Nature cures an anxious mind!

It's always great hanging out at my in-laws.  They live in the country with a beautiful lot in a old, yet restored house.  Nolan and I went out there for the day and went swimming with my sis-in-laws and mother-in-law. Derek came out after work 

and we all had a yummy dinner.

 It's so beautiful out there.  It's very easy to get caught up in the worldly attractions when you live in the city right next to shopping, restaurants, theaters, etc.  Every time we are out at my in-laws everything just seems to slow down and relax.  Love it.  I was able to snap a few shots of the tree house that my father-in-law built.  Derek and him worked together to create a great little outdoor space for kids and grown-ups!  It's still in the process on a few things, but it looks great and I can't wait to see Nolan and other kiddos running around someday playing in it.

Much of this tree house was made with restored wood, windows, and doors.

outside looking in

The walls are so cool!

Back door with zip-line to exit. Yep. A real zip-line!

Amazing large windows.

 On our ride home we stopped by a neighbor's lot and took a couple photo's of the cow's....really to hear Nolan "MOOOOOO"

over and over and over.

Hope you all enjoyed your Monday and the tree house.  bw

Longing For a Blank Canvas

Oh how I do long for some blank canvas walls and interiors that are so bare and anxious for some attention.  Prayer has been my only refuge.  Every time I think about the home we are interested in, I just have to give it up to God and remember that whatever his plans are for our family is what is best for us. Doesn't mean I don't hope because I know there's a plan for us and I can't wait to see what those new plans will be. 
I have been thinking about tree houses, I just saw a commercial with a tree house in it and I thought of Derek's parents tree house.  It has so much love poured into it.  They have a home out in the country and the tree house is built with beautiful stairs that lead up to the french doors, re-purposed wooden walls, old glass windows, and vintage french doors.  I can't wait to take some pictures to show you all, but until then here are some fun tree houses that would be lovely for a sweet country home.

Sources:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

There are some fancy tree houses, but I liked these because they seem cute and practical for the average home. Besides the second photo; that one would be hard to make.  Here are some crazy fancies.

Sources: 1,2,3,4

Hope this brings out some fond kid memories of your tree houses