LIVING LIFE CREATIVELY

COUNTRY LIVING FAIR - ATLANTA

2011-11-02T19:27:00.002-04:00

What a weekend! The Country Living Fair exceeded my expectations in many ways, but most importantly, it gave me a huge dose of inspiration. It was just what I needed! I went with daughter Kelly and sisters-in-law, Marie and Kathy. Kathy came all the way from Connecticut for the fun! And fun we had.

Inspiration 1: COATS

I bought one at Anthropologie before I left Atlanta.

Inspiration 2: BURLAP

Not really sure about the pants, but still they caught my eye!

I did ask her if she was wearing them as a punishment.

She assured me that they were lined.

Loved the shade!

Wished I had thought of bringing a cart--with a burlap bow!

Inspiration 3: DISPLAYS

clever, clever, clever

Inspiration 4: Oil Cloth

I just had to have those buntings in the background for my camper!
One side is colorful and the other is black chalkboard. LOVE!

Inspiration 5: RUFFLES

Yes, I had to try on those ruffled pants in the freezing cold in the outdoor dressing room!

Inspiration 6: LAYERS
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
Never did figure out the hula hoop.

Inspiration 7: CRAZY REPURPOSING

Inspiration 8: CARI from HGTV's Cash and Cari

Inspiration 9: SISTERS ON THE FLY

So true!

CARRIED AWAY DEBUT

2011-09-10T18:25:00.001-04:00

By golly, it seems like forever since I've blogged or even thought about blogging. Where does the time go? I hate that I've kept everybody waiting so long to see the progress on my little camper project. But I do believe you will think it worth the wait. While it is not done yet, I do feel that I am in the homestretch. I took Carried Away on her first outing last weekend--not quite perfect, but still quite capable of handling a weekend at the lake.

Against the strong opinion of my son, I decided to paint the outside myself for four very good reasons.

It was cheaper. Much cheaper.
It was quicker. Much quicker.
Her condition warranted it. No matter how much I spent, this little girl was never going to look perfect. She's old and has battle scars that were just not going to be covered up with a fancy-schmancy paint job. She's a lot like me.
It's been done successfully before. I did my research and there are plenty of hand-painted trailers owned by Sisters on the Fly. That was good enough for me.

Also against the strong opinion of my son, I choose to paint her bottom bright yellow. There are some good reasons for that as well.

Everyone in the family (except my son) voted on that color.
It was a color on the shelf at Home Depot (Rustoleum oil-based).
It made me smile and sing "You Are My Sunshine."

You may wonder why my son's opinion is even mentioned here. Well, that would be because he did all the inside carpentry work. I did, as nicely as possible, remind him that he was on the construction committee not the decorating committee. In the end, he did agree that she looked pretty good considering.

Tessa had enough sense to take a shot of my beginning efforts. I admit that I had my doubts for a few hours.

I am quite happy with the results. Of course, I still have the white to paint on the top. Labor Day weekend did not wait for me to finish. Husband had enough sense to stop and have me take a photo of her first outing.

It was some feat getting this comfy mattress through the door, but oh, it was worth it. Unfortunately, it came off of my guest room bed, so that room looks weird right now.

There are lots of things to notice in the kitchen besides I did not finish painting that board. That was because it was nailed in right before we left.

The old tin was one of the pieces I bought at an auction for $10.

The string of lights I bought on clearance at Home Depot.

The dish towel from William Sonoma came from Goodwill.

The bar and little shelf thing came from IKEA.

Modern conveniences: micro, fridge, stovetop

And now onto the dining area.

I fell in love with that yellow Waverly fabric at a local outlet. It was $5 a yard. I already had the blue that I used for the piping. I actually had a local guy do the cushions for $25 a piece--worth every penny! I know that the tablecloth does not really match, but the table was still a little sticky from painting. *grin*

I made the curtains from some long IKEA ones that I had previously used in the house. I love the little pinch pleats and the red rings that I sewed on. I did not want to use the clip-on ones that are so popular . They are hung by twine right now, but that may change.

I have several more things to finish and tweak, but I could not go another day without sharing. I hope you will stop back to see some more finishing touches. I have a trip planned for October, so it will motivate me. I promise! And in closing . . . the following photos were just too cute not to share.

That sink came in handy. Temperatures were over 100, and Jett was a sweaty mess!

I do believe he thought I got "Carried Away" when I pulled out my special shower gel.

"Please, Grandma, must I smell so . . . pretty?"

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE SIX

2011-05-15T20:22:00.001-04:00

Wow! I'm even impressing myself with all these posts in one day. It makes it look like we've been really busy on that camper this weekend! The truth is that son Michael has been at the Police Academy for the last two months, so he has only been able to work on it on weekends. He has been very generous with his off time considering that he now has so little of it!

I was kind of running out of money for this project--actually, I never really had any money for this project. The guys had been using this and that from around the shop. Well, this and that ran out last week, so I had to get a bit creative. I cashed in a handful of gold jewelry--the majority of which was found in apartments that hubby had cleaned out. There were a few pieces that I no longer wore or cared about. The value of gold is high right now, so I was able to get about $500. Son Michael is happy to now have a bit of a budget.

The table and benches went in this weekend.

Michael made a track for the piece that is needed to make the table area into a bed. Clever, he is!

And the storage area under the bed is enormous. It can be accessed from the outside also!

And, of course, he hinged the bench seats for additional storage.

The window frames are going to the sandblaster's tomorrow.

What's next? Glad you asked!

Flooring - found in the warehouse (no cost)
Old tin backsplash - bought at an auction a while back (no cost)
Install cabinet doors (need to buy hardware)
Hook up sink and stove (had sink, stove came with camper)
Run gas lines
Caulk and paint
Buy new tires and hubcaps (no bargain)
Upholster cushions (foam will cost, fabric have)
Make curtains (have several ways I could go with what I have)
Design outside lettering and choose colors (hopefully Tessa is on this one)
Sell my first born to pay for exterior painting? Just kidding.
Accessorize and stock the thing all cute like

I am sure that there are other things that the guys are planning on doing that I have no clue about like brake lights and such. Once school is out at the end of the week, I will get to help a bit more with it.

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE FIVE - THE NAME

2011-05-15T17:42:00.001-04:00

In the books I have read about vintage campers, it is suggested that you pick the name before you even start the project. If I had waited until I had the name, the bushes would still be growing out the backside because my guys would have lost interest. Nothing, I mean, nothing came to me for the longest time. And then, there it was. And I knew. After weeks of thinking and praying--yes, that probably sounds ridiculous considering the important things that there are to pray about, but I was desperate--it just was so very apparent. I was at the mall in Bath and Body Works, and saw this:

And standing in that store, I could see it painted on the side. And I let out a squeal. And Tessa *got* it right away. And I was happy, very happy. And I will try not to get carried away with this post. It's just that it communicates why I even wanted a vintage camper. The added plus is that I love the scent and have a gift card to buy it for when I get carried away this summer!

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE FOUR

2011-05-15T17:14:00.001-04:00

Okay, so far my camper duties have involved photography and an occasional planning meeting. I am chomping at the bit to get to the decorating part. I know all this structural stuff is important, but really I was very happy to see the light fixture go in above my bed. Love, love, love it.. And it only costs $20 at Lowe's.

Son Michael has made all new cabinets, including doors and drawer fronts. He is something, that boy!

There is quite a bit of storage in the seats and under the bed area.

He never stops working. Got to love a guy like that.

VINTAGE CAMPER - TAKE THREE

2011-05-15T16:16:00.000-04:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, which is good because I don't have time to type a thousand words about the camper progress. I will say that my son, Michael, is an amazing carpenter and is doing a fabulous job on that part of the redo. My husband is jumping in on jobs that Michael Jr. will let him do--like scraping the paint off of the outside.

This is one option for air conditioning.

This is when the insulation was installed.

This is where the table and benches will be located.

This is where the bed will be.

VINTAGE TRAILER REDO - TAKE TWO

2011-04-13T22:35:00.000-04:00

The inside is just as scary as the outside, but that's okay. We will be gutting the entire thing!

VINTAGE TRAILER REDO - TAKE ONE

2011-04-03T21:54:00.002-04:00

Call us crazy--it won't be the first time, and it probably won't be the last time either. We are just those kind of people. This is our latest project.

and with these books as inspiration--

And this site where you can meet Constance--

And this amazing talent--

It will be fabulous! I just know it. If I could just decide on a theme or a color or a name. Maybe it's too soon. I will keep you posted.

And hold on, hold on, when the current pulls you under . . .

2011-03-26T20:05:00.001-04:00

And your heart beats like thunder

Just give me your hand

And hold on, hold on

Until the storm is over

And I'll be fighting for you

Just give me your hand

And hold on
(song lyrics by 33 Miles)

There are a lot of lessons to learn at the beach. A lot to learn about God. A lot to learn about oneself.

In the quietness of the waves crashing. In the time spent alone. Alone. Alone.

With only the distraction of a yearning heart and a willingness to listen.

How often I go through life without being intentional about listening to that still small voice.

How often I go through life letting the past dictate the future.

And feeling so alone in the memories of my journey.

And needing to be reminded that there is One who sticks closer than a brother.

And that it is only in brokenness that one can be made whole.
And that there are no treasures to be found in smooth sand.

The sea served me well this week in ways that I had not imagined but had most definitely prayed for.

And I listened to this song a lot on my early morning walks.

And smiled at those who love unconditionally.

And realized again how important it is to see things through the eyes of a child.
If I didn't look there, I may have missed one of the three photos that captured me at the beach!

The majority of the photos in this post were taken by Tessa. She is amazing, and I just love her more than words can say!

FRIENDSHIP

2011-02-13T23:08:00.000-05:00

We were destined to be friends--Kolein and I. Yep, we surely were.

After hitting that POST button a bazillion times, I connected with a kindred spirit who lives like over 800 miles away!

But what is meant to be is meant to be. And isn't it just like the Lord to have Kolein and her family drive right through Tennessee on their way home from vacation. Yep, it surely is!

So what if it was just for a few hours. We can pack a lot into just a few hours.

There were hugs and chitchat and food and the house tour and the meet and greet the family and shopping and another house tour and the photo shoot. Oh, and there was the check out Kolein's fab jacket!

And she came bearing gifts! Birdie things and . . .

. . . homemade vanilla . . .

. . . that smelled yummy!

And she made me feel so special . . . and so very short! Just loved her and her family to death!

YOU KNOW I LOVE BIRDS, DON'T YOU?

2011-02-09T19:59:00.001-05:00

There is a most adorable bird nest necklace being given away over at A Cheerful Heart. Go on over and enter for a chance to win! Love it!

FABRIC BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER

2011-01-23T21:41:00.002-05:00

I am so blessed to have a wonderful teenage daughter. She is just so much fun to be around and likes so many things that I like: blogging (Chase Your Dreams), photography, writing, reading, thrift shopping, sewing, and laughing. She recently took photos of my birds so that I could get my Etsy shop up and running. I think she did a great job!

I LOVE MY FLAT IRON

2011-01-23T20:42:00.002-05:00

I think it is funny when people assume that my hair just does what it is supposed to. Really? I would never, never, never go out of the house without *doing* my hair. Sometimes I use a flat iron and sometimes a curling iron and sometimes both. I could never just go natural. No way.

BEFORE

scary

very scary

AFTER

that's better

much better

ETSY SITE IS UP!

2011-01-09T20:11:00.002-05:00

I have been putting off officially carving out my little--very little--niche in blogland for two years now. It's not that I didn't want to. I thought about it all the time. I longed to be known for something--anything really. I had a moment when I thought that I might be almost famous when I gave The Nester one of my birds at Blissdom two years ago, and like a zillion people visited my blog when she featured my staircase. Okay, so it wasn't a zillion.

Well, it was obviously more of a moment for me than it was for her since she thought that my interesting friend Edie had made it for her.

And I understood completely since I can't even remember what my own children gave me for Christmas this year, and Edie is thoughtful and talented like that. It is actually quite funny --and providential I might add.

Even before the little slip up by the darling Nester--who way overdid the apology--I had decided that, by golly, I was going to get that Etsy shop opened before the second anniversary of Blissdom.

And when all those Nester followers started contacting me for the bird pattern, I was ready. Well almost. Daughter Kelly and I have taken a crash course over there at Etsy and have been sending out patterns all day over at Will this fly?

You might be wondering about the name. I believe it was given to me by divine inspiration. Really. I come up with a lot of creative ideas, but have never been successful in marketing anything. So when I started making birds, and everyone kept saying that I could sell them, I wondered, Will this fly?

And I don't know yet.

We have the famous bird pattern for sale, and will be adding some completed birds within the next day or so.

And we are taking orders for our custom Bible or book covers. Thank you Nester for featuring me once again. I feel almost famous when you do that.

EDIE, MY INTERESTING FRIEND

2011-01-04T06:00:00.006-05:00

When I first met Edie, I thought, "Isn't she interesting."

And then I thought, "Isn't that an interesting outfit she is wearing."

And then I thought, "That sure is some interesting make-up she wears."

And then I thought, "Those are some interesting books she is reading."

And then I thought, "That food she's cooking sure looks interesting."

And then I thought, "That is some interesting decorating technique."

And then I thought, "That is an interesting way to look at things."

Interesting is my polite word. I really thought words like crazy, bizarre, clever, out-there, really out-there. And the truth of the matter is that I love crazy, bizarre, clever, out-there, and really out-there. And that is why I love Edie.

And what I really think is interesting is that Edie is genuinely comfortable in her interestingness. She really is okay with bringing her kids to school in her pajamas and wearing bright blue eye shadow and reading old theology books and hanging a crazy-colored lizard on her wall and giving up a medical practice to be a homemaker and wearing knee socks and cowgirl boots. And because she is so okay with it, you can't help but to not only be okay with it, but to applaud her for it. And you can't help but to be challenged to explore and enjoy your own interestingness--It's as if she has given you permission and is on the sideline cheering you on.

And that is what I love about her. She always has a good word to say--an encouraging word. One of the best compliments I ever got was after she visited my home for the first time. She said and I quote, "You have inspired me, and it takes a lot to inspire me." I was so excited. She made me feel interesting or was it crazy or clever or out-there?

Now we may not be able to pull off what Edie can in dress or decorating or make-up--and that is okay. We can all, however, celebrate what makes each of us interesting. Edie would like that.

Happy birthday, friend, and thanks for sharing your interestingness. I am blessed to have met you and look forward to learning along with you on the journey of restoration.

SUFFERING LOSS

2010-12-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

It has been an emotional week for many. I have prayed for my friend, Edie, and her husband and her children. I feel her pain even though my home has never burned to the ground. I feel her pain not because I want to, but because I need to. It doesn't matter if everything inside of me is screaming that is is not about me; I know that in some ways it is. I still have lessons to learn when it comes to loss.

We all face it at some point--and we are rarely expecting it or have prepared for it. Things--in an instant change--forever. But we know that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord and that our ways are not His ways. And with every ounce of faith you can muster up, you will yourself to believe it and accept it. And the idea of faith being fused with actions is repeated in your mind--in the lucid moments. And you take that one step. And then you take another. And then you are actually living the life of faith. You become a doer and not just a hearer. And it is hard. It is very hard.

And life goes on--but the music has changed, and your steps must now be chosen to match the new rhythm and beat. And you adjust--just like they said you would. And you return to the land of the living for a season or two or three.

And then, from time to time, you are invited to return to that place. You would like to decline, but your heart actually wants to go there--to that place that you have so neatly tucked away. Because it is now part of what defines you. It is a place of wonder and pain and what-ifs. Wonder at the sheer thought of survival. Pain at what that survival cost you--or what you think it cost you. And the realization that not one thing that is present reality would look the same if not for the past reality. Not one thing. One simple--or not so simple--veer in your life's path, and everything changes. There are no what-ifs.

And you realize that you wouldn't change a thing--you couldn't change a thing. This is your wonderful life. And the intimate moments with the Lord as He wraps His loving arms around you and patiently teaches you the lessons you must learn become what you yearn for. And the question changes from Why? to What now, Lord? And you accept the fact that we look through a mirror dimly. And you accept the fact that some things just cant be replaced, because there is no replacement value calculated on the loss of what could have been. There is no price on broken dreams or broken hearts or broken memories.

And as Edie texted me on Christmas morning: The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

And through acceptance comes growth and a closer walk with the God that is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow--the God that is the constant when life spins out of control. And when others suffer loss, He is the God that reminds you that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. And through the tears, you heal a bit more. And you pray for the same for others.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

WHEN THERE ARE NO WORDS

2010-12-24T10:49:00.001-05:00

Home.

Your safe place.

Your sanctuary.

Your memory vault.

Where every item has a story.

Where every item is a prop in the drama of life.

There is no replacement value.

Home.

Edie.

Loves with abandon.

Lives with enthusiasm.

Gives without limits.

Believes.

Believes.

Believes.

Edie.

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

There truly are no words.

This will not be an easy journey.

But make it she will.

With family.

With friends.

With the Lord.

Through prayer.

And tears.

Many tears.

I love you, my friend, and will continue to pray for you.

And cry with you.

THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY

2010-12-12T19:34:00.005-05:00

These are not the photos that will be used for my daughter's family Christmas card this year. I don't understand it really. I think they capture something special. I just wish the first one could be sent with audio. hohoho

DECORATED MAILBOX AND A FEW TWEETS

2010-12-07T20:23:00.004-05:00

I have had decorate mailbox on my to-do list for several Christmas seasons and am happy to say that I can finally cross it off. With greenery from the shed and flowers and berries from the Dollar Tree and a bow that I actually made myself using the Bow-dabra that my daughter gave to me last year for Christmas, I completed this project with weeks to spare.

I've been kind of busy this month with Tessa's theater debut in White Christmas. She's got a very important, lead role--okay so it's just one dance and the finale, but she's a star to me! I love, love, love the theater and have enjoyed every minute of being the stage mom. I love breathing in the Aquanet as I stick over 60 bobby pins a performance in Tessa's hair and I love that I can't get "Sisters" or "Snow" out of my head and I love sneaking in back stage to capture random moments with cast members and I love the new friends I've made.

backstage fun

finale

And because I am so fond of all the new friends we've made, I've decided to make a little something for them so that they don't ever forget us or the show. A sweet friend gave me one of these nifty paper birds a while back, and I flattered her by copying it. I bought some two-sided tan paper from Hobby Lobby and copied White Christmas music onto it. I then spent all afternoon cutting out. I had no idea how long cutting birds and wings would take, or maybe I would have just wished them a Merry Christmas.

This is the original gifted bird.

This is the finished White Christmas bird. Cute, huh?

Fall Bulletin Board Idea

2010-12-07T20:18:00.003-05:00

I have observed that there are some seasons in life that creativity is my *place* or my escape from whatever stress life throws at me. But for most of this past year, my *place* has not been in creating but more in solitude and reflection. I've missed my creative side, but have, I suppose, needed the break.

I was extremely thrilled in October when I had one of those moments--you know, when *the* idea hits you. Usually it happens in the shower, but not this time! I was immediately energized and excited to execute the project. I have been doing bulletin boards at the school on and off for the past five years. It is not really one of my favorite parts of the job. And after a while, season after season, they all start looking the same. Well, not mine this fall. I know--it's not the right season to post this, but it's when I am doing anyway!

Unfortunately, I deleted the photos of the board from my camera and only had some that were taken with my phone. The lift-up flaps had jokes on them with the answer on the inside. My favorite joke: Why do Pilgrims' pants fall down? Because they wear their buckles on their hats. Doesn't that just make you crack up and grin and smile and guffaw? It did me. I was in a needy place.

If only I could come up with something original for winter now!

Calliwassie - Tessa's 14th Birthday Bash

2010-11-21T12:12:00.001-05:00

Tessa and two of her friends share an October birthday. This year, they celebrated together on Calliwassie Island in South Carolina courtesy of Abby's grandparents. They own a vacation home on the island and allowed Abby to bring her friends and their moms for a memorable weekend getaway. It was lovely! Tessa and I took over 400 photos, so it was hard choosing what to include in this post. What was chosen chronicles the fun events of the weekend.

After too many hours in the car, this is what you can expect from four giddy girls!

breakfast on the patio

fun at Hilton Head

experiencing new cuisine

black bean burger with sweet potato fries - YUM!

public transportation of the south

curling before the photo shoot

the photo shoot begins

Tessa, Morgan, Abby, Hannah

Hannah and Dena

Tessa and I

Abby and Lynn

walking to the country club for lunch

after lunch photos

This may be my favorite shot of the girls.

Calliwassie is a beautiful island . . .

. . . with alligators! Just pretending to see one!

shots by the water

Yes, that is a huge alligator in those folks' back yard.

Spring Island

Next to Calliwassie Island is Spring Island. Calliwassie is more country club in its feel and Spring Island is more wilderness in its feel. There are horses and a nature center and an awesome tree house. We even got to kind of crash a wedding.

It cost $800 a month to board a horse here. Nice.

home again, home again, jiggity jig

CURLY GIRLS

2010-11-21T11:13:00.004-05:00

Oh, what we'll do to get curls!

Tessa, 11 months old

I absolute love curly hair--not the permed, poodle kind that my mother thought was so cute back in the 60's--but big, loose, wonderful curls. Add some ruffles and lace and . . . perfection. Unfortunately, I have been blessed with just enough wave to be annoying. Growing up in the 60's and 70's did not help my hair dilemma. There were no flatirons or curling irons, and hairdryers came with big plastic bonnets. If you wanted curls, you had to sleep on curlers (brush or sponge) or get a perm. Even though my dad worked for Clairol back in the day, he did not bring home any free samples that impressed me or my bushy hair. Probably because I am still recovering from the damage of all the bad hair comments of my youth, I am a sucker for products that make hair sleek and shiny or curly.

I usually practice the curly stuff on my girls around the holidays. Last year I purchased these nifty curlers to use on the girls' hair for Easter.

Step One: Thread curler on stick

Step Two: Hook a hunk of hair and pull through

Step Three: Repeat a bunch of times

Step Four: Remove curlers (sorry, no photo--it was Easter morning)

Step Five: Photograph curly hair

When Kelly was little, I literally ripped old sheets and applied sugar water to get the rag-curl ringlets. If I wasn't so lazy, I'd dig out the photo with her head in rags. She would be thrilled.

Kelly, 6 and Michael, 2 1/2

I have no idea what came over me a couple of months ago when I was walking through the mall and the kiosk girl offered to curl Tessa's and Abby's hair after we had visited the Mac counter for some eyeshadow tips. And I really am still at a loss why I ended up buying the curling irons. And I absolutely will not ever put in writing how much they cost, so don't ask. All I will say is shop around and be prepared for what curls do to girls. Just saying.

And by the way, all of the grandsons got plenty of curls.

Ross, 2 years old

In the next post--and it will not take me months--you will see more of the process and a lot more curly girl photos.

HELLOS, GOODBYES

2010-10-03T21:10:00.004-04:00

As I sit her pondering how to get back into the blogging world, I ask myself what has kept me from something that I have enjoyed so much. And as I begin to gather photos and consider what I will write, my body begins to react in a very physical way. And then I realize that the answer is easy and the answer is hard. To revisit any part of the last three months means that I have to face the joy and the pain of emotional hellos and emotional goodbyes. And while the good was very, very good, the not so good was very, very not so good.

I realize now that giving up blogging is not really an option. It would mean that I would have to say another goodbye to yet another dear friend. And honestly, I just can't do that. Even though my emotions will probably be all over the place until I hit the post button and perhaps for several days after; once it's done, it will be done. And I can go back to posting about decorating and craft projects and life with a new grandbaby and all sorts of nonsense. And it will be normal again. Soon.

Ryan came home for a visit before his deployment to Afghanistan.

My baby is now a man--a warrior.

There was laughter.

And there were tears.

And I had to trust God in bigger ways.

And I had to say good-bye. For now.

And even before my heart could recover,

I had to say good-bye to our youth pastor and his family.

Tim, Emily, Olivia, and Sarah Cate

They love with abandon. They make me laugh.

They serve the Lord with all their hearts--in a big way.

And I will never forget them. It would be impossible.

New Orleans is where they were meant to be.

But it hurts.

When my mom was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer in May, my sister, Pat, left her home in Pennsylvania to take care of her in Ohio. Because of that, I was able to spend more time than ever before with my sister. And because my sister found the Lord this year, it was a special time. And amidst the serious, there were times when we laughed.

Pat and granddaughter Hayden with me and granddaughter Kenzie

And there were times when we cried as we prepared to say goodbye to our mom.

We faced many emotions together,

not just as sisters, but as sisters in Christ.

And if life wasn't complicated enough, we welcomed a German exchange student.

Katja would turn out to be the sister, the daughter, the friend that we all needed.

Her laugh was contagious.

And she taught us so much about ourselves.

She embraced our family and our culture and our God.

And she will never be the same.

And we will never be the same.

And my heart broke once again this summer when we received word that Ryan's very best friend, Justin, had stepped on a land mine on day six of his deployment. He lost his leg below the knee. In God's providence, we were able to visit him while in Washington for the Restore Honor Rally.

Two weeks ago today, Kelly developed pregnancy complications that resulted in a hospital stay and ultimately, an induction. It was a long and sometimes scary process with the health of mom and baby at stake. Jett Alexander made his dramatic entrance, and for what seemed like an eternity, did not respond. And for a brief moment, I wondered if, in fact, I was going to have to face another goodbye.

But God, in His sovereignty, saw fit to bless us beyond measure.

And as this post comes to a close,

the Brays are prospering in their new home.

Katja is back home in Germany.

Justin is recovering in Texas.

My mom is safe in the arms of Jesus.

My sister is growing in the Lord.
Jett is sleeping soundly.

And Ryan is proudly serving his country.

And this mother's heart skips a beat when she sees photos from war.

And this mom prays that there will be no more goodbyes this year.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

HOW DOES MY GARDEN GROW?

2010-06-29T21:00:00.000-04:00

Glad you asked.

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

2010-06-29T20:16:00.003-04:00

The following is the result of six months of intense army training.

Don't underestimate the influence of our military.

normal children upon Ryan's return home

children after an hour with their uncle

I don't know about you, but I feel safer knowing he's defending our country.

SIBLING TIME IS HAPPY TIME?

2010-06-29T19:56:00.001-04:00

I don't get together with my brother and sister too often, mostly because up until recently, we all lived in different states. Now that my sister lives near my brother in Pennsylvania, I am practically giddy about getting to have my photo taken with them more often. Giddy, that's what I am. Is it obvious that I am the middle child? Didn't think so.

I can't stand boring, posed pictures, so I suggested the cheek shot.

My brother has never followed directions. He is a chef after all.

Then there was the shot where everybody was supposed to move around and land someplace different--kind of like a Chinese fire drill. That did not go all that well either. Notice my brother maintained his position--as did all the guys.

Then the brother got downright goofy on us.

So, why not? I'm a good sport.

Perhaps Patty is a better sport. Indeed.

Eventually, we got a shot that we all looked somewhat normal.

Somewhat being the operative word.

BACKSTAGE @ RECITAL

2010-05-31T18:32:00.000-04:00

The first mom/daughter thing that Tessa and I get to do together each summer is dance recital. No, I don't get to dance, but I do get to hang out at the theater for a gazillion hours. Really. Ask Edie if you don't believe me. And I enjoy almost every minute of watching my little girl interact with her friends and dance her heart out. I say almost because those theater seats have to be the most uncomfortable . . . well, never you mind, it was all worth it. I have worked a lot this year and did not spend time at the studio, so each dance Tessa did left me totally amazed. I had no idea how much she had grown as a dancer. Some people hate backstage time, but not Tessa. She loves it all!

spending time with friends

snack time

watching the younger dancers

the make-up

the costumes

the shoes that are like old friends

the chaos

the dinner break with mom between performances

the need for organization

the memories

the finishing touches

LET THE SUMMER BEGIN

2010-05-31T11:29:00.002-04:00

Nothing says summer like happy faces and blue skies. Just saying.

And some would say that wind you your face says summer.

Or is it water in your face? I'm not so sure any more.

Whatever, summer just makes everyone happier--even Aunt Marie!

Camping at the lake with your buddies says summer.

Ross, Seth, and Aidan

That includes girl buddies, too!

Abby, Tessa, Hannah

And, of course, what would summer be without a little drama, right?

Olivia, cast member

Conrad and Elijah, cast members

The impromptu lake performers getting into the plot.

Well, plot is a strong word.

Perhaps they are searching for a plot.

Some think snazzy costumes can take the place of a plot.

The captivated audience anticipates the next scene. Captivated is also a strong word.

I do remember there was a princess and an ogre . . .

Does that ogre have icing on his face and pickles for teeth?
Whose idea was that? *wink*

This fellow has come a long way since his days in the NFL.

As a recap--there was a princess and an ogre . . .
. . . and a bunch of blondes . . .

. . . and a finale!

Can I hear an Amen or a Hallelujah or Thank the good Lord---anything but ENCORE!

Yes, summer says MEMORIES!

SOME WEEK

2010-05-10T21:22:00.034-04:00

I have spent the last week in Ohio by my mother's hospital bed. There were many sad and emotional moments as my brother, sister, and I received her diagnosis of lung and brain cancer. There were also moments of laughter and smiles. Many of those moments were spent with my great-niece, Hayden--or thrift shopping with my sister-in-law, Marie--and my chef brother's cooking was something to smile about as well.

The days ahead are full of uncertainty, but I know the One who holds all of my tomorrows, and I am so thankful that I will be able to trust Him to walk beside me each step of the way. I don't know what people do without Jesus and Christian friends. I am so very blessed.

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE APRIL WENT?

2010-05-01T21:51:00.004-04:00

I used to laugh when people said that time goes by faster when you are older. It's really not so funny now. I have no idea where the days and months keep going. It just doesn't seem possible that another school year is almost over. And can my little girl be half way through her thirteenth year? Certainly not.

Tessa and the grandchildren ran in their first race today at a fundraiser for the school. There are some advantages to living right downtown, and today we were blessed to be able to just walk the two blocks to the start line. Translated that means that we did not have to get up as early as most of the other participants and race planners. I liked that. Every one of our family members either ran or volunteered. Of course, I volunteered. The main race was 5K, but the kids could choose to run the mile course.

Nate, Tessa, Kenzie, Hannah, Tabitha, and Ross

Tessa, Morgan, and Hannah

Ross and Kenzie

Tessa crossing the finish line. She came in first. I was very excited!

Nate came in second and Ross came in fifth. Not bad for being related to me.

I drive to the mailbox.

She doesn't even look tired, but she was.

Michael ran with Kenzie. She made it the entire way.

The happy girl with her basket of goodies!

Morgan ran the 5K. She said it was her first and last.

JUNK IN THE GARDEN

2010-04-14T21:55:00.004-04:00

Donna, over at Funky Junk, has once again inspired me to post something about junk. This time it is about junk in the garden. Unfortunately, she couldn't have ask for links next week after the spring plantings. She wanted junk, so I'm going to give her junk--weeds and all.

I have a little garden by my back porch which is where most enter my home. I have quite a few interesting pieces that mix well with the perennials and annuals each year.

Three of these concrete whatevers were found under a porch when we moved in. I knew that even broken, they would add interest in the gardens.

This old sink came from my mother's house in Ohio. It looks a lot better when the annuals are planted. Really. I can hardly imagine it. Now it is sporting a maple tree. How unusual. *grin*

This climbing hydrangea is out of control already, and it's just April. My concrete things may be totally covered up this year.

And not to be out done, I have a furry friend who is going to have to find a new bed when the flowers get planted.

SUN SAILS AND OTHER SPRING THINGS

2010-04-11T21:32:00.000-04:00

We have debated about putting a roof over our back porch, and I have remained resistant because of how dark it will make the two rooms with windows in that area. It does present a problem, however, because when we are inclined to sit out there--at dinner time--the sun is blinding. Also, it just does not feel very cozy or private with all the foot and car traffic. It's just part of living in the city.

I saw some sun sails in a recent issue of Better Homes and Gardens and decided to try to make some for cheap--because I love for cheap.

painter's drop cloth, $13.98

Scotchguard, $5.88

I started by cutting the triangular shapes. I only made two and have enough material for two more if I need them. If not, I'll find another use for the leftover material.

I cut some rings off of belts that Tessa no longer used in staying with my for cheap theme and got some black stuff from Kelly's key chain stash.

I treated the sails with Scotchguard, and then I took my life in my hands with my bad back and bad foot and braved the ladder to install some hooks. Ibuprofen is my friend.

In the middle of the installation, Kelly and I had a brainstorm about a hammock that I had bought several years ago for cheap. She bought one too. And neither of us have ever figured out what to do with them. Well, today, I turned mine into a privacy curtain on my porch.

By the time we were finished, the sun was no longer in our eyes, so tomorrow will tell if we placed the sails in the right place.

I tell you, it feels so much cozier. I am a bit concerned about the cat, however, who was walking across the beams eyeballing the sails as if they were hammocks for her. I don't want to be sitting at the table when she attempts to try it out.

Tessa is really into photography lately and was experimenting with my camera all weekend. I sent her out to get a few shots for me to share. The one below is of the mailbox I got for cheap ($20) at a community store nearby and the unbelievable post that a friend made for it.

Our neighborhood is so pretty in the spring. It seems that every week, a different tree is blooming. We walk to church every Sunday--rain or shine--but this season is my favorite!

My sister sent the flag below to me this week, and it is very special. It is to be displayed in the window of families who have someone serving in the military during a time of war. Both she and I have sons in the army. My nephew, Greg, and my son, Ryan, are both stationed at the same base in Colorado. Greg is in Afghanistan now and Ryan will be deploying sometime this summer. We are very proud of both of them.

I am linking this post up to Funky Junk's SNS.

JEKYLL ISLAND

2010-04-04T20:46:00.000-04:00

We spent the night at Jekyll Island on our way to Florida, and it was a great choice. It was done on a whim--which is how we usually do things--and the kids had an absolute blast picking up sand dollars. There were literally thousands of them on the beach. I'm just posting some random shots in no particular order.

PLEASANT RESURRECTION SUNDAY

2010-04-04T19:37:00.000-04:00

The day started with dressing nicer than usual and preparing food earlier than usual and then walking to church for Sunday school and the service. After church, we did what we usually do on the two days a year when the Michaels wear ties, we take some photos on the front lawn.

And just who could resist photographing this doll baby? Not I, I tell you--Not I! Six years ago, we finished Easter dinner and cleaned up the mess and crawled into bed. And then we got up right quickly and headed to the birth center where Kenzie made her entrance in the wee hours of the morning--on my birthday I might add. It seems like yesterday. If you are loving those curls like I am, you might want me to tell you about the niftiest curlers ever!

Number one son, Michael.

While we were taking photos, the ham was burning nicely in the oven. Too bad I didn't get a picture of that. It looked a lot like ham jerky. Thank goodness we all have strong teeth. We packed up all the delicious, perfectly-prepared food and headed to the boat for the first family meal of the season on the lake.

The weather was perfect--maybe 80 degrees, and it was quite nice to eat outside.

I think the kids were a little bored since it was not swimming weather. There is just so much you can do on a little house boat. Kenzie decided to try to catch something with the net.

Maybe just a few more photos should be taken of that child. Just a few.

Okay, so not to give a complex to the others, I did tell Ross to smile once or twice.

When we had had enough of sitting and relaxing--a thing that does not come naturally to most of us, we decided to scoff down the ice cream and pack up for home. It's a big production coming and going. That's probably why I don't do it all that much.

And who could resist the belly comparison shot? Not I, I tell you--Not I. At least Kelly's is temporary. I love the kids' faces in the background.

And just when we were all distracted by the belly shots, we heard a squeal of delight. Nate had hooked a big one!

And being the outdoorsy fishermen type that we are (not), everyone fought for the chance to remove the hook. Actually, everyone told Nate to run down to the boat house and ask for help. But instead, number one son--who's nothing if he's not clever like his mother--came up with his own technique. I missed photographing the part when he dropped the pair of pliers on the head of the poor fish after he stepped on it. Yes, the fish was released back into the wild, but is probably going to be thrown out of the school because of the head injury.

Once all the excitement died down, it was back to packing up the stuff to go home again. Look at the thrilled children. I don't enjoy the hike up either.

That is why we load everything into shopping baskets and pretend that we are bag ladies--or men. And then we push, push, push.

Don't just look quickly at the photo below and think no big deal! Look at where you think the pier ends and notice how it goes straight up. This girl is not pushing any shopping cart up that hill. In another month or so when the water rises, it will level out a bit which will make the hike back to the car much better.

And a good time was had by all.

REMEMBER ME? BATHROOM REVEAL FINALLY!

2010-03-28T23:23:00.006-04:00

I'd love to say that my bathroom is 100% done, but that is not the way we do things around here. If I wait until every last little thing is completed, then you may never see a reveal. The fact is that I am so enjoying my newly decorated space, that even I am willing to overlook the two or three things yet to be finished. I wish I had the time to go into detail about this remodel, but I am desperate to get a post up so I am not forgotten out there in blog world. Enjoy!

The project started way back in December. I wrote about the tear-out here.

The story continued here and here. And I'm pretty sure it ends today.

a peek through the door before

a peek through the door after

the Goodwill curtain that Kelly so generously gave to me

the painted towel bar, ruffled towels, and lavender sachet

the $5 auction chandelier (shades extra)

the window that will be painted when the weather is nicer

1/6/11 post edit: the window painted and dressed

the ceiling waiting for crown

1/6/11 post edit: the ceiling with crown

the awesome plastic beadboard product used in the shower

the awesome old tin bought at the same auction as the chandelier

and, of course, a bird

1/6/11 post edit: little touch

Cost Breakdown:

beadboard and trim: $30-$40

old tin: $10

light fixture: $5

shades for light fixture: $24

Kaboom: $5 (and worth every penny)

shower curtain and towels: $50

rug: $10

bucket for towels: $4

paint: whatever (didn't take much)

crown molding: no idea (might have leftovers from another job)

towel bar, frog light, seashell curtain, metal shelf, lavender sachet: shopped the house

LETTER FROM THE PAST

2010-03-14T22:11:00.004-04:00

Tessa came across a craft project recently that involves hollowing out the center of a thick book to make a box. It's more involved than that, but this is not meant to be a tutorial. Actually, I probably did not have to even mention the craft project. The fact that the gel medium that is needed costs $11.49 probably will keep almost everyone I know from even wanting to do it anyway.

Back to the story.

While looking for a book at the thrift store, we came across an old letter. It wasn't technically in *the* book we ended up purchasing--well, not until I stuck it in there, but I don't suppose it's really stealing as long as I did buy a book. I mean it could have been in the book we were buying and then fell out and then got put into another. Right?

There was something so mysterious about the letter. I just had to have it. It did not even look like it had been opened. I'm sure it had been--very neatly--and then kind of glued shut again after years in the book. I brought it home and then waited for just the right moment to read it You may imagine that I sat in a comfy chair with a cup of hot tea while the rays of sunshine cast a warm glow around me as I gently reopened the letter. Imagination is a wonderful thing.

The fact is, though, that I was sitting around the table with my big, fat, Italian in-laws--not really fat, but you get the picture--trying to not repeat the dinner from hell of the week before that I could not write about. I was not about to let the conversation slip into anything remotely reminiscent of the previous week. I decided that they would enjoy sharing the mysterious letter with me. Yes, I decided. And they listened to me read it. And we all laughed. And that was a good thing. The letter is so telling of the time, 1970, and it saddens me to think that with all of our electronic communications, the future generation will not have the opportunity to find such a priceless treasure in an old book in a thrift store.

April 6, 1970

Dear Mom,

Well, I bombed out on another interview today--another all-day affair at First Union. It was really scary. At this rate I'll never get a job. I had to take an IBM programmer aptitude test which was unreal and unexpected! You wouldn't have believed the last part, nothing but word problems. I don't think I did one of them right! The man told me I made a high C on it and then proceeded to tell me that they "couldn't always tell" anything by the test! HA! I took that to mean I blew it! And he's just smoothing things over. Oh me. I'm at the depths of depression, now! HA! And I'm beginning to think programming is not for me. They all want you to be utterly ambitious, want a life-long career and be an expert at everything. Well, I'm just not that ambitious right now. I can't be--I don't know what it's like, what I can do or really what I want to do! So your daughter is still a good-for-nothing unemployed waste of good money!

Well, how are things in Union? I really thought I'd make it home but Tom called and came down Saturday. We went out to the state park again--all day. It was perfect!! The weather was so warm. We had such a good time! He even stayed for a while Sunday and went out to the shack and explored. When he left, I practically collapsed from all that walking--but I wouldn't have missed it. I'm so proud of him. He's written the introduction to his paper and was expecting to finish the literary review (that goes over all the work done previously on the particular topic) Sunday night. One experiment had to be redone, though; but he expects to be finished by July, I think. He got a notice from the army. He'll go in in September at Fort Benning for branch school and then what he, of course, doesn't know. At least the dates are definite, so he can plan accordingly. He's still hoping to get into the medical corp--but he wrote a letter to the Surgeon General and forgot to sign it! HA! So, I doubt it'll do too much impressing. I hope he can get in, though, cause at least then he'll feel like he's doing something worthwhile.

Oh, the funniest thing. Tommy's had to go on a special diet to try to get rid of his "jungle rot" he's been thinking was a fungus. The doctor said it was a reaction to some foods--the weirdest combination of things like radishes and hot dogs and onions and chocolate and caffeine (no coffee or tea) and soft drinks and beer, and I don't know what all--oh, fried pork and fried fish or seafood. Well, everywhere we went to eat all weekend, the menu would be full of the very things he couldn't eat!! I just hooted--he loves food so much! HA! And it never failed that fish, shrimp, fried pork chops, even frankfurters and sauerkraut!!

I'm going to Raleigh this weekend. I've already got two riders. There's to be a big folk rock festival at UNC. That ought to be interesting to say the lest. I guess I ought to go out and get a wild outfit to wear! HA! Tom wouldn't believe it! HA!

I'd like to report that I've caught up everything, but I haven't really. I did get some work and ironing done this weekend, but this week is going to be a dilly. Test Thursday and probably one Friday, I don't know! Of course, it's only 25 or so days left 'til graduation. How about that! That reminds me, I got to thinking about that stereo I mentioned. Now Mom, don't go out and make plans to get some big thing! If anything, I want the portable kind, not furniture! And it'd be much better just to save the money for a while 'cause I have a feeling it's gonna be awful expensive to set up housekeeping somewhere! Besides, I don't have any clothes to start work in. They're more necessary than anything else. O.K.!?!?

I don't know when I'll be home. The 25th is our big weekend here (Jr./Sr.) and 17th is the big shindig at State, although I don't know if we're planning to go. I'd say we'd be home after Jr./Sr., but I may have to check cards that weekend--I'm not sure yet. Anyway, be good and let me hear from you. I'll try not to call 'cause it's too expensive.

Bye for now!

Love,

Felicia

Okay, did you not just die laughing at some of Felicia's writing. HA! I loved it and wish that I could find her. I want to know if she ever got a job or if she ended up being a good-for-nothing unemployed waste of good money! And did Tom ever get cured of his jungle rot? I suppose we'll never know. HA!

Anyway, this opened the door for me to share a book that I had put together about my grandmother which included copies of the letters that she had written to me while I was in high school. Let me just say that the response from the in-laws was quite surprising. I think they actually grew to like me just a little bit.

If, in fact, I did not have that hour stolen from my sleep last night, then I would finish this post with more about my grandmother and my secret talent--which I'm sure you are all just dying to know about--but that will have to be another post on another day.

I am missing hanging with my blogging buddies and pray that this insanity in my life right now is temporary.

SISTERS IN BLOGGING

2010-03-14T21:05:00.000-04:00

Patty at Blessed Moon recently organized a blog luncheon for the locals and has written about it on her site. I got to take a few hours off from work to join the others so it was double fun for me! I especially enjoyed hearing from each person about why she blogs. Patty includes this information on her site as well. Just go on over and read about it! She has the most amazing camera and took this photo of the group.

TALENT - PART ONE

2010-03-06T22:42:00.001-05:00

My eight-year-old grandson, Nate, drew this picture the other day to go with a report that he is doing on Dr. Seuss. It is obvious to me that this is talent. He has been drawing this well for years--with either hand. We are all pretty impressed. Amazing. Talented. Gifted. And guess what? He came that way--straight from God.

Now talent is an interesting topic. Most people--and I am one of them--are impressed with four main areas of talent: art, music, sports, and academics. Achievement in any of those categories means something to almost everybody. If you don't believe me, just go re-read all of the Christmas letters you got which chronicled the accomplishments of your friends' children--you know, the ones that left you feeling like you were a failure as a parent because your children are so ordinary. Have you ever received one that showcased obedience or compassion or brotherly love or my favorite: common sense?

As a parent, I have tried to identify some talent or strength in each of my children in which to invest--so they could feel special. I have studied them from infancy to find that spark to fan, hoping that in doing so, it would build confidence and give them a passion for something unique to them. I secretly--or not so secretly--have wanted to find a hint of one of the top four talents. Unfortunately for them, my children don't come from overachieving, talented stock. My husband and I are just average folks born to average parents. We have average intelligence and average looks and average abilities. We don't sing or dance or play an instrument or have a shelf of trophies for our athletic accomplishments. We don't even hold college degrees. Perhaps if a spark had been identified when we were younger, it may have been fanned into a campfire; but even with fanning, it would not have produced a forest fire. Average. Straight from God average.

Regardless of our stock, I've enrolled my children in piano, drum, violin, and harp lessons. I have signed them up for basketball, baseball, soccer, and dance. I have even paid for art lessons. And guess what? Not a musician, athlete, or artist among them. I have read the classics to them and paid for higher education and guess what? They are not geniuses. I have fanned--believe you me--and even threw in some accelerant --and they still appear to be just like their parents: straight from God average.

Or maybe not.

Perhaps God thinks things are special that the world does not. I'd like to think that God has, in fact, gifted me and my family with talents--no matter how seemingly insignificant--to be used for His purpose. And more importantly, I'd like to think that we are being faithful to Him with those talents.

As I ponder just what those are for my next post, I wonder if others have questioned God's sovereignty when it comes to His choice in gift giving. I know that through my 33 years of parenting, there have been times when I--yes, I know it's horribly selfish--wanted more for my children than their heavenly Father has seen fit to give them. I've wanted more for me as well.

HERE COMES THE SUN

2010-03-04T21:18:00.003-05:00

That's what I need in my life: just a little bit of sunshine.

Florida, here we come!
--with the pirates and their sidekick

2004

Tessa, Nate, Ross

YOOHOO, REMEMBER ME?

2010-02-28T22:25:00.003-05:00

I've missed my friends.

The juggler has dropped a few balls this month--and just when I thought I was about ready for my circus interview. It has been crazy with extra hours at work, out-of-state company, tax preparation, and who can even remember what else. February has been a blur. I've been incredibly busy, but have had nothing worthy to blog about. Nobody out there is really interested in school accreditation, tax record organization, or the family dinner from hell. Well, maybe somebody would be interested in the last one, but I can't really go there for many reasons.

In the midst of the craziness this week, I was able to carve out time--believe me, this was in the miracle category--to meet with local bloggers for lunch. I needed the distraction and the fellowship and am thankful to Patty for organizing it. I do realize that Blog World friendships, although extremely important to me and fulfilling, are no replacement for the occasional hug around the neck in real life. Edie is always good for a hug.

This would be a good place to include a photo from the lunch, but then that would mean that I would have had to take my camera. That's right, I was busy juggling and couldn't carry it. There were two folks in the professional photographer category there (Patty and Jessica), so any photo I might have taken probably would not have compared; so when they post about the get-together, I'll just link up.

What I took away from our lunch was that everybody has something to share--whether you have blogged for five years or five months. I about got giddy when I was able to add the link to Patty's blog to my dashboard reader. It was so simple, but I had no idea that it could be done by pasting the link in. Thank you, Kim, for that little tidbit of information.

I have also learned so much lately from my youngest daughter, Tessa, who now has, I think, three blogs. She has made headers and buttons and tabs and scrolling messages. She has connected with other young ladies and now participates in an online book club and a group writing project. I am truly blessed to get to share one of my passions with this incredible daughter. And I think it is pretty neat that she invites me to read her diary (blog). Not so long ago, we hid these from our parents. But then not many of us had a juggler for a mom. That must seem cool to her, right?

DISCLAIMER TO RANDOM POST

2010-02-11T09:22:00.001-05:00

I about died laughing when I read the comment on my previous post about leaning to ski. I guess I should have written NOT learning to ski. This week, in addition to pouting about not going to Blissdom, I was mourning things that I will never get to do in my life--being old and all. One of those things is learning to ski. I did go once in the olden days of high school, but that does not constitute learning to ski. Too bad for me.

Three years ago this April, I had surgery on my foot after being rewarded for my gift of sarcasm in New York City. Yes, that was quite a reward, and it should have curbed my sarcasm forever and ever. Maybe I should have this photo framed as a reminder. That just may do it.

Back in 2005 while we were visiting NYC on the day after Thanksgiving ( I don't advise picking that date if you have a choice, btw), my husband just about flipped when he saw the FOX News building up ahead. Let me just say that he is a huge fan of FOX News--me, not so much. And I, in my enthusiasm (for him), began walking quickly while screeching, "Look everybody, it's FOX News. Hurry, hurry, hurry, we wouldn't want to miss seeing FOX News. blah, blah, blah." And simultaneously, I was grabbing my camera out of my pocket in the 11-degree weather and that's when it happened. I stepped off of the curb (quickly because that's what you do when you cross a street in NYC) and fell out of my clog-type shoe into the path of oncoming yellow vehicles. I wouldn't advise that either. I not only fell, but I also knocked poor Tessa down with me.

Just think about what your response as a caring family member ~~would~~ should be. My son, Ryan, was horrified and began telling me to get up. I think he mimicked me with that "hurry up, hurry up, hurry up" screech. Tessa began to cry. And everybody else just about died laughing. I rallied enough to get the picture below (for him) before I hobbled inside to the building's cafeteria and applied ice to my foot which swelled up pretty quickly. Nobody really cared because some ~~idiot~~ attractive woman with bare legs and stilettos from FOX was spotted. Don't ask me because I don't watch FOX News. Surprise.

You may not realize this, but it is not really convenient to get injured in NYC. I did not see even one walk-in clinic or any crutches for sale in the store windows. I did, however, see tons of stiletto heels, which I knew even then, would have no future with me. And since I didn't want to ruin anybody's fun, I just sucked it up and continued on. That was smart. And being a tightwad, I put off surgery for a year and a half. That was smart as well. I think that sounds sarcastic, don't you?

So I spent my 50th birthday on crutches as well as several weeks past that. And then I got to wear a lovely blue shoe. And let me tell you that surgery does not solve all of your problems. It just changes them. I am thankful that I can now at least wear a shoe. Too bad that shoe has to lace up and contain an orthotic. Yep, no cute flipflops or heels for me. And no ski boots. I suppose the moral of the story is to try to curb the sarcasm while you are in NYC.

celebrating Kenzie's birthday (same as mine) at Build-a-Bear with crutches

celebrating 50th at school with all the children

If that was not enough, two years ago while visiting in the north again, the day after Thanksgiving, on our way to IKEA--I am seeing a pattern here--we were hit from behind by a tow truck. Nobody laughed that day. Of course, the four children in the back seats, covered with shattered glass and screaming, kind of dictated the response. Praise the Lord that we all walked away--in the cold--from that accident. I suppose I should be thankful that I am just a chronic pain sufferer instead of having to mourn the loss of one of my loved ones. And I am. It does help put it in perspective as I write it, but my back pain is so frustrating. I am a doer, and I had so much more in life that I wanted to experience--skiing among them.

Between the back and the foot, I am very limited on what I can do--strong drugs are not an option. It doesn't help that all my blogging buddies are over-achievers when it comes to DIY projects. How I wish that when I was in my prime--moving upright pianos and wood cook stoves, single-handedly, to paint under them--Blog World had been settled. Then I could have posted all kinds of photos that would impress people.

And it doesn't help that most of my IRL friends are fitness buffs.--working out and running marathons and such. Now, I have never been into fitness--good grief, I have always driven to the mailbox--but I might enjoy tap dancing or kick boxing or skiing. And please, don't suggest Wii Sports. I've tried that. No, not for me. I just can't be laughed at that much by my family members. I have not recovered from the first round of laughter at my expense. I will now put on my Asics with orthotics and go to work--a desk job.

QUICK VISIT

2010-02-10T19:44:00.001-05:00

On any given day, a zillion ideas for blog topics pop in my head. Unfortunately, there is just not time to actually write about each one. I feel good if I get something substantial written once a week. This week that did not happen, so I am feeling a bit stressed. I am, therefore, going to post ten interesting or not-so-interesting things that randomly pop in my head as I type. Just because.

I have avoided Blissdom posts because of sheer jealousy. I couldn't go this year, and I am still pouting.
I have booked my spring break get-away to Disney using Disney dollars. I even booked a room for Kelly and family. And we're meeting tons of friends there. Well not tons, but seven or ten or so.
I am loving the book Ishmael that I received for a gift at Christmas. That algebra tutoring was sooo worth it.
I am overwhelmed with what God thinks I can accomplish this year at school.
I have been invited to join local bloggers for lunch! Edie will share about Blissdom, and I will pout some more.
I am almost done with my bathroom redo. Can I hear an amen?
I am sick of paying for dance lessons only to have them canceled because of the possibility of snow.
I am going to be a grandmother again.
I am enjoying another season of American Idol. I do not miss Paula. I will miss Simon next year.
I am going to finish that map bird and mail it to the winner from Funky Junk by this weekend! Promise.

Cardinal by Nate, Age 5

Wow! That was pretty random. Be glad that I omitted the post about the local meat market and learning to ski. Yes, I did sneak in the big announcement. Subtle, eh?

MY OWN LITTLE CORNER IN MY OWN LITTLE WORLD

2010-01-30T17:57:00.003-05:00

I'm always a day or a week late to the party over at Funky Junk. She recently did a take-your-blogging-buddies-to-work post. That was fun. While most of us will never get to paint a firetruck as she did, at least some of us will get to dress like a fireman at work. Nananabooboo. Is that how you spell that?

When I am not cooperating with the training on the highly-technical sprinkler system, I can be found right in the middle of the mess below. It actually does look worse in pictures. I should have tidied up first. Let me just say that I am highly productive most of the time at this desk. And every now and then, it slows down enough for me to organize it. It hasn't been now and then for a long time though. Actually I have two desks to keep neat at this time.

Oh, you can see the second desk right there past the three filing cabinets. I can just roll in my chair back and forth, back and forth. Fun.

Even in the chaos or should I say especially in the chaos, I must have my happy places. One is in my rolodex. It is a very happy place for me. Not only does it contain everything I need to know at my fingertips, it also makes me smile. That is important at my job.

Anytime I am bored--which is never--I can just flip through and find a great thought or quote. I can also find the number for the fire department--just in case the sprinkler training does not pan out.

There is also something fun and comforting about running my mouse all over the faces of my grandchildren and daughter.

And what would a home away from home be without a potted plant and a famous bird? Nothing, I say.

And finally, this about sums up my attitude when visitors come by asking for something.

Oh, and one more thing that is plentiful around my place of employment--kids, lots of them--even right there under my feet.

ADHD - TAKING ANOTHER RISK

2010-01-30T17:00:00.007-05:00

You might have noticed that there are a lot more before photos on my blog than after. There is a ~~good~~ reason for this. It is because I am married to a man with ADHD. Seriously. I kid you not. And as funny as this post may turn out to be, sometimes it is just not that funny in real life.

There was a time when I wondered what made someone think like my husband does or more importantly, do the things he does in the order in which he does them--or not. There was a time--not so long ago--that I took the things he said and did way too personally. That was before I read the book, Driven to Distraction.

Now that I know for sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he does, in fact, cope with this disorder every minute of every day, I am nicer to him. I think. At least I try to be. I am telling you that it is not always easy.

For instance, last Sunday, Michael and I were having a conversation. That in itself is rare because of our schedules and his disorder--I didn't call it that, it just is. He mentioned that "one of these days" he was going to build a shed in the backyard. He was going to build a shed because he is going to turn the garage into an apartment. Note here that there already is a vacant apartment above the garage that is in need of some work. The *new* me showed a small amount of interest--not really excited about it and not really against it. I know the effect of both extremes. I was trying to keep the conversation going while keeping my *real* opinions to myself. As if he didn't already know them.

When we were finished talking about the shed that would *someday* be built in the backyard, I understood *someday* to mean when he had all the materials (which we can't afford right now) and the jobs that were already started around the house were completed (ceiling, bathroom, hole in wall, the rest of the shutters, etc.).

On Monday, I came home from school to this:

This is exactly what ADHD looks like. I hope you are laughing. I think it will help me if you do. I am told that these walls have been built for some time and stored in his shop around the corner. He knew very well that *someday* would be sooner than I thought. And therein lies the frustration. Throughout the entire conversation, he knew the walls were already built. That would be because he had built them--instead of finishing the ceiling or bathroom or hole in the wall or whatever else he had started.

And that is just the way it is.

Day in and day out.

Year in and year out.

And hear me when I say that I know that it is not personal--even when it feels that way.

I am not a professional and cannot begin to explain the disorder the way the authors of Driven to Distraction do, so get the book if you live with or know someone who copes with this. It is chock full of personal stories and insights that will help you cope with it as well. What I can do, though, is share some of my personal experiences in hopes of encouraging others to make an attempt to understand it better.

I want you to know that I did not get mad or even upset on Monday when I saw the new construction started at my house. I actually laughed and grabbed my camera. To me it is just one more confirmation of the diagnosis. And that diagnosis is no worse than diabetes or near-sightedness or high blood pressure. They all require something to help the person survive and thrive in this world. They are conditions or disorders--but unfortunately, the last three are more scientifically understood and therefore more respectable and able to evoke understanding and compassion.

I intend to tell just a few personal stories about living with ADHD over the next few weeks, but today I want to start at the beginning.

I have often wondered why God called me to work at Cornerstone Academy. I had been a stay-at-home mom and was not really looking for or wanting a job outside of the home. I had homeschooled for 14 years and would have been quite content to do so until Tessa had graduated. While I do believe I am appreciated and needed at the school, I honestly think that one of the main reasons God called me there was to show me what my husband's world looks like through the life of a little girl. I will from here on out refer to her as LG for little girl, and although I may include random photos of the students for interest, she will remain anonymous.

I knew LG before she came to the school, and I genuinely liked her. You might say that I had a soft spot for her. She was just a little girl--with a sweet face and a big smile. Yes, I knew her reputation: impulsive and energetic and talkative. So? To me that made her interesting. Of course, I had never seen her in a school setting. I really didn't have any idea. It was a good thing, because I loved her before I knew what she was capable of or incapable of as it turned out to be. And I loved her family as well.

LG motivated me to research ADHD--a disorder that up to this time I kind of pooh-poohed. After watching her struggle and witnessing what were very appropriate consequences again and again for her actions, my heart broke. They rarely helped the situation or changed the behavior. I wanted her to succeed, and I made it my personal mission to help her succeed. In doing the research, first online and then through books like Driven to Distraction, I unlocked the mystery of my own family. It was quite clear to me after just the short online test, that my husband had severe ADHD and my son, ADD. Yes, I know that an online test is not a professional diagnosis, but stick with me. My son actually was ecstatic to learn that just maybe there was an explanation to why he had focus issues. If I had only known sooner, perhaps I would not have taken all his resistance in high school so personally. But that is another story.

What God revealed to me through the process with LG was that at one time my husband was just a little boy with a sweet face and a big smile. At one time he was just a little boy who was impulsive, energetic, and talkative--a little boy who deserved to be understood and loved. He didn't understand why he did the things he did any more than LG understood why she did what she did--again and again. And that changed the way I looked at him as an adult.

In the case of LG, I took a big risk when I approached her mother with the information that I had learned. Armed with just one quote from the book, I prayerfully, presented my case in hopes of encouraging her to get LG whatever she needed to succeed--eyeglasses so to speak.

"They don't inhibit their impulses as well as other people. They lack the little pause between impulse and action that allows most people to be able to stop and think."

In her mother's defense should you be inclined to judge, she had been told by *professionals* that LG's problems were discipline-related. Don't get me going on that one. Discipline was being consistently applied, and it was not working. All were miserable--including me, and she wasn't even my child. Let me just say that you cannot spank ADHD out of a child. You cannot time-out ADHD. You cannot withhold anything that will make ADHD disappear. You just can't. Yes, I know I'm not a professional.

I also shared a specific incident with her mother that I had witnessed, and I encouraged her to read more and seek another professional evaluation. She agreed to read and pray about it. I will include the incident here just to show you what I am talking about. I was observing a class in which the teacher was having the students glue beans to a surface. She explained what they were going to be doing and then specifically told them what they were not to do with the beans. LG was engaged in the activity and was enjoying herself. This was, after all, a hands-on project that would normally appeal to a person with ADHD. Out of nowhere and unprovoked in any way, LG picked up a bean and threw it in the direction of the teacher.

Since I was nearby, I asked her with my eyes about bugging out of my head, "What were you thinking?" To which she replied, "I don't know." She looked as shocked as the rest of us. And I do believe it was totally sincere. The thought went through her mind after the teacher said it, and then--lacking the pause between the impulse and the action--she threw the bean.

Imagine how a child feels when she receives a consequence for something that she doesn't have any control over. Imagine how you would feel. I go back to the eyeglasses. Why do we think it is okay to give a child with vision problems the tools for success, but we don't give the child with attention and focus problems the tools for her success? Can you tell this is my bandwagon?

Let me wrap this up by telling you how the story ends for LG. Mom and dad took her to another professional and received an official diagnosis. It was difficult--very difficult. It was also freeing. I cry as I write this because today, LG is experiencing greater success because she has been given the tools she needs for that success. And when she struggles, the first question isn't what consequence should we give, but are we sure she has what she needs to succeed in the situation. That does not mean that she doesn't misbehave; she is, after all, still a child in need of much training. It does mean that she is no longer punished for her disorder. And that is reason enough for me to rejoice in my calling to Cornerstone.

SNOW

2010-01-30T13:18:00.001-05:00

It snowed in East Tennessee today--not a lot, really--but more than it has in about seven or eight years. You would have thought by the news coverage that we were preparing for a natural disaster. I know, I know, it's the way it is done in the south. I can still laugh, can't I?

I love snow, by the way.

Because it doesn't snow here much, we don't invest in *proper* outerwear. By proper, I mean outerwear that actually coordinates. The boys are not all that happy about having to wear Tessa's hand-me-downs. And I think that Tessa has on my boots and Kelly's pants and gloves. It's all good.

OUR RISKIEST PROJECT - TAKE TWO - AND THEY ALL LIVED TOGETHER IN A LITTLE CROOKED HOUSE

2010-01-23T00:33:00.006-05:00

Because you asked--and only because you asked--I will tell the abbreviated story of our move to Tennessee. The year was 1998--the year my first born would get married and my second born would graduate from high school and my third born would turn ten and my baby would turn two. And it would be the year that the chatter about Y2K would reach my ears. But more importantly, it will forever be the year that God led us out of the wilderness into the promised land. I can't believe I just wrote that. It didn't really *look* like the promised land at the time.

Sometimes the opportunity to be courageous and adventuresome is thrust at you whether you want it or not. But sometimes it is the result of a decision to not walk in fear, but to walk by faith and not by sight. Y2K did not panic us or make us fearful. It gave us a reason to chase a dream, to try something risky, to learn something new. I do believe that all those years of watching Cinderella had its affect as well, and quite honestly, I was not about to be caught with my coach turning into a pumpkin when the clock struck midnight. So, like many others, I stashed away some supplies and learned a few new skills--which I have never regretted even though my coach did not, in fact, turn into a pumpkin.

I ~~hated~~ did not prefer living in Florida. Terrible circumstances, that I will not write about at this time or probably ever, led us to the wilderness of the south. And while I know that our time there was part of God's plan, I was more than happy to move on when our ~~40 years~~ time was up. And in 1998, our time was up.

What appealed to me about the Y2K chatter was the idea of eliminating debt and living in the country and simplifying. I was a homeschool mom feasting on books like Little House in the Big Woods and Heidi and The Girl of the Limberlost. And I wanted to hike the mountains and grow the beans and catch luna moths with my children. And not in the Florida heat.

I made friends with other like-minded friends on the Internet--this was way before blog world. We got to know each other on message boards with no photos. What folks looked like and how they really lived was left to your imagination. And this is where my Tennessee story really begins.

A movie that my family and I had feasted on until we could practically recite it word for word was Anne of Green Gables. If you are familiar with it, then the picture I'm about to paint for you will make sense. Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert are brother and sister. They never married, are older, and live together in a lovely home, Green Gables. They are proper kind of folks with a charming home on beautiful property. You have the picture, right? Hang onto it.

Okay, so I hook up with this couple (brother and sister) on a homesteading message board. Let's just call them by their names so I don't confuse you. Oh, that's right, they shared a name--you know, trying to stay anonymous and all. It was The Survivors. I learn that they are older and living together in the mountains of East Tennessee. Wow! I had visited the mountains of East Tennessee and was quite fond of them. In fact, if I could have picked a place to move to, it might have been the mountains of East Tennessee. There was only one problem. There is always that one problem. It is called money. Wherever we were going to move to had to be within our budget--our cash budget. And I doubted it was going to be found in East Tennessee.

If you remember, we moved to Florida after something dreadful. That something dreadful affected our finances a bit, so we were not going to have oodles to spend on this new home in the country. We first looked at property in West Virginia. It was definitely not it. So the invitation was extended by ~~Matthew and Marilla~~ The Survivors to visit East Tennessee. They assured us that beautiful land was available within our budget.

I can't believe I convinced my husband to actually do it, but just days after our daughter's wedding and the selling of our Florida home, we were headed to meet The Survivors in East Tennessee. We hooked up a 28-foot camper to the back of our Suburban and headed off into the sunset. We were actually homeless at this point so the stakes were pretty high. Twelve years later it sounds more crazy to me than ever. For those of you who care to know, I do believe I was walking as closely to the Lord as I ever have. Really. He was leading me. I have my prayer journals to prove it.

Imagine the feeling in my gut as we traveled across the mountain--I mean a real mountain with windy roads with no shoulder and very steep, one-way cliffs in which to fall off of to your death for sure. Oh, the looks from my husband and sons. Thank goodness Tessa was too little to realize the danger. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of ~~Matthew and Marilla~~ The Survivors greeting us with a glass of iced tea and a big southern smile. I imagined their sweeping porch with rocking chairs and potted mums.

I'm going to cut to the chase because this is turning into a novel. I'd love a book deal, by the way. Let me mention that this was before everyone had cell phones and digital cameras. Olden days. So we pull up to their house. How I wish I had a photo. How I wish I could have called my daughter, Kelly. It was literally built into the side of an East Tennessee mountain. The road was narrow and there was a river down below on the other side. And we were in a Suburban with a 28-foot camper behind. I thought my husband was going to shoot me. Thank the good Lord that we had convictions about guns back then. There was no big porch or even a place to park. There was no sweet tea. There was no Matthew and Marilla.

There was, however, Gail and Ed. Just plain Gail and Ed, The Survivors.

One was an ex-hippie with a pony tail. Don't let that bald head in front fool you. And the other was-- interesting. They did, however, open up their home to us and even cooked up some venison and spinach for us to eat. It was quite good in spite of the fact that I was feeling sick to my stomach having just brought almost my entire family to The Twilight Zone. One thing that I forgot to mention is that another couple met us there as well, so, you see, I was not the only trusting, crazy person who hung out on that homestead board. They were from the Washington, D.C. area--and normal and smart. I ended up visiting them as well a year or so later, and Ann made lovely soap and spun wool--but that is another story.

The Survivors were convinced that the government was out to get us. They had stockpiled all kinds of stuff. I mean boxes and boxes to the ceiling. There is no point to going into all that, but suffice it to say, we were not really kindred spirits as Anne of Green Gables would say.

While trying to turn the camper around to park right smack up against the mountain, my husband blew out two tires. And then the next morning the pipes froze. And then the next morning I demanded that he take me off of that mountain and back to civilization. He did. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. And I cried. I was homeless. My little girl was married. And we might have to move in with the newlyweds. It just couldn't have gotten any worse. And my dear husband said not a word. He didn't dare. We eventually found a campground and hooked up with a realtor. Her name was Sandra, and she was great. Sandra lived a daring life. She had faith for the impossible. And she proved it by what she took us to see.

Just in the nick of time, she found the property on Speedwell Road for us and negotiated the deal.--the cash deal. She also negotiated the cash deal five years later when we sold the property to the folks with the jaguar. We loved Sandra.

We made the deal and returned to Florida where my husband deposited me and our two-year-old on the newlyweds' doorstep. How awkward is that you ask? Very. He and our two sons then headed back to Tennessee to begin their first renovation project ever. Oh boy, oh boy. We had never really seen this type of construction before. We had just spent twelve years in a brand new home in Florida where the building codes are ridiculous because of the hurricanes. Before that we lived in Connecticut where the standards are also way above average. It was shocking to say the least. We were so stupid.

As I told you in a previous post, there was no central heat or air. There were not even any real ceilings. See those ceiling tiles? On top of them was the insulation. And how about that kitchen. Did you even notice the light fixtures? Did I tell you that one room was wallpapered with the daily newspaper? I have to stop or I'm going to be ill. What were we thinking? It didn't matter because it was just going to be temporary. We were going to build a log cabin. That's right.

At this point, I think it finally hit him that we were in over out heads.

There is so much more that I could tell, and so many pictures that I could post, and maybe I will another day. I do want to end this post with some after photos. My guys tore out every wall and every ceiling and taught themselves how to put it back together again. They learned how to frame and wire and install cabinets and hook up sinks. We paid cash for everything and turned that shack into a charming home that served us well in spite of its substandard conditions for five years.

And they all lived together in a little crooked house.

You can see the tail end of that saying which I stenciled on the wall in the photo below. It was the first thing you saw when you walked in the door.

We celebrated holidays and birthdays and life together in that house. We homeschooled in that house, and I read to Tessa--a lot--in that house as she swung inside--because she could. And I painted the OSB floors instead of putting down carpeting because we lived in the country with chickens and goats and horses and dirt--lots of dirt. And we didn't worry about a thing. We owed nobody and it felt good.

And when the spring came, I planted my first square-foot garden. And I hung my clothes out to dry. And I watched my older son build his first structure, a two-story garage/apartment. And it was nicer--much nicer--than our house. And I was so proud of him. Today he is a licensed contractor.

And we built a well house/potting shed. And I painted it happy like.

And we planted a butterfly garden.

And we did so much more, but I am tired and emotional, and it's time to quit. If you've made it to the end, I thank you. I hope you have enjoyed my little trip down memory lane. It took courage for me to post this, but I'm glad I did it.

IT'S A . . . IT'S A . . . IT'S A . . .

2010-01-20T19:13:00.005-05:00

It's about the cutest little thing I've ever seen.

Look at that face!

I don't know about you, but I can hardly stand it.

I'm just loving this new spring bird of mine--which was made from the most darling summer dress I picked up at the GW Boutique. (That would be the Goodwill for those who do not know.)

Anyway, I made this bird especially for the big event being held over at Funky Junk. She now has over 1000 followers, and has thrown a big ol' party to celebrate. I just want you to know that I was a ~~groupie~~ follower long before she hit the quadruple digits. And that's because I've always been a big fan of funky and junky and anything that makes people say, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." It only took me about three years and the viewing of about a gazillion blogs before I found *the* kindred spirit. Not *a* kindred spirit; there are lots of those out there. I mean *the* kindred spirit when it comes to the stuff that makes my heart skip a beat. I mean l.o.v.e. I mean f.u.n.k.y. and j.u.n.k. together.

But let's face it, junk alone doesn't get you noticed like that. If so, I'd have a thousand followers as well. I am definitely not lacking in the junk department. Donna has carved out her niche in blog world with her SNS event each weekend and her ability to make visitors and participates feel welcome, while giving them a platform to showcase their creativity. I just love that girl!

So, if you are here from Donna's party, and you want to win a bird, your choices are as follows:

Spring Bird

Map Bird

You will choose the map location.

That makes it a custom paper bird.

Logo Bird

Your blog button will be applied to the bird.

If you are not here from Donna's party, head on over there tomorrow (1-21-10) and follow her directions for your chance to win. You can enter up until January 30! Once I get the information from Donna on the winner of the bird, I'll get busy creating.

THE MOST RISKY PROJECT EVER

2010-01-19T21:22:00.002-05:00

I love how Donna at Funky Junk inspires me to take chances with my posts. This week's challenge was to post your most risky project. It was hard to choose since I'm such a risk taker. Why not live dangerously, right?

The story of how we ended up in Tennessee is a long one. It could keep y'all entertained for hours. It has twists and turns--literally--and involves a 28-ft. camper and flat tires and people with names like "The Survivors." If the whole experience was made into a book, some of the chapter names might be What Were They Thinking?, Homesteading with the City Slickers, Square-foot Gardening on the Mountain Top, Snake in the Bedroom, Mice in the Linens, Mail-order Chickens, and Guns and Neighbors. And that's just what popped into my head without really trying.

We were living in Florida at the time and wanted out. My husband had lost his job and had temporarily taken a job installing insulation. It was awful. Our goal was to find a piece of acreage with a water source that we could pay cash for--not in Florida. The short version is that we were charmed by the Tennessee barn and the fall foliage on the bottom part of an 11-acre piece of property that we ended up buying.

We were not charmed by the house at the top of the long, steep driveway, but we didn't really care because we wanted the land to build a log cabin on. The fact that we had never built a thing in our lives didn't deter us. No sirree baby. My husband and son flew to Washington state and went to a build-a-log-home workshop--not to be confused with a Build-a-Bear Workshop. If only.

If there was a structure that we could live in in the meantime, all the better. How silly were we? By far, taking on this house has been our riskiest project to date. My husband figured out pretty quickly that there was no way the females in the family (Tessa and I) would be living in that house in that condition for even one night. Could you blame us? And you haven't even seen the inside. I don't think I feel secure enough in blog world to show y'all that--yet! Isn't the tree lovely, though? You do have to understand that we had lived in Florida for 12 years and had not enjoyed the fall colors for some time. That tree probably sealed the deal for me. If only I could have lived in it.

The specifics: 1000 sq. feet, no central heat/air, drop ceilings, four rooms?, leaky tin roof, moldy bathroom, crooked everything, built by who knows who in a county without such a thing as building permits. I was once told that they don't care if you build a bowling alley on your property. It is after all, your property. It is how it is done in the ~~Twilight Zone~~ country. I might mention that up to this point in my married life, I had only lived in nice *new* homes--in suburbs or cities. I had never owned a canning jar or a shotgun. Looking back, my life must not have been that interesting. Enough said. By the way, it did have an outbuilding.

The projects: new walls, new ceilings, new bathroom, new kitchen, new roof, new siding, new everything. We never really got around to the new floors, but I'm saving that for when Donna challenges us to post our risky paint projects. I should have a contest to see who could guess how many trips to the dump we made before we dug a fire pit.

I am feeling a bit insecure about now. So I think I'll just show you a few way-after photos and bypass the in-between ones. Maybe another day, another post. If anyone is really interested. Which I doubt.

The driveway was a huge job--that never ended.

The barn was to the right of Tessa in the photo below.

The house was up, up, up, and to the right.

The house looked much better after a ton of TLC!
It was still a shack, but we learned a lot there.
It prepared my husband for the business that he would start.
It sold for almost three times what we paid for it--the first day on the market,
for asking price, cash, to someone with a Jaguar. Hilarious.
I have never been so shocked in my entire life. Ever. It was a God thing.
It gave us the courage and the cash to tackle The Boxmoor.

The Boxmoor

KABOOM - JUST ONE MORE TIME (promise)

2010-01-10T18:45:00.000-05:00

I just can't stop talking about this product. I just can't stop making my irl visitors stand in the little pink bathroom to listen to me ramble on and on about it. After this post I will stop. Promise again.

Before

After

I had absolutely no intention of saving this floor until a commenter suggested it. Just to prove that I was making the right decision, I cleaned just a little section. I was sure the finish would still look terrible, and I would go on with my plans. The more I did, the more I did. And then I called Kelly on the phone and asked her to walk up the stairs to see my progress. I could not leave the room to get her. Watching that product work is that amazing. I kid you not.

Kelly said, and I quote, "Oh crap, that looks good!" And then she said it again, "Oh crap, that looks good!" She does not usually use the *c* word, so I knew she was impressed. Needless to say, the other flooring went back--which is going to make the re-do cost pretty impressive. I didn't get to work much in there this weekend because of other pressing things like end-of-year tax stuff and frozen pipes.

There is a good time to take down a drop ceiling and there is a bad time. When water is pouring through it at 12:30 a.m. is a good time at a bad time. KWIM? Just ask Kelly and Travis since it was on their side of the house.

Of course, it was a pipe on our side that actually busted, so who is actually responsible? Thank the good Lord that my husband does this kind of thing for a living. He usually does pretty well financially in his line of work after freezing weather and natural disasters, but not this time. He got the work all right--just no payment will be coming in.

And the one room that did not need any work done to it right now has a lovely hole in the wall.

And yes, we had insulated the pipes when we renovated the bathroom. Go figure.

On a happy note, I will include a little peek at the bathroom progress that does not involve Kaboom. Lots still to be done so stay tuned. Yes, the tin will be painted much to Funky Junk's dismay I am sure!

BOXMOOR KITCHEN BEFORE AND AFTER

2010-01-09T20:02:00.004-05:00

The photos below were taken in the kitchen during one of our many visits before we closed the deal on The Boxmoor in 2004. We moved into this home in this exact condition since we closed on the shack the same day that we bought the mansion. Yes, that is what this house is referred to in the history books. Oh my.

Just in case you are not observant, do notice the fluorescent lighting and the lock on the cabinet and the huge window from where you can view the playground. And in the second shot, the ever-popular paper towel dispensers. There were a lot of these throughout the house. And in a photo further down, you will see part of our fire alarm system. More about that in another post.

While I thought the built-in was charming, the color and accessories were all wrong. *grin*

And the floor and walls were a bit nasty to say the least. How's this for an up-close shot. YIKES! Makes me kind of wonder why anyone paid good money to send their children here to school. Just saying.

Okay, on to the after shots. The one below is the after-after. And the model is my granddaughter, Kenzie, at about ten months old. The actual DIY that I'm posting about for Funky Junk's SNS 12 is this floor. You will get the cabinet door handles at no extra charge. You're welcome.

I was determined to cover that floor for under $100--for several reasons. One was that I knew it would be temporary since someday we would replace the cabinets. The second reason was because I needed the money for other, more important things--like heating units and working bathrooms and hardwood floor refinishing. The third reason was because I had been watching a lot of Trading Spaces at the time, and I just wanted to show them that I could do a room on way less than $1000 without gluing hay or flower petals to the walls--or floors in my case.

After ripping up several nasty floors and the disgusting carpeting, I did the following:

1. Cut 2'x2' squares out of luan and nailed them to the floor. I alternated the direction of the grain. Actually this is the part my husband did under my direction.

2. Painted the entire floor black--twice.

3. Dry brushed in the direction of the grain with gray paint.

4. Applied two coats of water-based polyurethane.

I came in at budget and loved the results. It's been almost six years, and the floor has not yet been replaced. It is now on Kelly's side of the house, so the kitchen redo is now her problem. FYI, Kelly and her family moved here three years ago, after we had lived here three years. We split the house in half at that time, and she got the original kitchen in the split.

It's hard to remember why I opted not to save the cabinet door hardware. I think it was because some handles were missing; some were damaged; and all were nasty. What a surprise. I know that I did try to clean them with no success. In hindsight, tossing them was probably not a wise thing to do, and it was probably done out of frustration. I'm not sure I realized that the handles were not stock size, and metal cabinets can't really be patched. Knowing what I now know about the miracle product, Kaboom, could make me have renovator's remorse, but what good would it do?

My creative solution was to cover the damaged part of the cabinets with magnetic pieces that I cut to size after spray painting them black. Then I added beads to heavy wire and pulled them through the holes, securing them in the back. These handles have held up pretty well. The silverware drawer breaks every now and then, and beads go flying, but who cares? Oh, that would be Kelly!

We opened up the wall from what is now Kelly's dining room to the kitchen, and added exterior beadboard to the walls because it is cheaper and heavier--translated to mean that it covered the uneven walls better.

I chose a fun lime green color. Just because. I painted all of the cabinets white, and then painted chalkboard paint on one. I should say that I spray painted one cabinet with chalkboard paint. I wouldn't suggest doing that in the house by the way. I did cover a lot with plastic before I did it, but sheesh, that stuff just flew everywhere.

We were a homeschooling family when we moved to The Boxmoor. My husband thought it fitting that we buy a *school* since I was the support group leader and oftentimes planned educational events. Shortly after I moved, I hosted a co-op which met weekly. It was a blast.

Ryan dissecting a frog.

Tessa celebrating her eighth birthday.

It was a sad day for me when I came home from school one afternoon after Kelly had moved in, and the walls had been painted a beachy blue color. I tried not to cry.

A FAVORITE SPACE

2010-01-03T20:50:00.003-05:00

Tonight I'm sharing a project that I did just about eight years ago. At that time, we did not live in an expansive fixer-upper like we do now. Five of us lived in a tiny, 1000 sq. ft. ~~fixer-upper~~ shack--which I'd love to be able to call a cottage or cabin or cute little house--but I can't. It was a shack. And one of these days I will post photos so you will know for sure and for certain that I do not lie. Yes, I had it looking as darling as a shack could look, but nonetheless--it was what it was.

We I called it the house that Jack built because it was thrown together with some pretty odd things. If you've ever been to East Tennessee, you will have some idea of what I describe. But I digress. Oh, and one more thing as long as I'm already digressing. Before wall words were popular or even available for purchase, I had stenciled--with stencils I hand cut--across the wall in the living room the following:

And they all lived together in a little crooked house.

It said it all. It was the first thing folks saw when they came in. I wanted them to know right off the bat that I was well aware of what I was living in. At the time, I struggled a bit with my circumstances or more specifically, my home, but in looking back at the photos, I now realize that some of my fondest memories are of the time we spent in that ~~shack~~ home. I learned a lot there. I planted my first garden there. I canned my first vegetables there. I owned my first chickens and goats and rabbits there. I had my first love affair--with a horse--there.

And now that I wrote all those fond memories, I kind of feel compelled to write more. I may make it a weekly feature.

On to the post so that I can make the deadline for Funky Junk's SNS.

Because the shack had only two bedrooms when we first moved there, my two sons, 18 and 10, and my two-year-old daughter had to share. It was cozy. Then the oldest joined the Air Force. I wonder why. And then there were only two in the room. Still cozy and the boy and girl thing. So one day, after about two years of living like this, I had this brainy idea that we could easily enclose part of the porch for my then four-year-old daughter, Tessa. The room could only be 7 x 8 feet or so, but I had a plan. I always do.

This was before digital--you know in the olden days when you had to wait to see your photos--so bear with the some of the scanned images!

Now what is impressive about this remodel is how it all came together. The headboard was made out of cabinet doors that I snatched from my mother's old house in Ohio when she got *new* cabinets. I know, horrors! The lights were snatched from a remodeling job my husband had done. They are outdoor fixtures painted white.

I took--for me at the time--a huge chance by painting the ceiling pink and the walls green, but I loved it. I still love it. I wish I could have taken that room with me. The vanity was given to my husband. I just painted it and sewed a skirt for it.

The window, which we made into a cabinet was picked up off the side of the road or something. The gingham checked fabric for the curtains was given to me many years before. The little white ruffle was made from an old bedskirt. The pink curtain rod was a find at Big Lots for a couple of dollars. The art work was done by my daughter. Still love it and display it.

And again, more cabinet doors were used to make the book shelf.

She had a perfect view my son's club house on the side of the mountain and of the chicken coop. How lucky was that? And while the rest of the house had painted OSB floors, she got hardwood!

And the little horse-loving girl who lived in this room remains a favorite of mine as well.

five-year-old Tessa

BATHROOM RENO - UPDATE

2010-01-01T21:45:00.001-05:00

You are probably sick of seeing the before photos of this bathroom, as am I. But until we have some after photos, there is nothing I can do about it. Besides, I love driving home the point that while old homes are charming, they take lots of work and money and dedication and compromise.

I tell you again--just in case I have a new reader--that this circa 1860 house had been used as a school for over a decade--thus the paper towel dispenser and the carpeting and the wallpaper and the spitballs on the ceilings. The day we moved in, I told these two fine specimens who stopped by for a visit to get that lovely bathroom clean enough to use.

Just one look at that floor and you will agree that it was asking a lot. Who would have thought that it would take almost six years to get to this room? Not I, I assure you. Anyway, while we are not ready for the big reveal, I will tell you a little about the process and also about my new favorite product.

The debate over whether to rip out all of the old and start from scratch has been going on for years. After the last two bathroom redos--which did involve removing everything but the cast iron tub in one of them--I was not crazy about the idea. Call me lazy or cheap or crazy or just plain old and tired. I have laid awake nights--right outside the door to the pink bathroom--trying to come up with a creative, quick, cheap idea that I and the other family members can live with.

I think I've landed. And what may push some of you right over the edge--the pink tile stays. Yes, it's surprising to me as well. But after visiting Retro Renovation the other day and finding out that there is actually a movement to Save the Pink Bathrooms with a pledge and all, well, what can I say? I caved. I haven't actually taken the pledge yet, but I'm close. Don't be jealous.

The other deciding factor was finding a product that would clean the grout to my satisfaction. I've been told that I'm picky. Below is a before--old and crummy looking.

For my first attempt, I used a Clorox Bleach Pen. It did a pretty good job. I just scribbled it on the grout and let it set. I then used my toothbrush to work it in a bit. I ran out pretty quickly, so before I bought another, I researched my other options on youtube.

In a test of several cleaners by somebody or other, Kaboom came out the winner. Now if they were selling it, I'm not sure I would have rushed on out to Lowe's to buy a bottle. But they weren't, so I did. There are only a few products that I am loyal to. Kaboom is now in that category. I would sell it if I could.

Check out that center line after a squirt or two. Is that not amazing? That stuff ran down that grout line, making a beeline for the nasty floor--which will be covered by the way. There is a limit to what I will live with and that exceeds it. I did use the toothbrush--but very lightly and not much. Amazing. I stand in awe. Kaboom!

I am happy to say that I have purchased two products that I saw featured on The Lettered Cottage, and I venture to say that their sponsors will be thrilled. I have opted for the same floor that they used in their bathroom--hey, if it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for me. There are also two or three or six other good reasons for the choice. One is that I can do it myself--without my husband's help. He has agreed to do the ceiling and the beadboard and electrical and removal of the fixtures and the installation of the old tin.

Wow, could I have taken a busier photo of it? Probably not.

And a second reason for the floor choice is that it matches the real hardwood throughout the rest of the house. There are more reasons as I've said, but those are darn good ones.

Besides getting to clean the tile and lay the flooring, I get to repair and paint the walls and trim. I also get to make all the decorating decisions. I think I got the better end of the deal.

LOGO BIRD - VERY QUICK AND EASY TUTORIAL

2010-01-01T20:24:00.001-05:00

1. Buy this product or something similar.

It can be found at Walmart.

2. Save your logo image as a picture.

This can be done by right clicking on the image.

3. Paste the image into a program to resize and flip it.

I use Publisher. I love Publisher.

It is very important that you flip the photo or your words will come out backwards.

4. Print the design onto the fancy transfer paper.

I do it in photo quality.

5. Iron the design onto fabric.

Because I love you, I will share two tips at no extra charge. You're welcome.

Trim your design before ironing. (see photo below)

If you don't, you will get an ugly yellow border around it. You decide.

You probably don't need to iron it for as long as it says.

I think it says three minutes, but I can't find the directions right this very second.

You should lift the corner to check it after a minute or so.

6. If you want a bird, go here and follow the directions.

7. Make one for yourself and one or two or three to give away.

That will make you feel really good.
I may even give another one away to one of my bloggy friends.
I want to feel good again.

THINGS I'M WORKING ON THIS WEEK

2009-12-30T10:01:00.001-05:00

TUTORIALS!

Yes, I am working on this one for the logo bird

--not to be confused with the loco bird!

This one, too--so sorry for the delay!

It's all in finding the right photo, not the process!

And the bathroom tear out has me a wee bit distracted.

In case you are wondering what gets JKB moving?
I've been wondering that for about 30 years.

Why it's Kelly's and my subtle encouragement.

Or should I say, our making a mess?

While I am torn between catching up on my holiday reading . . .
That's a lot of book for $3, eh? That's Canadian for right?

. . . and watching the series that started it all . . .

I mean, why else would someone move to the Smoky Mountains? *grin*

. . . and, and of course, blogging,

the fact is that I would like to take a shower sometime soon--

without plaster falling at my feet.

So, be patient. Funky Junk is going to be very impressed.

She is, afterall, my inspiration.

AND THE CRAFTING NEVER STOPS

2009-12-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

CHRISTMAS - TAKE TWO

2009-12-27T20:23:00.001-05:00

get-started time

find-the-pickle time

and the winner is

read-the-Bible time

pass-out-the-presents time

open-the-presents time

try-on-the-presents time

KINDLE! WOW! time

cozy-sock-love time

more pass-out-presents time

music time?

shoot-the-photographer time

read-a-book-with-3D-glasses time?

look-amazed time?

clean-up time

finally--Mike time

collapse time

wrap-it-up time

over-view time

CHRISTMAS - TAKE ONE

2009-12-27T19:29:00.000-05:00

We picked Ryan up from boot camp the week before Christmas, and he had to leave by the 23rd in order to be able to drive to his base in Colorado by the required date. He opened up a few presents the night before he left.

Perhaps the most memorable presents were the puzzles that our resident artist made for him. Nate spent an afternoon gluing and cutting and wrapping. And Ryan, being a good sport, put his two together immediately--much to the delight of all.

They were much harder than they looked, so Kenzie pitched in to help.

Eventually, he was left to himself.

Everyone else decided that they wanted to have some fun as well, so they went to work on the more *traditional* puzzles. Each year, my older two children, Kelly and Michael, sit together and put a puzzle from their younger days together. Ryan has one as well, but he's not as dedicated to the tradition. *smile* This may be one of my favorite photos from this year. I absolutely must order puzzles from photos of the other children for next year.

RYAN'S BOOT CAMP GRADUATION

2009-12-26T23:02:00.000-05:00

Turning Blue Ceremony

The Graduation

The Homecoming

NEW PROJECTS

2009-12-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

Christmas decorating may be over, but the next creative project is just around the corner--after shopping that is. I love this season of purging and organizing. I love to start the year off feeling like I've got it together, and this is the week to accomplish that. Well, maybe that's a lofty goal, but I will try!

ALL IN GOOD FUN

2009-12-25T11:43:00.001-05:00

Nothing like a Sunday school party for getting to know people.

There was singing . . .

and more singing.

And there was the gift.

And, of course, there was food.

And there were games.

And then there was the bringing down of the Christmas spirit.

Patti was the one who knew how it was done.

The rest of us were just doing as we were told.

We didn't want to mess with her.

Pat and I were her recruits.

Pat didn't really play along.

I was a good sport.

Bob was a good sport.

Bob was weird.
We all were weird.

And a good time was had by all.

Merry Christmas!

IN THE HOME STRETCH

2009-12-19T23:02:00.000-05:00

I'm officially calling it. The time to decorate is over. It's time to once again put away the bins and enjoy the season. Once tomorrow's party at my house is over, I can and will relax a bit. The house will be as done as it's getting, the presents are wrapped, and school is out. It sounds so good to me!

Today I worked mostly on the upstairs since construction has halted for the holidays. Unfortunately, there is still quite a bit to do, so we'll be right back at it.

I bought these darling little plates years and years ago. They have never been displayed because I just didn't know how to do it. I don't know what got into me today, but I had a stroke of genius. I hot glued them to the shelf in the bathroom. Clever, huh? It was cheaper than plate hangers for the whole reindeer parade. I'll be touching up paint during the Christmas break from school, so if the glue doesn't peel off nicely, I will fix it then.

Aren't they just the cutest? I think I paid 50 cents a piece for them.

This set of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus was bought from Avon when my oldest was just a little girl. That was probably 25 or more years ago. It gets isplayed in our bathroom each year. Don't ask me why. Maybe because it's plastic and won't get ruined should one or more of them decide to take a bath. Just guessing.

The shelves at the bottom of the stairs were decorated today as well. They usually hold photographs but have been empty during the ceiling redo.

I will get to light 20 of the Advent candles tomorrow for my party.

And perhaps the biggest accomplishment today was getting some birds ready for shipment clear across the continent! Yes, it's been a productive day. I guess that happens when you get up at 5:30 a.m.

SNOW!

2009-12-19T19:04:00.001-05:00

I think this is the first snowman the kids have gotten to make in about four years! I hope this early snow is an indication of a white winter in East Tennessee!

This guy here hopes it snows for Christmas. At least that's what his reindeer prefer!

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

2009-12-13T22:57:00.010-05:00

I am participating in the Nester's tour of homes so forgive me for the repost of some of my photos!

Welcome! I am so glad you stopped by for a quick tour. I regret that I'm not quite done with my decorating, and that I have some really spiffy ideas for the big finish. Maybe you could drop by again next week! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy what I do have done!

the entry and the living room

the dining room

the kitchen

the daughter's bedroom

I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

FIREPLACE REDO WITH MAPS

2009-12-12T23:01:00.001-05:00

This is an exciting Saturday night post because it is the week that I am able to give something away over at Funky Junk's SNS #9! I like that--being it's Christmas time and all! I am so thankful for my friends here in blog land--the place where you don't have to dust to entertain. Thank you all for stopping by and for loving my little birds. I had no idea!

Tonight I'm going to share a project that I did several years ago. As a reminder, we moved into this house, which used to be a school, almost six years ago. For my sanity, I decided then and there that we would be on the ten-year plan when it came to renovating.

One of the sad things--among many--that was done by whomever when this historic home became a school was that the fireplaces were ripped out and boarded over. Now we neither have the budget nor the desire to bring this house back to its original grandeur. We just want to have fun and be creative in this home that the Lord provided. I honestly didn't think I'd have to work so hard, but I digress.

Because my husband is in the construction business, he comes across things. Lots of things. My garage is filled with a bunch of things. There I go digressing again. Anyway, he quite often comes across old mantles. Some are in better condition than others, but they all need a bit of sprucing up. I was over my head in painting in the early days when he brought home the one below, and I distinctly remember telling him that I was not--absolutely was not--going to strip and paint a mantle on top of everything else. I would do something with it, and it would go up, but it would not be stripped and painted.

Instead it was painted a wee bit and decoupaged with maps and rubbed with something or other and I called it a day. It went up in what used to be my homeschool room. It is now located in my daughter Kelly's side of the house. I suppose it is technically still referred to as the schoolroom even though none of the children are being homeschooled at this time.

You may also remember this photo from a few weeks back. I'm happy to tell you that we are making a bit of progress. I doubt very much that this project will be completed before the big Christmas party that I'm hosting next week--even though I was assured it would be! Oh well. And that's all I can say. Oh well.

Below was one of the photos that inspired me. I did not under any circumstances want to deal with sheetrock dust throughout the entire house--again. Call me wimpy, but I have cleaned enough of that stuff to last me a lifetime. We still have three more drop ceilings to replace, and it may take us the entire last four years of the plan to do it because the job is so big and so messy and so avoided.

STILL GOING . . .

2009-12-06T22:15:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure that I'm actually going to finish decorating in time for Christmas this year. I did a charity tour of homes today and was even more inspired! Yep, that's what I need: more inspiration. I told one homeowner that I was heading out to buy a case of Red Bull so that I could finish! Seriously. I did manage to get a few things done this weekend--but only a few. I don't know where the time goes. Once again I'm linking up to Donna's party at Funky Junk.

Imagine my surprise when I found these lovely black balls that I bought last year after Christmas. Unfortunately, what I had planned to do with them can not happen. Since I forgot I bought them, I also forgot to order the letters that I was going to use to decorate them. Thank the Lord for back-up plans.

There is one--and I stress only one--good thing about drop ceilings. You can hang things from them quite nicely. Now one day, we will have finished redoing every ceiling in this house, but for now, we must find ways to *enjoy* them. Tessa's room now has the lovely black balls hanging from her ceiling. These photos do not do them justice.

The buzz word this year seems to be WISH which is okay with me! I love it.

And of course, the monogram never goes out of style.

And since I didn't get done what I wanted, I went through the double doors and took a picture of Kelly's window treatment. Isn't it just wonderful? This room used to be our dining room, and when we split the house in two, it became her living room. I only show it now to say that just a year ago, her ceiling was not done. See--we are making progress! I needed to hear that. For those who are new here, we live in a circa 1860 house that housed a school for the twelve years before we bought it. Think nasty.

Tis the season to be jolly . . .

2009-12-05T23:25:00.001-05:00

. . . fa la la la la . . . I would love to have posted more today, but the decorating has taken much longer than I thought it would. I can't quite figure out if I'm slower or less focused or just trying to do more. Regardless . . . it's not done yet! And my computer would not let me get the photos of what is done off of my camera. I think I'll call it a night.

LET THE DECORATING BEGIN

2009-11-29T21:41:00.003-05:00

My goal this weekend was to get a jump on the decorating. After five years, I finally got a vision for my front door. I still have some tweaking to do--how I wish that I could get things done during round one, but . . .

I'm loving the IKEA star hung from the second floor railing. So not loving the scaffolding in the background. Hopefully, the ceiling reveal will take place soon!

The ornaments are not on the tree yet, but a few presents are wrapped--before December 1! Amazing!

FUNKY JUNK PARTY POST

2009-11-29T21:09:00.002-05:00

My daughter brought this box home from a warehouse that my husband was hired to empty. Wasn't that sweet of her?

I added some handles and filled it with *stuff* (which is plentiful at our house). I know, not much of a redo this week, but it's all I need to get into the party at Funky Junk. *grin*

I bet you would have felt more special had I actually put a tablecloth on the table before I took the pictures. At least I lit the candles!

And because I'm in a partying mood, I'm going to share one more quick project. I bought some metal stars at the Dollar Tree last year and sprayed them gold. This year I added some glitter. No telling what next year might bring.