The Mantle Makeover

Gosh, my days are just seeming to fly by recently.  I look up and realize it's been days since I've last posted!

I've been so busy with many things going on, including, but certainly not limited to: McHotterson's new business (he is making a round trip to Oklahoma and Kansas to look at spray rigs tomorrow...if you think of it, say a little prayer for safe travels, if you don't mind...and no, he is NOT quitting his job...he will still be a TXDOT engineer, so no worries there), the dreaded TAKS test which is FINALLY over, my weekly Spanish classes, Bible study, writing, reading, teaching, and the list goes on and on.

This weekend we were able to travel to Oklahoma City and Guthrie, OK for the Timed Events Finals.  I really enjoy going to these rodeo events because I didn't grow up around the rodeo scene but McHotterson really loves it.  So, I like learning about it because of him.

Another something that is keeping us busy, or at least keeping our minds and hearts busy, is the possibility of selling our house.  It is a LONG story to get into right now as I'm exhausted and just realized it is 10:01 p.m. and I need some sleep.  But I will tell you there is a chance we MIGHT be moving out of our house sometime soon, and that STRESSES ME OUT!  I'm really trying to stay calm, but it's not easy!!

And speaking of our house, I mentioned in a previous post I would be showing you the makeover on my mantle.  Well, here it is and can I just say I LOVE IT?  I'm not an IN YOUR FACE Western decorator.  I like Mexican country and especially love the bright, splashes of color.  I like a little bit of funky, a lot of traditional and whatever else I find.  I like black thrown in with dark browns, and I tend to lean towards the colors of Fall in my house over others.

I was in a total funk when it came to our living room.  Our house is small, and our living room just wasn't doing it for me.  So, I hit the 50%-80% sale at Hobby Lobby, took my SIL and MIL with me, and boy did I hit the jackpot!

BEFORE:

(You can't see the mantle very well here, but this is the only pic I could find)

AFTER:

(I fell in LOVE with these hanging metal boots when I saw them at HL...I bought the jug to the left at 80% off because one of the handles is broken off of it, but who would know when it's turned to the back...the SIMPLIFY sign, little lamp, picture frame, and the grass and things in the jug were all 50-80% off...and the little birdie I really wanted, but it wasn't on sale, so at the last minute my sweet Mother-in-Law bought it for me...thanks, RETA!...I already had the little cross, and the garland, and I just printed a picture of McH and the pups and me to use in the picture frame).  

I love the reds and greens and how they pop off the wall.  

Thanks to my sister-in-law, Dawn, and my mother-in-law, for helping me put all of this together!