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?
Rhoda, I have you on my side bar and each morning I anxiously scroll down to see if you’ve posted new pics of any of your rooms. Imagine my delight this morning! I’m so happy for you! You have much to be thankful for and you’ve worked HARD for it. Enjoy. Thanks for sharing your beautiful journey with all of us. Your dining room is gorgeous. I’m so impatient and the suspense is killing me so I’ll be stalking your blog until yet another room is revealed! I hope you don’t mind 🙂
Wow, your dining room is just beautiful. This is where it all comes together and I see you in all the details. I’m so happy for you.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Oh Rhoda – the house is amazing!! I have watched the transformation from day 1 and am in awe’ at all that has been accomplished by you and those amazing parents of yours!! Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!!
I have so enjoyed reading your journey this past year. Yes, it’s fun to see what reno’s your doing, and now, how you’re making it pretty, but more than that, I just felt happy after reading and seeing/hearing you so thankful and content.
Oh my goodness Rhoda. That’s really amazing! I love that you kept it calm and kind of simple in there. The board and batten is the star!
Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Rhoda, that transformation is amazing! It is one beautiful space, and that lantern is just drop dead gorgeous and so perfect above your table! You are truly an inspiration, not only with your decorating skills but with your thankful heart! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Amazing! You have done a bang-up job! From the wall color, to the board and batten detail at just the right height, to the dark floors and sisal rug to the lantern–it is perfect! May you enjoy many happy hours with friends and family around your table. Blessings!
i liked the before light fixture i would have painted it black.
Rhoda, I will simply say…..
You are AMAZING and your home is too!
I’ve enjoyed very much seeing the transformation of your home. You are an inspiration to me in more ways than just decorating.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Rhoda: Have followed your blog for many years and it amazes me how creative and resourceful you are in any situation.
Have enjoyed seeing the transformation of your new home and am excited to get another glimpse at the changes.
I plan on remodeling my kitchen soon and look upon you as an inspiration for me. I have no clue what I am doing!
Enjoy your holidays, you deserve some special time with your family.
Regards,
jean
Isn’t God good….you truly have been blessed this past year and I’m so happy for you. I have followed you for about a year now and I loved every minute of it. From the sad times to the good times. God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season and throughout the year. Your friend, Kathy
I has been such a treat to see the transfortion of your home. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cynthia
Your dining room is so beauitufl! I am so happy for you!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
~Des
What a beautiful, warm dining room…it has been fun watching the progress of making a house into your little home!
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, Rhoda.
I love everything you’ve done to turn that house into your home! How special to have the love of your father and mother in each room, knowing how much they helped you. I just think your home has such an inspirational meaning, and I’m so thankful you shared it all with us. I can’t imagine going through what you did, but when God closes a door he opens a window! A joyous thanksgiving you will definitely have! Thanks for your honest, genuine blog. It’s one I always look forward to reading!
Looks lovely! We will be starting our home renovations after the holidays. You have simply inspired me! Happy Thanksgiving!
Rhoda, congratulations of such a lovely home and a warm and inviting dining room. I am so very happy for you!! Have a wonderful time with your family and continue to enjoy your new home, xo Kathysue
Amazing is the word that came to my mind. And then….I heard the song …”Amazing Grace…how sweet the sound….”
Bet you have hummed that one a few times! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving dear girl.
Beautiful dining room! You are so talented!
You should be beaming!! It looks amazing. I’m happy to see the tureen collection…I remember being in awe of the price you got one for at a yard sale! 🙂 There’s a lot to love in this room but I am really loving those lamps. Love!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.