Our Happy Home

Baby Shower

2009-08-23T12:28:00.006-05:00

Time is slipping by quickly, and before I know it Emalyn Cate will be here!

Our baby shower was today, and what a great time it was! I loved seeing all of our family and friends.
Lots of great food, wonderful gifts, and beautiful weather! Just a few more things to pick up, and we will be ready to meet our baby girl!

First Day of School

2009-08-07T20:56:00.007-05:00

Oh my how time flies! I can't believe Carter is actually a kindergartner!

Things were going so well Thursday morning, and then I picked him up and found a little boy in tears! He seems to think Kindergarten is too long to be gone from Mommy. So he woke up for his second day at 6:30, once again in tears! This is waaay to hard on a pregnant mommy! I am so emotional as it is. It breaks my heart to not console him like I want, and to not make what hurts him go away. I try to make it short and sweet in the morning, and not linger. Apparently he thinks he's smart though, he has found that if he claims a tummy ache, he can go to the nurse's office and they will call mommy. He can then get on the phone and plead for me to come get him!

OH my! I know things will get better, but it's just so hard riding out the transition period. This morning, he was in the nurse's office. Then this afternoon he gets in the car as happy as a clam, telling me that he had the best day ever! He loved nap time, and art class, and activity center. And he has already learned how to read a book! Albeit a very simple book with 3 words per page, but still he is reading! And then within an hour of being home he was in tears again at the thought of going back Monday. Heaven help me! I may not make it!:) All he tells the teachers and nurse is that he misses his mommy, and his tummy hurts.

Poor baby, if it wasn't illegal I'd never make him go!!

But didn't he look so cute on his first day?

Gulf Shores

2009-06-27T12:27:00.006-05:00

I was so thankful we were able to take a family vacation this year. Especially with me being 6 months pregnant!

Gulf Shores was so much fun. Love that area of the gulf coast. This was our second year at the same condo, and it is in a great location. The last condo complex on the strip between Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

Of course, we had to go on a dolphin cruise too! It's fun to go out on a big boat and cruise around.

It was a great week, with lots of sight seeing, eating, swimming and shopping!

One huge milestone was reached too. Carter actually got in the swimming pool with a float on and didn't scream and hold on to me or Jeff!

We had a great time and hopefully we will be able to do it again next summer!

It's A..............

2009-05-26T06:18:00.006-05:00

GIRL!!!!

I can't believe it, but there is no denying it! We are having a little baby girl! We are all still shocked a bit, but happy. Carter is letting the thought sink in. Every once in a while, he says "Mama, can you believe we are having a girl?"

My doctor called on Memorial Day and said he could get me in for a quick peek before he had to go perform a c-section. So we jumped up and took off to his office. It was quite strange to be in the clinic while it's closed. But doc was great, and enjoyed doing the ultrasound, since he hadn't done one since his residency! After about 2 seconds, he says, Oh, I have a good view....what do you guys want? Does it matter? Of course, we all answered no. Then Carter says real quietly, I would still like it to be a boy.

I kind of felt bad when the doctor said, well Carter, it's a girl! So, he proceeded to show us the anatomy of our daughter, and yes it is definitely a girl! Ilooked at Carter and a big smile came over his face, and he said I think that is okay! He told us on the way home, "I'm glad this not-knowing-what the-baby-is situation is over!". And really since then he hasn't seemed too concerned about it.

Apparently all the water I have been drinking over the weekend helped. She has lots more room

to move around in now, and had no problem telling us she was a girl!

This household is in for a big adjustment. For so long, it's been Bob the Builder to Monster Jam to Transformers, and now Star Wars. How are we going to handle Barbies and baby dolls? Princesses and dress up?

I will be the first to say, I have never really been a girly-girl. I was just as happy to be outside fishing and playing in the mud, as I was playing Barbies with my sisters. And really, I have first hand experience with little girls being tomboys. My little sister was expected to have been a boy, but her arrival gave Dad his 3rd daughter. She was Dad's shadow, and like me was as happy to be outside in the dirt as she was playing with her babies.

I just have a feeling this girl stuff is gonna be weird at first. It's kind of disorienting. Though my 'mothers intuition' told me I was carrying a girl early on, I am finding myself still needing an adjustment period.

All-in-all, I am really excited. I am gonna have the experience of raising a son and a daughter. And it's a challenge I gladly accept. I just hope this one has her Dad's temperament, as Carter does. I have faint memories, and have been told, I could be quite -ahem- stubborn as a child......

Now on to nursery decorating and deciding on a name!!

Oh, and on the same day we find out we are having a girl, Carter decides he wants to start sleeping in his own bed! Jeff & I have no idea where he got the notion. Neither of us had mentioned a thing about it to him. He just woke up and said "Mom, come here". I got in there to find a smiling little boy saying "can you believe I slept in my own bed?" "ain't I a big boy?"

He sure is.....

Is 'It' a Brother or a Sister???

2009-05-23T11:33:00.002-05:00

So, we went for our 20 week ultrasound today. All is well with our little 'Dink'. Dink is what Carter has affectionately nick-named this little stinker. Everything was developed well, and looked healthy.

When time came to look for the 'gender parts' little Dink refused to move. Ankles were crossed, and legs were pulled up tight against it's tummy. So, we didn't get to find out if Carter is getting a brother or a sister. And truth be told, he wasnt' too disappointed. He was just happy to see the baby, and to know that we have been telling him the truth.

So, my doctor is on call Monday(Memorial Day), and has given me his cell phone number. He told me to call him Monday, and if he is in or around the office he will do another ultrasound himself. If not, we scheduled another ultrasound for next Friday.

The real issue here is that I am a planner. I want to plan everything out way before it's time to finish. So, I am setting here with an empty spare bedroom just waiting to make it a nursery. And wondering just who is this little person that is kicking me all the time.

Helloooo??? Anyone There??

2009-04-15T04:41:00.004-05:00

So sorry to the 3 or 4 of you who still check in once in awhile. I have been so neglectful of my blog lately. I hope to get back on the blogging trail shortly. Though, I do have a good excuse for being absent.

We are expecting baby #2!!

And I have been sick, so very very sick! So sick, that there have been long stretches of time where I never turned my laptop on. I lived either in the bed or beside the toilet. I am now in my 15th week of pregnancy, and am finding the sickness a little easier, mostly due to the new anti-nausea medication I am taking.

I know with Carter, my sickness was over by 15 weeks. I have been told that it should end by 12-14 weeks.... I'm still waiting. And I have heard the few horror stories about ladies who were sick until delivery.....God help me, I can't last that long!!:)

So, that's my news for now. Hopefully I will be able to give regular updates from now on. In just a little over a month we will be finding out if we are having a boy or girl! Just don't ask Carter about a sister....he'll have none of that!

(can't wait to start working on a nursery!)

He's Growing Too Fast!

2009-02-27T11:37:00.002-06:00

While playing Wii last night, Carter tells me his tooth is crooked. I asked him - could it be loose? Nope, it feels crooked. So I ask him to let me take a look. And sure enough, my little man has his first loose tooth!

The funny thing is, it is his first tooth that came in when he was 5 months old.....Why do they have to grow so fast?

Snap, Crackle, Pop.....

2009-01-29T12:22:00.005-06:00

No I'm not talking about the famous breakfast cereal trio. I'm talking about this horrible ice storm that has kept us locked in for 4 days and counting. I'm talking about the sound trees have been making all around us at all hours of the night.

I hate Ice....

I like pretty snow, the kind that comes and goes in a day. The kind you can run and play in and make cute, round snowmen out of.

Ice ain't pretty.

Though, I have to pause and give thanks to the good Lord. I have not lost power. Over 500,000 in the state of KY have lost power.

My husband's family, who are now staying with me, lost power. So, I get to share my power. Like, I got an hour notice they were on their way....my inlaws + Jeff's 80 year old Grandmother, and his 60 year old Aunt. Ice locked, in this house for 4 days......

Jeff is stuck at his job. They won't let them leave for fear they won't make it back in.....So, he will be there for 32 hours....While I stay locked up with his family. And a rambunctious 5 year old.

I hate ice.

Pray for my sanity..........

Please Pray....

2009-01-16T22:45:00.002-06:00

Please pray for Baby Harper & her entire family.....

Just Had to Share...

2009-01-15T17:22:00.004-06:00

I just happened to find the greatest site today, and thought I'd share it here. If any of you are like me and my family, you love Southern cooking. Well this will be a go-to in the future for great recipes!

I tried the Chicken & Dumplings for supper tonight, and they were a hit! Hope you all can find something new to share with your families....

2009-01-10T19:20:00.003-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!!

Hope you have a wonderful 32nd birthday.....

We Love You!!!

Taking a Trip!

2008-12-11T10:30:00.002-06:00

The last few weeks have been so stressful. So Jeff & I have decided to take a little trip. Nothing big, just a night in Nashville, and a tour of Opryland Hotel and ICE!. Opryland is gorgeous this time of year, and I really wanted little man to see the ICE! exhibit. He's gonna love seeing the Grinch & all of Who-ville in sculpted ice, and the millions of Christmas lights throughout the hotel. We'll hit Opry Mills Mall on Friday and finish up our Christmas shopping.

Hopefully I'll have pics to share on Saturday!

Another First...& Mom's Bible

2008-12-08T03:46:00.005-06:00

Our family made it through another first without mom today. Today was our first day back to church. Dad & Sis couldn't sit in our usual seats, they stayed in the back. I felt like I could not sit anywhere else. I had to be where mom would have been, I even carried her Bible. Her worn, tattered Bible that she received in 1984. Her Bible, that is wrapped in a quilted floral Bible carrier, given to her by Sis & me on Mother's Day 1994.

A wonderful thought entered my mind on that narrow country road this morning. As I clutched her Bible, I held it next to me and thought about how great it is that mom's Bible is falling apart. She used it, and relied on it so much throughout her life. What a shining testimony her life was, to have loved God's word so, that she wore out her personal Bible.

Dad & Sis had at first requested it be buried with her. I had the task of 'cleaning it out'. Taking out the bookmarks, her Sunday School book, a few spare toy truck tires little man had asked her to keep for him in the carrier's pockets. And in digging out her personal things, it occurred to me what an inspiration her Bible is to me. I felt a strangely warm connection to her when I held it, and I couldn't let it go. So, I asked Dad & Sis if I could keep it, and they agreed that I could. I am so thankful they did, it has given me comfort at times when I can't turn anywhere else.

I don't know when the sorrow will end. I don't know how we are supposed to find a new normal. But I know I keep hearing in time it will come. I am just waiting for the sting to go away. I just hate having to move on without mom. I love her so......

Apparently, I'm Bitter

2008-12-01T09:34:00.005-06:00

I'm so happy the Thanksgiving holiday is over. I feel almost ashamed to say it. I shouldn't wish away time with my family and my little boy, but that's what I wish for now. I want time to move faster than it does already.

Everyone says the pain of losing mom will get better with time. Well, it's been two weeks, and the pain is almost as fresh now as it was that morning. Everyone talks about slowing down at the holidays and enjoying time spent with friends and family, and I can't help but feel bitter. I want to say hurtful things to people at times. Then I want to shout at others and tell them to cherish every little thing, every moment, every laugh. There is no better reality check, than for reality to slap you in the face.

I kind of despise hearing girls or ladies talk about Christmas shopping with their mom, or spending Christmas in the kitchen with their mom. I want to tell them to shut-up because I don't have my mom anymore. I can't stand to hear people talk about spending time with their mom.
Then when I over hear a smart-aleck teenager talking disrespectful to her mother I wanna smack her, and tell her she doesn't know how lucky she is. I would give anything for my mom to be here to give me advice on the simplest things.

Apparently I am going through the anger phase of grief. What a wonderful time to feel so angry. Everywhere I turn it's holiday cherry stuff, and I couldn't give a crap less about any of it. My mantra is this...'make it the best one I can for little man', and 'just try to get through it'.

And then again, I don't want to leave 2008 behind with mom in it. I don't want to start a new year without her. Don't I sound like a joy to be around? Blogging is my only way to get it out. If you saw me in person, you wouldn't think I was so crazy. I have to be 'the strong one'. Everyone talks about how dad and sis are leaning on me. What about me? Who am I supposed to lean on? This is why I am so thankful to be a Christian and know the full support of God. I have been leaning on him through all of this, and I am so thankful for his comfort and strength. Sometimes though, I just have to vent. I just have to let it out, and really say how I feel.

And I know that mom couldn't get better, and God spared her from what probably would have been a long and painful battle with cancer. Knowing that makes it okay to let her go, but it doesn't help me not feel so sad. It doesn't make me not wonder why. It just doesn't help ..........

So sorry to dampen your Christmas mood, this is the last place to look for Holiday Cheer. Maybe someday I can get back to sharing the things I love. Right now, thanks to the few of you who listen.

Gone Home......

2008-11-24T01:35:00.003-06:00

On Monday November 17th at 11:40 a.m., my mother passed from this life to her eternal home. She lived 3 days off of the ventilator. We made the decision to take her off after finding out she had another massive stroke on Wednesday the 12th.

Please continue to pray for our family, we are trying to move on. It seems impossible without her. I pray daily for the Lord to give us strength.....

Thank you all for your prayers throughout her short battle. She is now at peace and rest, and no longer suffers or struggles.

Update....

2008-11-13T19:27:00.008-06:00

I just want to give quick update on mama.

On October 24th, while we were out shopping, my mom's body began showering blood clots all over her body. She collapsed and was taken to the ER. We found out she had lost over 3/4 of her blood from hemorrhaging and that she has cervical cancer. She would never go for annual check-ups, she assumed normal cycles meant everything was okay. The last 2 months she has been experiencing heavy bleeding but would not tell me or my sister about it.

We could tell she was feeling bad, and tried to take her to the doctor but she flat-out refused, and had gotten to the point she wouldn't take our phone calls. I made her go with me on that Friday because I thought maybe she was depressed.

Once we got her settled in CCU, a battery of tests began. Along with several ischemic strokes, she also had several pulmonary emboli, a large clot in her heart, and stage 2 cervical cancer. As we have been told, having cancer makes your blood thicken, as a response to stop the cancer cells from spreading. And in turn, your blood starts to clot. In the next few days, we also found out she has clots in her arms and legs. A filter was placed in a vein in her torso to catch any clots that try to move from her legs. The clots in her arms can not be treated.

Once we began radiation, her bleeding slowed, and she began to come around(after about 15 units of blood). She could talk, eat, and recognize everyone, and her memory was pretty well intact.

We had a good week with her last week, and on Saturday when my little man went to visit her in ICU, she was singing oldies to him, and getting his 'belly sugar'. I truly believe that day was a gift from God.

Then Sunday came with much heartbreak.....

At around 12:00pm, she suffered a seizure as an onset to another stroke. This time it was 'significant'- a term the doctors use. Since then she has been put on a ventilator to assist her breathing. They have tried to wean her off, and she breathes very well. She just isn't responsive enough to cough and be able to clear her throat of secretions.

And as a critical patient is treated, there are always small set backs due to medications, and other things. They would seem 'significant' to others, but they are small in comparison to the major things she has going on.

As of tonight(Thursday), mom has still not come back to us. I have no doubt that she can hear us, and at times she opens her eyes and looks straight at us. Some doctors seem to think it's hopeless, others say take it day by day. That's what I have learned to do. Take things one day at a time.

Isn't that how we all should live? We get so secure in our day to day lives, that we forget God is truly in control, and no one can say what tomorrow will bring.

So, for 3 weeks now I have been living in limbo. Every other night at the hospital, away from my little boy and husband. My dad is absolutely heart broken and spends the nights with me or my sister, he can't bear the heartache of going to the home they share. He cries a lot, which breaks our hearts. It is just as hard watching daddy as it is mama.

We do not know what God's plan for mama is. We just pray that his will be done, and that whatever we face tomorrow he will carry us through. I have never in my Christian walk felt so close to him. I pray without ceasing for his comfort and strength. It is amazing how powerful prayer is. I'm telling you it is awesome, it is mighty, and it is real. Amen! I could have a little service right now in this hospital room!

I have rounds of feeling angry, and I am ashamed when I do. I get so upset because I am only 30, and my sister is 25. We have just begun to live our own lives, and we need our mama to help us with all the things we don't know yet. And I get upset because she is only 49 years old, she should have had so much more time to live her life as she was.

But I have come to term with the fact that I can not look back, I must only look forward, and keep my eyes upon God. He will never leave us, and will always be there when we call upon him.

Just continue to pray for mama, and all of her family. Pray that if it's God's will, she will get better, and if not she will go quickly. We do not worry about mama and what lies ahead on the other side. We know that if she goes, she will be greeted at the gates by loved ones gone before. And the Lord will wrap his arms around her and welcome her home.

The hardest part will be having to re-pattern our lives without her in it. But, we must wait upon the Lord cause only He knows what lies ahead......

Please Pray.......

2008-10-27T15:14:00.002-05:00

I am calling out to all Christian brothers and sisters. If you believe in the power of prayer, Please Pray For My Mom(Debbie). She was hospitalized Friday with stroke, heartattack, pulmonary emboli and many other complications. These are all from blood clotting. Please pray for the Lord to continue to heal her, only HE has brought her this far. I can not give more details now, I am needed to be with her. Please pray for her healing, and for our family to stay strong. She is only 49......

A Little Fall Craft Tutorial

2008-10-15T15:40:00.008-05:00

Hey Ya'll!

How would you like to see a quick, easy little crafty project?

You'd love it?

Great!

I think I'll share one of my own, instead of stealing any more of yours!:)

I think these are so cute for fall decorating. And they could just as easily be made into snowmen or santas for Christmas. ( I may have to try that!)

Anyway.....Start with an old glass jug. I like these old bleach jugs.

Now I know some people look down on using a somewhat 'antique' item to spray paint. But, in these parts, you can find these things for a dime-a-dozen. And I literally have a dozen from my primitive decor days.

With that outta the way.....

Choose your color of spray paint. I used white and orange for a ghost and a jack o' lantern. Spray the entire jug, and let it dry.

Next, I use a pencil to lightly draw on a face.

Then I go back with a paint pen or craft paint and fill it in.

To finish it off, you can use a little bit of burlap for a hat tied on with raffia,

or just use plain raffia,

or just plain:)

And there you have it! A cute little addition to fall decorating.....

Once I get into my 'Christmas Crafting Mode' I will have to try a snowman. Wouldn't he be cute with a little scarf and top hat?

If you try one of your own, let me know. I would love to see them!

Now.....I've got to go find a home for this fella!

More Fall Stuff....

2008-10-13T23:50:00.007-05:00

Sorry I have been MIA lately......With a birthday party, fall festivals, and a week long fall break, I have been running like crazy. So, instead of posting I have spread my short 'blogging time' over all of my favorite blogs.

But now I'm back!

I stopped by The Happy Homebody, and got some great inspiration from Angie. She has went tray crazy over there, and bought lots of trays that she plans on transforming. I bought a tray last summer at a garage sale for 50 cents. I think it was once a Christmas tray that someone tried to paint over in green. I knew I wanted to re-do it, but it got stuck in the 'later' pile, and hasn't seen the light of day since. Well, I pulled it out today and made it pretty!

I always admire you ladies that have the cute little vignettes around your home. You know the ones inside cute baskets, and trays or even frames.... I think they give such a finished look to seasonal displays. I was trying different things on my kitchen counter, but nothing was working. So, once the tray was done I knew it was what I needed to hold a little fall display on my kitchen counter.

Here's a few pics of the process.....

The tray in it's shade of green, some black spray paint, and of course a Sonic Vanilla Diet Coke!(yum)......I can't work with out my DC!

Here it is after the paint dried....I added some scrapbook paper to the bottom

And here is my fall display for the kitchen counter!

Everything in here except for the candle and scrapbook paper came from garage sales, and thrift shops! I love finding bargains!

Hope you all enjoyed my little transformation!

****BTW...that pic of me is horrible! It was one I had that would fit in the frame......ugh, I hate to have my picture taken.....****

Fall Decorating.....

2008-09-27T09:32:00.006-05:00

Hey Y'all!

So, let me just say, I have had to take a break from the b-day party prepping to join in Annie's Fall Decor Party. I have seen so many beautiful fall-harvest and halloween displays! I'm gonna share some of mine, although I've got lots more to do...So stay tuned!

We'll start with the outside....

One last shot of summer....

And here are a couple of the inside.....

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit LemonAnnie for lots of great fall ideas!

Transform....and Roll Out!

2008-09-25T07:34:00.005-05:00

These are words I have been hearing on a daily basis around here. You see, our little man is turning 5 next weekend. And I am in serious last minute party planning mode right now, making sure all the final things are in place. I am seeing Transformers in my sleep!

So, I'm sorry I've been lax in my blogging. But, now that he's in pre-school it's sooo much more important that everything be perfect. He is so excited for all his new friends to come, even the little girl he has a crush on! It's a good thing he can't read....I'm not even supposed to tell daddy about her! (hope ya'll can keep a secret!)

Anyway, I've gotten lots of fall decorating done, and can't wait to show ya'll. Hopefully soon.....

***sniff***sniff.....My baby is gonna be 5!!

Fall Projects....I have many

2008-09-13T23:58:00.008-05:00

Hello Friends!!
I keep seeing all of your wonderful ideas out there in blogland, and I just have to try my own versions! I loved Joy's idea of using the '3 opening' frame to display a cute halloween saying. So, I ventured out Saturday, to Dollar Tree, and picked up a frame, and to Big Lots for some scrapbooking letters. Oh, I actually bought lots more stuff, but I'll have to share that later.

I had the scrapbook paper already. I bought it a few weeks ago, at HL when they had a rack up front on sale, 6 sheets for $1. I paid $1 for the frame, and $2 for the letters. So, it is a very cheap project. Though I hope mine doesn't look too cheap! Joys turned out great. She is one sharp gal!

So, here are my supplies gathered.....

And here you can see I decided not to use the stripe. It didn't look good, and I had found the harlequin at the bottom of my paper stash....

I used watered down school glue to adhere my paper.

Here is the frame back together....

Now on to the letters.....I bought these at Big Lots for $2. They are nothing special, just cardboard scrapbooking letters. (but cheap!)

Instead of dragging out craft paint, or trying to spray paint an inch tall letter at 11:00 at night, I took the easy route. Granted they smell bad right now.....but, It'll go away! Permanent marker stinks really bad!

So, then I used the hgg to attach the letters. The school glue probably would have worked better. Those little strings of hot glue are hard to remove from tiny letters.

Here is the finished product! I am in no way a great crafter, but I like doing projects that seem relatively easy...& quick. So, thanks Joy and all you other brilliant ladies. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas!

I think this will look great next to my 'spooky tree' inspired by Susie. My 4 year old loves the faux crows! He can't wait to help put it together....

***BTW, I really tried to be creative with my 3-letter words, but Boo & Eek was all I could come up with! & I'm saving Boo for another project!***

Fall Project

2008-09-07T13:10:00.007-05:00

I am still stuck in summer-time mode, and haven't begun to pull out all my fall decor yet. I can't get in the mood when it's so warm out. I usually get geared up when our local nurseries start selling mums, and farmers set up their wagon-loads of pumpkins for sale.

But, I spied some totally adorable fabric at Wal-Mart last week, and had an idea how to use it. So, I bought 1/2 a yard of some of my favorites(at $2.00 a yard, this a pretty cheap project!).

I hopped over a few aisles, and picked a couple spools of ribbon, for about .40 cents each. I found some great rubber spiders to add a cute spooky touch, at the Dollar Store. The clip rings were a couple extra I had lying around.

Can you see where I'm going with this?

Here's the fabric cut up...

And, I totally skipped taking a pic of me in the process of tying these on. (I developed a bad hand cramp!)

Here is the finished product! A Halloween Rag Garland. I've seen many versions of Rag Garlands at local craft shows, and at Nester's Place too. I thought I'd take a shot at making one for my Fall/Halloween decor. I added the clip rings to hold pics of little man in costume, and of him with family & friends.

I have a few more ideas up my sleeve, that I can't wait to share with you all in the next few days. I changed my blog background to spark my fall creativity, maybe it'll help!

I have loved seeing all of your great fall ideas, and can't wait to see more!

Happy Birthday To...... Me!!

2008-08-28T16:00:00.006-05:00

Today is my birthday! I am okay with turning....

30!!

As I see it, it's always better to have a birthday....

Than the alternative!!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

2008-08-22T00:10:00.001-05:00

I can not believe 10 years have gone by so quickly. Wow, a decade! I have never regretted a day. I look so forward to all the anniversaries to come. You are my best friend, my shoulder, my rock, and I am so thankful to GOD I have you.

I got you to hold my hand

I got you to understand

I got you to walk with me

I got you to talk with me

I got you to kiss goodnight

I got you to hold me tight

I got you, I won't let go

I got you to love me so

I Got You Babe!

Love Ya!

Annie

'Bathroom Break'.....Before & Afters

2008-08-19T10:39:00.016-05:00

So, I finished the bathroom in time for the Nester's party. I have since been trying to accessorize. I'm not able to do much though, since it's a small bathroom. I am really wanting a vanity in here, but it's not happening anytime soon. Because in this house nothing is simple. You see, if we are gonna put in a new vanity, then we are gonna have to tile the floor first. But if we are gonna tile the floor, we might as well buy enough tile to tile the tub surround, and on and on and on.....

So you see, it's a vicious cycle, one I'm not ready to start yet. So, I will make do with what I have for now! Anyway, I love the Oyster Bay wall color. It is so light & fresh, just what this small guest bath needed.

BEFORE:
I liked the chocolate brown from before, but there just isn't enough natural light in here to pull it off. It felt like a cave, and the walls absorbed all the light.

AFTER:

I got the window fabric off eBay. And I got my shower curtain at a garage sale for $4.
My question is, do they coordinate? Mom says yes, but I wasn't totally convinced. I had a plain white cotton one up before, and I liked the color change. So what do you think?

(BTW, I hate how my shower rod is hung. It's one of those curved rods, and it wasn't hung in the right spot, so you can see a little sliver of our tub surround....Ugh, it's so ugly. and annoying. Hubs has agreed to move it out a bit this weekend)

Here is the initial plaque that I made last week. I got the idea from Joy. I posted about it below. Here is the finished result, with ribbon, distressed and framed. I think it turned out nice. It would have been kinda small without the frame. I think it looks a little more substantial now.

And here's a pic of it with a little accessorizing. I'm not sure about the cups. I may not leave them in here. They were just something I had hoarded up, and thought they were a nice color.

Here is a pic of the shelf. I just kinda gathered stuff up to display. Not sure of what I'll keep, and what will go. What do you guys think?
(And I need pics for the empty frames....)

Thanks for taking a 'bathroom break' with me!!haha

Finishing Up the Initial Project

2008-08-18T23:59:00.001-05:00

I am concluding a previous post about my initial on a plaque project. I was inspired by Joy, and couldn't wait to share my project with all of you. I was so impatient, I posted it before I was completely done.

I have since distressed, glazed, and hung my initial plaque. I really love this idea, and hope to make more for our home office, and my sons room. He has an almost Americana/All Boy scheme in his room. I can just envision using red bandanna paper, and maybe denim blue paint. So cute!

Moving On.....

Gathered up my supplies:

I used a glaze to antique. I got this full jug of glaze at garage sale for $1...Look it's written on the jug!haha.....Anyway, a dab'll do ya, or in this case a cap full.

Next, I just started brushing it on.

Now, I have to admit, I'm not very familiar with using glaze, or scrapbook paper for that matter. It's apparent in this pic. I went ahead and 'glazed' the paper.....

All I could say was 'eewwww'....... It doesn't leave a very good look on paper. Trust me, it's hard to tell here, but it was gross in person!

So the letter was popped off, and a fresh layer of harlequin paper was added. I then glazed the frame. It came from a box of frames I bought at a garage sale last year for $5. There were probably close to 20 frames. Anyway, it was black and I sprayed it Porcelain.(wouldn't Joy be proud....no black!)

Next, I added ribbon to the back for hanging. Used my electric staple gun, and my hot glue gun. I was afraid the sheer ribbon might pull out of the staples.

And here is my final result. I love unique ideas. What I love even more is taking a great idea, and elaborating, and adding my own personal touch....

Thanks to all of you who inspire me everyday!!

My Mistreatments

2008-08-17T21:17:00.013-05:00

I have been looking forward to Nester's Mistreatment Party all weekend! I love visiting with all of you and seeing your great mistreatments. It's like a treasure trove of ideas. I can't wait to see them all.

Now, I do not claim to be an expert mistreater, but I think mine turned out alright. First is my kitchen window. I've had this one up for a while. It is a red floral fabric that is being held up by upholstery tacks. I did the double folding method on this one. I think my paint color didn't turn out right on camera. It does actually look good with my fabric!

The next mistreatment is in my guest bathroom. I challenged myself to get the bathroom painted, and a mistreatment hung by Sunday evening. I just finished at 9:00pm Sunday night! I have never painted a room so quickly! I wouldn't have went to such great lengths, but I have some really cute blue & cream fabric that I had been saving for mistreatments. The Oyster Bay looks so good with it!

I thought the tassel added a little special touch. I wanted to add a large button to 'hang' the tassel on, but couldn't find one at 8:30 on a Sunday night. Oh well, next trip to Wally World....or Hobby Lobby..... I found their sale ad in my Sunday paper!(ooo I love HL!)

I have plans for more mistreatments, for our office, and for my living room. I haven't found the right fabric for my living room yet, and my office is in such disarray, organization needs to take place first! But as soon as I get them done, I will be sure to share them here.

Thanks so much for stopping by.....Hope to see you again!

Happy Birthday Mama!!

2008-08-16T08:57:00.004-05:00

Sending Birthday Wishes to Mom!

To my best friend,

and the best Nanny, Wife, and Mother-in-Law ever!

We Love You!!

Inspired By Joy....

2008-08-14T20:16:00.011-05:00

So, I found a blog last week. And I have been inspired by so many of her ideas. If you haven't checked out Joys of Home, you must. Go now and prepare to be amazed! Joy has such wonderful ideas, and a warm, friendly personality to boot. She recently posted about a little craft project 'under $5 & under 5 minutes'.

Here is my attempt at it.....

Valspar paint-Porcelain, Craft Bond spray adhesive, sanding sponge, wooden plaque, and on sale harlequin scrapbook paper form HL

This style of lettering isn't my first choice, but I bought it at a yard sale a few months ago, for .25

I brought it in after painting, and hot glued the letter on. I didn't get pics of that step. And I just realized I didn't take pics of the spray paint once it dried either...oops!

I'm not totally done with it yet. The paint was still a little tacky, so I didn't get to distress the edges. I'm thinking of hanging this by a chocolate brown ribbon, inside of an empty cream frame. I think it will go nicely in my newly painted bath. (If I get it painted, that is)

Thanks Joy!

Mistreatment Stress.......

2008-08-14T10:05:00.005-05:00

Ok, I am so excited, Nester is hosting a 'mistreatment partay' next week. But I realized I have to paint my bathroom before I can mistreat. Ugh...I have been putting it off for months. I have had the fabric and paint lying around here forever. I feel the stress building!

But, I've always said "nothing like a deadline to get me in gear". I'll try to get some before pics, the walls are chocolate brown with white wainscoting now. I'm gonna keep the wainscot, and paint the top Oyster Bay a-la Emily. I found some cute check fabric on eBay. Hopefully 1 yard will work!

I also would like to finish my home office, and do the mistreatments in there. But that might be a little too ambitious. If you could see the state it's in you might agree.

Here's to lots o' caffeine!

Plates, Plates, and more Plates!

2008-08-11T00:08:00.011-05:00

I don't know how it happened.....I've become a plate addict. I got hooked on Nester's blog and now I buy plates everywhere I go. I actually squealed out loud in a 'junk' store last weekend, when I found a red transferware platter.

Anyway, I though I would share my plate collection thus far. Keep in mind I am a thrifter, so all these were great deals!

You have already seen my red transferware platter hanging over my cabinet, along with the five little saucers.

I also have 5 more hanging over my french doors on the other side of the dining room. I got all 10 at a consignment shop for $5.00.

(Please ignore the hideous little valances....They are my pathetic attempt at window treatments!)

Moving along.....

Here are some more plates I found at a thrift store, called St.Vincent de Paul. I paid $1 each for the big ones...And actually the small ones came from a garage sale for .10 cents each. They have a cute woven design around the edge, I don't think the camera picked it up. According to Nester, and many of you, white plates are desirable for wall arrangements. I happen to agree, so I snatched them up!

Here is what caused me to squeal out loud last weekend.......

I got this platter for $4.50! I love it... I googled the stamp on the back when I got home, apparently these sell for around $35.00, in excellent condition. So I am pretty happy with the price I paid!

These are why my sister and I were arguing- ha ha! -(not really).....

I found a set of 4 Waverly Fruit Toile plates. The set of 4 was $2.50! I loved the red toile, she liked them for the fruit. So, we comprimised and took 2 each. Mama was so proud, her girls remembered how to share! haha!

Now I just have to find places to put them all. I'm thinking of doing an arrangement on a wall in my hallway. I'll be sure to show you all when I do!

So are any of you 'plate addicts'?

A Couple of Good Deals

2008-08-10T23:10:00.008-05:00

So I thought I'd share a couple of little pieces I've found lately. I found the fleur-de-lis statue at Hobby Lobby, on clearance for $4.42. Marie at WTWBB has one like it too. Though I don't think she sprayed hers. I sprayed mine because I'm a freak, that thinks everything looks better sprayed!

I found the cute shelf at the same scratch & dent place that I found my cabinet. It was originally $19.99, but because it had set at Target so long (clearanced to $9.99), it was rejected and I got it for $3.99. Most of the stuff there comes from Target & K-Mart. So, I have found some great pieces there. I'll have to show you 2 cute tables I found there, sometime. Anyway, I liked the original finish but I have a few of these already in black that I got at yard sales. So to make it cohesive with the others, I sprayed it. I can show you the afters, although I haven't got them displayed yet.

That seems to be a theme with me, huh? I transform things, and then take forever to put them together! I need to break that bad habit......

Oh well.....

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-08-08T12:44:00.008-05:00

Just want to give a big

HAPPY 57th BIRTHDAY

to the best Dad & Papaw ever!

Our family never shared the same last name

But our family was a family the same

(And they say)

Blood is thicker than water

Oh, but love is thicker than blood

(Garth Brooks-Thicker Than Blood)

To a special Dad that took me in and loved me like his own since I was 3.....

Happy Birthday &.......

We Love You!!

Cabinet Pics.....As Promised

2008-07-31T16:51:00.006-05:00

So, I finally got the little cabinet set up in my dining room. Actually it sat there for 2 or 3 weeks before I did anything with it. But today I went through my 'stash' and found some stuff to display on it.

I knew I wanted to hang something above it. Either a mirror with a wreath hanging in the center, or my red transferware. Since it is such a small cabinet, I thought the mirror might overwhelm it. And besides, the wall it is sitting on wouldn't reflect anything pretty.

So, I found my plate hangers that I have been collecting. And then I started going through my lamp stash. I didn't want one too tall, but my short ones were too short. So, I found this one that I had painted black last summer. I'm not sure where I used this but it needed shade. I have a habit of buying spare lamp shades whenever I find them. So, I had this plain cream shade, and couldn't decide if I wanted to spray paint it, or cover it. It needed color, and I happened to have some left over red gingham from some valances I made, so I got the spray glue and covered it.

I am always amazed at how much I decorate my home with yard sale/junk store stuff. After I got everything arranged, I realized not one thing was purchased new. (Except the cabinet, if you consider scratch & dent stores new.) The plates were from a junk store, I got 10 of them for $5. The other five are above my french doors in the same room. The platter was found on eBay for $11...I wouldn't have paid that much but I needed a platter for this arrangement. The lamp, shade, greenery, white ceramic wall thing were all bought at yard sales for no more than a couple of bucks each. The topiary was found 2 weeks ago at a garage sale for $3. The tassle was .25, oh and some of the plate hangers are new, some were bought at an estate sale.

My point being.....I love this little set up, But I love it even more because it was so inexpensive. I love having pretty things in my home, and knowing that I didn't spend a lot of money to get it.

I can't wait to show you guys the sofa & chair I found last weekend....I just sold my old set, and got my new set in a few days ago. You won't believe the deal I got!! More to come!!

I'm Baaack!

2008-07-21T22:05:00.009-05:00

I've spent several days last week getting to know my bathroom very well(thanks to the stomach flu or food poisoning not sure which). I have missed not being able to post, and visit with all of you! I have lots of projects going on, some in my head, others in the process. I can't wait to share them with you!

I have a question though. Has everyone been hitting up Hobby Lobby lately? I am having HL envy! I LOVE the brown and cream fabric Blanca found there, and then I read in the comments that Marie has it too! It is adorable! I have got to find some of that. And Emily & her sister, took some on-sale stems & feathers from HL and made a beautiful 'Nestified 'arrangement.

I see they have also hit up the garden clearance aisle. Right before the 'big virus' took over I got to briefly shop the clearance aisle and got some goodies. I have also found some great little treasures at yard sales. Actually I found such great deals at 2 yard sales, I'm gonna do a separate post on the deal of the year(for me). All I will say is I re-furnished my living room! I can't wait to share all my goodies!

Stay tuned!

Stomach Flu....

2008-07-15T06:46:00.003-05:00

Apparently the stomach flu has decided to take up residence in our house. I should be back to normal, and posting soon....

Before & After - Cabinet Re-do

2008-07-09T22:09:00.016-05:00

So, I have been recently inspired by a 'new-to-me' blog to go out and take on a spray painting challenge. Kimba at A Soft Place to Land has been on a spray painting frenzy lately. She has gotten so creative, she has been spraying plates, birds, even fruit! I have always used spray paint to transform ugly home decor items, and even smal pieces of furniure now and then.

I have been looking for a small cabinet/dresser for my dining room for about 6 months or so. (inspired by Nester's white dresser). I found one at a salvage/scratch and dent store last week. It wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it was the right height and not too wide as not to restrict our pathway. Anyway, not that I find fruit motifs offensive or anything, but this cabinet is kinda cheap made, with a cheap screen-print looking grapes on the front. And a hideous 'faux-wood' finish on it. Just all around not my style. Anyway, I still thought it had a cute form to it.

I had to totally looked past the hideous faux painted fruit and wood grain and saw what could be with a can or 2 of spray paint.

So, this is what I started with(please look past the over-grown lawn, it has been cut)

And here it is half way through the transformation in gray primer

Here is the finished result

Not too bad for a $35 cabinet and some spray paint in my opinion. I just got it put back in my dining room today, so I'll post pics of it 'properly' set up in a few days. (Sorry these pics are kinda crappy.)

* Just to pass along....I usually do things very economical(cheap), but I have had too many mishaps and redos using cheap spray paint. For little things cheap is okay, but for a bigger piece like furniture it really pays to buy some better quality paint. I am still too cheap to buy the best, but Lowe's sells Valspar brand spray paint now, and it has great coverage. So while it may cost more in the beginning, how much money are you saving if you have to buy twice as much of the cheap stuff?

Thought I'd throw in a little review for ya! It was my first time using the Valspar spray paint, and I was impressed....can ya tell? Btw, the color I used was Porcelain.

So.....How are your spray painting re-dos going? I would love to hear about them!

Is It Hot Where You Are?

2008-07-08T15:45:00.005-05:00

So, are you dripping with sweat just checking the mail? It's definitely July in the South!

I love this time of year. Evenings are perfect sitting in a front porch rocker sipping sweet iced tea, watching all the little guys in our neighborhood catch 'lightning bugs'. Luckily for my little pre-schooler, we have lots of boys in our neighborhood. Perfect for things like this.....

He misses them so much when school starts, but this year he'll get to be one of the big boys

I can't believe he's gonna be starting Pre-School in August. Where does the time go?

Welcome & More 'About Me'

2008-07-05T11:39:00.008-05:00

Hello, and welcome to my blog! The 'about me' on my side bar is just a quick glimpse of who I am. There is so much more I hope to share with you throughout this journey. I am new to blogging, but am very familiar with the blog world. I am an actual blog-aholic! I have found such inspiration from so many of you, and it has given me the courage to step out and start my own blog.

I love my small but sufficient home, and I love decorating it, and making it comfortable. I also love being married to my high school sweetheart for almost 10 years, and sharing with him the amazing journey of raising our little boy. I like to garden, read, watch TV, and spend time with my family.

I look forward to creating friendships with those of you who share my interests, and hope to inspire you as you have inspired me.