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Better Homes and Gardens Photo Shoot

September 24, 2012 by Edie Wadsworth 109 Comments

Long story short, here’s how it happened.

My friend, Gretchen, a freelance food and wine writer,   pitched the story of our house fire and rebuild to several shelter magazines after our rebuild last year.  Several months later, we found out that BHG wanted to run the story.

WHATTTTTTTTT?  Y’allllll???!!!!  I have been beside myself with excitement.  It has been a little like birthing a baby.   A huge period of waiting, wondering, worrying, asking a lot of questions……….

My first encounter with them was a phone call with the Home Design editor.   She was completely adorable and gracious and charming.  And thus has been my experience every step of the way.  They have been so great to work with and so kind and complimentary—not to mention very thorough and professional.  This whole thing has been such a process.  So many emails, so many photos, so many questions, so many layers of people involved.  The shoot was originally gonna be in June, then July and finally September.  I’ve been feeling completely nervous and excited and  quite inadequate.  I don’t think I even realized what a big production this would all be.  But it was such a blast and I’m so glad I did it and so thankful that they gave us this opportunity.  And thank you, sweet Gretchen—-for making this all possible for us!

The day before the shoot, Elizabeth Beeler, the stylist came to get everything set up.  It was love at first sight.  She’s completely adorable and perfectly laid-back but has such an eye for design.  I think we’re gonna adopt her into our family because frankly, she loves to say Bean Station—in her best Alabama voice.  I’m SO MAD at myself for not getting a picture of the two of us.  She’s my new BFF and I’m so thankful for her talent but mostly for her kindness and approachability.  I stole this photo from her fb page because it’s so perfect for her.  She was running late one day and when she got here, her shoes were muddy from scaling down a ravine to get a picture of the fog rising over the lake.  She’s a jewel and I am SO glad our paths crossed.  I’m one of those quirky ones who thinks that things like that don’t happen by accident.  I LOVE YOU, Elizabeth!

And here’s how I knew we were separated at birth.  Her instructions from BHG were to make the laundry room look more laundrified with baskets and cute detergent, etc.

She came with baskets but they got lost in the cabinetry so she asked if I had any cute fabric.  Of course I do and in fact, I make a sport out of fabric hunting.

I produced this lovely David Hicks fabric and Grannie and I mistreated it into a basket liner—with safety pins.  Yes, we did.

I’ve been mistreating fabric my whole life and now my professional stylist friend not only approves but applauds it.  She and I?  Two peas in a pod.

I loved it so much I think I’m gonna make an honest to goodness liner to go in there and I’m gonna keep the clothespins idea.  Loved it all.

I also loved the pillows she brought for the sofa!  (from John Robshaw)   Good pillows are expensive but so worth it.

She borrowed a twin quilt from the Camp Room (which I haven’t shown you yet) to put over the sofa and I think I’m just gonna have to keep it there.  And her trick for getting things just right?  She takes pictures of the space and then studies it from there and decides what changes might make it better.

That’s Stevie in the background, trying to get the heck out of Dodge as fast as he could.  He’s not much of a photo shoot kinda of a guy, in case you were wondering.

Pretty quick after the crew arrived on Wednesday, I did the important things first.  I found out who’s in charge of the photoshopping and we had a little talk.  I said to Zane,  “Zane, dear, I just want to be clear on something.  No matter what the photos look like, I weigh 120 pounds.  Are we both okay with that?”

And he said, “Yes ma’am”.   Like the good Southern boy he is.   I may or may not have offered him cash.

They took about 20 different shots, including the kitchen, the workroom, the master, the girls’ room, the living room and the guest room.   They came prepared with a shot list that described in detail what they were trying to capture with each one.  Nearly every shot was the same process: they would set it up, style it, shoot it and then tweak it after looking at the shot on the monitor.  It took a long time to get everything just right.  These people are serious business when it comes to everything being perfect.   They do not attend the school of ‘oh, everything looks fine wadsworth academy’.   They cipher and hem and haw and move things an inch and then another inch.  They are really good at what they do. I was so impressed.

They sent me an email a week before the shoot and said, “Hey, since you’re gonna be in January’s issue, do you have any good organization solutions that are pretty to share?”

“Um, no.  That’s not one of my spiritual gifts,” I replied.

But turns out, they did find a couple.

They shot my colorful shelves with all the fiesta ware and my glass canisters, labeled and all, full of flour, sugar, etc.

My poor sister slaved over the open shelves in the pantry for a good six hours the day before they got here.   “Should we put the tomatoes beside the chicken stock or the beans by the rice?”  we kept asking ourselves.   This is just like rocket surgery, people.  You gotta get it right.  Everybody knows that barley and wild rice should be stored in proximity.   We both just had a hunch they’d want to shoot the pantry.  And we were right.   I’m so glad she took her organizing skills to the next level and made the pantry beautiful.  I can promise you that it’s not always so.

Because she’s all kinds of sweet and amazing, she also baked pumpkin bread with pumpkin buttercream icing and it may very well be famous. They took several photos that included the pumpkin bread! It definitely won ‘best prop’ award. Unless you ask Stevie and he’ll say it was the glass of wine.

Here’s what I learned from the living room shoot.   Decorate the room how you think it looks best and then take out half the stuff.  EDIT.  I don’t edit.  I need to learn to edit.   Tzotche  hoarders don’t edit well.  See how cleared off my coffee table is? THere’s NOTHING on the bottom of it.  NOT. ONE. THING.

Stevie and I compromised when we rebuilt our house and I told him he could find any chair he loved as HIS chair. It wouldn’t have to match with the decor and I wouldn’t tell him what it had to look like. All I can tell you——it’s really comfortable. Not so photogenic, as it turns out. They made a note on their shot list to remove ‘the ugly leather chair in the corner.’  Okay, they didn’t say ugly but Stevie knew what they meant.  It’s a tiny notch above a lazy boy.  A very tiny notch.  It got sent to the kitchen for the shot, along with two other chairs and a stool.  Apparently, I hoard furniture too.

We all had a good laugh!

The other side of the room is where the camera was positioned on the tripod.  The shots came up on a large screen for everyone to analyze.  We all crowded around the computer to see Zane and Heather Anne work their magic.  They opened the front door for the living room shot to let as much natural light in as possible.

To make the day more soothing and enjoyable, Zane played some wonderful music for us.  I learned about the Lumineers and Old Crow Medicine Show.    Then around 4:30 when everyone was tired and jacked up on too much caffeine, Zane decided to show us a YouTube clip of Flight of the Conchords.  And in a twist of beautiful fate, he sang this whole little ditty for us, complete with all the beautiful facial expressions.  I laughed until I needed to change pants.  It was epic.  I’ll never forget.  Thank you, Zane.  So very much. I hope we end up in the same nursing home cause you’re funny.


The island looked like this most of the time.  I was far more worried about making sure everybody was fed and caffeinated than anything else.  I can’t even help myself.  The photographer was so gracious to have food catered but cooking is just what I do.  I’m happiest when I’m feeding people.

The girls room was scheduled to be shot, which is why they were relegated to the attic room for three days.  Grannie (my mother’s name to all who know her) ironed the sheets, pillowcases and duvets and then we forbid anyone in that room until the shoot.  I’ve added bedskirts and a couple pillows since you saw it last so I thought you might like a peek!  They are so glad to have their space back and I’m still trying to fumigate the attic room.

They weren’t originally gonna shoot the workroom—but they added it and I think I have finally located all my wayward books.  You’ve seen this room a thousand times but I thought you might like the green trellis monogrammed pillow I added.  It makes me smile every single day.  And those adorable yellow ranunculus?  My new favorite flower.

They didn’t shoot the side entry but this purse was hanging there this week and I instantly fell in love and had to know all about her.

I sent a text of this photo to JamieKnoxville today and under the text, I said, “Never mind the eggs.”

She texted back, “Hmmm, love it but the basket of eggs throws me off.  At least there’s not a live chicken coming out of the purse.”  Truer words have nary been spoken.

The purse belonged to Jessica, the very talented art director from BHG.  She was very inspiring to be around and was the cause of all my Amazon dollars being spent—-in books and one very cool purse.  She is quite the creative lady with a VERY colorful house!  Her house was featured in BHG a few years back and she showed us the pics.  Her house makes mine look like a snoozer. Great inspiration for us all.

I’ve already received the purse and I can testify that it is in fact the most wonderful purse I’ve ever owned.  It’s falls the perfect length off the shoulder and the leather is like buttah.

As a side note, I feel like such a fraud when I say purse.  I grew up in a family where the women carried pocket books.  It just seems wrong to call this beautiful thing anything so wrong as a pocket book.   I know what pocket books look like and this is not one of them.  Whatever this is, it is not a pocket book.  Tell me I’m right on this?!


The volume and beauty of the flowers they bring is amazing. I wish I had access to fresh flowers like this everyday. Life is better with beautiful flowers!

Here’s what might surprise you about a big magazine photo shoot.

1.  They turn off all the lights in the house, including the lamps.   I’m so stealing this idea for my own home shooting.

2.  They use a tripod on every shot.   I never bother to get out my tripod but when you’re shooting with the lights off, the shutter speed will inevitably be longer and noone can hold that still.   Stealing that idea too.

3.  They’re all so darn nice and gracious.  You feel intimidated and out of their league.  I  was gonna start apologizing for all the things in my house that weren’t done.  But they’re all people too—with homes in various stages of progress.  We’re all the same, really.  I shouldn’t have been so nervous.

4.  They shop the house and rearrange things like crazy.  They moved chairs, tables, rugs, etc to other rooms and for other purposes.  They also brought a host of things that might help including pillows, rugs and lots and lots of flowers. AND…..beside and all around the beautiful shot they’re creating??? Utter chaos. Crap laying everywhere, stuff pushed into corners. But that one spot is perfect. It’s really kinda cool.

5. You need your people with you. My mom and my sister stayed with me nearly the whole time. It was so comforting to have their help and to have someone to enjoy the process with. Thank you, a million times thank you for all your sacrifice of time.

6. It was a wonderful, life-enriching experience and I feel SO BLESSED to have been a part of it. What a way to end a story!

Filed Under: better homes and gardens, blogging, confessions

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatarjesszwo says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:06 pm

    So so so so incredibly awesome! I just can’t wait to see this shoot in the magazine!! Much love to you and the fam, Edie! 🙂

    Reply
  2. AvatarHeidi @ Decor & More says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Indeed! How lovely, from start to finish — I’ll be waiting breathlessly for my BH & G January issue. 🙂 Now put your feet up, appreciate yourself, and finish The Odyssey!

    Reply
  3. Avatarmelissa stover says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    love it! what an awesome thing to happen to a sweet family. can’t wait to see the magazine!

    Reply
  4. AvatarAdriane says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:27 pm

    Your house is gorgeous, but your humility and charm really make it a home. BHG couldn’t have picked a better subject!

    Reply
  5. Avatarsharee says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    Wow, that is so much fun! It was interesting learning how they prep for the photo shoot and labor over every detail. I can’t believe they were not going to shoot the workroom, that is my favorite out of them all!

    Reply
  6. AvatarRuth @ Living Well Spending Less says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    I’m still chuckling over this part:

    “They sent me an email a week before the shoot and said, “Hey, since you’re gonna be in January’s issue, do you have any good organization solutions that are pretty to share?”

    “Um, no. That’s not one of my spiritual gifts,” I replied.”

    Love it. Love you. xoxo

    Reply
  7. AvatarBarbara says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:34 pm

    Livin’ the dream, baby! You know we’re all just sitting here, with drool dripping off our chins. (I start talking with a southern accent, in my mind, even when leaving a comment, after reading one of your posts!) Congrat’s on scoring this great spread!

    Reply
  8. AvatarPatty says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    After spending more than half of my life fretting about my home not coming close to those I saw in magazines, I am so relieved to know the truth. Deep down, I suspected that those BHG homes were too beautiful for real life. Everybody knows that real families don’t iron their sheets! Thanks for putting things into perspective.
    Your home is spectacular, but the people inhabiting it are more so 🙂

    Reply
  9. AvatarKathryn says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Cannot wait until January. Your home looks wonderful, so I can imagine it will look absolutely stunning in the spread. Congrats! You deserve it 🙂

    Reply
  10. AvatarAmber B. says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:42 pm

    So happy for you. Your style and your heart are wonderful–can’t wait to see your home in the magazine!!!

    Reply
  11. AvatarSouthern Gal says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    Such interesting bits of information on what goes on in a house shoot. I can’t wait to see it in the magazine.

    I love that purse. And thank you for clearing up the pocketbook/purse problem. I grew up with pocketbooks, too. It’s so hard for me to say purse (unless it’s my granddaughter, Nora, toting it around – then it’s definitely a purse #prisspot) I’ve gotten where I call them all “handbags” or “bags”. Not very elegant.

    Reply
  12. AvatarStacy says

    September 24, 2012 at 10:58 pm

    “What a way to end a story.” Edie, I think your story is just beginning. Your home–beauty for ashes. You are such an inspiration. Oh, what a blessing you are!

    Reply
  13. AvatarRuth says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:13 pm

    Edie-it sounds like a truly exciting experience. I can imagine you were stressed but felt relief as it all came together. Your story is an amazing one, and I think it is far from over.
    Looking forward to the January issue!!

    Reply
  14. AvatarDiane | An Extraordinary Day says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    What a wonderful happy memory to be created in celebration of this new chapter in your life. I can’t wait ’til the January issue arrives in my mailbox!!! And thank you soooo much for letting us in, behind the scenes!!! Love you Eddie!

    Reply
  15. AvatarKelley says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:32 pm

    I had to laugh at the girls the other night. They told me all about being kicked out of their room and the ironed sheets. They were mortified that someone leaned onto the bed to retrieve a pillow (?) thus causing the sheets to require ironing again! I am sure they loved their time in squalor, too.

    Reply
  16. AvatarTiffany @ The Domestic Fox says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    Edie – just about every week I go back and re-read your posts during those months after the fire. I am finding strength in your words as we rebuild from the tornado that destroyed our home this year. My loss wasn’t a fire and we weren’t there to witness the loss of our house…our home…but I know how your heart ached during the recovery period. And even now…as we are starting our rebuild…some days the emotions just take me away and the tears just don’t stop. Your story has turned into a fairy tale…and gives me hope. My words to you in March of 2011…”it’s going to be okay…” I have to remember to tell myself that every day – it’s going to be okay.

    I love the way your story ends….but I don’t think it’s the end at all – it’s only the beginning for you and your family. And I am looking forward to a glimpse into that journey through your posts and pictures…

    Reply
  17. AvatarChristy says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:47 pm

    Oh.my.goodness.gracious! It’s all just so very exciting! I can’t WAIT to see the magazine. You are so adorable. I love reading your posts. You have such a sweet spirit.
    Blessings,
    Christy

    Reply
  18. AvatarNicole Scott says

    September 24, 2012 at 11:52 pm

    Wow! That is so cool. You house looks amazing. What a great way to capture it forever! Congratulations!

    Reply
  19. Avatarashley @ the handmade home says

    September 25, 2012 at 12:00 am

    SO excited for you, sweet Edie! Your home is drool worthy and absolutely gorgeous. So excited for you!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it. ;}

    Reply
  20. AvatarJessica@sweatismysanity says

    September 25, 2012 at 12:04 am

    Awe, I love that your mom and sis are always there helping you and supporting you. Good women they are. Congrats on such an opportunity.

    Reply
  21. AvatarBecky says

    September 25, 2012 at 12:45 am

    Loved this post!!!!! Your home is amazing and so inspirational. I can’t wait for the article to come out!!

    Reply
  22. Avatarchrissi says

    September 25, 2012 at 12:54 am

    Edie, this all sounds so fun and exciting. Thanks for sharing the adventure. I can’t wait to buy the magazine.

    Reply
  23. Avatarmelissa @ the inspired room says

    September 25, 2012 at 1:38 am

    You are famous now, girl! Your house is amazing. Loved seeing all the happy chaos behind the scenes. And, the missing chair? Too funny.

    Reply
  24. AvatarComeca says

    September 25, 2012 at 3:27 am

    Everything looks beautiful I know it was a great experience!

    Reply
  25. AvatarKimS says

    September 25, 2012 at 5:50 am

    Love the post, And the video was hilarious! Had to send a link to Zak, and told him I can totally see him doing that. LOL

    Reply
  26. AvatarMaureen says

    September 25, 2012 at 6:49 am

    What an entertaining story! Cannot wait until this issue comes out!!

    Reply
  27. AvatarSarah says

    September 25, 2012 at 7:26 am

    Can’t wait to see it in the magazine! I’m so glad y’all got this opportunity. The world needs to hear about God’s provision for you, and about the beauty that rose from the ashes. I can’t wait especially to hear about how they portray that. If they convey your story anything like your blog, they won’t be able to avoid the Irresistable Grace.

    Reply
  28. AvatarLori H says

    September 25, 2012 at 7:35 am

    So exciting! Can’t wait to see the story. And definately, that purse is NOT a pocketbook. 🙂

    Reply
  29. AvatarMarie at the Lazy W says

    September 25, 2012 at 8:47 am

    My goodness!!
    a) I love that you may or may not have paid that man cash to remember your true weight. I believe you wholly.
    b) If organization is a spiritual gift, then I am sorely lacking in that too. But I crave it.
    c) How adorable that you ed the crew. I think food as a love language ranks well above organization as a spiritual gift. LOL I bet they’ll never forget you.
    d) Conchords, Old Crow, and Mumford & Sons… excellent combo.
    e) Thanks so much for sharing the styling advice!! Editing is hard. Please say, though, that you returned our bookshelves to their former PACKED glory. They look and feel so good that way! xoxo
    Congrats on such a cool experience, cannot wait to pick up the January issue!

    Reply
  30. AvatarWendy says

    September 25, 2012 at 9:27 am

    So beautiful! I aspire to have a house one day that is 1/10th of the beauty that you have created! And yes, pocket book is what I was raised to say as well, but I’ll agree – that’s a purse!

    Reply
  31. AvatarLisa Graves says

    September 25, 2012 at 9:42 am

    So happy for you, Edie. I am so excited to see the January issue. I love your style of writing…you make it fun and comfortable for those of us reading. I pray many more blessings for you and your family and thank you so much for giving us a glimpse of your life.

    Lisa Graves

    Reply
  32. AvatarSusan says

    September 25, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Wow! The happest ending indeed! I can’t wait for January!

    Reply
  33. AvatarKris says

    September 25, 2012 at 10:35 am

    I dont’ read BHG normally, but will definitely be picking up the January issue. So happy for you! It looks amazing!!

    Reply
  34. AvatarWendy says

    September 25, 2012 at 10:56 am

    Must have the recipe for your sister’s pumpkin bread w/pumpkin buttercream icing! Love everything about the house but I’m focused on the food at the moment 🙂

    Reply
  35. AvatarCarol says

    September 25, 2012 at 11:09 am

    Wonderful to see all of your efforts in creating such a beautiful, loving and comfortable home for your family recognized in BHG. Already looking forward to the January issue.

    Reply
  36. AvatarGina says

    September 25, 2012 at 11:19 am

    How exciting to have your home photographed and yes it is the perfect ending to your story!! Looking forward to seeing it. 🙂 I had to laugh over the pocket book/purse thing because my husband says pocket book and I always say, “your mom carried a pocket book, I carry a purse!” Now it is a joke in our house. 😉

    Reply
  37. Avatarthe farmer's wife says

    September 25, 2012 at 11:20 am

    I’m so glad you shared this! I’ve often thought it would be fun to have a good stage/decorator come in and rearrange my house (as much as I love it and love to decorate it). I’d like to see it through someone else’s eyes and see if it would be liveable or make sense for our family. Can’t wait for your BHG issue to come out! Congrats on making the absolute most of a horrifying situation!

    Reply
  38. AvatarNicki says

    September 25, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    This is just fantastic! And the fact that your home will be in the January issue, which is by far my favorite issue all year, is just icing on the cake. Can’t wait to see it. Oh, and the pocket book vs purse thing made me laugh out loud.

    Reply
  39. Avatarteresa humphrys says

    September 25, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Edie,
    Well, you’ve done it again! WOW’d me 🙂
    A few comments:
    -Can’t believe they did not include the porch. Shame on them!
    -My pantry is in CONSTANT state of redoing, rearranging, cleaning out, resorting….
    -Loved the pic of the “away room” the girls were exiled to. Too funny 😉
    -Edie, that is not a purse, or a pocket book. It is a piece of luggage! And a pretty darn
    good looking one, at that. The boots on the floor were awesome!
    -I am still voting your kitchen the best I have EVER seen. (BTW, still thinking of painting
    my island black. The girls do not have to ask anymore who I am referring to when I say,
    “Look at Edie’s blog….” 🙂
    -All the pics were fun, and beautiful. Can’t wait until the magazine comes out!
    -You will always amaze me and inspire me. Wonder how many BFFs you have out there?
    (secretly I am one of many…..)
    teresa

    Reply
  40. AvatarLolo says

    September 25, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    You and your home are so inspiring !! Love, love your story of faith and family…what fun to share it with the whole world! Cannot wait to see your spread in BHG 🙂 You guys are truly amazing <3 <3 XOX

    Reply
  41. AvatarStacey says

    September 25, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Edie, your home is just beautiful and totally deserves to be in a magazines…or several. I wanted to ask you, how and where did you acquire all of your artwork so quickly and beautifully? I am stumped to even find one thing that I can’t live without or that doesn’t seem reproduced a million times.

    Reply
  42. Avatarpaige says

    September 25, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    lord have mercy my friend
    you are amazing
    can NOT wait to see it in print!!!!
    & the purse. well of course you purchased it based soley on the fact that it feels like butter 😉 love that brand!
    xoxo

    Reply
  43. AvatarPatty Palmer says

    September 25, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    Ooohhh!!! What a treat for BH & G fans! I adore your house! How fun, fun, fun!

    Reply
  44. AvatarBecky @ Farmgirl paints says

    September 25, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    So excited for you girl. Much deserved. Your house is breathtaking. I loved that you said gonna all throughout this post. Made me smile. I could feel your excited energy.

    Reply
  45. AvatarGlenda Childers says

    September 25, 2012 at 10:01 pm

    Thanks for sharing this fun and unusual experience. I enjoyed every word.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

    Reply
  46. AvatarGina in Louisville says

    September 26, 2012 at 9:39 am

    I am pretty sure that is not a purse but actually a piece of luggage perfect for a 3-day trip. : )

    Reply
  47. AvatarKim B. says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    LOVED every bit of this!! Sooo much to “escape” in the beauty of your home 🙂 It seizes to amaze me how God continues to bless you & your family for perservering through those dark days. God may have taken away, but He truly has given back & then some! Sooo happy for you Edie!!
    XOXO

    Reply
  48. AvatarJulia in West Des Moines, IA says

    September 29, 2012 at 10:54 am

    How awesome of an ending to your story, edie! My younger two kids and a couple families we know have dealt with a few Meredith shoots, and yes, they are great to work with. Can’t wait for January’s issue!

    Reply
  49. AvatarLanie Beth Sinclair says

    September 29, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    This is such a great post, Edie and I can think of no one that deserves this more than you! Congrats!

    Reply
  50. AvatarJenny@EvolutionofStyle says

    September 30, 2012 at 9:31 am

    Thanks so much for sharing your BHG story! It is a dream of mine to have my home featured in their magazine and I love hearing the stories of those who have. I think I would have to send my family away to get everything prepped, as I would probably have an anxiety attack amid the anticipation! :-). Can’t wait to see your home featured in January!! Congrats!

    Reply
  51. Avatarsara@augustfields says

    September 30, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    edie! this is so exciting! i can’t wait to pick up an issue….so happy you had such a grand time. 🙂 you’re house is truly a home…..

    Reply
  52. AvatarRhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    September 30, 2012 at 11:55 pm

    Ahhhh, Edie! So happy for you, I loved reading all about it. What fun we had at the cottage hearing about your upcoming photo shoot with BHG. So stinkin happy for you, can’t wait to see your feature. I’m hoping it will happen to me one day. Your house is so gorgeous, it deserves to be shown off!!

    Reply
  53. AvatarMarnita says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    When my oldest daughter (24yo) was little she called them “pocket purses”. To this day, whether it is a Coach, a Big Buddah or nothing special from a big box store, it is still a pocket purse and brings a smile to my face.

    Reply
  54. AvatarMorgan says

    October 8, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    What a fantastic overview of a fantastic opportunity!! Congrats!

    Reply
  55. AvatarHollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating says

    October 10, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Found a link to this post from Centsational Girl. What a neat opportunity to get featured in BHG. I’ve always wanted see how a stylist would change my house for a photo. Love all the color and funkiness you’ve incorporated in your home, just from what I’ve seen in this one post. Now I’m off to poke around the rest of your blog for more!

    Reply
  56. AvatarLaura@Ms Smartie Pants says

    October 18, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    Ok, I read this post before but didn’t watch the video, thanks for the good laugh/cry… going to change my clothes!

    Reply
  57. AvatarLLH Designs says

    October 19, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    I just got the chance to read this post and was cracking up almost the entire time! I bet this one of the most fun photo shoots in the the history of photo shoots! You are a hoot! Love your sense of humor and candid spirit.

    One of my favorite things about photography is that I can block out the clutter and focus on the beauty. I love the way you described the chaos. It puts the perfection we see in magazines into perspective.

    xo,
    Linsey

    Reply
  58. AvatarCarlene Gordon says

    December 29, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    I just love the chairs in the kitchen. Where can I find them?

    Reply
  59. AvatarMary Beth says

    December 30, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    Thank you for sharing your backstory with us. When I got my January issue of Better Homes and Gardens and started reading about you all rebuilding after a fire, I realized that I had been on your blog before. I love that you are so down to earth. Your home is so warm and inviting. I really got a lot of good ideas for decorating my home. Thank you again and best wishes.

    Reply
  60. AvatarSuzette says

    December 31, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    Nevermind the purse (and it is very pretty). I want to know about the blue and green hanging in the back. Is that an apron? I must have it in my life. Where did you get it?

    Reply
  61. Avatarcwest says

    February 25, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    where is the girl’s bedding from?

    Reply
  62. AvatarSusan says

    April 4, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    I would like to know where the curtains in the living room from, the green and white ones with the brown shade behind it? Thanks.

    Reply
  63. AvatarLeonard says

    April 30, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand.

    It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
    I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to
    get the hang of it!

    Reply
  64. Avatarnachrichten deutschland flüchtlinge says

    December 20, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    Nee, hier gibt es keine verschiedenfarbigen Bändchen jeweils für die, die viel oder wenig essen dürfen..
    hier gibt es einen Vermerk auf der Namenskarte, die auf dem Tisch liegt.

    Reply
  65. Avataratepelton.tumblr.com says

    February 25, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    Es kursieren eine ganze Reihe von Ernährungsirrtümern , etwa dass Salz
    den Blutdruck erhöht oder Light-Produkte schlank
    machen.

    Reply
  66. AvatarGesundheitsseiten says

    March 15, 2016 at 5:02 am

    Josef L. aus Ofalu / Ungarn (25.07.2014): Es gibt so viele natürliche
    Mittel, aber die meisten Ärzte greifen am liebsten einfach schnell zur Chemie.

    Reply
  67. Avatar196X Tees says

    April 8, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    Folks with eczema or other skin sensitivities decide on cotton for its non-allergenic,
    non-rash-inducing tendencies.

    Reply
  68. AvatarDie Gesundheit says

    April 19, 2016 at 5:40 am

    Ergänzen kann man die Behandlung mit dem Salz Nr.

    5. Kalium phosphoricum, welches gute Wirkung bei Erschöpfung
    und Herzschwäche zeigt.

    Reply
  69. AvatarRosella says

    June 5, 2016 at 2:08 am

    Als Tipp kann erwähnt werden, wenn langsam gegessen und sich mehr
    Zeit für das Essen genommen wird, schneller eine Sättigung zum Vorschein kommt.

    Reply
  70. Avatartaeglich-laufen.s3-website.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com says

    June 18, 2016 at 5:10 am

    Gerlinde S. aus Düsseldorf (23.10.2013): Ich möchte ungern Tabletten einnehmen,
    zumal das ja dann eine lebenslange Therapie sein wird.

    Reply
  71. Avatarcolleen says

    August 24, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    Hi there- I was just reading this blog and I saw your black and white or tan stripped rug. I have been looking for one for almost 4 months and cannot find one that my kids will not destroy or one that doesn’t look cheap or one that will be large enough without costing me a fortune. Can you please tell me where you got this rug! Thanks in advance. I love your home by the way. Simply amazing style.

    Reply
  72. AvatarSecurity Gate Collinsville says

    November 17, 2016 at 4:34 am

    The color and try it chain link fences in collinsville for their home
    building or house remodeling loans, and reference checks on all bathrooms.
    Another reason why it’s such chain link fences in collinsville a unit in your home vacuum
    to clean the coil as above.

    Reply
  73. AvatarGeorge says

    November 24, 2016 at 6:43 am

    The two day cost must last you while you’re out on the community,
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    Reply
  74. AvatarMohammad says

    November 28, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    In a modern, clean-lined open program setting, it is generally finest to preserve timber tones and the colour
    palette of dining furnishings consistent with the floors and
    other furnishings.

    Reply
  75. AvatarCarmelo says

    November 29, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    A smartphone-required headset thus allows a very large amount of people the ability to experience VR and
    AR at relatively low costs.

    Reply
  76. Avatarhttps://itsmyurls.com/keilareding says

    December 4, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of
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    but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my
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Trackbacks

  1. Holiday Tablescape Ideas says:
    November 29, 2012 at 8:10 am

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  4. Edie of Life In Grace Featured in Better Homes & Gardens! says:
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  5. Pillow Talk::It’s All a Sham - life{in}grace says:
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  6. Edie Wadsworth Inspired Mood Boards | Teal and Lime says:
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  7. How to Make a Skirted Tablecloth {the lazy girl's guide} - life{in}grace says:
    February 19, 2013 at 7:38 am

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  8. Where have y’all been all my life? And Blissdom - life{in}grace says:
    March 25, 2013 at 8:29 am

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  9. BHG digital {my house} - life{in}grace says:
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  10. thank you! and love you! and squeal! - Fieldstone Hill Design says:
    July 10, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    […] I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am for my dear friend Edie. If you don’t know Edie, oh, you simply MUST!  Here is just a teeny snippet of her home story: She lost nearly all of her earthly belongings in a house fire, walked the difficult heart journey of rebuilding heart and home, rebuilt her home in a total beautiful reflection of her amazing self. It is no surprise that Better Homes and Gardens wanted to share her home story with the world {read all about her photo shoot here}! […]

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    October 29, 2013 at 9:03 am

    […] Yes, I realize that some people enjoy creating lovely, decorative vignettes on their surfaces, and I can appreciate their beauty, at least in theory.  When I go visit Edie I am in awe of her incredible, fun, & eclectic style.  Her house doesn’t just look like it belongs in a magazine, it actually was featured in Better Homes & Gardens last year. […]

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ediewadsworth

TEACHER/WRITER|HEALER
💕POD: Your Best Beautiful Life
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💕COACH: lifeingraceblog.com
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Instagram post 2185709449818144382_27826134 The first time I hosted Thanksgiving was the only year I was ever a single mom, the year after my Daddy died.  I stayed up all night the night before, working  like crazy woman, probably trying to prove to myself that I was resilient and capable and industrious.  I listened to Counting Crows cranked up high,  made everything homemade, followed Martha Stewart’s Thanksgiving recipes to a T, down to the homemade cranberry/apple reduction sauce. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Y'all, I even constructed the Mayflower as a centerpiece for the kid’s table, with indian headdresses for all the littles. I made the Mayflower with my own TWO HANDS.  I’m just sayin, I think I get extra points for that?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When my family showed up at the door, I started sobbing.  Because sometimes I’m not so resilient and I’m not so strong. Sometimes I’m fragile and sad and so completely human. Sometimes even a handmade Mayflower can’t cover up what I’m hiding. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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One thing I know and love about Thanksgiving is that I want my people to be here. I need them to be here. Not so I can cook the best food and set the best tables but because I know how desperately we all need each other. I am so thankful for their love, their support, the gift of their presence in my life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Mama friends, love your people HARD this Thanksgiving. Love your people when they've lost their way and when their mashed potatoes are runny and even when they stand at the front door and sob. This is what it means to take care of each other. This is the way of hospitality.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My family responsively reads a beautiful Thanksgiving Litany  every year written by Pastor Bill Cwirla. It's so beautiful and I'm linking to it in my stories. Print it off and be blessed.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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LOVE YOU. Happy Thanksgiving week!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And tell me in the comments ONE side dish you can't live without.
Instagram post 2185135133997569155_27826134 We got back from Disney yesterday and had the hardest evening we've had with Tom Tom to date. It was ugly.  His outbursts and anger are always directed toward me and I was crushed under the pressure.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I cried as hard as I've ever cried for close to an hour.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Stevie said in 20 years he's never seen me so broken.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We finally got him to sleep then we prayed, we talked for hours, we didn't sleep much.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But I woke up this morning with a fire in my belly that won't quit. There is NOTHING that little boy can say to make me go away, to make me stop loving him, to make me do anything but STAY RIGHT HERE until the storm passes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I decided to fast and pray today and tomorrow. To beg God for a miracle, for healing, for redemption, for His precious little child to KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is loved and CHOSEN.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I prayed against spiritual warfare that wants to do damage to this family and to our son. I prayed for heaven to come down, for Christ to be near.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And I hold tight to the promise that the sufferings of this life do not compare to the glory that will be revealed. Sometimes life is not what we thought it would be, but I am HERE FOR ALL OF IT.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This warrior mama will NOT STOP fighting.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I invite you to join me for the next 50 days (which will end right between my 50th birthday and the day one year anniversary of Tom Tom coming to live with us) at 6:50 every morning for a wake up call—a reminder for all of us that what is happening in our lives is happening FOR US and that no matter what, we will show up for our lives, fully present and awake and ready to take back what has been lost. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I linked the first live stream from this morning in my stories today and I also thought you might need a CUP OF JOE for this wake up call series, so scroll through my stories and you'll find a bar code that you can use at Starbucks to FUEL UP for what's to come. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is my little reminder to you that YOU WERE CREATED for this battle. Bless you. Love you. xoxo
Instagram post 2183860274505911539_27826134 For two non-theme park, homebody geriatrics, Stevie and I rocked this Disney weekend.  In full disclosure, I got a teeny bit nauseated on Dumbo😂😂😂 And My favorite line from our boy, “I didn’t come all the way down here to jis keep stoppin and eatin.”😂😂🤩🤩😳😳😍😍 (in my defense, it was my only chance to sit down🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️) There was magic, to be sure.  The lighting of the castle by Elsa, the character lunch at Chef Mickey’s, all the trinkets we said yes to, and the safari today at Animal Kingdom.  So amazing.  But All in all, I think our buddy would rather be home hauling something.  I think I’m with him. Although he did say, “Next year when we come...”😳😳😳😳 Make me laugh with your fave emojis that describe your relationship with Disney. Here are mine. 🆘🆘🆘🆘 K love ya, bye.
Instagram post 2181341008934204821_27826134 I woke Tom Tom up this morning and surprised him with the news that we are headed to Disney World!! I’m not sure the actual trip can live up to his excitement this morning.  But I will tell you this—for as hard as this year has been at times, having him in our home has been pure magic.  Also? Any last minute tips would be appreciated.  We’re not really Disney people but we can’t wait the spoil him rotten. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Instagram post 2177752273329668716_27826134 Two men in my life celebrated birthdays in the last month, and to say they were different celebrations is an understatement. Tom Tom welcomes ALL the birthday fun, and Stevie just wants a normal night and dinner.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I used to get SO hurt that Stevie didn't care about all the work I put into a big celebration. I made his birthday all about me and I let it be an excuse to prove the story in my head—that he doesn't appreciate what I do.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I've learned a lot about love and relationships and Stevie since then.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I used to blame him for my emotions. I used to tell a different story about us. Until I realized that I'm in charge of the narrative of my life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here are 7 ways to take responsibility for your relationships and write a better story...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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1. Stop blaming others for how you feel (your thoughts cause YOUR feelings, so nobody can make you feel anything!)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. Stop making excuses for why your relationships are struggling⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. Give yourself what you need⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. Stop chasing happiness in temporal, external things (Your contentment and peace of mind is YOUR work)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5. Stop complaining about the people in your life⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
6. Stop resenting and start forgiving⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
7. Take action TODAY to make every relationship in your life better⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Your relationships are up to you.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You can write the story how you want.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Your life is your responsibility and you lose all your power when you blame other people for how it's turning out.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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YOU are the ONE. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Which of the 7 above do you want to work on? I have mine!!!
Instagram post 2177034122979865055_27826134 Reminded of an article @paigeknudsen contributed to my blog years ago and was thinking that some of you may need to hear her words about the space where your dreams and callings collide.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"teaching preschoolers. mentoring young mamas. creating art. advocating for the poor. going back to college at 52. opening a coffee shop. writing a book. staring a new career. saving pennies for a mission trip. buying a car. restoring economic opportunities in a haitian community.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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i obviously have no idea what your dream is. but I believe that He, the giver of all good gifts, has placed a dream in your heart. He’s not only placed a dream in your heart, He’s gifted you to walk into that space where the dream & the calling join hands and welcome you in. maybe you’re already there. maybe your sweet spot, the place where you are effective and confident and thriving, is already a part of your everyday."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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YES & AMEN.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Those nudges that you’d like to do this or that? Those desires are God given and what a privilege to be able to create more love and kindness and good and beauty in the world.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you want a very FUN kick in the booty toward the goals and dreams, check out my stories today and GET YOURSELF to my live event, YOUR BEST BEAUTIFUL YEAR!! It's amazing and you'll be so glad you decided to make your GROWTH a priority. Your whole family will benefit!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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WILL I SEE YOU THERE?!?!????!
Instagram post 2172738485744456617_27826134 I think the path to living the life you were created to live often looks like being willing to suffer the pain of exposure, being willing to admit, at least to yourself, that things are not as they should be—that you often fail to measure up to the standards that you or society or your church has set for you. That you’re still a mess of epic proportions.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Often what we do instead is hide away. Hide our emotions, hide our sins, hide our stories, hide somewhere safe behind the thin veil of religion, pride, status, wealth, a job, a degree, an addiction, or the self-obsesssion that often comes with trying to so hard to be what we think the world wants.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And we all do it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But friends, you’ve been given work to do, a story to tell, and people to serve.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Don’t let fear keep you from doing in the world what only you can do. Yes, there will be fire and yes, there will be pain.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The alternative is to stay closed and stuck.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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BUT. If you open yourself, your mouth, your heart up—in the process, you will learn to live fully alive in your giftings, free from what has shamed you and caused you to hide yourself, free to finally love and serve the people God has put right in front of you with everything that is in you, free to walk through fire to find your way home.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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XOXOXO⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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p.s. If you're local, I'm speaking at Arrowhead Church in Morristown tonight and would love to see you there! Dinner is at 6 and I'll .be speaking at 7! Link to grab tickets in my stories!!!
Instagram post 2172009200287359414_27826134 Thursday morning chronicles with Tom Tom—

7am Wake him up in plenty of time to get dressed, eat something, play with the dogs, finish his math and ride his razor.

7:10 Get him dressed in his school uniform and smooch his face all over because he’s so darn cute.

7:20  Give him his 15 minute warning and remind him we have to finish his math before we leave.

7:30  Five minute warning while I finish my chores.

7:32 He yells upstairs that he has pee all over his shirt, so I go downstairs to investigate.  Sure enough. A dinner plate sized pee stain on the front of his uniform shirt.
“Tom, what in the world happened to your shirt?” He looks surprised, “All I did was go outside and pee and it got all over me.” I take a deep breath, bite my tongue and tell him that I’m going to get clean clothes for him and he better meet me in the car in 30 seconds because we have to leave.

7:35 I get in the car with his clean clothes and  his unfinished math homework and start slowly pulling out of the driveway.

7:37 I drive slowly past the front door at which point I spot him getting on his razor. “Tom, get in this car right now or I’m leaving.” He doesn’t. I drive slowly away.
He gives me a good headstart and then starts chasing me, half nekkid, down our long drive.  I stop to give him a chance to get in.  He makes a quick turn to the right and yells, “I’ll dis meet you at Becky’s by the horses.” 7:40 I spot him running as fast as he can through the fields and back yards and long grass. He opens the door and jumps in, with a grin a mile wide, just as proud of himself as he could be. He gets dressed and buckled in no time flat, breathing heavy and asking me why I’m so mean.

7:41 I tell him that if he doesn’t finish his math on the way to school, he may have to miss recess. (Blatant LIE but at this point, I AM TAPPED OUT.) He keeps handing me his math sheet, while shaking his head and asking me to read it to him and telling me he “ain’t too good at math. Or readin either." He finishes just in time to jump out of my car and barrel into school with all the pride of a boy who has conquered the world.

Just curious? How was your morning?
Instagram post 2170650350363663481_27826134 They don’t call me an Appalachian medicine woman for nothing.😂🤩🤠 Tom Tom told me last week that I needed to bring oils to his teacher. “She would like ‘em cause she’s jist like you.” Not sure what that meant but I have some miracle stories with my potions.  One of my fave things lately? Slathering my knee in Marjoram. (ACL tear in April doing a race). That combined with the magic of my gym @10experience  and the brilliance of @absolute_tx and Zac’s amazing therapy, I pr’d my deadlift yesterday at 253 pounds!!!! MAMA IS GETTING STRONGER.  I may have done the happy dance. 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼 What amazing results have you had with these unicorn tears?!?
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