My story is a great testimony of how God can take ugly life circumstances and turn them into something beautiful and good and looking back 2 years ago, when my life seemed to be falling apart beyond repair, it’s with His amazing grace that I celebrate my Open House with all of you.
I so had a great time at my Open House! The weather couldn’t have turned out better. After a few weeks of rain, I was so glad to see sunshine again and the sky was blue and the air crisp. A perfect day to get out and about.  Meeting many of my readers from the area was so much fun. They feel like they know me and my family and I feel such a kindred spirit with all of them as well.
With three Open House balloons flying high, no one could miss my house. Was so happy that the sun chose to shine too.
My sister, Renee, came over early and she and my roommate, Rhonda and I all worked together on getting some food on the table to serve the guests. Finger sandwiches, shrimp, veggie tray and cheese platter were all ready to go. The shrimp wasn’t on the table when I took these pics.
Veggie tray ready to go.
My mom was so sweet and baked lemon tarts, brownies and cookies for everyone too and they looked so pretty on my 3 tiered stand on the buffet.
Strawberries are just coming in from Florida too, so I had to get some of those.
Dad was ready too and I gave him instructions to not leave until 3 pm and he accommodated me by staying and visiting. I think he really had a good time talking to all those ladies and I know they enjoyed meeting him. I told him he has a lot of fans online, but he’s not sure about all that stuff.
You can see I got my new drapes up in the dining room. Love them and I’ll share details on those later on.
Mom was ready to meet and greet as she always is. I learned everything I know about hospitality from her, she is a gracious hostess and always has been.
My sis, Renee. We were all caught up, food ready and waiting for the guests to arrive.
Rhonda, me, and Renee. I wanted to be sure and take lots of pics to remember the day.
One of my guests, Nancy, snapped this nice pic of my parents and shared it with me. It was a happy day all around.
These 3 delightful ladies were some of the first guests to arrive and they cracked me up when I went to the door to let them in! I had a blast talking to them and I’m so sorry I didn’t get all 3 names (I know it’s Rita and Helen from left to middle), but they knew everything about the house renovation and my family too. They were so much fun and I loved showing them around the house. They definitely looked at every single detail.
One of the comments I kept hearing was that the house was even prettier in person than on the blog, so there you have it!
My friend, Judy came in early too and she knew some of those girls above as well. In fact, it was so funny how so many people that came in, knew someone else that had arrived. Lots of connections between them all and that lets me know that it is, indeed, a small world at times.
Sweet blog friends, Heidi and Laura. Love these girls and have so enjoyed getting to know so many bloggers from Atlanta now that I’m back here living again.
More sweet blog friends, Shirley and Kim. Blogland is full of creative women and they are all so supportive.
At one point, the living room was buzzing with people. It was so much fun to see all those smiling faces come through the door.
This sweet gal, Rebecca (I think I got her name right!), came over from Birmingham, just to see my house. We had met when I lived in Birmingham about 3 years ago and she knows some of my old friends from church. I couldn’t believe she made the drive over with her son, but was so happy to see her.  She’s a sweetheart!
Quirky Kim, one of my new blog friends, who wanted to pose with my Dad. Dad is a hero to many out there, I do believe. I had several ladies try to hire him out, but he’s not going for that. 🙂 Besides, we have a screened porch to tackle next!
Kim and Sally, another Atlanta blogger, checking out the kitchen.
These ladies took over the den and had a good ole’ girl party. I was bouncing around the house, trying to greet everyone.
Some of our old family friends dropped by too and mom had a great time catching up with them too.
This mother and daughter duo were so much fun to chat with. They are beautiful ladies too.
I only got a snippet of all the people that did drop by, but I imagine it was at least 50-60 people total. Talk about fun, it was thrilling for me to be able to show off our handiwork to everyone, since you all have been reading along and being so supportive through my journey of getting into a house.
My real estate lady, Dottie, came by too and she was blown away by the house in its after state. She knew I was serious when I said I was going to transform this place and transformed it is. I can honestly say that I’m so glad I went ahead and jumped in there when I did to get a house. From what she tells me, the market is really even tighter with foreclosed houses getting snapped up by investors, so chances are I would have lost out on even more houses and the prices have risen too. God’s timing is perfect timing!
Thank you ALL who came by the open house, I so enjoyed meeting every one of you!
I’m so content in my fixer upper house and it really is home, sweet home.
There’s nothing like having your own place to call your own, is there?
The Lovefeast Valentines winner has been posted here!
Looks like an amazing open house party!! So glad you all had a wonderful time, everything looked beautiful!
Your Open House looks fantastic and so much fun….the only way it could have been better???? if I had been able to be there!!
Hi Rhoda, I wanted to come to your open house but had scheduled a luncheon for some friends. I attended the church your parents pastored for a few years and truly love them. Did I spot Penny C? I miss everyone from the church so much. I last saw your parents at a funeral a few years ago. Your mother remembered me. Please don’t post this on your blog but I wanted to reach out to you and ask that you give my best regards to your folks. I still remember sermons Bro. V. preached; such a blessing! I’m so thrilled for your success and that God has restored what the locust had eaten (Joel 2:25). I love your house and your blog is awesome. Thank you for sharing. — Mary
Rhoda, I am so truly happy for you and your beautiful new home. YOu have worked so hard for it and you are so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I wish you nothing but continued happiness and success. God Bless. Hugs, Marty
Oh, Rhoda, this must have been such a thrill! Everyone looks so happy and you just look beautiful. Your little mom and dad look so proud. Now if I lived within driving distance, I would have shown up with bells on! Your home is so beautiful and I’m so proud for you and you are so right – God’s timing is perfect.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
What a wonderful day……your story is a wonderful one…I love seeing pictures of your new beautiful home. It brings a big smile to my face and makes my heart so Happy…..for you. Thanks for taking all of us along. your mother and father are priceless…..you and your sister are so lucky!
Looks like a wonderful time was had by all! Your parents are absolutely adorable! You are truly blessed to have them by your side.
Love your rug in your den. Would you mind sharing where you purchased it?
Hi, Tracy, it’s from Rugs USA, here’s the link:
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-hearts-ikat/beige/200BHBC12A-76096.html
Rhoda…I cannot tell you how great is was to see you again and to meet your wonderful parents (they are so cute!) your sister, and Rhonda…I had such a fantastic time seeing fellow bloggers and touring your gorgeous home…I can truly say that pictures do not do your home justice…It is just so beautiful….just loved seeing how it transformed from the “caterpillar to the butterfly”…..Thanks again…I had a wonderful time!
Thank you for the post Rhoda. It looks like you had a wonderful time. Do you mind me asking where did you get your 3-tier dessert stand? Thank you very much. Ilona
Hi, Ilona, that stand was a thrifty find, so I can’t help you with a source.
Rhoda, you and your dad did a really nice job on the house, it is quite the transformation.
It’s such fun watching what you do with that house! So glad you had a lovely day, and if I ever get over there, can I knock and get a coffee?!!!
Sure, Susan, let me know! 🙂
I enjoyed seeing this post so much Rhoda. You have come a long way over these couple of years!
Your home is beautiful! Your spirit is amazing!
Rhoda, I enjoyed your Open House via your blog! I am so inspired by your open hearted sharing of your ups and downs.
Your home is definitely full of heart! I would have loved visiting in person but miles were too many. Looking forward to seeing more of your “new home”.
Rhoda, thank you so much for opening your home to us Saturday. It was so nice to meet you & Rhonda. The house is beautiful- even more than the pictures. My husband was impressed with the paint treatment in the master bedroom, and he’s ready to tackle board and batten, thanks to what you’ve done. I can’t wait to see what magic you will work on the back porch. I told Rhonda that is going to be one sweet spot when you do! Blessings to you for such an open heart and a giving nature- it is reflected throughout the house.
I really like how your parents were there for the open house as well. Such a beautiful gathering of love all under one roof.
Rhoda, I enjoyed your open house via your blog, your comments and pictures make me feel like I am walking thru your house with everyone. Your house with decorations is beautiful, love your decorating style. Please continue to share projects with pictures and instructions with us. I know we will get many new ideas when you decorate porch. I have learn so much by reading your blog. Your parents look amazing, look like they enjoyed the open house, give them a hug from your fans (and their fans), you are so blessed to have them with you. You have made them famous on your blog! You have the ability to make people feel like a friend of yours with this blog. Again, thanks for sharing open house with us. From a middle Ga. fan of yours
So glad you and some of your local “Rhodies” were able to celebrate God’s blessings — your new home, your hard work, your wonderful family. I only wish I were closer and could have joined in on the fun!
Your Friend,
Deborah
So wish I could have attended, to see everything in person and I would have wanted a pic of your parents with me! Your family is great. Nice to have such support. Everyone is proud of you.
Hi Rhoda!
Wow! What a fantastic day! I was sorry to miss as I traveled to a wedding in Athens, Georgia that same afternoon. I am sure that you learned all that you know about hospitality from your dear MOM, because your sis, Renee has all of those same great qualities, as well. YOUR DAD is precious, too!
Love,
Joan
Rhoda, Looks like you had lots of fun…Everything is so inviting… So happy for you…The food looks wonderful, I must say…