Celebrities Surprise Kids After Flooding

Last Thursday, I finally went back to substitute teaching. The schools in our parish had been closed since the historic flooding in Louisiana and I was definitely ready for a little normalcy.

We all know how hard natural disasters can be on everyone and children suffer more than most people think. My daughter, who is 7, had even started to question God's promise to never flood the earth again and we weren't even directly affected. To hear what these children are feeling and thinking is just heartbreaking.

A few of Louisiana's own celebrities from Swamp People stopped by to visit the students and staff at our local school. They simply wanted to brighten their day and put a smile on a few faces. And they certainly did. For the rest of the day the kids never once mentioned the flood, the fact that they were sleeping in gutted homes or that they had lost everything their family had and were staying with family. These children were genuinely happy - even if for one day.

Holden, Jacob and Troy Landry

As a parent, I want to thank these men for taking time out of their busy day for our children.

- Looking Forward 

White Pumpkin Painting

Fall is absolutely my favorite season! There is nothing like sitting around a fire on a cool fall night with friends and family. And I get to show off my obsession with boots!

So with fall only two days away, I decided to share with you a painting I tried last week. I say "tried" because it didn't quite come out the way I expected but, this was my first time to paint shadows and highlights.

I had seen a painting of a white pumpkin on some fall decor and was determined to do it myself (because I'm cheap and can't see myself paying that much for something that will go in the attic in 3 months). While walking through the craft section in Walmart, I saw wooden plaques that were already distressed. This is what I used to paint on since my existing decor is sort of rustic anyway.

I stared painting the center of the pumpkin first since this is where most of the shadows would be. Then once the pumpkin was done, I added a few other details to bring it all together.

I had originally planned to use this in place of my wreath for our front door but it actually worked out better in the kitchen.

There are so many other ideas for fall decor that I am dying to try! We recently built our first house so this is the first time I'm able to decorate our new home for my favorite season. 

Comment and tell me about your favorite fall decor, craft or DIY project! 🍃

- Looking Forward 

First, An Introduction

Hello, my name is Jo. I am 31 and have been married for 10 years. My husband and I have 2 children;  A boy and girl.  Our family was born and raised in Southeast Louisiana. Like many others in the south, we love to spend our time outdoors.

We spend our spring and summers fishing...

And our fall and winters hunting...

But the most rewarding of all, is spending time together.

So, enough about me! I am beyond excited to start blogging!! This is a first so please bear with me as I try to find my place. In the beginning, I was just going to do this for myself. I now see it as a way to bring others together who may share the same ways and values of life, as I myself do. Hopefully you'll enjoy the adventure as much as I will!!



- Looking Forward