Today I am reminded....

That there is so much more going on in the world, so much deeper and profound than words can even describe. Deeper than politics. Deeper than the tedious things we worry about on a day in day out basis.

This has absolutely nothing to do with politics.

While everyone whines and moans all over social media today about who won the election, there is a wonderful man, friend, father, pastor and husband dying of the terrible disease that cancer is.

Joey is his name.

He's vibrant, engaging and has a gift from God that enables him to reach deep within youth and adults alike, showing them how amazing God is.

He has three children, the youngest a daughter named Josy.

11 months ago, Joey was diagnosed & it was terminal from the start.

Most recently he was told that realistically he only has 2-3 years to live. While that may seem like a lot compared to the terrible news some receive everyday, it's never enough.

He won't get to see Josy walk down the aisle, or go to Prom...or teach her how to drive. He won't see his two older boys go on to be amazing with whatever task they take on.

While I grew up without a father, it was still never natural to think that he wouldn't give me away on my wedding day. In fact, many years were shed that week. Tears of joy knowing he would forever be looking down on me, proud as hell that I found an amazing man to share my life with. But also tears of pain that still lie deep within, that my father has missed so much.

And here you have Josy...

I want to share a profound statement Josy made, spoken on behalf of her mother, Dawn.

"Health is valuable but it's so easily taken for granite. Even more valuable is our view of God. Josy recently watched again "Letters to God" Sunday. As tears flowed down my face, she said, "mom it is okay, God has chosen us for this because He knows how we will go through it and He trusts us to do it". If she can trust God, can you?"

In this time of giving thanks for all the "stuff" we have, remember to give thanks for things much deeper than what the eye can see. And remember to thank God, or whoever it is that you pray to, that you have the ones you love around you this holiday season.

Because that's what matters the most.

Adios. Farewell. Goodbye.

And helllloooo Caribbean.

The hubs & I are currently in transit to Galveston, Texas, where our ship is waiting to pick us up, fill us full of Vodka Cranberry's & sail us away!

I've shopped my little bootie off, well...lets get real. I've shopped my plump little bootie off. Snagged up some fabulous deals on big 'ol beach hats, some must have summer-esque clutches, fabulous aviators, and hello 70% off white wedges. I love you too.

Our 800 pound bags are packed & loaded. The pup is dropped off @ Grandma & Gramps daycare. And my Redbook is in hand.

These past few hours in transit I've finally had time to get caught up on what's been going on in your lives. And can I just say, I think you all are pretty cool.

I'll be sure to drink 100 drinks several drinks for you all....with my toes in the water & ass in the sand.

Be back in a couple weeks!!

Saw It, Pinned It, Did It: Halloween Edition

This new link up hosted by the fabulous duo, Katie & Steph, could not have come at a better time.

Considering my house has been completely overtaken with glue guns, modge podge & lotssssss of orange & black.

Thank you Michaels.

I picked my 3 fave DIY's I completed in prep for our first Halloween Part-tay last weekend. 

Some of you have seen some teasers on my Instagram (@annexenos) feed these past couple weeks, but I saved some for this link up.

If you're stopping by from KCCO, first and foremost....WELCOME FRIENDS!  Secondly, you've seen the adorABLE Glass Vase Makeover. 

The original source was of course, our dear friend Pinterest.

View original source here.

This is pretty cut & dry folks, you glue the orange carstock to the vase with the black cardstock design on top. 

I know, super easy. 

The only thing I would add to Katie's instructions is to stay FAR away from the spray adhesive.  Go with the Modge Podge, folks.

Way easier & now my absolute FAVORITE crafting supply.  I use it TIME & TIME again.  The black roses....impossible to find.  I bought some cheapo ones from Walmart & the $0.96 black spray paint, and threw those puppies in the vase.  So Halloween-ey.

View original pin here.

This project is great when you have that perfect little wall to hang it on.  Since the main wall of our living room is french doors, there was the perfect spot right between both sets of doors.

Supplies Needed:

White (or wooden) Letters

Halloween Craft Paper

Ribbon

And of course, ol faithful, Modge Podge

Trace, cut, glue & hang!

View original pin here.

If you have a mantle, you can agree that it is the BEST place to decorate season in and season out. 

Supplies Needed:

All the supplies listed for the project above, two super cute projects & only one set of supplies!

I will say, this project is not for the in patient.  It took me about 3.5 hours to complete, but so worth it.

A tip for you:  BE SURE & MEASURE OUT FLAGS.  Don't try to wing it.  Measure the mantle, see what space you have to work with.  Cut the ribbon that will HOLD the flags first, then measure & see what size flags will fit.  I used the back of the half used Halloween paper for my white circles, versus buying white cardstock.

Ok...almost done.  Just a couple more.

I don't have a good daylight pic of this next project, so I'll use the actual Pinterest photo to give you an idea of how it turned out.

I saw the inspiration photo and just KNEW I had to re create.  So, I went to our local Pier1.   Does anyone else have a love affair with that place???  If I was rich, I would be in there EVERYDAY.  Ugghhh.  I die over their decor!!

Anyway, we have a long concrete staircase leading down to our house.  So what better accent than light up pumpkins!  Snagged these suckers up (on sale of course) for around $15.  The hooks, compliments of Home Depot. 

Speaking of love affairs.....(cough cough, Home Depot, cough).

And last, but absolutely not least.  My FAVORITE Halloween decor at the Xenos house this season...

View original pin here.

Everyone has a wheelbarrow....or maybe it's a Midwest thing. 

Grab yourself a bag 'o bones & a bag o' dirt, and plop the wheelbarrow wherever you please.

I hope you love how everything turned out!  I know I do.

Just call me Ms. Pinterest. 

Now head on over & link up!