEAUTIFUL FAMILIES full of THANKSGIVING to GOD for life, health and answered prayers.

Tomorrow night I will draw for the wonderful HOLIDAY CD! and then Friday night for a drawing for a special holiday SURPRISE! So leave your comments...That's all it takes to be in the drawing. More beautiful homes to come in the next few days.