Saturday, December 29, 2012

Breathing in the New Year...

I took the day off today to breathe.
Breathe in being a wife and exhale the stress that has entwined itself around my mind.
Unwind.
Regroup.
Relax.
My body and mind needed it desperately.
If you follow me on Facebook, you know I've been driving two hours a day to spend the day with my mom who is now in a rehab center recovering from a recent stroke.
 It's taking a toll not only on my poor old SUV 
(which is having hiccup issues)
but on me, too.
I feel like I'm in the "Groundhog Day" movie;
getting up and doing the same thing over and over and over again, 
day after day after day.

I'm not complaining.
Really, I'm not.
The hours spent with Mom are treasured and cherished.
I need to be there to relieve my Dad and support him.
But I'm feeling frustrated with the lack of improvement I see in my Mom.
I expected her to be walking again
and feeding herself
and in the least able to hold a partial conversation with me.
So, I wait.
I hold her hand and rub her back.
I talk to her and tell her I love her.
I comb her hair and put on her lipstick.
I pray constantly.
I beg.
I cajole.
I pray again.
And I wait for God to answer our prayers.
~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  


I was anxious to get my house back in order after Christmas.
So I spent the day decluttering, putting away Christmas decor,
cleaning, and refloofing ~
And just breathing in being a housewife for the day.




I love doing housework.
It relaxes me and I don't stress out over it.







I found some time to hang another little chandy, too.
This one's just for looks right now,
and doesn't work quite yet.




But at least it's out of the box it was sitting in on the floor in my office.











It did my heart good to dip into my bucket of inspiration 
and create some new vignettes.








This darling little crown ring box filled with a couple tiny treasures
is one of many beautiful shabby chic Christmas gifts sent to me from my good friend and sister-in-Christ, 
Stephanie at The Spanish Dahlia.




This old fruit drying crate was pulled from the abyss in my basement.
I've been wanting to use it in someway
but it continually stumped me
and I would find myself wandering blankly around the house with it.




Not quite sure it "feels" right yet, though.
This vignette may need a little reworking.




I moved to the kitchen and freshened up the table vignette.













Blush pink roses drying on the pie safe,






will soon join the dried ones
on the other side of the kitchen.






I'm breathing easier now.
A little creativity does do the heart and mind good.
I'm ready to tackle another week, too.
Ready to spend it in grateful prayer at my mom's side.



To those of you who have been praying for my family,
I deeply thank you.
For those of you dealing with the same thing,
know that I am praying for you...
And may the new year bring you all an abundance of 
peace, 
joy, 
and 
answered prayer.
~ Blessings ~

Linking to the linky parties on the lower right of my sidebar.

88 comments:

  1. Thinking of you in your time of need. You are lucky you can make time in your life to dedicate to being with your mom. On the other hand I cant believe you have an all white home.. OMG must be no kids or dogs..or cats.. because no way in my world that would stay white.. happy new year..

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  2. Blessings My Sweet Lady! Everything looks so beautiful~Kim

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  3. Prayers being sent for you, your Mom and your family in this difficult time Kim.
    Glad you got to spend the day destressing.... a much needed time for you.
    ((HUGS)) Gee

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  4. Hi Laurie I feel your pain I take my mom to a lot of doctor visits and i have a old SUV too.. but I do love Being with her and having that girl time together. I wish your mom well and keep her in my prayers. and just have to tell you that your home is so nice! love all your pics. xo Val

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  5. I hear you, Laurie- It is not an easy road to walk. Watching our parents age and slip away into a world we can't quite understand causes us confusion and grief. I will be praying for you- hoping that God will give you the wisdom to know what is right for your Mom- to push when it is needed but to let go of the pressure when the pushes do not help or cause anxiety or pain.
    I hope your New Year brings new hope-xo Diana

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  6. Your house looks lovely.... simple and fresh. Prayer for your family.

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  7. (((Laurie))) May God bless your time spent with your mom and bless you as well, and give you the strength you need for this difficult time.
    Blessings,
    ~Angie

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  8. So sorry to hear about what you have been going through with your Mom. I need to find you on Facebook. Your house looks gorgeous! A beautiful peaceful place. Sending prayers for your Mom.

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  9. Thanks for the inspiration. I am inspired to make some changes around my house soon. My parents are both ill. So feeling you for sure! We need to remind ourselves we are better to everyone when we take time out for us. Blessings and Happy New Year!

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  10. Oh Laurie, you hang in there, lady!

    As for your beautiful home - how you could clean and not delve into that wonderful sofa/settee and read and sip tea all day is beyond me! Your space is so peaceful and gorgeous, I love it!!!!

    I love all your little changes, but mainly love how it made YOU feel!

    Happy New Year. God bless!!!!!!

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  11. Prayers for you and your family, you have a very beautiful home, I love your roses~

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  12. I so love your home Laurie,and I will certainly prayer for you and your family.
    I love dried roses too. I find that when I'm drying them,little tiny seeds fall . I always wonder if they would grow if I planted them. I must try. x

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  13. Oh Laurie - I want to come over for a cup of tea ( glass of wine? ) and curl up on that couch beside you and hold your hand and talk and talk and talk -
    And then I want to hop in that SUV with you and visit your Mom - and talk and talk and talk...........
    Much love to you
    Suzan

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  14. I just discovered your blog. What a beautiful home you have! Completely dreamy and positively romantic

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  15. Isn't it wonderful to receive blessings in the "everyday things". To be able to see Him in the little things we do with grateful heart and receive respite and refreshment is such a Divine gift. It's lovely to read the way you've received just what you needed, just when you needed if.
    I am so sorry that progress is so slow for your mom. Your presence, your touch, and your loving gestures are surely such an encouragement to her.
    I'm praying for renewed strength for you as you continue to bless your mom with love.
    Merri Jo

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  16. Laurie, your home is so beautiful and what a calming place it must be when you are troubled. Hope your mom will do better soon and the new year will find you at peace..Judy

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  17. I still think of you , I know how it is- I was 22 when my mother died -14 days she lay in a coma - I prayed every day, and every day I was cleaning - it was a relief for my soul - employ thoughts!
    Today we are in a coma - in-law and I pray and believe ! !
    And I pray also for your mother - Laurie believe that the concern and care about her worth every minute spent with her is a pleasure -what I would give for it to have a mother at his side ........
    I love your home- you always feel the purity and soul, uniqueness and lightness of being , I love your blog and you are to me an admirable woman! !
    Just yesterday I've spent with you a few hours when I only admired by your beautiful photos and even today admiring beauty - Stephanie sent you a beautiful gift - it is awesome!
    I love you and think of you ♥
    xoxo...by Vicky

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  18. Everything is beautiful Laurie! I adore the hanging roses with the baskets, gorgeous! I too find a lot therapy comes from cleaning, I went to town on my little nest the day after Christmas...all the decorations came down!

    I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, illness is very draining on the caretakers so be good to yourself! My husbands grandfather had a stroke a few years ago, he came very close to dying but, after a very lengthy recovery, he's now a very healthy 83 year old. I'll pray for your sweet mama to have the same outcome!

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  19. My dear dear Laurie..i will pray for your mom...for you and your familly.....i hope she will recover soon darling......lots of love from me....and blessings for the new year...love Ria...xxx...

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  20. Thank you for sharing. My prayers for you and your family for comfort, healing and peace.

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  21. You've created such a beautiful and peaceful haven to catch your breath between the challenges you are facing right now.
    Mary Alice

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  22. Your Painting is so so beautiful, i adore it!!! and the dry roses look amazing where you have them, how pretty!! I have been cleaning, cleaning too... fun!!! Happy New Year!!! Tausha xo

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  23. Love the look with no Christmas decor. I am always so ready to get it all down, and clean. Prayers for you mom and for you to hold up to it all. Hope the New Year brings better health your mom's way.

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  24. Laurie, I know what you are going through and my heart is heavy for you. My mom ended up in our local nursing home rehab after a fall and surgery. Dad couldn't understand why she wasn't getting well faster and he was so aggravated. I had to remind him that they won't heal as fast when they're older. After breaking my own leg last year, I realize what my mom was going through. I went to he nursing home as often as I could to relieve Dad from his bedside vigil. Dad had health problems of his own and he passed away while mom was still in the nursing home. After that I was there every day, and I didn't have that two hour drive, but it is still very draining on you emotionally, physically, mentally, AND spiritually. Mom eventually came out and was on her own living next door to us for two years before she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She went back into the nursing home and the daily visit started again. Sometimes I feel she didn't know who I was, but I knew who she was. And I knew she needed me. It's a confusing time, being the caregiver. Rolls have changed and all of a sudden you're the parent and they are the child. You will go through all sorts of feelings, Laurie, and I hope you can sort out each one. It's very difficult. I hope you will take care of yourself, and take some time off now and then. It's critical for your own well-being. My thoughts are with you, and I know that God with there with you also.

    What part of Michigan are you from ? I located half of my birth family there a few years ago and they are all great folks! I just LOVED the two trips I've taken up there so far. I'm in Texas, so Michigan was quite different from what we are used to. But it's gorgeous and I hope to make it up there again. HUGS! Patty soriano471@sbcglobal.net

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  25. love the sweet chandelier, laurie:) wishing you the happiest of new years, and i hope it brings back everything your mom has lost. take care:)

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  26. Laurie, I know your pain.....spent most of the autumn doing the same thing with my mother - back and forth 2 1/2 hours each way several times a week as she was hospitalized once again. It is such a drain even though you wouldn't want to do it any other way.

    Glad to hear you took a day to reconnect with yourself - at times like these we lose ourselves a bit. Nothing like a day at home to refresh both you and the house.

    God bless you and your family during this hard time.

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  27. Hoping your Mom shows some improvement soon, Laurie. I'm sure it can be stressful and exhausting. I remember having to take both my parents to physical therapy after my Dad fell and broke a part of his hip and my Mom was already going for her knee surgery rehab. My Dad does all the driving. So after working my full-time job, I'd take them to their appointments. Nowhere near what you are doing right now, but I remember how stressed I was.

    Your house is looking gorgeous! I love that painting on your mantel and your roses are just beautiful. You've got a very comfortable spot there on your chaise by the window. I think I would spend quite a bit of time sitting there!

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  28. Hello Laurie... please spend every minute you can with your sweet mama... other things just really do not matter... I have been through this with my mama, my sister and my daddy... each one seemed harder than the last... you are blessed to not have to worry about a job to go to... if you can believe it, I actually got letters in my file at my job for "taking off too much time to spend with my dad"... I couldn't have cared less about getting them... just could not believe such insensitive people really existed... jobs can be replaced... my daddy could not... and talk to her... alot... she may not answer or even to seem to understand... but she is still your mama... and she does... much love and prayers to you and your family... an extra special one for your mama... xoxo Julie Marie

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  29. Laurie I continue to pray for you Mom to heal.And I pray for you and your Dad too.I know what you are going through.When my Mother in law was ill many,many years ago it was very stressful though we wanted to be with her every minute we could and glad that we were.
    I think you home should always be a special place.It should be calming and serene especially in times like this.LOVE all your vignettes too.What a beautiful chandy you are getting lucky finding those!I miss thrifting I have not been out much.It is way too cold here today it is 12. I am sure it is cold where you are at too since you are only a state away.
    Blessings to you and your family in the coming year!
    xx
    Anne

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  30. Laurie so sorry to hear about your Mother.
    Time....When in need be there.....keep talking.......
    Love her dearly.......she knows......
    Blessings Laurie to you and your family.....

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  31. Laurie: I am so very sorry about your mom. She and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. My husband had a stroke 7 years ago and I know the toll it takes on you. Take care.
    xo

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  32. Good morning.....I too am sorry about your Mom..its never easy..but I have to tell you this post did me a world of good..the words,the photos all of it...something about it just hit home,thanks! All the best,Chrissy

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  33. When we are in the pain, we have never too much people who pray for us. I'd several times this chance, and I'm happy you've got it for your mummy and you. I'm a little anxious that language barrier prevent me to be clear, but I hope you'll understand my power words in English.
    Your pictures are so peaceful for us, so I can only hope that your sweet home gives you the same feeling.
    ………….. ⋱ ⋮ ⋰
    ………….. ⋯ ✰ ⋯
    ………….. ⋰ ⋮ ⋱
    ……… …….*•♥•*
    …… ……. *♥♫♫♥*’.
    … …….. *♥•♦♫••♥*
    ……… *♥☺♥☺♥☺♥*
    ………*♥•♥#♠*♥#♥•♥* ‘
    ……..*♥♫♥♥♫♥♥♫♥♫* ‘
    …….*♥♥☺♥♫♥♫♥☺♥♥*’
    ……*♥♥♣♫♥♣♥♥♣♥♫ ♣♥♥*’
    ….’*♥♥♣♥♫♥♥♫♥♥♫ ♥♣♥♥*’
    ….*~~**~~**~***~~**~~*
    ….(▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓)
    _____███████████
    ♥:♥: ♥: ♥: ♥: ♥: ♥: ♥: ♥: ♥: ♥:

    Joëlle

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  34. Hi Laurie,
    It was good to have a day to recover from the stress. I pray that your Mom will show signs of recovery soon and pray also for comfort and strength for you and your family.
    Wishing you all the best for the New Year.

    Carolyn

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  35. Laurie - When I opened my computer and saw a new post from you I just had to go pour myself another cup of coffee to savor along with your beautiful writing style. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. You are doing a good thing by being there for her and I'm sure it is helping with the recovery process, even if you can't see it. I'm so glad you took a day of rest. I too, like to do things around my home on my "day off". It is so comforting to have beauty and order around me. Thank you for sharing. I am one of your "newer" followers and I look forward to many more coffee breaks with you. God's blessings on you and your family. Patti @ OldThingsNew

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  36. As always your home is lovely...it is hard seeing your mom in rehab and wondering if it is helping...and with you praying ..God hears and you wait, God hears, and wait, but you know, His answer may not be the one you want, and that is sometimes hard, but He sees the whole picutre and we must trust Him, He knows what is best for your mom and you and your dad and His will , will be done, to honor and glorify Him, so when you pray, pray ''thy will be done''. Blessings...suek

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  37. What a beautiful Daughter... I've lost both my parents to illness, but I was blessed to spend their last moments with them...they are always with me. Love is what it is all about. I will send healing thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

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  38. Laura praying for your Mom, praying for you, giving you strength to hold up to the enemy that wants to tear us down. And giving that SUV a little more push. God know our needs and he will quietly answer your prayers if we sit and listen to his soft voice.
    Look around at what he has blessed you with, a most beautiful home to take shelter in, it's your sanctuary place of quitting your soul and revitalizing your spirit. Giving you the strength to endure all you have to, to then come home to a place of love and beauty.its so beautiful over here with you and the presence of God is with you and your Mom at this trying time.

    I am sending a shout out for a blessing your way.
    Prayers my sweet friend.
    Xoxo
    Dore

    Ps. Know that Mr. heavens walk is not forgotten, he to is a man of all men to help you through all your trials and tribulations. Blessings to your Mr.

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  39. Hi Laurie ~ I am sorry to hear that your Mom is not doing
    well, You are both always in My Prayers & will continue to be... I glad you took a day to do things that are lifting for You ~ care giving can take a toll on us, so Do What you Can, When you Can.... Your Fluffing in your home is wonderful, I always love the Christmas Holidays, but then when the New Year has begun, I like to switch things all around ~ a Fresh beginning~
    xox
    Cheryl

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  40. you have a gorgeous home! I love your fruit box. It looks really good where you placed it. I know it's hard since I've just had to put my Mom in a nursing home. It had gotten beyond the point that I could take care of her. I understand how you feel! We want our Mom's to always be there and be strong and healthy and never to leave us. It's hard seeing them as they are now. I will pray for you for strength and joy during this time for "the joy of the Lord is our strength" and "you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you". I'll pray for your Mom what the Word of God says that "by His stripes we are healed" and "He (Jesus)went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." Hang in there! Your Mom's in His hands and He loves her and you very much!

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  41. Laurie,
    Oh, dear, dear friend. . .prayers are coming your way and continuing for your Mother and your family at this difficult time.
    I am a survior of a stroke. I was 27 at the time. I lost my speech and the use of my right side. Doctors gave me very little hope. In my slurred speech, I told them, "No~o~o!" Six months later, those same Doctors said I was a walking, talking (singing) miracle. I smiled sweetly, through tear streaked eyes, I replied, " I know the Miracle Worker!"
    This is the verse I read (silently) every day during that year!!!

    I lift up my eyes to the hills~
    from where will my help come?
    My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.
    He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
    He who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
    The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
    The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
    The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will deep your life.
    The Lord will keep your
    going out and your coming in
    from this time on and forevermore.
    Psalm 121

    Please keep us updated on your Mother's progress.
    Have a Happy New Year, dear friend. . .one filled with renewed health and prosperity!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  42. I am so sorry to hear that your mom is not making the progress you had hoped for, Laurie. Please know that I am praying for her and you. Happy you were able to stay home for a day and just spend time doing what you love. Have a Happy New Year.
    Hugs,
    Laura

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  43. Laurie,
    God bless your Mom...and the rest of your family. I shall remember her in prayer, day and night.

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  44. I pray your mom recovers soon. I know your daily visits are helping her though it may not seem that way at times. I think she understands that you needed a little time at home to regroup. You did a wonderful job. I am just started to spend time home now so my Christmas season feels like it's just starting. There goes the way of a nursery owner.
    Wishing you happier times in the new year.
    x
    Carole

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  45. Wishing you the very BEST in the New Year and praying that your Mom recovers quickly. I'm sure she appreciates you being there for her:-)

    Your home looks beautiful and refreshed. Love what you did with your wooden drying crate and I have the very same one in my laundry room that I fill with flowers when I have them. Your roses are gorgeous!!

    Sending hugs and prayers your way,

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  46. Laurie dearest,

    I have several things to share with you but first I'll begin with how lovely I feel while looking at the pictures of your beautiful and peaceful home. They evoke such tranquility and immediately your soul feels "at home". I see your romantic spirit sprinkled all throughout, and I have so much appreciation for such talent. I have to say, I LOVE your collection of dried roses hanging in your kitchen, they took my breath away and I need you to put that pic onto pinterest for me so I can get my dried roses fix!!!! I'm so happy that you are enjoying the little treasures I sent you, it was easy and fun for me to do this for such a beautiful woman and most of all, my sister in Christ. I couldn't be more BLESSED than to have God put you in my life, and for that I am truly grateful. Remember how much you are LOVED and admired sweet girl. You are such a strong and amazing woman and many are keeping you and your parents in our prayers.

    Sending you LOVE, HUGS, and KISSES, and PRAYERS,

    ~ Steph

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  47. Laurie...sending "well wishes" to you for your mom...it's not easy watching someone that you love so much struggle with their health. Hope you will be able to ring in the New Year happily! Love to always see your beautiful pictures of your home!

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  48. I hope your mom recovers Laurie. I can imagine how frustrating it is to not see progress. I enjoyed seeing the beauty shots...I know that can recharge your soul and spirit...

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  49. Sending you a hug Laurie and hoping your Mom gets better each day.
    I'm sure if you showed your Mom a few of these photos she would have the biggest and brightest smile!
    Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!

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  50. Awwwwww, i'm so glad you had time to move into your creative and calming mode and putz around the house, grounding and quieting yourself. Sounds to me like that was just what you needed to do, to be able to be your best self for you and for your mom.
    Hang in there sweetie... i'll send prayers and wishes your way...

    Cindy

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  51. Hi Laurie,
    Beautiful blog! Praying your Mom has a speedy recovery! Wishing you all the best in the New year!
    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  52. What a beautiful post. I will be praying for your mom's quick recovery. May your new year be blessed!

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  53. Bless you Laurie...I do, to some extent, know how you feel. I help my dad care for my mom and I am so grateful to be able to do it. Wishing you peace in 2013.

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  54. Just prayed for your Mom and Dad this morning. I was hoping for some good news.
    I'm sorry there doesn't seem to be much improvement, Laurie.
    We will just keep praying for God to keep your Mom in His arms of love, and trust that His plan will be accomplished.
    xxoo

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  55. I know exactly where you are coming from when you say it feels like groundhog day as I did the same for 6 weeks going back and forth to the hospital when my dad was there.. and I also had to drive 2 hrs (nearly) every day. I used to ask God to give me the strength to carry on...and he did and my dad gradually got better. Prayer can be a powerful and wonderful thing..and I will pray for you and your mum too.
    I think you have a beautiful home.. hang in there.. take care, Maryann

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  56. Hope your Mom makes improvements this year, will keep you in my thoughts. Your room looks beautiful, Laura

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  57. Such beautiful photos & amazing taste!
    I'm having a fun blog hop & would love for you to link up:
    godsgrowinggarden.com Thank you
    Angie

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    1. I forgot to say that I've been a follower of yours for a while - I found you on "Adorned From Above" blog hop.

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  58. Laurie,
    I think of you and your mother daily. I hope soon you see an improvement, but she knows you are with her and can feel the love. I wish you much strength as you and your daddy goes through this.
    Your home is so beautiful and I so love your drying roses...how beautiful!!!!
    Lots of hugs and prayers for you and your family.
    Suzann ~xoxo~

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  59. Sending you a hug ((Laurie)) and praying for your family. Your home is beautiful! -Marci

    Thank you for linking up to The Great Blog Train!
    Angie@godsgrowinggarden.com
    Marci@stonecottageadventures.com
    Helen@blueeyedbeautyblogg.blogspot.com

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  60. This is my first visit here, and I hope your mom recovers quickly. Your home is lovely, I like all the white and pink accents.

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  61. So touching to hear about how you care for your dear mother. She is very blessed to have you as a daughter.We can all only hope to have our children care for us in this way as well.No wonder why you needed to lose yourself in busy work!I also have an ill family member right now.I have been holding back trying not to talk or think about it,feeling that will make it all the more real.My father...difficult to even type out the words has cancer spreading in three places and is fighting for his life right now.Prayers and thoughts for you and your family Laurie! I really enjoy your blog and the pictures you post of your beautiful home. Always fun to peek inside!Thanks for sharing so much with us ~ChristyLeah

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  62. Oh Laurie, I am so sorry that your Mom is still not well. I know how hard this must be for you, and my prayers are with your Mom and you and your family!!

    Your home is looking so beautiful and peaceful!! I love all of the soft colors and floral touches.

    Wishing you a Happy New Year sweet Laurie!
    Sincerely,
    Melinda

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  63. Oh sweet girl I didn't know. I'm so sorry about your momma. I can only imagine how painful and exhausting that is for you. Praying she rapidly improves and that God gives you the grace you need to get through this. Love ya sister.

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  64. Oh sweet girl I didn't know. I'm so sorry about your momma. I can only imagine how painful and exhausting that is for you. Praying she rapidly improves and that God gives you the grace you need to get through this. Love ya sister.

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  65. Oh Laurie, I'm so sorry to read that your mom isn't improving the way you had hoped. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

    Your home is looking so pretty and peaceful...probably just what you need right now. I'm in love with that crate and that blue shutter. Best wishes and lots of hugs :)

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  66. Good morning Laurie...Whenever I need a sight of beauty...I visit your lovely blog...always gorgeous!...I'm reading now about your mom and I can absolutely relate. 6 years ago, this Christmas, my mom suffered 2 burst brain aneurisms and then had a severe stroke that completely disabled her. I too spent a very long time traveling to be with her daily while trying to hold down the fort at home. I have a pit in my stomach now just thinking of all of your feelings...It is amazing what we can do when we are called....I'm praying for you and your mom and PLEASE, if you'd like to write or talk to someone that's been through the exact same thing, email me...mariaelenaullinger@gmail.com....God bless you and your family. I'm happy that you have such a beautiful place to return each day and unwind a bit...thinking of you, Mariaelena

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  67. I have also walked this path. I took care of my father for years after my mother past away. He too was in a rehab and I stayed there most all day and some nights everyday. It does become stressful but now that my father is no longer with me, the stress and time I spent with him daily was so worth it. I can say I have no regrets. I wish your family well.

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  70. Do not feel guilty for taking the time to recoup and recharge as a renewed you can only be a benefit to your mom and dad. Your home is lovely, and no wonder that spending some time tidying is helping you to breathe a bit easier. Take care of yourself!

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  71. Laurie, I've just found your blog over at Gina's Transformation Thursday and I'm lovin it. Your photography is beautiful and your knack with decorating....gorgeous. I am so very sorry to hear about your Mom. I pray that she will improve daily.
    Candy
    PICKINandPAINTIN.blogspot.com

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  72. Breathing is something we have to sometimes make ourselves do. At least your photos show that you are managing to do just that. Many of us have been through ill and aging parents and I'm betting every one of us has been frustrated by not being able to make things better. Take a deep breath and have confidence that things will be as they should be.

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  73. Your house looks beautiful! I love visiting your blog. I am sorry to hear about your mom.
    stefani

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  74. hello Laurie
    this is a great post.just LOVE your photos.....
    and do not miss......

    S
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    S
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    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

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  75. You have a lovely blog, and I will continue to visit for inspiration. I'm new to blogging, and am very excited to share my inspiration as well. Would love for you to visit my blog, Maddiebella Home, and be inspired too.

    Blessings,

    Betty (Maddiebella Home)

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  76. I wish you luck with your mom, you are a great daughter, I am sure it is hard to become the one who takes care of the parent and not the other way around. The pictures of your home are just beautiful. I love the drying roses, reminds me next time I need to pick up a couple of bunches.

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  77. Laurie, sending you positive thoughts today, wishing you renewed energy and praying for your mom's health to return. Your blog is beautiful.
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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  78. Laurie, you make the world so much more beautiful. You handle everything with simple elegance and grace. Praying for you, your Mother and your entire family. I'm so sorry to hear of everything that is going on right now with your Mother's health. xoxo

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  79. Dear Laurie,

    I am sorry to hear about what you are going through. You are such a strong and faith filled woman. You set a wonderful example. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.

    xo

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  80. Hi Laurie, Well, in a home as sweet as in these photos, I'm sure you instantly relax! Hope your mom will get well soon! Thank you for sharing at the linky parties at http://www.finecraftguild.com

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  81. Laurie, Reading your post brought back many memories of my mother and father. I had to drive back and forth to Orange County from San Diego, when their health starting to get bad. My mother was 87 and passed almost 5 years ago and my dad at 91, 1 1/2 years ago. I know this is a difficult time for you. I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

    Jody

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  82. so beautiful and peaceful, calm and cozy there. that chandy is wonderful!! Prayers for your family, dear Laurie.

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  83. Lauri, Thank you for the beautiful words, photographs and inspiration! Praying for you and thanking you for giving me the strength to be by my Mom's side also. You all are in my thoughts and prayer. A very beautiful post.
    Dolly

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  84. Sorry left off the e in your beautiful name.

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  85. Hi Laurie!
    I wanted to stop by and let you know that over at Hibiscus House we featured your post and would love for you to pick up your featured button. Thank you so much for joining us for Farmgirl Friday!
    http://hibiscushouse1.blogspot.com/2013/01/farmgirl-friday-blog-hop-91-and-memories.html
    Dolly

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  86. What a beautiful sanctuary it is! I am sorry you are going through such a rough time. My prayers are with you and your family and for recovery for your mom. My dad is getting so weak with his heart and I hate the niggling feeling in the back of my mind about his health. Hugs to you my friend.

    Deborah

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie