tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56181869928445640312024-03-13T00:28:52.299-05:00odd girl out...?the joys and challenges of raising four children, including one with special needs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger653125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-35851427932284782332012-04-27T09:22:00.002-05:002012-04-27T19:41:49.128-05:00Coming along quite nicely.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTjxIfhRx_VpeyYqQHKt0IT1ezRQ_WzRJLVy0dfcfb9euex1woZLbHCqc1-JeHE3vIlmAHX8de9xOOazJWmAfnbuv96gAaLZvSVznYKLE6Vr1EN9UK-vUXbj3hnndPIWmX109YeSN4wTh/s1600/glasses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTjxIfhRx_VpeyYqQHKt0IT1ezRQ_WzRJLVy0dfcfb9euex1woZLbHCqc1-JeHE3vIlmAHX8de9xOOazJWmAfnbuv96gAaLZvSVznYKLE6Vr1EN9UK-vUXbj3hnndPIWmX109YeSN4wTh/s400/glasses.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just when I thought I 'got it', I couldn't have been more wrong.<br />
<br />
Really.<br />
<br />
I'm referring to my faith. My spiritual journey.<br />
<br />
If you are new around here, this may come as a surprise. If not, you are certainly aware of my struggles.<br />
<br />
I like to think that I represent the common {wo}man. A Christian that is a Christian because...well, what else would I be? <br />
<br />
Make no mistake...I've never been one to be complacent about my spirituality. I've always investigated, read, researched. Other faiths have always especially intrigued me. Maybe it's the scholar in me. Maybe it's just plain curiosity. Maybe it's wanting to understand just how much most of our beliefs have so many of the same fundamentals. <br />
<br />
Who knows?<br />
<br />
For whatever reason, I was at a point that I was satisfied with my Christianity {more specifically, Catholicism}. <br />
<br />
Almost smug in the fact that I was one step ahead. I 'got it'. Church on Sunday, a bit of light scripture reading, prayers of gratitude at night, or prayers for help & guidance when things were hard. God was on my side, and that was something that not everyone really understood. But I wasn't one of 'those' people. No, sir.<br />
<br />
Recently, I have been 'uninspired' to say the least concerning my spiritual growth. It plateaued for lack of a better explanation. Never reverting, but certainly never reaching towards grace. Never glorifying this God that was responsible for all of my many blessings. Just continuing on the same way, everyday.<br />
<br />
On a whim, my family and I attended church with my sister and her lot on Easter. It's a different church. A church my old school Catholic mom & dad were less than thrilled about her attending. <br />
<br />
But, she's been there for about 2 years. <br />
<br />
And she talks about it. She more often than not seems inspired by the sermons. Her kids love it. Her borderline agnostic husband is now a believer. I've witnessed with my own 2 eyes this church's message work its way into the hearts of several of my extended family members. <br />
<br />
That message?<br />
<br />
It couldn't be simpler...the Bible.<br />
<br />
No smoke & mirrors. No snake charmers, no one speaking in toungues. No 'write your check and we'll promise miracles for you & yours'.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, we've gone every week since.<br />
<br />
Let me clarify...this isn't about 'church'. This isn't about checking that box off of our 'to do' list week after week. <br />
<br />
For me, it's about finding those 'aha' moments within my faith. The times where even for a just a fraction of a moment, I am unwavering. Everything clicks. I am filled with a lightness that can not be duplicated with any other earthly endeavor. <br />
<br />
And what I realized, no matter how difficult it was for me to understand, is that God is there, but you have to seek Him out. You have to do the work. YOU have to SEEK Him. NOT the other way around. <br />
<br />
How full of myself I've been all of these years. How arrogant to think that the God that made the Heavens and the Earth would go out of his way to seek ME out in a deliberate way to have a relationship with Him. It's foolish, really. Any human relationship requires work, why would a relationship of a divine nature be any different? If not harder to develop?<br />
<br />
I've heard this analogy before...an adult plays hide and seek with a young child. The adult hides under the bed, but with their legs hanging out from underneath the bed frame. The child sees those legs no doubt, but may have had to walk around the house a bit before they made their discovery. The child is comforted in the fact that those legs sticking out meant the adult was there all along, but is also pleased that he 'found' him or her. <br />
<br />
The presence of God is<em> always</em> there looming over us. Accessible. Available. Just not always obvious. Does that confuse the heck out of you? Hope not.<br />
<br />
When I think about it...it makes me sad. During the most difficult time in my life {to date}, I thought I was carried along by God. And He was there, of course, somewhere. But I didn't look. I just assumed. I never cried out for His help. I never poured myself out to Him. <br />
<br />
I wonder how much different the experience with Betsy in those early years would have been if I'd tried to do those things. I was grateful just to wake up each day, and meet my kids' needs. If I had had a deepened relationship with the Boss maybe I could've found joy in small things when it was so, so hard just to make it until bedtime.<br />
<br />
He is eminent to be sure, but we have to ask him into our lives.<br />
<br />
I have so much work to do. I don't think I'm ready to testify after only a month. That almost seems laughable to me right now. And, the truth is...I may never be.<br />
<br />
But I take comfort in knowing that I'm on the path. There are days I feel like that path has no end, or it is full of too many roadblocks to bother. In just four weeks, I have had more days than not, that I think it's not worth it. Maybe I'm not worth it. But, one tiny thing will change that. A passage from scripture {of which I've never really read, not like I do now, anyway}, Rosie riding her bike with no training wheels, Pete helping Betsy off of the bus, Jake helping to clear the dinner table without being asked. That's God's work. I like to think I had a hand in it, but it all goes back to Him. <br />
<br />
I hope some of you aren't balking at the fact that I/we Christians cling to an empty promise. I certainly don't take offense to your personal beliefs. And, not to get all <a href="http://donmilleris.com/">Donald Miller</a> on you, I also apologize if you've had any negative experiences with people carrying messages of hate who claim to be a Christian. That is a shame.<br />
<br />
Jesus's message was love. Charity, outreach, forgiveness. No matter your skin color, beliefs, actions, unlawfulness. In all honesty, it doesn't get much more liberal than that. And every single person on the planet deserves those things. Every last one. <br />
<br />
And you doubters, the unfaithful...you may be right. Maybe.<br />
<br />
But, I've never been the gambling type, and I'm not willing to take that chance. And so my faith stays in tact. My heart believes it ALL to be true.<br />
<br />
And for that...I am pleased.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-81872476453070364622012-04-25T14:34:00.000-05:002012-05-11T14:40:33.722-05:00'SCM' makes everything better.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimym5wSJwcuJVE4dCMTNsNMR_J4ANGVfv-OrqRefr1Y1t03PCUicx7rHmLsPKj-2SMoYYUOG1yWxVMqsw6Muej9wdZ93AH3a9s34zjGQfrpzIVFNVbkBD1C01xlCrgaP0jINKVr8C_Ukg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimym5wSJwcuJVE4dCMTNsNMR_J4ANGVfv-OrqRefr1Y1t03PCUicx7rHmLsPKj-2SMoYYUOG1yWxVMqsw6Muej9wdZ93AH3a9s34zjGQfrpzIVFNVbkBD1C01xlCrgaP0jINKVr8C_Ukg/s640/1.jpg" width="521" /></a></div>
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It has been one hot mutha in the Lou already. Around here with the heat comes sno-cones {aka snow balls, snowcones, snow cones, etc}.</div>
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Last year we bought an ice shaver. It makes the ice fine enough to make our own version. We have since collected lots of syrups {mostly from Target}, and sometimes do toppings like sprinkles, whipped cream, cherries, etc. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxSGW38B-EsyiX2G1Y7qpWKSi905WJin4Y-hUHgU3P5diZ9TEExGL59hXl_aZrnic8P9Oy0KYva-uRHp2P68VFu0ONgOh5UCA7mu5pFRhwiANxcCu2M-jaLoZI-wRgfXg1xj63wh_Gvsp/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxSGW38B-EsyiX2G1Y7qpWKSi905WJin4Y-hUHgU3P5diZ9TEExGL59hXl_aZrnic8P9Oy0KYva-uRHp2P68VFu0ONgOh5UCA7mu5pFRhwiANxcCu2M-jaLoZI-wRgfXg1xj63wh_Gvsp/s400/4.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPg0ulm6457_WzIpjHtAjHsqNDxV-jFf3bMXD3nWvOp5Z2eve_sDGvyTp-EJM3DvvcnB_d9tGT7lRUiUPej32Av5XC9JyTCW-L_oDWCj_yOg352FG706Z7vYO-0lb_TLYrN-Mp9wVHeiV/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPg0ulm6457_WzIpjHtAjHsqNDxV-jFf3bMXD3nWvOp5Z2eve_sDGvyTp-EJM3DvvcnB_d9tGT7lRUiUPej32Av5XC9JyTCW-L_oDWCj_yOg352FG706Z7vYO-0lb_TLYrN-Mp9wVHeiV/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are all kind of obsessed with the 'cream tops' that most of the New Orleans style sno-cone stands offer around here. I was thinking it wasn't attainable at home, and mostly had just decided it was something we could only get at our favorite local stand.</div>
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BUT...</div>
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with a little research and testing, we can now add it to our own 'options' list when we make them ourselves.</div>
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Enter the lead player: Sweetened Condensed Milk {SCM}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nRgqpvjPTeW5Mu9FVCx95YqoMoJKlfpyXWaGGWkU0qzigunfAT4WdTJ8v39JBFITPaAjePs14tobKG9eNe2PzWGWTH8JYRq23wDsYuke3OZGEBW84dV_y3AG4-kVRCCYpN6DjIl8L0Ez/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nRgqpvjPTeW5Mu9FVCx95YqoMoJKlfpyXWaGGWkU0qzigunfAT4WdTJ8v39JBFITPaAjePs14tobKG9eNe2PzWGWTH8JYRq23wDsYuke3OZGEBW84dV_y3AG4-kVRCCYpN6DjIl8L0Ez/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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From what I understand, this is mainly a southern thing. But, rest assured...once you give it a try, it will become a 'wherever-you-live' thing. </div>
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You can spoon it on top straight out of the can if you like, but we like it best mixed with a little milk. I would guess I put about 2 TBSP. of milk to one can of SCM.</div>
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I just whisk it up...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2E6V9m2Z_lpFRMOC3JAf0BCTWpdJPf7o5gWGN9JWRJ92NUanmQEI7qzz73gdZlHHP-XlFHJpWcC4RR2cBDa8RSr2dSpnYr1ZumPyluOlMkJ7UaOiDnE-WeyG5doxrAZNmZaoFnMlnZXH/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2E6V9m2Z_lpFRMOC3JAf0BCTWpdJPf7o5gWGN9JWRJ92NUanmQEI7qzz73gdZlHHP-XlFHJpWcC4RR2cBDa8RSr2dSpnYr1ZumPyluOlMkJ7UaOiDnE-WeyG5doxrAZNmZaoFnMlnZXH/s640/5.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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and VOILA! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ2z2LW9s_VqCXm7Pb_FK0wCUSzP55UVdA4MvlXZmd1fQC7DPkjvnisRhKSOKzQT1VCcPMooPIICKeUWfYd3hCAw29tOYYMvUiQBZaqCmzcqX79Yu1ZeH4CL534ZgohaUU3eDf-U4k3BT/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ2z2LW9s_VqCXm7Pb_FK0wCUSzP55UVdA4MvlXZmd1fQC7DPkjvnisRhKSOKzQT1VCcPMooPIICKeUWfYd3hCAw29tOYYMvUiQBZaqCmzcqX79Yu1ZeH4CL534ZgohaUU3eDf-U4k3BT/s640/8.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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After you make your sno-cone to your liking, you just spoon the SCM mixture on top. That's it! To make it extra fun, you can serve it in fun cups or paper cones with even cuter spoons or straws.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDPrsqV8M5i0j6xhe1e7BdFQzpkNVkeXWylSY0ygH948g9OzSwJcpw3NTNhPp0xYh3dlFrPCIVAo1eOKXv12Uu2EYIOEtsbs8yaqFgVzLkjPK4Q4dXjWYrIqLj2aN0YAZDxMYogeHu2yX/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDPrsqV8M5i0j6xhe1e7BdFQzpkNVkeXWylSY0ygH948g9OzSwJcpw3NTNhPp0xYh3dlFrPCIVAo1eOKXv12Uu2EYIOEtsbs8yaqFgVzLkjPK4Q4dXjWYrIqLj2aN0YAZDxMYogeHu2yX/s640/2.jpg" width="631" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4gfCXy1cKNFSI-cnK1sMHk3tIJ_TyV7b9HMJw_tR1K3T_aVeXsyVU3c0LXO62NEOBlG8wFjf9rwXa9M23cmBVIbxCPsmdL7eiw1kVLVGfZ0K0gP8KgmDJzHQR7xy9yjtyBNhX4kHlbYE/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4gfCXy1cKNFSI-cnK1sMHk3tIJ_TyV7b9HMJw_tR1K3T_aVeXsyVU3c0LXO62NEOBlG8wFjf9rwXa9M23cmBVIbxCPsmdL7eiw1kVLVGfZ0K0gP8KgmDJzHQR7xy9yjtyBNhX4kHlbYE/s640/9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This time I did even more experimenting and tried a 'Viatnamese Coffee' sno-cone. All I did was take <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/perfect-iced-coffee/">Pioneer Woman Iced Coffee</a> concentrate, pour it over the shaved ice, and added the cream top. </div>
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So, so good! </div>
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I think next time, I may try just freezing some strong coffee in an ice cube tray, and actually shaving that, but it was still really good. Definitely worth giving it a try.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibowrz5j1I_5z7jSQh3hJNfe3YSWY_PtyEcpUG72Sp4Da_Z6ePYvcer5et2XOeH4GLP5qQIBihNgWG3qYiqkFXElKnSVpUOMIwvLpUGgJ73nz6VHkq4cUUSgnuDuV55OfsIQb7JMcMVtuv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibowrz5j1I_5z7jSQh3hJNfe3YSWY_PtyEcpUG72Sp4Da_Z6ePYvcer5et2XOeH4GLP5qQIBihNgWG3qYiqkFXElKnSVpUOMIwvLpUGgJ73nz6VHkq4cUUSgnuDuV55OfsIQb7JMcMVtuv/s640/6.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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spoons: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SucreShop?ref=seller_info">Sucre Shop</a></div>
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cups: {new old stock} <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/papertreats?ref=seller_info">Paper Treats</a></div>
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cones: Target</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-36645549135759092262012-04-17T17:47:00.001-05:002012-04-17T19:05:20.048-05:00Swiss Meringue Buttercream...wha?!?!?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2GiYYN9F6Gof0bnsPcheJCzmVGXCCkfY29mg-DisWMQA6wmLlmfo75GWjvfoWHkRFdlzze1flogz0s73Ed8NOWl56kmHyvZcQarimfkB3qkuEHAbhhMX3IQ-zhsMxgkUvFSxzpT8LtnJ/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2GiYYN9F6Gof0bnsPcheJCzmVGXCCkfY29mg-DisWMQA6wmLlmfo75GWjvfoWHkRFdlzze1flogz0s73Ed8NOWl56kmHyvZcQarimfkB3qkuEHAbhhMX3IQ-zhsMxgkUvFSxzpT8LtnJ/s640/2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"></div>I loathe canned frosting.<br />
<br />
LOATHE.<br />
<br />
It tastes like shortening, and makes me want to lose my lunch.<br />
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Typically, my go to buttercream recipe is from <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/">Sweetopolita</a>.<br />
<br />
{Read all about it <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2011/04/swiss-meringue-buttercream-demystified/">here</a>...tips, recipe, etc.}<br />
<br />
I cannot say enough good things about this recipe. <br />
<br />
It is THE BEST buttercream...EVER!<br />
<br />
It goes on so smooth that I have often been asked if it's fondant. <br />
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Best part it tastes so, so, so, so, so good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d9D7BBfhnAAiIyVblgDwfqv2yZCLcU0ZvdcQq5t50rMoQB031RdqC5s9RxiZrbDrMKOg_eVrw6RfT-W0UEBgQlWU4jSe81Wh89Kq50sy6h9RvUtAi8ZxytylVr7aowhxwmLcByy5BUMz/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d9D7BBfhnAAiIyVblgDwfqv2yZCLcU0ZvdcQq5t50rMoQB031RdqC5s9RxiZrbDrMKOg_eVrw6RfT-W0UEBgQlWU4jSe81Wh89Kq50sy6h9RvUtAi8ZxytylVr7aowhxwmLcByy5BUMz/s640/2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
BUT...<br />
<br />
{did you know a 'but' was coming?}<br />
<br />
it isn't the quickest frosting to whip up, and there are several steps including egg whites on the stove top. The recipe also yields a TON, and I often times forget I have some in the freezer. <br />
<br />
So, today I made donuts {we're crazy obsessed now, thanks to <a href="http://wildflowersphotos.com/blog/the-official-we-love-donuts-post/">THIS</a>}, and wanted to slather them in Swiss Meringue Buttercream, but didn't have the energy to make it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxna9d5NRZMpZXHp4RbW0t48wf63x1BV43tJTxm5Fbw4bps6MZm2ro3tDGludgLcGoaBBxE3JM9SoIrxGR2j3zNOWHLLRuX80KvWQXKByO_DooyflP6U4qJgGibGCJMkn5Kn1ufT28TRt/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxna9d5NRZMpZXHp4RbW0t48wf63x1BV43tJTxm5Fbw4bps6MZm2ro3tDGludgLcGoaBBxE3JM9SoIrxGR2j3zNOWHLLRuX80KvWQXKByO_DooyflP6U4qJgGibGCJMkn5Kn1ufT28TRt/s640/3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
On a wing and a prayer, I decided to make the Almost-Homemade Vanilla Buttercream by Karen Tack featured in this month's issue of Better Homes & Gardens. <br />
<br />
OMG!<br />
<br />
It is a pretty strong contender for the real thing considering it's sort of a cheat, using marshmallow creme instead of egg whites and sugar. <br />
<br />
It's quick, it's easy, it's good. <br />
<br />
I mean, why wouldn't it be? It has 3 sticks of butter in it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aZu7lGLEU5U2wwCUD7-8bHmOxpajmKiJo1idRnQxwRVIpd73Ubd9KxugyNH5YZn70CIAQ8ntrETl0r2o1ccpZ4embc8bXbWVXYw1j07YE3R9zkCkgwf3tElg-IouPZ9kyT6zJW-g4T7F/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aZu7lGLEU5U2wwCUD7-8bHmOxpajmKiJo1idRnQxwRVIpd73Ubd9KxugyNH5YZn70CIAQ8ntrETl0r2o1ccpZ4embc8bXbWVXYw1j07YE3R9zkCkgwf3tElg-IouPZ9kyT6zJW-g4T7F/s640/2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Almost-Homemade Vanilla Buttercream</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>{via Better Homes & Gardens}</em></strong><br />
<br />
<em>1 1/2 cups {3 sticks} unsalted butter</em><br />
<em>1 16 oz. jar marshmallow creme*</em><br />
<em>1/2 cup powdered sugar</em><br />
<em>1 tsp. vanilla</em><br />
<br />
<em>In large mixing bowl beat butter with mixer on medium until light and fluffy. Add marshmallow creme and beat until smooth, scraping sides. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy (if too stiff, soften in microwave no more than 10 seconds; beat until smooth). Use to frost cake. Or store, refrigerated, up to three days or freeze up to a month. Bring to room temperature before frosting cake. </em><br />
<em>Makes 3 cups.</em><br />
<em>*If only 13 oz. jars are available in your area, add 3 oz. (3/4 cup) additional marshmallow creme. </em><br />
<em>For a sweet & salty contrast, add 1/4 tsp. of salt.</em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You, my friends, are very, very welcome.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-43535900809205263452012-04-16T23:15:00.000-05:002012-04-16T23:15:31.516-05:00Mad Music Monday...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This week I chose M83.<br />
<br />
They are coming to The Pageant in St.Louis this May, and I'm hoping my cousin and I are going to go. (Michelle: if you're reading this...HINT, HINT!)<br />
<br />
They are just really, really good.<br />
<br />
It's lock yourself in the bathroom for 10 minutes, and breathe kind of music. <br />
<br />
I do that.<br />
<br />
Do you?<br />
<br />
If not, you should.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
In fact, you could do it after you read this post, and play the 2 You Tube vids I posted.<br />
<br />
That would be nice.<br />
<br />
You'll like it.<br />
<br />
I promise.<br />
<br />
The 10 minute break, and the tunes.<br />
<br />
Ear buds might help. <br />
<br />
Just sayin'.<br />
<br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hcSLMY6wocs" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/235o5inR0-0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-87764328187005723472012-04-13T22:21:00.000-05:002012-04-13T22:21:57.584-05:00Time.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kMBGZSX6c_kbDK17ILG-khxQCiLd47ZO03DphxW9GBSeapAuSNL1-kZekjq9OynrbITemUMfuBuPA3oglp24DKct6AHPN1p15k2QxrWdDhHEZ1RZyJqhULwmtjq9jOcnYem3QaUFY_PY/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kMBGZSX6c_kbDK17ILG-khxQCiLd47ZO03DphxW9GBSeapAuSNL1-kZekjq9OynrbITemUMfuBuPA3oglp24DKct6AHPN1p15k2QxrWdDhHEZ1RZyJqhULwmtjq9jOcnYem3QaUFY_PY/s1600/1.png" /></a></div><br />
So, I obviously cannot post everyday, but I'm hoping to post every few days. I think that sounds pretty reasonable. <br />
<br />
It's a matter of time. And time isn't usually very friendly. Especially to me.<br />
<br />
I don't know what has happened in the last 6 months or so, but I have significantly less of it.<br />
<br />
I look at my little nuggets and can't believe how big they are, how independent they are, and how much they know. <br />
<br />
Certainly, Rosie was just spending her days happily nursing and snuggling the away, while Betsy got in-home therapy almost everyday, and the boys were boisterously wrestling on the floor or jumping off the couch...oh wait, the boys still do that.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough of that nostalgic stuff.<br />
<br />
Even though, time robs us of so much, it also allows for friendships to blossom, wounds to heal, knowledge to be gained.<br />
<br />
I have met many people through my blog. Over time.<br />
<br />
None has come to mean as much to me as <a href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/">Crystal</a>. <br />
<br />
I never would have thought that of all the people I 'knew' from blog land, that she would be the dear friend to me that she is today. Over time our spunky debates turned into quite a camaraderie. <br />
<br />
And, in time...I will see her in real life. <br />
<br />
How's that for time being on my side?<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-1331624486207017002012-04-09T21:47:00.003-05:002012-04-09T21:56:18.684-05:00Mad Music Monday...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, I used to do 'Hump Day Ear Candy' on Wednesday, but because things seem to be new around here, AND because my corpus callosum hurts on Mondays...I thought I would move Wednesday's post to Monday leaving Wednesday open for things I would normally post on Monday. {Is anyone else thinking about the teacher in 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'?}<br />
<br />
So, after thinking long and hard about what band to post today, I have decided to share 'The Velvet Underground'.<br />
<br />
Certainly, this band isn't new to most people...quite the opposite actually, but I love them so. <br />
<br />
For me...it's Sunday Funday music. True rock-n-roll written and performed by real rock-n-roll musicians. {And, yes...the kind of band that was all sex, drugs, & the music, managed by Andy Warhol for goodness sake. It was the 60s-70s, people...c'mon.}<br />
<br />
So, sit on your patio with a cold beverage with the sun setting low, and enjoy this music for what it is. <br />
<br />
Magic.<br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EkbpmFOuKrc" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uiBvnbntiW8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
Stay tuned this week for nonsense, scandal, travel plans, and plenty of shout outs!<br />
<br />
PS I'm not entirely sure what a corpus callosum is or does, but I know it's in your brain, and I know that my brain hurts on Mondays. Plus, it sounds super official.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-54145051405149340722012-04-04T21:43:00.002-05:002012-04-04T21:46:23.438-05:00Do it. Now.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOWefHhK5aHIfRQpJprJ32rRehMLazfw-sZYpnZIQ7g_3RQv3NbSV7mD3WVjVTy00tGR6C8UV0FufKQ0A1sZShJlm-tl6zNKsEvzowuKeoHbvl80HiwbQMlcP0QGx_26PhqIXNG2uzCl6/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOWefHhK5aHIfRQpJprJ32rRehMLazfw-sZYpnZIQ7g_3RQv3NbSV7mD3WVjVTy00tGR6C8UV0FufKQ0A1sZShJlm-tl6zNKsEvzowuKeoHbvl80HiwbQMlcP0QGx_26PhqIXNG2uzCl6/s400/4.png" width="400" /></a></div>Since I haven't blogged in ages, I have lots of things to share with you that are happening or have happened at the House of Grebe. <br />
<br />
A quick share would be the stenciled entry. <br />
<br />
I have always loved <a href="http://www.orlakiely.com/usa.cfm/house/Living/HWMSTP-500/11896/_/">Orla Kiely's multi-stem wallpaper</a>, but haven't ever had the chops to buck up and buy it. It really isn't all that pricey for wallpaper, but I was afraid Big Daddy might have a few choice words for me if I asked him to wallpaper on top of the myriad of other things he has been doing around here. So...<br />
<br />
I decided to try and stencil the design. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Prp89G5QQGvHZ5r_u-C7jFn31QNvRAtdCIEZIrmYH_57svVip_fjskidG9a-X4RuAuTJQ4Y_2GTyeIVU8nymQrVnwiEz4Pu0g_JKoKspbtQkUy6ZZweFR2CQGTJhYHE_Icxdl7nv1Dan/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Prp89G5QQGvHZ5r_u-C7jFn31QNvRAtdCIEZIrmYH_57svVip_fjskidG9a-X4RuAuTJQ4Y_2GTyeIVU8nymQrVnwiEz4Pu0g_JKoKspbtQkUy6ZZweFR2CQGTJhYHE_Icxdl7nv1Dan/s400/1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a pack of uncut stencil paper. I think it was about $4 for 3 sheets. I also picked up a new exacto knife so that the blade was extra sharp. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I blew up the multi stem design in Photoshop and printed it. Then, I just traced it onto the stencil sheet. Finally, I cut out the design with the exacto knife. I did leave the top and bottom edges of the design uncut so that I could use those as a guide to line up the pattern as I moved along. Does that make any sense?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because there were so many colors involved, and the fact that walls are not perfectly straight but I wanted to make sure the design looked level, it was a slow moving process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_-bWX3mYGTZzRQK-WjowP2OOSuhqFzAKYVuIjMrGGp9zMJMMPKaZsGdL3fcr0ByS99zHK38HWf2og8-X4aLKWInmVT8chSO1KKKJT4U1yonCpMjbWQl1gx7gAQfrmZ5PCnAwc3nlBQzA/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_-bWX3mYGTZzRQK-WjowP2OOSuhqFzAKYVuIjMrGGp9zMJMMPKaZsGdL3fcr0ByS99zHK38HWf2og8-X4aLKWInmVT8chSO1KKKJT4U1yonCpMjbWQl1gx7gAQfrmZ5PCnAwc3nlBQzA/s400/3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacabGUjP6p5x45QU6bH7Am905g1JlK5X-WxXAGH2ur_HoUJDgez4lt_hix-vRyhds8ZfN5auysc-dwATHUb7LRWeOJbVH2fuaznNHFJGbh5k3DrpLMOfhFTfmlcwBciEPnJCyLf_FbxZJ/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacabGUjP6p5x45QU6bH7Am905g1JlK5X-WxXAGH2ur_HoUJDgez4lt_hix-vRyhds8ZfN5auysc-dwATHUb7LRWeOJbVH2fuaznNHFJGbh5k3DrpLMOfhFTfmlcwBciEPnJCyLf_FbxZJ/s400/2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Off and on, it took me about 2 days to finish. When the stenciling itself was complete, I had to touch up around the door frames, and ceiling. Then to give it a more worn finish, I lightly sanded over all the walls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am super pleased, and it gives the entry a little space definition from the rest of the space since we have such an open concept floor plan. My sister says it looks like a circus, which secretly makes me quite pleased. I mean, c'mon...the circus is super fun, AND you can buy loads of cotton candy there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anywho, if you've ever thought about stenciling, but couldn't find a design you liked, this is a pretty easy, albeit time consuming project. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The only advice I have is that make sure your stencil brush or sponge is almost COMPLETELY devoid of paint before you start the stencil process. Otherwise, the paint will bleed under the stencil and onto the walls for a very unpleasant effect. LESS IS MORE. I never thought I'd say that, but in this particular case it's very true. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOWefHhK5aHIfRQpJprJ32rRehMLazfw-sZYpnZIQ7g_3RQv3NbSV7mD3WVjVTy00tGR6C8UV0FufKQ0A1sZShJlm-tl6zNKsEvzowuKeoHbvl80HiwbQMlcP0QGx_26PhqIXNG2uzCl6/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOWefHhK5aHIfRQpJprJ32rRehMLazfw-sZYpnZIQ7g_3RQv3NbSV7mD3WVjVTy00tGR6C8UV0FufKQ0A1sZShJlm-tl6zNKsEvzowuKeoHbvl80HiwbQMlcP0QGx_26PhqIXNG2uzCl6/s640/4.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Please ignore the shoe basket as we are a 'no shoe' household.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is always overflowing because no one puts their shoes in their closet. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't get me started.**</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
Let me know if you have any questions about this project.<br />
<br />
Or the circus.<br />
<br />
I would be happy to discuss either.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-87727650877013117332012-04-02T10:57:00.000-05:002012-04-02T10:57:47.419-05:00Lifted up.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWCTUX3k81_O1jj2LUOEQg0xD0E4Pa4eL8MCzq8eof0Qc52A_OgUGQPcnF0qE-PNv8dvh8E078bmO5MCfLqnhN5rWfbt32pFriN1EvGoHEkdzePLmY2XJpRuzB-DSAU-4-OUONtCcZnOP/s1600/me.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWCTUX3k81_O1jj2LUOEQg0xD0E4Pa4eL8MCzq8eof0Qc52A_OgUGQPcnF0qE-PNv8dvh8E078bmO5MCfLqnhN5rWfbt32pFriN1EvGoHEkdzePLmY2XJpRuzB-DSAU-4-OUONtCcZnOP/s400/me.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have convinced myself, as of late, that no one really reads this, and thus have silently slunk away. <br />
<br />
If you couldn't tell. <br />
<br />
But, lately, I've been inspired to keep up with my old friend, the blog.<br />
<br />
Mostly because of a group of lovely people on Instagram. <br />
<br />
I have found a niche of lovely people that have become more than just a community of like minded 'techie-nerds', but more like an interweb family.<br />
<br />
Oh, if only we could all fly to the same place and spend a day in the sun together...<br />
<br />
Now wouldn't that be lovely?<br />
<br />
Life has been more than distracting lately. I am having a hard time keeping up with 'older' kids and all of their sports and school commitments. Which is ironic considering we limit activities, sports, and clubs to one thing a season/semester. We have approached a time when seasons overlap for several weeks, and games and practices have become to numerous to talk about.<br />
<br />
Is it wrong that I would be perfectly content if they wanted to stay home and read books? Ha!<br />
<br />
Which is strange since I was VERY active in my adolescence both athletically and academically, and Big Daddy played numerous sports and continued with football in college. I like to refer to my mom style as vintage parenting rather than lazy parenting. That's seems fair. The whole 'keep it simple, stupid' phrase is constantly resonating in my head every time I'm approached with a new sign up sheet. <br />
<br />
Alas, it makes them happy to play, and participate, and learn. They get fantastic grades, and are good kids. I don't get to decide everything for them, even though I wished I could. <br />
<br />
Life is fast, and I can only slow down so much. We must be doing something right if I hear them say CONSTANTLY that their friends get video games whenever they want, have cell phones, TVs in their rooms, etc. The pace here is slower than outside of these walls, but certainly not as slow as when we were kids. <br />
<br />
Which all I can say, although not eloquently, is that is dumb. <br />
<br />
What's the rush? Time robs us of so much already, why do we push it along? <br />
<br />
So, after all that rambling...I can safely say {disregard all the times I've said it before}, that I'm back. <br />
<br />
And this time, something feels different when I say it. <br />
<br />
Really.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-15029598139973026322012-02-15T12:16:00.001-06:002012-02-15T12:17:51.302-06:00The last birthday party...for awhile.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kymqftn_Gf4P7D2sI9Lyu-W3GZNfJFUm3MLD-NJH_J_s_R813cqN9LQiK1G9WtBKejsYERc1juhankfQmJdv-wQFBsr6jwpQ3m7rIbsX8-Uyb3gKS6YM7LUcsbJgIsdlbyD5Lzb-Iqtc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kymqftn_Gf4P7D2sI9Lyu-W3GZNfJFUm3MLD-NJH_J_s_R813cqN9LQiK1G9WtBKejsYERc1juhankfQmJdv-wQFBsr6jwpQ3m7rIbsX8-Uyb3gKS6YM7LUcsbJgIsdlbyD5Lzb-Iqtc/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm all birthday'd out. BUT...<br />
my youngest, Rosie, is turning 5 in March. <br />
<br />
I cannot believe it. <br />
<br />
After much ado, she's decided on a county fair theme. <br />
<br />
I've made it as far as the birthday outfit {which <a href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/">Crystal</a> made}, and the invites which I did in Photoshop. <br />
<br />
That's it. <br />
<br />
Let's hope the invite provides some much needed decor/menu inspiration. <br />
<br />
Oh, and the fonts are all from <a href="http://dafont.com/">Dafont.com</a>, the clip art is from <a href="http://justsomethingimade.com/">Just Something I Made</a>, and the tickets were a dollar store find. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrTx-1XpslPBSTXmoHrHh_jQz9GexNIAQbDiOXuLvlRIKNf56fEAQEsg5CQKNGgPvrVF74dLgaElMYCvD5rmi6G02Ij8jnS9o4Rd05Fbu1MjYW6RRn-a9G4ecrTWK9zwTSsGObGuLeFZh/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrTx-1XpslPBSTXmoHrHh_jQz9GexNIAQbDiOXuLvlRIKNf56fEAQEsg5CQKNGgPvrVF74dLgaElMYCvD5rmi6G02Ij8jnS9o4Rd05Fbu1MjYW6RRn-a9G4ecrTWK9zwTSsGObGuLeFZh/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCGpPf9Pe3MkJ1Vyy7U9Hhxo0rq_DBRuvCHX6wYy5AWmEVj74s16oOIVKOQJNQ4LrKPHfdB1KD5R0Wp7FMuAVN3AU2q6XTWw5W5L7VcJmnk7pe65MCxAEKrMZVgUeAVVmpinX6rOWhFlh/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCGpPf9Pe3MkJ1Vyy7U9Hhxo0rq_DBRuvCHX6wYy5AWmEVj74s16oOIVKOQJNQ4LrKPHfdB1KD5R0Wp7FMuAVN3AU2q6XTWw5W5L7VcJmnk7pe65MCxAEKrMZVgUeAVVmpinX6rOWhFlh/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Any ideas...<br />
<br />
I have pies, jam, pickles, kettle corn, hot dogs, funnel cakes, chocolate cake, sack race, blue ribbons, blue grass music. A petting zoo is out of the question, but I may dress the pups up as a cow and a pig.<br />
<br />
HELP!<br />
<br />
I'm too depressed about my baby turning 5 that I can't get creative. The invites may be the best thing about the party. <br />
<br />
And, I can't have that, now, can I? <br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-44118603604277804292012-02-14T11:36:00.001-06:002012-02-14T13:36:13.893-06:00Still keepin' on.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwNMm6vB5G_O_wxP-jKtLHUYmsqm4LQtAM5W7zdixQ_w5jvD-_NNH6eMoAkRDIyA2SMqBbU23Hmro39XNUnXG9gMSa-OzcYHGo0DeOAmEE7Xee7b6Kaj5tiT6griiNDvdkxz-3hQQZne9/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwNMm6vB5G_O_wxP-jKtLHUYmsqm4LQtAM5W7zdixQ_w5jvD-_NNH6eMoAkRDIyA2SMqBbU23Hmro39XNUnXG9gMSa-OzcYHGo0DeOAmEE7Xee7b6Kaj5tiT6griiNDvdkxz-3hQQZne9/s320/3.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br />
Okay, so I am still here. <br />
<br />
Barely.<br />
<br />
And I've become a crazy coupon lady.<br />
<br />
Barely.<br />
<br />
With a little help from a friend {<a href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/">Crystal</a>}, I am starting to see the light.<br />
<br />
She is the kind of coupon girl I can respect and admire. No shelf clearing, no binders of coupons {as in more than 1}, no hours upon hours spent researching until your eyeballs bleed, no driving to 29 different stores. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6KEFeW4f-mqEtfsfIAFkLuQOBgJgWXJF-QcI7XXsQ5T2mR0lDq_ow6vzDV-pjyr9VUs6qt3EBdXdwMgI3PZ9IugOtiqqvWvKpa0whaVvBHuOgwNL-2mQ22LDdWxnlf5uu-sKT3-rsj4s/s1600/coupon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6KEFeW4f-mqEtfsfIAFkLuQOBgJgWXJF-QcI7XXsQ5T2mR0lDq_ow6vzDV-pjyr9VUs6qt3EBdXdwMgI3PZ9IugOtiqqvWvKpa0whaVvBHuOgwNL-2mQ22LDdWxnlf5uu-sKT3-rsj4s/s400/coupon.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My first coupon excursion yielded 3 jumbo packs of GoodNights, 2 Right Gaurd deodorants, 2 Axe body washes, 1 Glade scented oil candle with 3 candles, and 1 bottle of Zarbee's children's cough syrup for $38. <br />
<br />
Anyone who buys those darned GoodNights knows what a score that is. It's almost like paying for the diapers and getting the rest free. All at one store. All products we use. Nothing we didn't need. <br />
<br />
I mean you could argue I didn't need a candle, but my boys and dogs stink sometimes. <br />
<br />
Here's the breakdown:<br />
<ul><li>joined CVS rewards program which is super easy and free</li>
<li>printed 2/$2 coupons, and 1/$1.50 coupon for the GoodNights</li>
<li>printed 1/$1 coupon for the Glade</li>
<li>printed 1/$2 coupon when you buy 2 Right Gaurd deodorants</li>
<li>GoodNights were marked down at CVS to $9</li>
<li>Right Gaurd yielded $2 CVS rewards when you bought 2</li>
<li>Zarbee's was $6 with $6 in CVS rewards {basically, free}</li>
<li>Axe body was was marked down to $2 or something fantastic {wish I still had my receipt}</li>
<li>bought everything but 1 pack of GoodNight</li>
<li>after the first transaction I had $8 in CVS rewards so I went back in and bought another pack of GoodNights for FREE after my rewards and a coupon</li>
</ul>That's it. <br />
<br />
It took about 10 minutes. <br />
<br />
Now, I'm mad at myself that I HAD to go the store yesterday, and forgot my coupons. I felt like I wasn't using free money. Who doesn't like free money?<br />
<br />
I will be documenting my journey more, and hopefully my savings increase. <br />
<br />
So, if you want to play along, and become a non-threatening, not crazy, not shelf clearing, AWESOME coupon lady...I think this may be the place for you. <br />
<br />
I will also sharing any helpful hints that Crystal passes on to me. <br />
<br />
So, this could be fun...or not. If you get all tingly when you see your final bill, then it will be fun. If you have tons of money, and don't need to save any, then this could be the pits. Either way, it could be entertaining.<br />
<br />
I also will be having a really cool giveaway coming up from <a href="http://www.novica.com/">Novica</a>. If you aren't familiar, you should check them out. They have some really beautiful stuff! So, stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">**POST EDIT**</span><br />
One binder is okay. I am too familiar with the need to stay organized, but I have seen woman with THREE! Is that really necessary? Are there even that many coupons in the world to fill 3 2+ inch thick binders. I think not.<br />
<br />
I am going out on a limb here and saying that with 3 binders, you are probably buying things you don't really use/need. Is that fair?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-13927760016063492742012-01-18T22:24:00.001-06:002012-01-18T22:24:33.971-06:00iPhonography: my 2 cents.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZRrs1BusohEBh5mY15k9d6FUGnV5nhS_8y4wITqp7u7erlPLBSjHmHACF8TbSAorGNhIbvog-nL0mBozz7iZHdJZJ5ytc8z5icFWyZ0M_hp5K9Oj54QuzRAXuAA8jRfKe24xwd8nABa_/s640/untitled.png" width="640" /></div><div align="center">an ironically untouched iPhone photo</div><br />
So, I'm sure there are a crap ton of people out there that are bored to death of overfiltered and overedited iPhone photos. <br />
<br />
I. Am. Not. One. Of. Them. <br />
<br />
Boy, I tell ya...as much as I love my big bangarang camera, my camera phone has saved my life in many a situation. Literally, and figuratively.<br />
<br />
This one time, my car died {yes, my husband is a mechanic...go figure} in a not-so-great area of town, and if I didn't have my phone, I probably would have been raped and pillaged. Or, some nice passerby would have stopped to help. But, whatever...for the sake of drama, let's go with the former theory. M'kay?<br />
<br />
Anywho, that derned camera phone is too accessible and functional for day to day life photography to be ignored. <br />
<br />
Don't get me started on all those bomb diggity apps to edit, filter, embellish, and bling out your pics.<br />
<br />
In the strong case for iPhonography, I am a more is more kind of girl. You can't add too much masking tape, or faux bokeh, or tilt shift. I get crazy-giddy just thinking about it.<br />
<br />
Seriously, my pulse is quickening as we speak. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVO6sx8wKOqTuVqAJI0n1mOBmHvMqr4h6JvsJN2YRhwGmyIdbflkBDixsz9kn7_kdBLyF4SGpLo63lVdOehaWvfox05LFssz7Zc-0o1v2rEZLZvfsr7hx412p-qlT7BDkG_vKyeZYRYrw/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVO6sx8wKOqTuVqAJI0n1mOBmHvMqr4h6JvsJN2YRhwGmyIdbflkBDixsz9kn7_kdBLyF4SGpLo63lVdOehaWvfox05LFssz7Zc-0o1v2rEZLZvfsr7hx412p-qlT7BDkG_vKyeZYRYrw/s640/untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center">totally edited</div><br />
So, for those of you that are on board...I will give you the long-short list of my favorite photo apps {in no particular order}:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white;">I</span>nstagram...duh. </li>
<li>Hipstamatic</li>
<li>Snapseed</li>
<li>Phonto</li>
<li>Labelbox</li>
<li>Big Lens</li>
<li>Diptic</li>
<li>PicFrame</li>
<li>maskingtape</li>
<li>Montage</li>
<li>LensLight</li>
<li>Camera+/Camera+ Pro</li>
<li>Smilebox</li>
<li>Dramatic B&W</li>
<li>Filterstorm</li>
</ol>Good luck with your own iPhonography adventures! <br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-41612016842759625612012-01-12T11:06:00.000-06:002012-01-12T11:06:51.155-06:00Tidbits.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHeuXMxig5xPbiSjS7zBbkD8C0T9JYEQGXZUAoBoJ_Ts0p7b9TYepMATGMz868G2TKlOcnLJ2NYGxu5gOszCrL6MDRmPq5B4TJICl4Y6FnEThcL9nAsUKKBUU0OdNhhtwMX0M1snYaeoW/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHeuXMxig5xPbiSjS7zBbkD8C0T9JYEQGXZUAoBoJ_Ts0p7b9TYepMATGMz868G2TKlOcnLJ2NYGxu5gOszCrL6MDRmPq5B4TJICl4Y6FnEThcL9nAsUKKBUU0OdNhhtwMX0M1snYaeoW/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I love <a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2010Q1/msw_confettiinvite1_editable.pdf">this</a> free clip art from Martha Stewart. It is colorful, fun, and could be used for so, so, so much!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdhlJoELpwagTNj-ebVKnLOeIMRWnTISTWGcE7OKCinEJsFopPreX5vnfdtSPo0EhmkZcHCRO2WGSDak-BagZPKDw18SbgutGaLR3hAn0QzFtn2kHQyPnQJ57Oi5Dry_ofrYjoK0T3Mdl/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdhlJoELpwagTNj-ebVKnLOeIMRWnTISTWGcE7OKCinEJsFopPreX5vnfdtSPo0EhmkZcHCRO2WGSDak-BagZPKDw18SbgutGaLR3hAn0QzFtn2kHQyPnQJ57Oi5Dry_ofrYjoK0T3Mdl/s640/1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We are super addicted to clementines. Are you?<br />
<br />
It will be a sad day when the season is over. Sad, indeed.<br />
<br />
Betsy stands at the refrigerator and sniffs the fruit drawer until I get the hint. It's redunkulous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDdkQmdnMf604HfmUgOxhOkwPr5XpjXUH9NgoSGdtmILHYechXw3HFIp3kRZciOIg7onBhFlgmCFpmHKWLxdzBRQKXo4OgBtgttxp_56Dam4c-hTxZXXucl_tfWy0jVIaf8dEpkJKbn8R/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDdkQmdnMf604HfmUgOxhOkwPr5XpjXUH9NgoSGdtmILHYechXw3HFIp3kRZciOIg7onBhFlgmCFpmHKWLxdzBRQKXo4OgBtgttxp_56Dam4c-hTxZXXucl_tfWy0jVIaf8dEpkJKbn8R/s640/1.png" width="478" /></a></div><br />
This certainly isn't the best photo, but that is the current progress of our master bathroom redo. <br />
<br />
Lots more to do, but I think it's pretty rad so far. <br />
<br />
And, finally...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid1QrE_bl4Mf9lRz63-1kvYst5McJl0X1whB1hjpymBhNU_35qTU-YMw5e29z-hA8flOAvqlCy5VBg6-mzOKgRSBiMUKf1XP1JvoJfd6ZBR3eS5rK38mFBdyxIz5vvC-M1fxJRHWEmh58/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid1QrE_bl4Mf9lRz63-1kvYst5McJl0X1whB1hjpymBhNU_35qTU-YMw5e29z-hA8flOAvqlCy5VBg6-mzOKgRSBiMUKf1XP1JvoJfd6ZBR3eS5rK38mFBdyxIz5vvC-M1fxJRHWEmh58/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
we are going on vacation to Destin!<br />
<br />
We have never been anywhere with our whole family except Chicago and Trout Lodge {one hour from our house}, so this is super exciting. I cannot wait for my kids to see the ocean.<br />
<br />
If you have any tips on where to stay that has 2-seconds-to-get-there beach access, full kitchen, and a condo pool, or tips for traveling hours on end with littles in the car...please share. We are very new to this. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-26054055176714293592012-01-10T13:59:00.000-06:002012-01-10T13:59:01.329-06:00Ahhhhhhh...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknvhNNFNkriWUfST89UZG91tum6XP6JWKWUB2dopZs2VQwhZIbguefbrPhaLx6xBWz3wRZkxQ8GdV6u_bAgG5ZmS4AxLPEUm-ugmYXzzY0F1leq-CkEainoEGF_CV88xcJpeKbibQwIoZ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknvhNNFNkriWUfST89UZG91tum6XP6JWKWUB2dopZs2VQwhZIbguefbrPhaLx6xBWz3wRZkxQ8GdV6u_bAgG5ZmS4AxLPEUm-ugmYXzzY0F1leq-CkEainoEGF_CV88xcJpeKbibQwIoZ/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Well, the holidays are over, and I feel I can breathe now that order has been loosely restored to the House of Grebe. I had a post all worked out for today, but I have plum run out of time, and need to scoot off to pick up Rosie from school.<br />
<br />
So, I thought I'd show you some of our 2011 family photos taken by my friend, Brenda. She never disappoints. <br />
<br />
Also, I will have a giveaway coming up shortly, and lots of news, and funny little stories, as well as, our master bath reno to share. I'm back, baby. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq_wbCChL5gHyJbQuKkU8cri9bWxE9SlhTc9A00YtNRMAZr0vchSyEVAxXUv18ls54IH_GqM-vAI2gvcNj6p3OCApORD60WbO1XBMqEsCzpNKLQ43zEI6ChJ6J46fnHXgf1A4gGNxqlu5/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq_wbCChL5gHyJbQuKkU8cri9bWxE9SlhTc9A00YtNRMAZr0vchSyEVAxXUv18ls54IH_GqM-vAI2gvcNj6p3OCApORD60WbO1XBMqEsCzpNKLQ43zEI6ChJ6J46fnHXgf1A4gGNxqlu5/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Is it me? Or are those some of the cutest little humans you've ever seen?<br />
<br />
Why, yes...yes, they are.<br />
<br />
Peace out ladies and gents, and buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH3iwSXO_TmJWDCgODjp4O9jQI_n1cDX8YDO5WJq_q6Mm7BGJGx9bi842NK0VEMbONMIy4NKRaX86MnqUinYMLputEa3S11RDFG5lGI3JkoLPDMVmAuXr1Y-5qhWIOeoZJslxISDCb6fD/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH3iwSXO_TmJWDCgODjp4O9jQI_n1cDX8YDO5WJq_q6Mm7BGJGx9bi842NK0VEMbONMIy4NKRaX86MnqUinYMLputEa3S11RDFG5lGI3JkoLPDMVmAuXr1Y-5qhWIOeoZJslxISDCb6fD/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Oh, and one more thing...you can find me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/oddgirloutblog/">Pinterest</a> and Instagram under Oddgirloutblog. Fun, fun!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-82478257794687426452011-12-23T14:15:00.002-06:002011-12-23T14:21:57.047-06:00The most wonderful time of the year.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dolSjOG-s7M/TvTcBcd09kI/AAAAAAAAFhU/gr7OhZoFCHA/s1600/6monthslater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dolSjOG-s7M/TvTcBcd09kI/AAAAAAAAFhU/gr7OhZoFCHA/s640/6monthslater.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
Things have been {for the most part} quite cheery around here. I have had a stress headache for the last 4 days, but that is my own fault. Betsy has been peeing on the potty at home A LOT! Yippee!<br />
<br />
Cookies are almost all baked, Harry Potter is on the tele. Breakfast casseroles for tomorrow morning are up next. <br />
<br />
Sadly, my mom is sick, and probably won't be celebrating tidings of joy with us tomorrow, and maybe not even on Christmas day. Which sucks, but what can you do? When you're sick, you're sick. Oh, and our washing machine is broken, and the part won't be in until next week. <br />
<br />
So, my sick mom has been doing my laundry. I'm not sure what the hell she's thinking, but sometimes you just don't argue with your sick mother. <br />
<br />
Since this post has, sadly, taken a negative turn, I will also tell you I don't have any present wrapped, and still 3 more things to pick up tonight with all the crazies that will be out. <br />
<br />
We <em>have</em> made time for some Steak-n-Shake Happy Hour. Which, I'll have to say, is better than Sonic's. I will argue to the death about that with anyone, anytime, anywhere. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnaSXbJUEk/TvTdj1Pwv1I/AAAAAAAAFhw/xkk1UafPoVE/s1600/amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQnaSXbJUEk/TvTdj1Pwv1I/AAAAAAAAFhw/xkk1UafPoVE/s640/amy.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />
I'm also ticked that I cropped the above photo the way I did. I hardly ever crop, and I'm not sure why I did on this photo, but it was such a wonderful shot of my oldest's Lloyd Christmas hair. The kid is almost 11, and really needs to start styling it. Otherwise...Lloyd. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kaB5knhzzk/TvTeHCTfQEI/AAAAAAAAFh8/rVa6cxylUrU/s1600/lloyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kaB5knhzzk/TvTeHCTfQEI/AAAAAAAAFh8/rVa6cxylUrU/s1600/lloyd.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In more uplifting news, the teacher gifts were a hit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMWqp_tMIl4/TvTej0Fom-I/AAAAAAAAFiI/Gi5VxhI_sOQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMWqp_tMIl4/TvTej0Fom-I/AAAAAAAAFiI/Gi5VxhI_sOQ/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbCQaxPMCY/TvTfeCGq1eI/AAAAAAAAFiU/y7LelD8mevM/s1600/spice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbCQaxPMCY/TvTfeCGq1eI/AAAAAAAAFiU/y7LelD8mevM/s400/spice.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br />
So, you see? Things have actually been quite pleasant here as of late. <br />
<br />
Perspective, people.<br />
<br />
And, finally, to bring this post about nothing to a close...<br />
a big welcome to all the newest followers who found me via <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/">Young House Love</a>.<br />
<br />
I submitted our kitchen project awhile back, and was pleasantly surprised to see our remodel was featured on their blog-diggity yesterday <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/12/reader-redesign-a-kitchen-with-pop/">HERE</a>. I have been enjoying all of the comments and questions. Keep them coming.<br />
<br />
I am also humbled at some of the wonderful emails I've been receiving about sharing Betsy's story. If what our family has been through touches any one person, and makes them feel less alone, then this blog has accomplished just what I intended it do when it all started over 3 years ago. <br />
<br />
Thank you, thank you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-52763107947178017962011-12-13T08:56:00.000-06:002011-12-13T08:56:29.303-06:00Thoughts...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CpVysO054ZRF4Z97eo-4GIzQsEWgnVJf4BwIw5aj8HNYIXcsJWfqCHAoTzq_hlfxp4wymHVKzAjjKddUBzLPQI509y1S63MQ2icKxD1qf6FCmZynMnh9SWHmbUBK9LxOIyb2ZOShE2bV/s1600/us.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CpVysO054ZRF4Z97eo-4GIzQsEWgnVJf4BwIw5aj8HNYIXcsJWfqCHAoTzq_hlfxp4wymHVKzAjjKddUBzLPQI509y1S63MQ2icKxD1qf6FCmZynMnh9SWHmbUBK9LxOIyb2ZOShE2bV/s400/us.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">**I wrote this on November 19th. I wasn't going to publish it. I've decided that I should. I am leaving all the typos and spelling mistakes because I was in a fragile state of mind when I wrote it. I think it should remain just as it is. I am sure some think I whine too much, but I think it's important to know that tragedy to one person isn't necessarily tragedy to another. My world has been forever changed, and I'm not sure I will ever get over it. I try everyday. It gets easier and easier everyday, but it is always there. A little black spot on my heart. The spot where I have laid to rest my idea of what I thought all of my childrens' lives would be like. Every hope and dream I initially had for Betsy has been buried there, and in it's spot I have planted new hopes and dreams. Different ones. It is a learning process. One step forward, two steps back. Certain things trigger my mourning to surface all over again, and I quietly push those feeling back into their grave and dust myself off, and carry on. Yes, I am selfish in that sadness. I can admit that. In those moments, I have to remind myself my sadness is pity for myself and the way I thought things would be, or <em>should</em> be. I definitely have other worries and sadness when I think of what Betsy's future will hold. Jake and I cannot be there for her forever, but my darkest times are when I let the evil of self-pity grip my broken heart. Pray for me. Pray for sweet, sweet Betsy. And always remember...EVERYONE has a cross to bear. No one is immune from that.**</span><br />
<br />
So, I've been watching 'American Horror Story'. <br />
<br />
Not much to report. I guess I'm still waiting for it to get as scary as everyone says it is. <br />
<br />
But, that's not really what this post is about. <br />
<br />
There is a character in the show named, Addi. She is an awesome person living with Down's Syndrome. <br />
<br />
Jessica Lange plays her kind-of-psychotic-but-has-good-intentions mother. And she plays the role well. <br />
<br />
In one of the episodes, she's upset with Addi. She asks her if she knows what people think when they see the two of them walk down the street together. She goes on to tell her that they think two things:<br />
<br />
1. That they feel lucky they're not either of them.<br />
2. That she {Jessica Lange} must be a hero.<br />
<br />
I watched this episode in one of those rare, rare, rare instances that I was home alone, and I cried. <br />
<br />
Like a baby.<br />
<br />
I wondered if that's what people think when they see my Betsy and me. <br />
<br />
Grateful, and full of pity.<br />
<br />
I am no hero. <br />
<br />
Jessica Lange's character goes onto to say, "As if I had a choice.".<br />
<br />
I didn't. Most mothers's do not. <br />
<br />
Oh, well, I'm sure some think there is a choice.<br />
<br />
But to the ones that are in it, really in it...they don't.<br />
<br />
I had a choice in making her, but not how she turned out. Not how God thought she would be most perfect. <br />
<br />
My, how long it's taken me to realize that she is just as she should be. Perfect in every way. <br />
<br />
My perfect little girl. <br />
<br />
We speak a perfect language only we understand.<br />
<br />
She walks a perfect way that only I know when she'll fall.<br />
<br />
She loves me so perfectly, sometimes I think I might burst from it.<br />
<br />
One day, even she'll want to leave. She'll want to spread her wings in her perfect Betsy way. And, I will have to let her go. <br />
<br />
And it will hurt.<br />
<br />
More than with the other 3.<br />
<br />
And the thing is, they'll understand why it will be harder.<br />
<br />
Those other 3 are my hero. They know so much more than the average kid their age. And they didn't have a choice either. But I'm thankful. Thankful they know that kind of love, tolerance, empathy. <br />
<br />
They let me love her the way I need to, and they get it. Even at their tender age. They know without being told why. Sure, they will resent me, or Betsy one day, for something, at some point for having to be so patient, and lenient. But it will be fleeting. <br />
<br />
After 7 long years, I think I'm starting to get it. Why Betsy is all mine. <br />
<br />
And the answere is simple...because she is supposed to be. <br />
<br />
That's it. <br />
<br />
Whatever I learn from it, no matter what I decide to so with those lessons, it's just 'to be'. <br />
<br />
It's exactly what I needed exactly right now.<br />
<br />
Maybe that doesn't make sense to anyone but me.<br />
<br />
And that's okay.<br />
<br />
Maybe it shouldn't make sense to anyone but me.<br />
<br />
And her perfection is what I will always need right at that very moment<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-86277870145800267812011-12-12T10:31:00.000-06:002011-12-12T10:31:39.330-06:00It's been awhile...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB117OhX7qsTebztsWkl4KTXiY9D6K7Ba6X1cPY5Dt0ddeO93b4kyJ2YR2haC8ssKMxWpf0LWnfUdwUhV3Uz8LXv7bAF3XJfZUmfB7V1K2GPSOr7SlFUqwCw1J-gzSGqoMci5AMxjLyEaf/s1600/spools.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB117OhX7qsTebztsWkl4KTXiY9D6K7Ba6X1cPY5Dt0ddeO93b4kyJ2YR2haC8ssKMxWpf0LWnfUdwUhV3Uz8LXv7bAF3XJfZUmfB7V1K2GPSOr7SlFUqwCw1J-gzSGqoMci5AMxjLyEaf/s1600/spools.png" /></a></div><br />
I have not fallen off the face of the Earth. Quite the opposite. I've been firmly planted on the ground trying to get things done for the holidays. My goal was to have the non-glamorous stuff out of the way 2 weeks before Christmas Day. For the most part, I've accomplished that, but there is little stuff that pops up along the way. The little detail bits that I always seem to forget year after year.<br />
<br />
Once school let's out, I will breathe a bit easier. <br />
<br />
But sharing details about my schedule is a total bore. So, I will tell you what I'm making all of the teachers, bus drivers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and teacher assistants for Christmas gifts. <br />
<br />
I insist on handmade when possible, and useful in some way. You can imagine my difficulty every year in coming up with something. Honestly, if I could give them all $100 in a card I would. We love our teachers, etc. They deserve it without a doubt, but my pockets do not run that deep. :(<br />
<br />
For the men on the list above, we are doing <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/jamaican-spice-rub-montreal-steak-rub-1030142/">THIS</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZx2MU3_f_MpuAchZBjEBZPU5BqGDG668luqWnTiBSaWnxECLL52-vCS0i-z6bClt1iijusqUvPxvIxwzUJffWAlXQI_VqnWIq5u82KMRZ0e63xMjpDX7AJnlMA1is-4cVTRsH8bc6Ah/s1600/spice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZx2MU3_f_MpuAchZBjEBZPU5BqGDG668luqWnTiBSaWnxECLL52-vCS0i-z6bClt1iijusqUvPxvIxwzUJffWAlXQI_VqnWIq5u82KMRZ0e63xMjpDX7AJnlMA1is-4cVTRsH8bc6Ah/s640/spice.png" width="624" /></a></div>Assembly will take place later this week. If you want to know where any of my supplies came from they came from<a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=specialty%20bottle"> here</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SucreandSpice?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=App_Seller&utm_content=shops&utm_campaign=fb_seller_shop2">here</a>. I am making some cute, vintagey red & white labels for the spice containers with clip art from <a href="http://justsomethingimade.com/freebies/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
For the ladies on the list, we are making <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/272417/sewing-kit-in-a-jar">THESE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvWYAzfMWXqS3_r7cFjEnIGhTlOwl-XC_oVdV3tkfqIW2DWV17f1lzGHoNI9C9jXL-sN0o6Sp-PoPJcUjZ3NZmX91giB_lvnRvphMUETvi0Al9KNXkQpoWfngJ1zBK9PbSLFlI0liWyM5/s1600/spice1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvWYAzfMWXqS3_r7cFjEnIGhTlOwl-XC_oVdV3tkfqIW2DWV17f1lzGHoNI9C9jXL-sN0o6Sp-PoPJcUjZ3NZmX91giB_lvnRvphMUETvi0Al9KNXkQpoWfngJ1zBK9PbSLFlI0liWyM5/s640/spice1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
They are coming along nicely. I was able to find fun wooden spools at Hobby Lobby, and I think they make the kits look much better than the cheap plastic ones. <br />
<br />
These gifts are turning out cheaper than I originally budgeted for, but I think since our blood sweat and tears {mostly mine} is going into them, they are more meaningful, even if it's just a little bit.<br />
<br />
What do you do for teacher gifts? Do you give to your mailman, trash men, etc? If so, what do you give? In the past, we've given those peeps fast food bucks for a quick lunch. You'd be amazed at what good service you'll receive when you let them know they are appreciated, too. <br />
<br />
If you have any questions about these projects just let me know...<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-59451716771341138542011-11-23T16:35:00.000-06:002011-11-23T16:35:53.857-06:00be blessed & stuff.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTxDn6-SW3Z4XnR0Zr0N6aWQCdpQckeceHjoPECMbe-T0wP0S6ta-yA5GJdh8qzhoQZhQHAGGGVxFi654RUQ_OIldWpVWVNMUGIYBCEWa1ta-i7b2o5ZfxmhupFIPI-PHw4eEna4z4ekI/s1600/funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTxDn6-SW3Z4XnR0Zr0N6aWQCdpQckeceHjoPECMbe-T0wP0S6ta-yA5GJdh8qzhoQZhQHAGGGVxFi654RUQ_OIldWpVWVNMUGIYBCEWa1ta-i7b2o5ZfxmhupFIPI-PHw4eEna4z4ekI/s1600/funny.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">just because it makes me smile.</div><br />
So, just a few things before the big turkey day...<br />
<br />
1. I totally forgot to celebrate my 3rd bloggersary. It was officially on October 12th. I cannot believe it's been 3 years. Wow!<br />
<br />
2. A big welcome to all the new followers I've gotten in the last few days. You have landed in Crazy Town. I hope you enjoy your stay.<br />
<br />
3. Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite times of year. It's like Christmas, but without the presents. And, let's face it...the presents just complicate things.<br />
<br />
4. I hope you find blessings in the little things. They are EVERYWHERE...if you look hard enough! My advice would be to look with your heart, not your eyes. <br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving, and many blessings!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-52965764802628385082011-11-17T09:50:00.000-06:002011-11-17T09:50:40.077-06:00The cleaner side of things...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, now that you know what our house normally looks like, you may want to pop over to <a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/2011/11/home-made-lovely-beths-home-tour.html">'Life Made Lovely</a>', and see what it looks like all purdy'd up in the <a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/search/label/home%20made%20lovely">'Home Made Lovely'</a> series Heather has put together.<br />
<br />
I think you might like it better. Or is that just me? Maybe so.<br />
<br />
Either way, hop on over and show Heather {and me, too} a little love. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-P9om1jqVVM6P_GQeJWB50Lb0_6nplHufQ734LSvZymQFQZpJQdiqROqTBLhc-ZrpIQFMyOh1Zh3_a6CIFw2TGzA_77FsfPVgnTnhBxy52h98sRYixot1ONIqfcKlYlYTfN2w2PZRIa4/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-P9om1jqVVM6P_GQeJWB50Lb0_6nplHufQ734LSvZymQFQZpJQdiqROqTBLhc-ZrpIQFMyOh1Zh3_a6CIFw2TGzA_77FsfPVgnTnhBxy52h98sRYixot1ONIqfcKlYlYTfN2w2PZRIa4/s640/24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFClmyb0_aXHYQo6BsclwmObM2LKexebKqJAm7ET8842nwH44rusyXArbX07iU8WF-8rj7VGe1YU5SyxXyUWUINvlqCZoiXQGmoSstx6tfLn1hxwdWFFcs3C6ltzG43HJXSmQ0WErouanj/s1600/homemade+lovely.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFClmyb0_aXHYQo6BsclwmObM2LKexebKqJAm7ET8842nwH44rusyXArbX07iU8WF-8rj7VGe1YU5SyxXyUWUINvlqCZoiXQGmoSstx6tfLn1hxwdWFFcs3C6ltzG43HJXSmQ0WErouanj/s1600/homemade+lovely.png" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-40347112220168466602011-11-16T10:18:00.008-06:002011-11-16T15:34:38.375-06:00True to my word.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm starting to think that people have a HUGE misconception about me and what my house looks like on a daily basis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had promised awhile back to dispell those non-truths. I have delayed this post as long as I could. Mostly because I don't want anyone to think I'm a mess. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If my house looks a mess at any given moment, what must my insides look like? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To honestly answer that question, sometimes my insides are a mess. Even with all the healing that's occurred on my heart the last couple of years, I still have dark days. Bad times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't we all?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpejPsMho99-MJKrXcg7_35G5C4VfeA0SfgwNQMD5oxLV79ZPp-4FmBSd9jAlqiIRs82xZ4lv2W3HDJQCfrqZGD9V0C2qiRs3H-77XSCshKOgHnz1bbhrfVp55lPtmwcvL2TTqj7f-05TW/s1600/mess4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpejPsMho99-MJKrXcg7_35G5C4VfeA0SfgwNQMD5oxLV79ZPp-4FmBSd9jAlqiIRs82xZ4lv2W3HDJQCfrqZGD9V0C2qiRs3H-77XSCshKOgHnz1bbhrfVp55lPtmwcvL2TTqj7f-05TW/s640/mess4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> So, here you go. This is what my house looks like most days. </div><br />
A mess.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel like the messier it is, the happier I am. The more I've learned to let go of stupid hang ups. Keeping your house perfect all the time is a source of GREAT stress and anxiety. It's a full time job of worry and psychoticness. Trust me when I tell you that. I've lived that life.<br />
<br />
Cleaning the house to tip top shop 3+ times a week for 3 years so that Betsy's home therapists didn't think I was a failure when they came over to work with her was hell. Because somehow having a clean and tidy house made me have it all together. <br />
<br />
Back then, I didn't. Not even by a mile.<br />
<br />
But, I wanted so badly to control the things that I could because the rest of my life seemed to be spiraling so desperately out of control. It was a hopeless feeling. At the time, I thought my cute, clean house was all I had. I was blind then. By grief, by sadness, by hopelessness, by desperation, by whatever you want to call it, but blind.<br />
<br />
I still have work to do. Lots. I know this because you have no idea how badly I want to make a million and three excuses as to why it looks like this. Which really isn't that bad considering most of the mess is pillows, clothes that need to be put down the laundry shoot, and dirty dishes in the sink, and let's face it my toliets are freshly bleached and tubs scoured out, but for me this is a disaster. <br />
<br />
I want to scream at the top of my lungs to the internets that this is right after getting the kids on the bus. That this is right before I start to do my morning tidy-up routine. That I am editing photos like a mad woman {tis the season}, and haven't been staying current on my housework. That it's get my work done and feed the kids, or have spotless floors. That it NEVER looks this bad. That I plan on cleaning tomorrow when the kids DON'T have a half day of school to interrupt the progress. <br />
<br />
But, those are all just excuses.<br />
<br />
See? That's what I do. I am always trying to make excuses for things like this, so you don't think my house is, heaven forbid, messy sometimes. <br />
<br />
**GASP!**<br />
<br />
I mean, what would that say about me as a person?<br />
<br />
Would you like me less?<br />
<br />
Would you like me more?<br />
<br />
Would I like myself less? More? <br />
<br />
It's territory I don't really want to explore, but I'm going to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPVizuOlM277xeNuo88ddWx3gTbHkm0QGai0snAJigxsV1oYdyBKTtNKmzg_Wmq6U3sy1QkTk5AtxHWiZ61oi6odY4vPeuZAJlATAzhsWcyoa-HUaNqd2N9r-mTxw_lHnpsV_ZQmHuJqw/s1600/mess3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPVizuOlM277xeNuo88ddWx3gTbHkm0QGai0snAJigxsV1oYdyBKTtNKmzg_Wmq6U3sy1QkTk5AtxHWiZ61oi6odY4vPeuZAJlATAzhsWcyoa-HUaNqd2N9r-mTxw_lHnpsV_ZQmHuJqw/s640/mess3.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Lzpg0_NlEjTqMtf1ynGYa5HAtGZWmb_UpN7PHsp5w-ZjZMNXRKYZnSLU5tu5QMFwKHjeCps40oUcV69lg2d3WX8W50k3lSrGbzgK8lIUHK4hgnseJBBUmMNDtw-qOs7YT_4iru4sBsZ0/s1600/mess2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Lzpg0_NlEjTqMtf1ynGYa5HAtGZWmb_UpN7PHsp5w-ZjZMNXRKYZnSLU5tu5QMFwKHjeCps40oUcV69lg2d3WX8W50k3lSrGbzgK8lIUHK4hgnseJBBUmMNDtw-qOs7YT_4iru4sBsZ0/s640/mess2.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So go ahead and judge away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am human. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have four kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wait a minute, are those just more excuses?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As much as I would like to, I canNOT control everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lesson driven home by the birth of a baby girl that would change everything I thought I knew about life. Thank you, Miss Betsy Jane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZcnH7OPdKC_iBpwXXESPD6rDQ9cMcTUV5RrTupzZbsCpj5Azj1mnKR559LON-qhbYq0qN5bZ5gTj8ztOhdZbC-M7O_5RdvpLzs__UHGNX6malBUTOmYvH01HWv95d1tvJCHmYr71xiKI/s1600/mess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZcnH7OPdKC_iBpwXXESPD6rDQ9cMcTUV5RrTupzZbsCpj5Azj1mnKR559LON-qhbYq0qN5bZ5gTj8ztOhdZbC-M7O_5RdvpLzs__UHGNX6malBUTOmYvH01HWv95d1tvJCHmYr71xiKI/s640/mess.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4ZusBKyIxJw3HFD0ZXrFiOarc1BM0V1MAHSDUFaxBYvfeFT8IENerbHGgSY-F1HUbmBcuum7JCKqSlOHVIMmJyRgJBuZTJT_L96Em4tqPL9_ZCEAzWRDbnEBSI0xaGnvp0zccoTlbMsY/s1600/mess1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4ZusBKyIxJw3HFD0ZXrFiOarc1BM0V1MAHSDUFaxBYvfeFT8IENerbHGgSY-F1HUbmBcuum7JCKqSlOHVIMmJyRgJBuZTJT_L96Em4tqPL9_ZCEAzWRDbnEBSI0xaGnvp0zccoTlbMsY/s640/mess1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />
Random fact about me...I HATE a closet that is left open. HATE, HATE, HATE. Always have for as long as I have memories. <br />
<br />
Hey, at least Pete made his bed this morning. That's progress.<br />
<br />
Someday, I'll let you see our laundry/storage area. For now, I'm not that brave.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-35296420751396020012011-11-09T10:14:00.000-06:002011-11-09T10:14:47.496-06:00Some news.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmx0b5TmEtJugXbiGAabmabl6YVleHbnPD3rzCsguTzLcs-keRXlRACSsZb1oN3zpfuh4_wyiHTjZdcHa921c7ZtTELpK3I0y4mzHAr9_37VJMf-mdH0yHtAZzK7_IEYOVT7D3OTVw_nIh/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmx0b5TmEtJugXbiGAabmabl6YVleHbnPD3rzCsguTzLcs-keRXlRACSsZb1oN3zpfuh4_wyiHTjZdcHa921c7ZtTELpK3I0y4mzHAr9_37VJMf-mdH0yHtAZzK7_IEYOVT7D3OTVw_nIh/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Next week {Thursday to be exact}, our homestead will be featured over at <a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/">'Life Made Lovely'</a>. <br />
<br />
I am always most flattered when someone I admire seems to find something redeeming about my simple little life. <br />
<br />
In this particular case, Heather {who has amazing style, a penchant for finding joy in the small things, and is one of the most adorable people I've ever seen}, made my day when she asked if I would let you all take a peek inside our home. <br />
<br />
My {emphatic} answer was, YES! <br />
<br />
So, during the time you have to peruse the internets before November 17th, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Heather's <a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/">blog</a>, <a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-designs.com/">design shop</a> {she designed my own blog's header}. and find out more about her <a href="http://www.joyfullifelibrary.com/">'Joyful Life Library Project'</a>. <br />
<br />
And check out the other incredible homes already featured in the <a href="http://www.lifemadelovely-blog.com/search/label/home%20made%20lovely">'Home Made Lovely'</a> series.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxWnGFzYDfDVwgJYSXwYflaCTFyi2t4s2OwVshVJbeW-OBTGKK5UBF1N9lo8rZGzOYLLYrVoVov3u3Rd7_0u3bnbnsiXNsN2wGRqRnNmjNxM4vXRd-DpQduwyYKmbRURoNDCALADfJie-/s1600/homemade+lovely.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxWnGFzYDfDVwgJYSXwYflaCTFyi2t4s2OwVshVJbeW-OBTGKK5UBF1N9lo8rZGzOYLLYrVoVov3u3Rd7_0u3bnbnsiXNsN2wGRqRnNmjNxM4vXRd-DpQduwyYKmbRURoNDCALADfJie-/s1600/homemade+lovely.png" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-18505729686793447442011-11-08T19:02:00.002-06:002011-11-08T19:13:28.150-06:00My 2011 Holiday Wishlist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Because sometimes <strike>people</strike> Big Daddy needs some direction, and PLENTY of time.<br />
<br />
Oh, who am I kidding. We rarely even do the gift thing. <br />
<br />
So, I will be really irrational and make some of these items DREAM wishes.<br />
<br />
Go big or go home.<br />
<br />
The gifts are more fun when they're for the kids anyway.<br />
<br />
But, just in case...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMcwy_g9YoOTxI1eaeelpDEu1Iz-NFEaWg3b_9D8dFVcrzJlP54iYQgqqqXwGhcgTasvTjlyDzp9qlwVDGN3VE51y7CSzopDxExK6FQ0RUSHMCWMn_OXxkZH4tDCetSKocyuq7lAvZE2W/s1600/xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMcwy_g9YoOTxI1eaeelpDEu1Iz-NFEaWg3b_9D8dFVcrzJlP54iYQgqqqXwGhcgTasvTjlyDzp9qlwVDGN3VE51y7CSzopDxExK6FQ0RUSHMCWMn_OXxkZH4tDCetSKocyuq7lAvZE2W/s640/xmas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cathkidstonusa.com/p-29179-cath-kidston-gnome-jasmine-jumper.aspx">Cath Kidston Gnome Jasmine Jumper</a></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMIIT4i3m23J7Rvt66yqN6ei7hjmlqvRGFTCD6PXdnJIMBQCc58JLA5Jy-Qp4kmYpNs20UkeNRM5rp3sOAe_su-2jNMviTvmqHLR2SN25K5reQP5B9mN0LDxwajWmCYUKnL4xB1nlrlAO/s1600/xmas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMIIT4i3m23J7Rvt66yqN6ei7hjmlqvRGFTCD6PXdnJIMBQCc58JLA5Jy-Qp4kmYpNs20UkeNRM5rp3sOAe_su-2jNMviTvmqHLR2SN25K5reQP5B9mN0LDxwajWmCYUKnL4xB1nlrlAO/s640/xmas2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://store.lensbaby.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Lensbaby Composer Lens & the Sweet 35 Optic</span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKOpUOs1ZMYVxI4oBJffJqbULFrnuOs9IZWnBZiYQdXIBKlpjq3HxgyuiRuLyW7ZYhyphenhyphenggiLW5zj0EZgPov5l2z9yLVGK0Cpy-nx-vxjk6IMT6oQLXPAmZdllf-lmZDw8rw9iX6LR5b_tv/s1600/xmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKOpUOs1ZMYVxI4oBJffJqbULFrnuOs9IZWnBZiYQdXIBKlpjq3HxgyuiRuLyW7ZYhyphenhyphenggiLW5zj0EZgPov5l2z9yLVGK0Cpy-nx-vxjk6IMT6oQLXPAmZdllf-lmZDw8rw9iX6LR5b_tv/s640/xmas1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://usa.hunter-boot.com/1/Welcome-To-The-Home-Of-Hunter-Wellies.aspx"><span style="font-size: large;">Hunter Original Tall Wellies in Dark Olive or Green</span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3lr95NNxige2SBDQtdj_RR0RdIZXNvTBLbpv9nxJ8ZdUWe_-jXANTHnVFBmNHQaoSMEfpjxQFgi8TysyeL35A5ECF-hBRUj0IcYSpLfUZAQy31OBtjJSW4oig7ApUl7eE0j1MloFWGY2/s1600/xmas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3lr95NNxige2SBDQtdj_RR0RdIZXNvTBLbpv9nxJ8ZdUWe_-jXANTHnVFBmNHQaoSMEfpjxQFgi8TysyeL35A5ECF-hBRUj0IcYSpLfUZAQy31OBtjJSW4oig7ApUl7eE0j1MloFWGY2/s640/xmas3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.paulcbuff.com/b400.php"><span style="font-size: large;">AlienBees B400 flash unit</span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliSC0SUaCbTjRMkbNupJ6SDDSVNuSD7-Sl95o0BV9wEKImAkvhnojg_LQ2qENqcvvH0Pc6bVpAYAH5C-vRMgfGbtuAC2D-hcUFudsNQmZVQ_GmiziKN9ipViizBYBk2yY7Qjh1TlldQ97/s1600/xmas5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliSC0SUaCbTjRMkbNupJ6SDDSVNuSD7-Sl95o0BV9wEKImAkvhnojg_LQ2qENqcvvH0Pc6bVpAYAH5C-vRMgfGbtuAC2D-hcUFudsNQmZVQ_GmiziKN9ipViizBYBk2yY7Qjh1TlldQ97/s400/xmas5.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.toryburch.com/PATENT-CAROLINE-BALLET-FLAT/11118219,default,pd.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Tory Burch Patent Caroline Ballet Flat in Camille Pink</span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBqavtIV7vmni6N7fiRQW-r5kIreWRATVbzAEKBjDd3fp8201yDCC20c1LPOIqZwtdudVseQ3hXt-uvp0x91v-v1mF5KAuRf3fATl-AjvM_ZmckeJRdXkiBY04MCuS9naEbCPwLPFFVht/s1600/xmas4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBqavtIV7vmni6N7fiRQW-r5kIreWRATVbzAEKBjDd3fp8201yDCC20c1LPOIqZwtdudVseQ3hXt-uvp0x91v-v1mF5KAuRf3fATl-AjvM_ZmckeJRdXkiBY04MCuS9naEbCPwLPFFVht/s640/xmas4.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;">a trip <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England">HERE</a> because I heart it, and haven't been in 12 years</span></div><div align="center">{can we add Scotland & Ireland this time?}</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Yeah, right.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
And, since I have been a good girl this year, and will be receiving every item on this list, thank you in advance, Big Daddy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wink, wink.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-68421270123634166152011-11-07T09:53:00.000-06:002011-11-07T09:53:26.584-06:00That time of year.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKV650JylAjkqqvc_XRlisJ3m5aV93ApkboB3QdZRuGkyl5VjX60TE3_x5GaWC2xReWxV41sdaENzTSnwYcH7fnS7v33re_jNtz3Qd_LJrPV5dkRcCZbeUsfyTOqs6R8LNavRAjgCHsKp/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKV650JylAjkqqvc_XRlisJ3m5aV93ApkboB3QdZRuGkyl5VjX60TE3_x5GaWC2xReWxV41sdaENzTSnwYcH7fnS7v33re_jNtz3Qd_LJrPV5dkRcCZbeUsfyTOqs6R8LNavRAjgCHsKp/s640/love.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Well, it's that time of year. The time of year that I costantly feel stressed, anxious, spread too thin.<br />
<br />
Once New Year's rolls around, I can breathe easy.<br />
<br />
It's the holidays and everything that goes along with it {baking, parties, gift buying}, the financial aspect of the holidays and never wanting to spend what we don't have which means getting creative, which means making my head hurt, all of the school obligations, the cold/bad weather starts {which I actually love, but it adds 20 minutes onto the commute anywhere making sure 4 kids are bundled}, and all of the unexpected things that you just don't plan on happening because, let's face it, they always seem to happen in force at this time of year. {This is my finest run-on sentance to date.}<br />
<br />
Every year, I vow to slow down, say no, enjoy the time spent with family and friends that we don't get to see that often. But every year, I fail miserably. <br />
<br />
Is there some magic spell I should know? A part of the equation I'm missing?<br />
<br />
The real tragedy is, I have so much to enjoy. So much to be grateful for. The obvious: husband, kids, health, home, clothes, food, a general want for nothing. But there is also the not so obvious: a thriving start up business, a husband who has been sober for 6 1/2 months, people who appreciate my gifts of which I love to share, the realized joy of having a child with special needs, the acceptance of who I am and being comfortable in this skin.<br />
<br />
So, I have to ask myself, what gives? <br />
<br />
I am alone in this struggle?<br />
<br />
I find it so hard to be in the moment from Halloween to Christmas. And there are so many fantastic moments to find yourself in during these months. <br />
<br />
What do you do to slow down, enjoy, relax?<br />
<br />
PLEASE TELL ME! <br />
<br />
Please?<br />
<br />
You could potentially save me from certain doom. <br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-27522902159096052562011-11-04T12:13:00.002-05:002011-11-04T22:27:46.747-05:00Insta-Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjB0wGy59rM_OPIuRiyqHYnEFa6Fh0fkXlTjJDIIdq9oJrYk6NWZszIQhhXneSc0N_tJi7Hmsl5E5lRALWgNGQg4H9ldZbxuIQ4S7XubkJziZT0tflDFBlOXsXEO7J64MXQTTs8R566kE/s1600/insta1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjB0wGy59rM_OPIuRiyqHYnEFa6Fh0fkXlTjJDIIdq9oJrYk6NWZszIQhhXneSc0N_tJi7Hmsl5E5lRALWgNGQg4H9ldZbxuIQ4S7XubkJziZT0tflDFBlOXsXEO7J64MXQTTs8R566kE/s400/insta1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love these shoes. They stink, they aren't even gray anymore, our puppy has gnawed the insole, but I don't care. I even have two other pairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uB0EzfZEpY4TT3bSNvKv4waKx89A0-sved7Q05Rvp49NO3GVBHh9ZjltjiqQ9YlhH1jll9GecQ0lJ0zk7FRVFmxYlGHVGqSzJJiWrNtWxek9H2Qmw-DPdFtTSTr76wkvF-fzA62S_hKu/s1600/insta2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uB0EzfZEpY4TT3bSNvKv4waKx89A0-sved7Q05Rvp49NO3GVBHh9ZjltjiqQ9YlhH1jll9GecQ0lJ0zk7FRVFmxYlGHVGqSzJJiWrNtWxek9H2Qmw-DPdFtTSTr76wkvF-fzA62S_hKu/s320/insta2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, when you love something, you love it. I am starting to fall in love with my gilded herringbone pair, but I feel like I'm cheating on the gray pair. Woe is me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxri7docJM-6o3g0If6MpgB6gpvo0HXgpwspfMysoHFVj_ZePno69h-0YLaw7o2dOltaJUctE00Cg0JNxUuLnr5oAohMba89EQRs8Gc95D3BajAEvoxHaOFaApCnpxjMxxSWhd4VZGi6yb/s1600/insta3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxri7docJM-6o3g0If6MpgB6gpvo0HXgpwspfMysoHFVj_ZePno69h-0YLaw7o2dOltaJUctE00Cg0JNxUuLnr5oAohMba89EQRs8Gc95D3BajAEvoxHaOFaApCnpxjMxxSWhd4VZGi6yb/s400/insta3.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure you've heard that my hometown team, the St.Louis Cardinals, won the World Series. Right? Well, we did. It was a fun night, complete with a victory dance with some amazing people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJK4iw8VYdqzruFX5VROPMhrs5hUN-QrBwzf_ihCq7YFw2N9ynGla40c3SNiXKnvzhjNByhw81hLq2gsc6Pnlwf3-9S3oxyBJFYBEm1XA6IChNMMk48NC0nZtHR6x9mx9tudvHGZp0MqF/s1600/insta5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJK4iw8VYdqzruFX5VROPMhrs5hUN-QrBwzf_ihCq7YFw2N9ynGla40c3SNiXKnvzhjNByhw81hLq2gsc6Pnlwf3-9S3oxyBJFYBEm1XA6IChNMMk48NC0nZtHR6x9mx9tudvHGZp0MqF/s400/insta5.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Tuesday, I got a call from the school nurse to come pick up Betsy. She wasn't acting herself. About 10 minutes after we got home she basically collapsed and crashed. Right where she was. Turns out she wasn't sick. At least not for reals. She had TMH virus. Too much Halloween. She was golden when she woke up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fz77dK3dVjq6u_KpTIuuscA2E8Mz6PvU8yntrbFKjeLafCRorTIc20ySYbEmOEMpxTyNo5tD4-Rku3Cj9ALjysQeEG1grGpgZ94PYQFedBytCr_nblkFlLVD9U8n45XMDvFcQ_7TJwZR/s1600/insta7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fz77dK3dVjq6u_KpTIuuscA2E8Mz6PvU8yntrbFKjeLafCRorTIc20ySYbEmOEMpxTyNo5tD4-Rku3Cj9ALjysQeEG1grGpgZ94PYQFedBytCr_nblkFlLVD9U8n45XMDvFcQ_7TJwZR/s400/insta7.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had the pleasure of catching an Avetts' show with some special girls. I've learned that if you're friendly, you get VIP treatment {. We happen to meet the promoter {no lie}. We didn't know he was the promoter, but we had a nice convo with him, and he asked if we wanted to be closer to the boys. Uh, YES! He told us who he was, led us through the 'velvet rope', and voila! It was as if they were performing just for us. Friendliness goes a long way. I picked up a couple of t-shirts for my little boys, too. They thought they'd died and gone to heaven. Once they're back in the Lou we will be taking the boys to the show. They won't know what hit them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XoISKksWLoplIoi4X5niQLZLjhk__Ud1vZWl6Qj7up2j93rmIYfPFE66xIVfahp0oqP4Ix9ArFy7Lt1gZ7cjGgmc59B_Xu1liP2LBKV6oxe_MwDZdC3tddudFNbKfA43L21neVkur5qQ/s1600/insta6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XoISKksWLoplIoi4X5niQLZLjhk__Ud1vZWl6Qj7up2j93rmIYfPFE66xIVfahp0oqP4Ix9ArFy7Lt1gZ7cjGgmc59B_Xu1liP2LBKV6oxe_MwDZdC3tddudFNbKfA43L21neVkur5qQ/s400/insta6.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our family pictures are next weekend. We have the outfits nailed down, AND the awesomest prop ever. A red convertible Olds. Holla! We're going to a very urban setting downtown, so I'm super excited. Brenda will work her magic for my family as always.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
So, that's what's newsworthy from my instagram. Have a super weekend! I know I will be dancing the night away tomorrow at our 'adult party'. Hahahahahaha!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" border="0" height="120" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-19426533459299902212011-11-03T15:08:00.002-05:002011-11-03T15:26:35.043-05:00The Rock.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQuxjA2S7CgMy6VxqWMmTxvqgaG20Rcar2AN1CqBpWqjtcsSs4R2cWF5hsWdehbewb2ENKOCCoGoHcHI7U2_Zy6cmwm20wZTeucjlBSSm82o0JZ8_nVBi51nEo5recjuR7PzY8MvLCUwh/s1600/rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQuxjA2S7CgMy6VxqWMmTxvqgaG20Rcar2AN1CqBpWqjtcsSs4R2cWF5hsWdehbewb2ENKOCCoGoHcHI7U2_Zy6cmwm20wZTeucjlBSSm82o0JZ8_nVBi51nEo5recjuR7PzY8MvLCUwh/s640/rock.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our master bathroom sucks. It's functional, and that's about it's only endearing quality. Real problems, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, it's just not in the cards for a total gut job. {Which it desperately needs.} It's a totally awkward space, and needs to be reconfigured. The sink area is open to our bedroom which is strange, and that door that you see {which we screwed shut}, is a pass through to Pete's room. The toilet and shower are to the left and are separated by the sink area by a door. It's just a little too cuckoo-ka-choo for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was so bad, I didn't even take before photos. Which I now regret. The sink was peach with some sort of permanent toothpaste'ish stain in it, the vanity was a creamy color, with a faux marble finish, and you can still see the pretty floor. Stunning as it is. It was lovely. Plain lovely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It made me want to vomit every morning. Right in that pretty peach sink. Something had to be done. Enter creative ingenuity. We had some grayish/tan paint that I slapped on the walls, stupid door, and ceiling. Then I took <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=202450877&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=martha_stewart-_-main_brand_page-_-visual_navigation_paint-_-specialty_kit&locStoreNum=6175&marketID=373">this</a> {but was able to purchase the faux bois 'rocker' separately,and not the whole kit at Home Depot}, and some brown paint that we had, and did a faux bois finish on the vanity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, add a white-less-than-$30 drop in sink, and it looks MUCH better. I added the white deer head for a little towel rack, and moved my old-window-turned-accessory-holder and hung it over the hole where an old, nasty medicine cabinet randomly was. Big Daddy also changed out the light fixture for my old favorite stand by <a href="http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=190827-76219-OUTDOOR+WALL+LANTERN&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3196861&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=sim&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1&AID=10935405&PID=3662453&SID=skim725X615407X0936009c8e7687369ecd5701b008ae30&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-Skimlinks-_-2617611-_-10935405">HERE</a>. {Yes, you can still buy them in-stores, and yes, it's an outdoor light, but who cares? They also look fab spray painted obnoxious colors, which I still may do.} </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, the piece de resistance...that mid-century rocker. It's awr-some! My mother-in-law was getting rid of it. YES, PLEASE! Now, I know a rocking chair seems a bit odd in a master bathroom, but it just works, ya know? <em> </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I 'rocked' the vanity, and 'rocked' the chair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What can I say? I like to rock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, I just need to find an affordable oriental'ish type rug to cover up some of that floor. Yick! I think the reds, golds, and blues will really tie into the other colors going on in the room. I found one I loved at HomeGoods, but when I checked the price it was $99!!!! For a 4x3 rug?! Pass. Hello, Craigslist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a plan for the shower/toilet area to cover the sub-par tile on the wall, but I don't want to talk about that now. I'm tired of typing. But, I can assure you it will be cool & cheap, with a super-fly industrial/cottage feel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Someday, we will lay the leftover hardwood where the nastiness now lies, dry wall in the non-functioning door, and we will retrofit an old dresser to fit this bad girl...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM2U5Til6g451WAIldesn4wSRcyv3H37vDvdgmP7gMoj-dQHDJEw5wcvkaX8oY946PigcChXXD5KDCMv3Hr2u8_tOEaezmDEiojUzc0SaiWJb5Ey3A7nEG5s66tdguw6H7KANYhMDZyMh/s1600/sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM2U5Til6g451WAIldesn4wSRcyv3H37vDvdgmP7gMoj-dQHDJEw5wcvkaX8oY946PigcChXXD5KDCMv3Hr2u8_tOEaezmDEiojUzc0SaiWJb5Ey3A7nEG5s66tdguw6H7KANYhMDZyMh/s640/sink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In all honesty, we will probably never gut it after doing all of the above. The hard part will be finding the right piece to fit the sink. That may take some time. I am NOT patient, so it will be interesting to see how this turns out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Time will tell...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618186992844564031.post-31058627660222405762011-11-02T07:56:00.001-05:002011-11-02T07:59:58.588-05:00Hump day ear candy.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://matthewandtheatlas.com/">Matthew and the Atlas.</a></span> <br />
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Just really fantastic stuff. <br />
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Had a few of their songs on my ipod, but then I saw them open for Mumford & Sons back in June. <br />
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Wow, oh, wow!<br />
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You know, the same show I that I got to sit in the sound booth. The show that I met Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, and Ben Lovett. And, yes, I stood 5 feet from Winston Marshall, but it's hardly worth mentioning because apparently he was too good to frolic with the fans. Dumb. The show that I found myself in the same place as the band after the show for a good hour, and had a nice chat with Ted & my cousin while I was there. It's true. I would bore you with photos, but this post is really about Matthew & the Atlas, after all. Okay, just one...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5L8gzVlzBNp2I_6F0M14Oix_EoqGegN1UlRMKfQXojYIv1LHIdEFr6_B0oBRKYT7inosYiP0hLGk108ismKQD4b8H5nnfymYAfJSby_xs5uoixVouRNzqZKRxY4MDOXrhjROPOySqTtN/s1600/ted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5L8gzVlzBNp2I_6F0M14Oix_EoqGegN1UlRMKfQXojYIv1LHIdEFr6_B0oBRKYT7inosYiP0hLGk108ismKQD4b8H5nnfymYAfJSby_xs5uoixVouRNzqZKRxY4MDOXrhjROPOySqTtN/s640/ted.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So, where was I? Oh, yes...M & the A are good. Really good. They will actually be here Thursday night. Not here as in my house, but here as in St.Louis. Just to clear up any confusion. I mean, they are more than welcome, but I'm not sure they know who the hell I am. <br />
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My favorite...<br />
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And more...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WFf4Dk3Hi_w" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H2vhzI6qOpk" width="640"></iframe><br />
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They also do a fantastic cover of The Pogues 'Fairytale of New York'. Listen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bARFaSc4iEA&feature=related">HERE</a>. They are definitely worth adding to one of your playlists. Good, good stuff. <br />
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I think I have a banjo problem. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0