Mother's Day Open House, and welcome!

My children always make me proud, and today is no exception. My own Mother's Day will be spent in the company of my children, while they get my yard into shape. There are large branches about, green grass about 18 inches high and assorted other yard tasks, that I have not had the time or the strength to do. Bless them, today and each day forward. I would not be a mother without them and I should be the one gifting!

My mother, my daughter, myself 1996

As I continued to unpack photographs, I came across the photo of my Dad when he was in the Navy. I knew right away where it belonged.

My own mother has been gone many years. First she left us by falling into dementia at a very young age. Then, taking many years before her passing and finding peace. Mary Ann Louise Ireland was a baby of the depression. One of 13 children and the only girl. She had a tough exterior self taught originally in defense (all those brothers!) and then later on for pure shock value! She was born on January 1, 1931. She never missed a New Years Eve celebration because according to my mom, "the world celebrates my birthday". Yep that was Mary!

She baked and canned and sewed and loved our dad. She was game to try anything in the kitchen, having a very large audience in a hungry husband and 5 children. She was known however to start many craft projects and simply lose interest...... 

When I moved here, I wanted a living room with style. Not being a very fru-fru woman myself, I had to think about what I wanted and then it struck me, a 1930's-ish room. Now not being a child of the 30's myself I had to think about what I had and what I needed to pull this off. Granted it is not authentic, but it is comfortable and a tribute to my mom.......

 The sewing machine is from 1900, the same year my paternal grandmother was born.

A couple of days later, I thought the chairs were way over pillowed, so I made this change.

At first I was going to purchase a new chair pad, but during the depression, folks would of used what they had. So I stacked two for a comfy "sit down". Also when I took a second look at the wall, it seemed a bit plain. What do you think of this addition?

That piece just seemed to belong right there above the rocking chair.

I love this stack. The bottom box is a shipping box/suitcase from many many years ago. There is also a homemade serving tray, a large book (which is a secret storage box) and the Hopes and Wishes boxes. The babies breath has been saved through the years from different flower arrangements. And yes that is an old railroad lantern to the bottom left of the photo.

The wood stove and wood silo. I have a bright blue granite/splatter ware tea kettle coming for the wood stove and adding moisture to the air.

I found this beauty yesterday, and brought it home in my little hatch back car.

A new vantage point.....

The only two pieces of furniture I needed for this room were the couch and the big red chair. Everything else I already owned and wanted to display.

Before and after.......

Once I put the red pillows on the chairs, I realized what a bright touch of color they added to the couch, but for now these pillows will work. I will keep my eye out for more red pillows.

A house is not a home, without photographs on display. As much as I adore my electronic display frame, there is something comforting with the old fashion ways. And now.....

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers in this world!

and here is the gifts I got from my granddaughter!

As always, thank you for taking a moment to stop and say hello. I appreciate your time and your wonderful comments!