This year, Thanksgiving is extra special to me. I like to think I have a thankful heart every day of the year, but this year, oh this year, I’ve really got some celebrating to do this Thanksgiving Day. As you can imagine, I’m SO thankful to have a house again. A year ago, I had no clue that I would be in my own house this year and it’s been a long and steady journey to get here.
Thankful, oh yes I am definitely extra thankful this year. The gratitude in my heart is full for my family and for God, who brought me where I am today.
I’ve already showed you my pretty Thanksgiving table, but we won’t be eating Thanksgiving dinner here at my house. All of my family will be gathering at my cousin’s house over in Duluth, but I’ve kept my table all set up just so I can enjoy it for awhile.
Just in case you forgot the horrors I started with, I want to remind you where we began back in April, when we closed on this house.
Oh my word, has it ever come a long way!
I’m going to document every room in the house eventually, because each one deserves its own Before and After feature, don’t you think?
Let me take you back to the Before shots. Hospital green walls, with a shiny brass light fixture and those oh-so-lovely vertical blinds that were once so popular. The floors look halfway decent in this pic, but the wood was damaged and couldn’t be saved. Not to mention the filth everywhere, even the baseboards. Gag me!
I know! It’s shocking when you see this now, right? This entire house has come SO far in the last 6 months. I’m really done with the dining room, except for the drapery panels. I’m going to get those up soon.
This is one fairly small space at about 10 x 10′, but I’m enjoying every inch of it. So happy my round table fit in here so well.
The corner cabinet is a nice cozy fit as well.
I can comfortably fit 4 to 6 and I’m glad I have 2 extra chairs to spare to make it 6 total. That Ballard Designs lantern is the star of my dining room. You can see the entire tablescape up close on this post.
Another peek at the corner cabinet with burlap backing that I painted and rehabbed about 3 years ago. Here is the link on the how-to post for that cabinet.
I’ve enjoyed having the table set and just looking pretty. After looking at a construction zone all these months, I’m over dosing on pretty now!
I settled on my 3 botanical prints above the board and batten for now and added 3 of my soup tureen collection here on the sideboard. Those gray lamps from Kirklands are perfect in here too.
It’s small and cozy, but packs a lot of punch in my new house.
I’m so happy and content right now, I’m just beaming with pride and joy.
I hope you and yours enjoy the week to the fullest. My family and I will be, I can guarantee that. My niece, Lauren and her hubby will be joining us for a few days, so that’s always a treat.
What are you up to for Thanksgiving this year?
Beautiful transformation!! I soooo enjoy your posts in the early morning hours before work! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
It’s such a treat to see the transformation of your new home and, more importantly, your life, Rhoda. You truly are an inspiration to those of us going through a “domestic transition” of our own due to unexpected and challenging circumstances. I will be celebrating this Thanksgiving with good friends of many years, and while I can’t host the group at my own home yet, I will again at some point. Instead, for this year, I’ll be preparing the heart of our dinner (Cornish game hens, or “personal pan poultry” as I like to call them – everyone gets their own bird) at a dear friend’s home. That simple gesture allows me to do the thing that I can offer most easily – good food, well prepared, shared with friends – and be thankful for the many blessings I do have. Have a lovely holiday – you deserve it!
Stunning and beautiful transformation ! I love seeing your house pics.
That transformation is a stunner, and yes, the lighting in your new dining room is gorgeous! We’re hitting the road to see dear family members. Travel mercies to all!
Rhoda,
Its truly beautiful. You have come so far in such a little amount of time, though I’m sure it may seem longer to you and your Dad. But I hope you have been able to take it all in and enjoy your ride, because you are truly blest. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
I love what you did with this space!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
The transformation is truly amazing!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Rhoda,
So happy for you! I can’t believe the before and after pictures.
Thankful for you and your inspiration, and for featuring our home this past year. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Regards,
Lynn
Not only a beautiful home transformation but boy oh boy do you ever smile BIG these days! I am so thrilled and excited for you…lemons to lemonade!
Rhoda, Thanks for sharing before and after pictures, this reminds us of the improvements made in your home. You and your parents are amazing people with great strength, you have come a long way in one year. I admire all your talent, decorative skills and Christian belief. You seem to be able to look at a room, not as it is, but what it can become with improvements – so talented. Happy Thanksgiving to you and family! My family, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephew will be gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, each family brings several dishes. I am bringing spiral ham, mac & cheese, and lemon cake.
Rhoda,
So thankful for a friend like you who provides so much inspiration in so many ways, but most importantly for overcoming a difficult situation with grace and fortitude. We are all celebrating along with you! May you and your family have a marvelous Thanksgiving!
Oh Rhoda, it sure is heartwarming and inspirational to see the beautiful spaces you’ve created. I just love it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and to all your readers.
Hi Rhoda,
Your dining room is beautiful. What a huge difference! Love your sideboard and the 3 soup tureens on display.
Happy Thanksgiving
I just love your dining room. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful parents.
Rhoda…your dining room is beautiful…I just loved looking at all the wonderful details in the room…You tell us how much you are so thankful for the blessings you have received this past year…but I want to tell you that you are a blessing to all of us!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!
Rhoda, It’s just so Beautiful. Can’t believe all the hard work you and your family put into this.Looking forward to seeing the rest of your before and afters. I hope you have the most wonderful Thanksgiving ever.
I know you have lots to be thankful for Rhoda! We’ll be in Duluth too with my family for Thanksgiving! Relax and enjoy the company 🙂
So happy for you, Rhoda ~ your dining room turned out beautifully and I can’t wait to see the rest of your spaces as you continue getting settled.
A very Happy Thanksgiving, friend ~ you deserve all the blessings you have!!
xo Heidi
Absolutely gorgeous! Your dining room is beyond words! I am so happy for you! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Leslie
It warms my heart to see the beautiful results of all your hard work and perseverance. Whatever blessings you have, you deserve ten fold. Well done!