the gift of water.

Clean water is something that I take for granted.

Chris & I have been involved with Samaritan's Purse for many years mostly in regard to Operation Christmas Child (it's that time of year again & I'm soooo excited).

We have recently become aware of Samaritan's Purse "Turn on the Tap" project directed at providing resources for families in impoverished countries to have clean, drinkable water.

Click on the link to learn more about how you can be involved in this amazing cause...

burlap pillow wrap

I made a burlap pillow a month or so ago to sit on the chest opposite the foot of our bed.

I loved it, but it was just too boring.

I created this 'wrap' for it made from the same material I made one of the throw pillows on our bed. I added the gold buttons for a little flair!

It's just enough to spice it up a bit & was so easy!

i'm linking up to...

fall decor

I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures of my fall decor.

the mantle is simple, but i love it!

The vase filler is pine cones & wooden acorns from Hobby Lobby. There is a black sparrow on the left that you can't see very well & a bronze bird cage on the right (got it from the $1 bin @ Michael's...it was red & i sprayed it bronze).

I love fall at our house...

meet me in St. Louis

We had a wonderful weekend in St. Louis!

It was a bit chilly, in the high 50s-low 60s, & very windy but we're just thrilled that we're not dealing with 100 degree temps anymore so we enjoyed it!

We were able to see:

-the famous St. Louis arch & the awesome greenspace around it...we even rode up in the capsule train 630 feet to the top...what a ride! It's so much wider & taller than I ever imagined. We stayed on the 26th floor of the Millenium Hotel & when we woke up each morning we could see the sun rising over the river & behind the arch...gorgeous!

-The Museum of Westward Expansion which is an awesome free history museum beneath the arch. Chris loved it & just like always, he read every word of every display!

-Busch Stadium where the Cardinals beat the Rockies in the bottom of the 11th inning. It was "Stand for Stan day" at the ballpark to honor famous Cardinal, Stan Musial. It was so neat to see such a famous baseball player honored.

-the Mississippi River...alas, I have seen the mighty Mississippi. Unfortunately, it wasn't as mighty as I had imagined. Oh well, it was still nice to see!

-the Budweiser Clydesdale stable & some of their infamous horses...they're so tall & so pretty!

-the historic Old St. Louis Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was 1st heard.

So glad we took the time to get away & enjoy some time together!