tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34303013932200138412024-03-13T20:39:57.205-07:00Carefully Controlled ChaosA journey of motherhood...Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-63342678481340389982010-03-27T07:13:00.001-07:002010-03-27T08:42:54.020-07:00Oooh, I am really behind on posting. I haven't got to do a whole lot of crafting lately, but I have been busy spring cleaning. I finished one bathroom, the laundry room and about 1/2 the kitchen. <br /><br />I spent one afternoon making this boxwood wreath.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MJbJiotLUZ8A1AaEVMPX2xH4_cIo7LloUvgCNAkQCsJcm_dlCpJrZRMLTE7gPK8oGWQMcBjFpFKC48pxsGgpemogkk8486Feg2PahgIA6SkQPOT99iZiSQFVUJoj64SOLEgPFP67paSi/s1600/Jan-mar10+217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MJbJiotLUZ8A1AaEVMPX2xH4_cIo7LloUvgCNAkQCsJcm_dlCpJrZRMLTE7gPK8oGWQMcBjFpFKC48pxsGgpemogkk8486Feg2PahgIA6SkQPOT99iZiSQFVUJoj64SOLEgPFP67paSi/s400/Jan-mar10+217.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453318558672665634" /></a><br /><br />I am not very proud of it for several reasons. First I HATE HATE HATE the smell of fake boxwood! Second, even at half price at Hobby Lobby it was still $4 a bunch. It took 3 to make this and I really needed 4 (to do the inside) which makes this not an inexpensive wreath. Probably still much cheaper than Ballard and such but not cheap enough for me.<br /><br />Maybe you can improve upon it. I started with a foam wreath, boxwood, and glue.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjrZ1E-d_jUGujQne02GgPeJYs4_AFDYn6nwRQEcrqfOgfXMCHdBml1YkuNmVuy5HOlaNY2gpKOCTyKpV3amd3Wh1mAl4pulE2z0gfAHDGO1troQE24U0JtFcOQFucstHtwpCZvAriG7R/s1600/Jan-mar10+208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjrZ1E-d_jUGujQne02GgPeJYs4_AFDYn6nwRQEcrqfOgfXMCHdBml1YkuNmVuy5HOlaNY2gpKOCTyKpV3amd3Wh1mAl4pulE2z0gfAHDGO1troQE24U0JtFcOQFucstHtwpCZvAriG7R/s400/Jan-mar10+208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453328907248535570" /></a><br /><br /><br />I then spread glue in small sections at a time and pushed the boxwood in. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaFSb3Sr8l0q3GLjYzskLJQPf-OIjRhUk0n1tZ5907fsDs-yVdl97bhmR3M4sWPr6yJCrZSjmeXPrGjzoW0XwBVbPUUAcYJyyUltZz-Ser80cI9dWenpv0hplblt8kFl8X4GsXOdZ-xrN/s1600/Jan-mar10+210.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaFSb3Sr8l0q3GLjYzskLJQPf-OIjRhUk0n1tZ5907fsDs-yVdl97bhmR3M4sWPr6yJCrZSjmeXPrGjzoW0XwBVbPUUAcYJyyUltZz-Ser80cI9dWenpv0hplblt8kFl8X4GsXOdZ-xrN/s400/Jan-mar10+210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453331333911784962" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLE41Sap93zWQrBGqdpwIeGOyvCP_EReZkpDtu-KSv2tpAG5ftpSpDvUGZgqBWpwfrbgIRbAzMyc0vF-bgBq8aRn2O7n3OeyRs5zVGxwp0ha9PIIv8d7ZIYIXScgVQL0i738nD9VaAFfX/s1600/Jan-mar10+212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLE41Sap93zWQrBGqdpwIeGOyvCP_EReZkpDtu-KSv2tpAG5ftpSpDvUGZgqBWpwfrbgIRbAzMyc0vF-bgBq8aRn2O7n3OeyRs5zVGxwp0ha9PIIv8d7ZIYIXScgVQL0i738nD9VaAFfX/s400/Jan-mar10+212.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453331341445829170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HXwkfzP67iHYmDNWt23KTG2EDa2EgkiPNDYcWik8nPaCP79vGhsJsCUkkSQfRNN7TSN9Kn01iU8XBfAAnSBoOSOzRkJbhmpvN8O-IGwU_XYsx1zHWvqC5mwdXX6-QkzLDtTV_Khfwc_U/s1600/Jan-mar10+214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HXwkfzP67iHYmDNWt23KTG2EDa2EgkiPNDYcWik8nPaCP79vGhsJsCUkkSQfRNN7TSN9Kn01iU8XBfAAnSBoOSOzRkJbhmpvN8O-IGwU_XYsx1zHWvqC5mwdXX6-QkzLDtTV_Khfwc_U/s400/Jan-mar10+214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453331350090935010" /></a><br /><br /><br />I think that I may make another some time, only smaller.<br /><br />Here is a wreath I made for the front door that I am a little more proud of. I just spray painted a grape vine wreath yellow and then tucked in some forsythia. You can't really see in the picture how yellow the wreath looks. Happy spring! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjog-pgLDppN051xUMdgcNYi7RZuzRUyRb8D_Y9m5hG6SHQb9N59U1qZCfaiqzU_iGDmuqHnRnW_zcWJdpmRdVChuiIG-ML1wQxnHM0gtrrx2v-StbmpztvX4P1eu-Yx3kQQ2PFM-zqo37n/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjog-pgLDppN051xUMdgcNYi7RZuzRUyRb8D_Y9m5hG6SHQb9N59U1qZCfaiqzU_iGDmuqHnRnW_zcWJdpmRdVChuiIG-ML1wQxnHM0gtrrx2v-StbmpztvX4P1eu-Yx3kQQ2PFM-zqo37n/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453338799408455522" /></a>Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-18392538037864043152010-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:002010-03-03T09:38:19.337-08:00Good Enough Clean and Ready for ChristmasI find that I could spend my entire life cleaning. Everywhere I look is something else that needs to be scrubbed, dusted, wiped, sanitized...blah, blah. I constantly struggle with the inability to just let things go. You would find that statement hilarious if you were at my house right now, because it is a serious wreck. I mean bad. I was gone yesterday from morning until 11 pm and my family obviously forgot themselves. Anyhoo, the system that I try to use to calm my Mrs. Clean attitude is the "good enough" clean method. Some things just have to be cleaned daily, if not 10 times a day. The dishes have to be washed, the counters must be wiped, the floor must be swept, my bed must be made (okay this is a personal one). However, the corner where the shower door meets the shower does not have to be scrubbed. The floor underneath my fridge and cook stove do not have to be spotless. My trash cans do not have to sparkle. Oooh but I want them to. So everyday I do the things that must be done and when I notice things like the corner of the shower or the trash cans, I write them on my to do list and get to them when I can. Today, for example, I am bleaching my kitchen trash can. Alas, she shower door will have to wait. Priorties!<br /><br />Enough about that little obsession. One of my other current obsessions is making Christmas gifts NOW! I have been busy making these cute little burlap bags, hopefully to hold jellies and such. I sewed the bags and added the embellishments that I just free cut and zig zag stitched on. Some are not very Christmasy - I may use them for birthdays. Have a blessed day.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gJm8M0a81-6Q7QJbfUUOe75poFegqMPXP5HLv4h0sUAk-VtNpmiurrsLaqEkhRrmMl5Vb6SJQvvQzoUfVXdlrZmm-iaooeENwbl3zb9h1xiuhl6b6p6Sz4DMO_LgM983IXKwnaERx652/s1600-h/IMG_0054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gJm8M0a81-6Q7QJbfUUOe75poFegqMPXP5HLv4h0sUAk-VtNpmiurrsLaqEkhRrmMl5Vb6SJQvvQzoUfVXdlrZmm-iaooeENwbl3zb9h1xiuhl6b6p6Sz4DMO_LgM983IXKwnaERx652/s400/IMG_0054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444461354544038306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7oWKIZCZeyf6g3Qir7SQ4bgMWKcWi5lKGAEsDOW2SGr-i2DUH-b4Nl_56zmTR1GuVtXCocULf09MZ-8NBZtUgKDdmtjaCP2CNyoyBYoQ-3nwaeegr83q7wdlPFTmWm50leUTW3IqEGEN/s1600-h/IMG_0053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7oWKIZCZeyf6g3Qir7SQ4bgMWKcWi5lKGAEsDOW2SGr-i2DUH-b4Nl_56zmTR1GuVtXCocULf09MZ-8NBZtUgKDdmtjaCP2CNyoyBYoQ-3nwaeegr83q7wdlPFTmWm50leUTW3IqEGEN/s400/IMG_0053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444461346892629506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGvtP24DXUAGyRua93INA9TiKZhLLOQkMb6kVDr1_b-4yJc4aI9aGR7n-K1J0Y_wg6l1EGTKIupSr4SfBxrzQUblUHa-HQ1xtYfXN0jW7kDNSVha3E2j3aWTvA6oTHzwUoFTybYpiTFG0/s1600-h/IMG_0052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGvtP24DXUAGyRua93INA9TiKZhLLOQkMb6kVDr1_b-4yJc4aI9aGR7n-K1J0Y_wg6l1EGTKIupSr4SfBxrzQUblUHa-HQ1xtYfXN0jW7kDNSVha3E2j3aWTvA6oTHzwUoFTybYpiTFG0/s400/IMG_0052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444461340510226898" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJr-HXJfccjgQSXMxi7Ru1B3B7EU_AwR8zrnUW5r_OyQ6IRuc8HUMOvWDxDFfw0hQIS1RdSe9YO0D9N9CLL7mhZ1Qsl7q2Os08SSixNCp_cQxgHGLqJoo6Fgo-K4_pbwn3SFy2mdP29LG/s1600-h/IMG_0048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJr-HXJfccjgQSXMxi7Ru1B3B7EU_AwR8zrnUW5r_OyQ6IRuc8HUMOvWDxDFfw0hQIS1RdSe9YO0D9N9CLL7mhZ1Qsl7q2Os08SSixNCp_cQxgHGLqJoo6Fgo-K4_pbwn3SFy2mdP29LG/s400/IMG_0048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444454281307764226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCppuRxDbzRS7AzkPPTamjCQFmPFU-p42UB9mDEfRK3P1_3oZOjvXRoTBmlThF-Yt6cCK0E-mpqRqnPCDqYc4xc1IZEnt4SXlQOSD2e_UAO23JdGt2ewlD0xTcY2FDupGvbM_cHzah0EQE/s1600-h/IMG_0047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCppuRxDbzRS7AzkPPTamjCQFmPFU-p42UB9mDEfRK3P1_3oZOjvXRoTBmlThF-Yt6cCK0E-mpqRqnPCDqYc4xc1IZEnt4SXlQOSD2e_UAO23JdGt2ewlD0xTcY2FDupGvbM_cHzah0EQE/s400/IMG_0047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444454275002434402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5C22HoeP9yCQzIyLrGEyoBxud2ueabVoKdFRfOhWI8o7U0PXc_NWkWD2ds0y5VL5Fh55Ttyej7qds20q2UIXh2gldXyzxgN66fMtAVSjlx-ngPBZ_z9YrjGaxCVA5DxXc9559I0JYESA/s1600-h/IMG_0046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5C22HoeP9yCQzIyLrGEyoBxud2ueabVoKdFRfOhWI8o7U0PXc_NWkWD2ds0y5VL5Fh55Ttyej7qds20q2UIXh2gldXyzxgN66fMtAVSjlx-ngPBZ_z9YrjGaxCVA5DxXc9559I0JYESA/s400/IMG_0046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444454268044250930" /></a>Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-71528710245787872462010-02-18T13:21:00.001-08:002010-02-18T13:36:19.460-08:00Magnetic Board with Goodwill FrameJust a quick post to show you a magnetic board I made to put by our front door. Here it is hanging by our overflowing coat rack.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-KT84wjxxexzjGZPeNOdheJ6EdvAldBvuc1j0i-dfBoZ7_jbFbM0Vw52IP6hLD-y7aAEvl1i580HX1OAsM5aEW-cvStCyQMkbwbsWqIF7lsUykbPCrBbgvDSbyPQ131jYpmUWoHL1OqL/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-KT84wjxxexzjGZPeNOdheJ6EdvAldBvuc1j0i-dfBoZ7_jbFbM0Vw52IP6hLD-y7aAEvl1i580HX1OAsM5aEW-cvStCyQMkbwbsWqIF7lsUykbPCrBbgvDSbyPQ131jYpmUWoHL1OqL/s400/Fall2009Early2010+139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439698077586644754" /></a><br /><br />I started with this frame I paid a dollar for. It still had the $22 price tag on it.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP0x9_rGjaKViOkdQzvseqd9yFbTiF_b913aEIKwjiH4b2DmF2r3pW10yHOibRpuXBn_QX3KNiuAWwVDeF4Fq-mcefeSrjCrcGtqF_ujVDFdBx30YhkxPdT2BxPosOuU6R9CJDfmuZJBv/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP0x9_rGjaKViOkdQzvseqd9yFbTiF_b913aEIKwjiH4b2DmF2r3pW10yHOibRpuXBn_QX3KNiuAWwVDeF4Fq-mcefeSrjCrcGtqF_ujVDFdBx30YhkxPdT2BxPosOuU6R9CJDfmuZJBv/s400/Fall2009Early2010+126.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439697717553191570" /></a><br /><br />My hubby has a metal cutter so he cut a piece of metal for the frame, but you could just use magnetic paint.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aZ4tJOEDiDNPqskWtYw-NFuOB0oh3kCDSTt5X_m8T1-pGnUGAj7Ef3-Cg-WyjObaeRmi_pkHEAGaizwZWgrPA0UcEyQ5MunsEC533t_s-JNqmumNgEHLvFPHpQ9KvhtJyXN1Fm4LspvJ/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aZ4tJOEDiDNPqskWtYw-NFuOB0oh3kCDSTt5X_m8T1-pGnUGAj7Ef3-Cg-WyjObaeRmi_pkHEAGaizwZWgrPA0UcEyQ5MunsEC533t_s-JNqmumNgEHLvFPHpQ9KvhtJyXN1Fm4LspvJ/s400/Fall2009Early2010+127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439697726094428738" /></a><br /><br />I distressed the frame and painted the metal black, then added a ribbon. I took some magnets that I already had and dressed them up with scrapbook paper and a sticker with each child's initial. Now I have a handy place to place notes and other things they need for the day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixXV_mmyn5nWN9Gs9W45e7-uV6FEInLmgmmOhOkf54j9I1He8pyBfYh80X-mpfOhnvtCh_YZZ0tzV8HZ5NA1OPuwmr3JeK92ndhtbnhAvIzb7EJ74BlL-CrXGHAXkHW0AfTKW0rUx8g6H/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixXV_mmyn5nWN9Gs9W45e7-uV6FEInLmgmmOhOkf54j9I1He8pyBfYh80X-mpfOhnvtCh_YZZ0tzV8HZ5NA1OPuwmr3JeK92ndhtbnhAvIzb7EJ74BlL-CrXGHAXkHW0AfTKW0rUx8g6H/s400/Fall2009Early2010+138.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439697755833293666" /></a>Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-86894503700149584532010-02-10T12:48:00.000-08:002010-02-10T13:22:26.216-08:00Welcome Sign, Our First Craft Party, and Helping OthersWe have had some beautiful snow days around here the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, the kids are using their summer days up one by one. In the middle of all this I have just a couple of quick projects. First is my welcome sign. Sorry I don't have "as I worked" pictures. Often I start out doing something and it turns into something totally different. When I was making it, I was thinking it would not turn out blog worthy, but it turned out pretty cute. Best part - made out of things I already had.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGiZfdq8v0sfZunyY6laKjdz_6otpZieZAQ0005C5D_01-Sh7MMdBVV9q_Tr7pdhjm8_tMGYpmWyGRegVKNhs5bfm29lw0zumBNAiyWq5t11OJJZmQm2AlLCPvAwPVhIrptAzUOdKkPMk/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+151.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGiZfdq8v0sfZunyY6laKjdz_6otpZieZAQ0005C5D_01-Sh7MMdBVV9q_Tr7pdhjm8_tMGYpmWyGRegVKNhs5bfm29lw0zumBNAiyWq5t11OJJZmQm2AlLCPvAwPVhIrptAzUOdKkPMk/s400/Fall2009Early2010+151.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436722686685472994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRecSJj6OU2ANoxr10aFFUea1-vrVjGzPDygWQR_GvvLRha9hwDZw-vLg2ZT5ixDTy1115YXPK0nWmkK4gxZGgEntP_CLLt4BdrWDupAOR9DMCPfGQQnz7MzJxL3bJcfgQt2Jm7YUq4xL4/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRecSJj6OU2ANoxr10aFFUea1-vrVjGzPDygWQR_GvvLRha9hwDZw-vLg2ZT5ixDTy1115YXPK0nWmkK4gxZGgEntP_CLLt4BdrWDupAOR9DMCPfGQQnz7MzJxL3bJcfgQt2Jm7YUq4xL4/s400/Fall2009Early2010+150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436722679760260834" /></a><br /><br />The sign itself is the back of a dresser drawer that we took apart. I painted it black and stenciled on the burlap. I then frayed the edges of the burlap and glued it on. I already had those little wooden "buttonie" things on the corners, I just painted them black and glued on. I think it has kind of a western look with the font I used.<br /><br /><br />This past weekend my sister, Melissa, and I had our first craft party and we had so much fun! We made the cupcake liner wreath from <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com">Tater Tots and Jello</a>. Thanks <a href="http://rhondas3boys.blogspot.com">Rhonda</a> for teaching me how to add a link. Anyway, the wreaths turned out great here's a look!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvn6d57LVyNHJkiqgJ2-d_yTBOwlOz0ob0CAiUnhjlzdGqiJdOnSEQmxcl4C_ilSvcerh8ktIRlErO0U5hohqc7OfARa2RGmIkdHlMpr9FcC_a-pkEio7h-roGWA9lO0UGkB2Fp4RavXO/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+211%232.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvn6d57LVyNHJkiqgJ2-d_yTBOwlOz0ob0CAiUnhjlzdGqiJdOnSEQmxcl4C_ilSvcerh8ktIRlErO0U5hohqc7OfARa2RGmIkdHlMpr9FcC_a-pkEio7h-roGWA9lO0UGkB2Fp4RavXO/s400/Fall2009Early2010+211%232.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436723961174960706" /></a><br /><br /><br />With the help of my kids and Sarah, we made a cake for my niece Nora's 2nd birthday. She loves Elmo and this one was so easy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbYi1kjAAObccbtCgOGwG9eIyd68PUrWODKLDQMu4j7IePiGdD0zeNQLC4YXkQ6_gU-hAoAdo4aRzU6ZAPE597ojgo6D111ecNkdADVJZa21kgbzr3344XEYOvSRXQOFVC28G4_Y0lcm6/s1600-h/Fall2009Early2010+206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbYi1kjAAObccbtCgOGwG9eIyd68PUrWODKLDQMu4j7IePiGdD0zeNQLC4YXkQ6_gU-hAoAdo4aRzU6ZAPE597ojgo6D111ecNkdADVJZa21kgbzr3344XEYOvSRXQOFVC28G4_Y0lcm6/s400/Fall2009Early2010+206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436725688149705698" /></a><br /><br /><br />We just baked the cake in an oven safe bowl, decorated with a star tip, and made eyes and mouth with junior mints and powder donuts. Easy!<br /><br />While I have you here, I have a friend who lost her 4 year old daughter late last year after a very short battle with leukemia. Monday the 15th would have been her 5th birthday. Her mother is requesting that everyone do something kind and spontaneous in Hannah's honor on Monday. If you do participate, please come back and leave a comment about what you did. Kimberly plans to make a scrapbook for her son about what people did in Hannah's honor. I look forward to hearing from you.Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-15781377774845531872010-01-27T09:17:00.001-08:002010-01-27T10:09:19.701-08:00Starting My Daughter's Room Makeover and ValentinesI don't know about you guys, but this talk of another ice storm has got me a little nervous. I don't mind the idea of a few days at home hunkered down again. I just want everyone to be safe. Earlier this month, I told you I was going to be redoing my daughter's tiny bedroom. We will hopefully begin painting it soon, but I am already working on some things for her wall. She found her color inspiration from one of her school folders. It has this black, white and aqua design on it. She also has a great love for the ocean so that is kind of the direction we are going in. I made this "A" sign for her last week. I keep all old signs or even pieces of wood that can be turned into new signs. This is made out of an old "home" sign that I was no longer fond of. I spray painted it black and then gathered a million buttons. I spray painted the buttons aqua and then glued them on in the letter shape. Super. Easy. However, if I did it again I would probably print out the letter form MS Word and stencil it lightly on the board, then fill with buttons - just so it would be more perfect. The best part was that she actually liked it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHMaS0sOYGfYO5QRIlnOl-Wn4Q3xsfSglX_vBexjOS_U1jDTCLxuDKR2GhgsaamvFgnUPV780qj6SpsjwXbzn9vJTgyyI5E6dpvW5YIwZ6zC0rzsSvgHPfcBvE77u0o1_c6I0TJ54GC2L/s1600-h/IMG_0307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHMaS0sOYGfYO5QRIlnOl-Wn4Q3xsfSglX_vBexjOS_U1jDTCLxuDKR2GhgsaamvFgnUPV780qj6SpsjwXbzn9vJTgyyI5E6dpvW5YIwZ6zC0rzsSvgHPfcBvE77u0o1_c6I0TJ54GC2L/s400/IMG_0307.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431477134956107138" /></a><br /><br />I have also done a little decorating for Valentine's Day. I made this wreath for the front door. It's a little plain but I kind of like it that way. I simply spray painted a grapevine wreath that I already had red. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADbSryQezn6mpiUQwI698n1FP5VdfhAr6HSMRRMfaEKcZX-xSyP9UEwxLtgPAVAF9zGohGe98aV9VfE_cR4H-BxJAxdqi4PKiX7eS7sFxNe8B4MHSeKeOwYwxP_hpllNiPCTpXr23NVcS/s1600-h/IMG_0317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADbSryQezn6mpiUQwI698n1FP5VdfhAr6HSMRRMfaEKcZX-xSyP9UEwxLtgPAVAF9zGohGe98aV9VfE_cR4H-BxJAxdqi4PKiX7eS7sFxNe8B4MHSeKeOwYwxP_hpllNiPCTpXr23NVcS/s400/IMG_0317.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431480116036076098" /></a><br /><br />Then I added this yarn. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX8j2LkR31izjjuHp3q1OZuRRumCKkl-P8A_w-anTqHaSH7ygsA9EmJgwsHAhDeGB1C3rcMq0wyWrmziYdD1KVuCzvu2MLFDIq875fW4lFMUThKBIJyPe6pA9K2M4eoebWF6U-89QPYCH/s1600-h/IMG_0318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX8j2LkR31izjjuHp3q1OZuRRumCKkl-P8A_w-anTqHaSH7ygsA9EmJgwsHAhDeGB1C3rcMq0wyWrmziYdD1KVuCzvu2MLFDIq875fW4lFMUThKBIJyPe6pA9K2M4eoebWF6U-89QPYCH/s400/IMG_0318.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431479552527788130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWOB77t1ZvHJjjyaUgeC8aweGZVEgMueRw5Dtp4sGX-W68zC5cOQhZYxG-YCzeWwDfK-jqxCcIG3fyxlIUQRZ-qit16J8-pLRoa-VJY9T6iTCQUGdTxFgf6m1FvYLh1dmNv0HtYnLTq_Z/s1600-h/IMG_0315.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWOB77t1ZvHJjjyaUgeC8aweGZVEgMueRw5Dtp4sGX-W68zC5cOQhZYxG-YCzeWwDfK-jqxCcIG3fyxlIUQRZ-qit16J8-pLRoa-VJY9T6iTCQUGdTxFgf6m1FvYLh1dmNv0HtYnLTq_Z/s400/IMG_0315.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431479545455113298" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then I couldn't stand it - I added these little polka dot flowers you can barely see.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O0VXEZDjGWx3jTRQ3HaFeoOc5-OiSnSNLwt4gEfjN_Px5RhyUB1QgrZmwNE_vFn8R3QJDLdx9q3YDg1r8xjS_rDFmoCSv-84nthfx44mVc3SCpOh0t98a-h5_DbMZw5u4zbAxfRIKZQN/s1600-h/IMG_0370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4O0VXEZDjGWx3jTRQ3HaFeoOc5-OiSnSNLwt4gEfjN_Px5RhyUB1QgrZmwNE_vFn8R3QJDLdx9q3YDg1r8xjS_rDFmoCSv-84nthfx44mVc3SCpOh0t98a-h5_DbMZw5u4zbAxfRIKZQN/s400/IMG_0370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431480723386881586" /></a><br /><br />This weekend I am having my first girls craft get-to-gether with my sis and friend. I am so excited - we are planning on making the cupcake liner wreath at tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com. (can someone teach me how to put links in here?)<br /><br />I'll let you know how it goes.Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-78142048137178704322010-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:002010-01-07T16:36:28.857-08:00Resolutions and a Finished Laundry RoomWhere did 2009 go? Seriously, we just started it and now it's gone! I was looking back over last year's resolutions and no kidding out of about 30, I completed 2 or 3. Argh! I guess that is better than nothing, but does not seem very efficient of me. Maybe I should start setting goals I can definitely meet to make myself feel good. Okay, low expectation resolution #1 - only gain 5 lbs this year - #2 - check email and Facebook waaay too much - #3 exercise only on days that start with a "W". HAAA! So seriously, I will continue to set the bar way too high because that is what I do. For 2010, I again have way too many resolutions. I always kind of divide them into categories - God, family, finances, self etc. I won't bore you with all of them but here are a few.<br /><br />God - to find a church for our family and attend enough for people to stop giving us visitor cards<br />Self - to finally go on a canoe trip and to buy a bra from Victoria Secret<br />Family - to get Georgia out of my bed - she's almost 7! and to take more camping trips this year<br />Finances - hummm to have some finances!<br />Home - to redeco my room and Adrian's room<br />Others - to participate in a fundraiser for children's cancer research<br /><br />I usually reevaluate my goals every month. I try to find things I can do every month - if not everyday to reach my goals. For example, one of my goals is to lose a few pounds (of course), so I will schedule a workout everyday to help meet that goal. Also, one of the goals I mentioned is to redeco my room with a tufted headboard. I will schedule a day to measure for the board and then I will schedule a day to buy the plywood and materials. Wow, you would think I would accomplish a lot more. Sometimes I have to really sit back and look at my grand plans and ask myself where all this matters in the big picture. I get so caught up in the planning to live sometimes, I forget to live. You know how it goes..<br /><br />On to decorating, I finally finished my laundry room! Well, we're never really finished but I am at a resting point. Here is the before...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpMkZesQM3ESXjLkR8DbpYAnIsbZLskCPage1FrYbajZj0sqOsIGAT9M2Y0BrJaCfX6ZCBZNGLBNkRlH_I0pHtpC3AP5eNQd5xqkqf4SlILEXcA9Ph3soDooji-wymGVKZcRx1IolIvsL/s1600-h/106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpMkZesQM3ESXjLkR8DbpYAnIsbZLskCPage1FrYbajZj0sqOsIGAT9M2Y0BrJaCfX6ZCBZNGLBNkRlH_I0pHtpC3AP5eNQd5xqkqf4SlILEXcA9Ph3soDooji-wymGVKZcRx1IolIvsL/s400/106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424158056226034274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0WSvAzBkjrD5WnQflGmKDgKK5cr5rvY2xDdznVNy444pBsTAIWBqhCEbECLnUrJX1rwc7ogyHhrBoujIyO2P6579aO23jbjWmHurQqbWK0cuu0t5fd2dF_2m3sfa8RxXWYxgG85K9Uwf/s1600-h/104.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0WSvAzBkjrD5WnQflGmKDgKK5cr5rvY2xDdznVNy444pBsTAIWBqhCEbECLnUrJX1rwc7ogyHhrBoujIyO2P6579aO23jbjWmHurQqbWK0cuu0t5fd2dF_2m3sfa8RxXWYxgG85K9Uwf/s400/104.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424158047217848290" /></a><br /><br /><br />Oh my those pics are awful, why am I putting them on here for the world to see? And who, who, who? picked that pink and green wallpaper?<br /><br />And here is after....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqa9p-U3fLCI5gQuzrN3kYHMSCfPKLqwwLBFqhPIn9JIzmK8ZRHgsmAADW1Agpardck5OzP1uNisSQA9j5LvuCfc4cdfOvg6Wf6PZcZ7xppUUq0hEMPbFsBA_SWcyQnoGL-CrEhoD8yBkq/s1600-h/IMG_0264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqa9p-U3fLCI5gQuzrN3kYHMSCfPKLqwwLBFqhPIn9JIzmK8ZRHgsmAADW1Agpardck5OzP1uNisSQA9j5LvuCfc4cdfOvg6Wf6PZcZ7xppUUq0hEMPbFsBA_SWcyQnoGL-CrEhoD8yBkq/s400/IMG_0264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160087991846754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xd-puu7txyaNzkTsz_MNXA20U6EThTBKI_r5CaWYWFC3WYdXjYp_BLnYEVN2NXFMGHcTbZF4ToWZ3KPgxXlS_9hF8ugBQW58oxrkegKPe0tpxJnQWfycLZFLSwcWUCfHZc0sSMmOXFpo/s1600-h/IMG_0263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xd-puu7txyaNzkTsz_MNXA20U6EThTBKI_r5CaWYWFC3WYdXjYp_BLnYEVN2NXFMGHcTbZF4ToWZ3KPgxXlS_9hF8ugBQW58oxrkegKPe0tpxJnQWfycLZFLSwcWUCfHZc0sSMmOXFpo/s400/IMG_0263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160084247544994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhi5qQ0TCXXj9nREpBWpumQpoaMZbls1fMuLKGFzumdRQXsoLbZryBBGR85wU43MjokVp_X-5CDz7VyiRv03hxe5qSgvRJ9neuWK0Uyhf0AQxVyw1CsiyvxOtzatrQBozdddtYuQJ9UJ8/s1600-h/IMG_0262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhi5qQ0TCXXj9nREpBWpumQpoaMZbls1fMuLKGFzumdRQXsoLbZryBBGR85wU43MjokVp_X-5CDz7VyiRv03hxe5qSgvRJ9neuWK0Uyhf0AQxVyw1CsiyvxOtzatrQBozdddtYuQJ9UJ8/s400/IMG_0262.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160078888109682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TsSsTNRIYunhuDAxVTzsjOAJ6tiLkMcj9K-edyl7mo3S4WCeZLzvHUGxstKHJ7uLNVNX2kLa4EblWuwZzMhwq920nu53nRybIZ4YquctpxXwHRjFSW7xGuYWvnGyYyIdk9Li92DNdzAW/s1600-h/IMG_0261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TsSsTNRIYunhuDAxVTzsjOAJ6tiLkMcj9K-edyl7mo3S4WCeZLzvHUGxstKHJ7uLNVNX2kLa4EblWuwZzMhwq920nu53nRybIZ4YquctpxXwHRjFSW7xGuYWvnGyYyIdk9Li92DNdzAW/s400/IMG_0261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160069072569282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVUtrf7Pfg-0d7pcENrluCuqlGL0PYTXe7tcOucQVP0RRucHUiYydQQ6WilMSc39d_nIESk9H4g8raFfzYW_-j0f9Qt-ugMz9poQjYLqKTjwyhWjPKZvFnOlPBOjmfgYtE9kTO3YKk5cq/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVUtrf7Pfg-0d7pcENrluCuqlGL0PYTXe7tcOucQVP0RRucHUiYydQQ6WilMSc39d_nIESk9H4g8raFfzYW_-j0f9Qt-ugMz9poQjYLqKTjwyhWjPKZvFnOlPBOjmfgYtE9kTO3YKk5cq/s400/IMG_0269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160877639893714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXffFQv7r8lM0_jvm1r54sjxu66y6rZblAX4i3VW254aDNL1cLd6gANuskrW6kSA0vUnzVpawXuRwH3Y9KC3PUMXT9MtboimpbGPulHn1o2iiC5B2bZURQJQyjAB1Wo5cgoodDtHrTXPh/s1600-h/IMG_0268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXffFQv7r8lM0_jvm1r54sjxu66y6rZblAX4i3VW254aDNL1cLd6gANuskrW6kSA0vUnzVpawXuRwH3Y9KC3PUMXT9MtboimpbGPulHn1o2iiC5B2bZURQJQyjAB1Wo5cgoodDtHrTXPh/s400/IMG_0268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160873077941298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyS_ZdwS8YTVVqrtmJgx2phmhPHPuhssDzEtcbPO4xcjZU5ijbP_MJgHdxJ-0OE_hKB8_drZfAjctTbOAsv5BoWnP57DMN60M4gjwSrFZnPufCEHlY8-hX2neRVr0uFxOSxnh3Gqt-eNVJ/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyS_ZdwS8YTVVqrtmJgx2phmhPHPuhssDzEtcbPO4xcjZU5ijbP_MJgHdxJ-0OE_hKB8_drZfAjctTbOAsv5BoWnP57DMN60M4gjwSrFZnPufCEHlY8-hX2neRVr0uFxOSxnh3Gqt-eNVJ/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160864510388818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CeV8Wo-797D1z5CkCV-XNJCIY5gjpyyTfDn-FX-GUlK7QiRLuPejwgaIKV4UNlTDUtqdt87bWLlN9WQKTA3D9xvf6non5K42VJKNBpubAp_LWqjHitJQop6qTT-NthN80dQ2NKoTHqGR/s1600-h/IMG_0265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CeV8Wo-797D1z5CkCV-XNJCIY5gjpyyTfDn-FX-GUlK7QiRLuPejwgaIKV4UNlTDUtqdt87bWLlN9WQKTA3D9xvf6non5K42VJKNBpubAp_LWqjHitJQop6qTT-NthN80dQ2NKoTHqGR/s400/IMG_0265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424160862065096370" /></a><br /><br />Omigolly, it looks so much better. I got rid of a bunch clutter and those horrid stripes. I am thinking about putting a red toille (umm how do you spell that word?) curtain on the door. What do you think? I don't want the area to look cluttered.<br /><br /><br />Coming up this year on my blog:<br />Redo of the master bedroom, including a tufted headboard.<br />Redo of my teenage daughter's tiiiiny bedroom.<br />Some low fat/cal recipes!<br />Mindless rambling!<br />Thanks for stopping by...Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-16904936498278737002009-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:002009-12-15T20:02:58.922-08:00Why am I Really Doing This?Hi all, it's been a long time since my last post I know. I was substitute teaching a lot and I don't balance work and home as well as others. I thought I might just delete my blog if I am not able to keep it up regularly, but for now I have decided to leave it - sporadically updated and all.<br /><br />Georgia also has had a rough few weeks - pneumonia and another virus - but she is doing better now. I realize that things could be much worse. Another dear cancer mom lost her 4 year old daughter to leukemia last week. Last year at this time, my friend Tiffany lost her daughter to a rare tumor. Another family from Siloam Springs is hoping for a miracle for their baby boy also struck by leukemia. These are just the ones I know. There are many others I follow through caringbridge that I have never met but battle just the same. Childhood cancer is an beast that must be stopped! But how? I was talking to one of the nurses at Arkansas Children's Hospital yesterday and she was relaying to me that they are seeing a large increase in oncology patients. Why is this happening? Logically, I care more about this issue because I have a huge stake in it, but shouldn't everyone care about a disease striking our children? <br /><br />The survival rate for childhood cancer is about 8 in 10. Sounds pretty good doesn't it? But what if your child is one of the 2? The kind of cancer that Georgia had, has a survival rate of somewhere in the 90%. That's awesome especially when you consider that it was 0% only 15 years ago. A cure is awesome, amazing, wonderful, but I would love to see more focus on prevention! The medicines that Georgia and other leukemia patients take are wonderful and horrible at the same time. Yesterday the nurse and I were discussing the drug that Georgia was receiving through her port - as she does every month. The drug is called Vincristine - and I thank God for it. However, one dose of it in the tissue or spine - rather than a vein causes immediate death! That is sobering. Prevention would be so much less dangerous and painful.<br /><br />That brings me to my title today. Why am I blogging? Why am I blogging about home decorating of all things? I am reminded daily of how trivial most things are. How the things that really matter are usually the things that get put aside. Yet here I sit typing away the precious minutes. I guess I do this because it is an escape. I used to tell myself that I was making a wonderful home for my family. But we all know that a home is made by love and dedication, not chalkboard plates or refinished chairs. So I have come to the conclusion that I decorate and blog about it as a means to escape the realities of life and sometimes to think about them while I am crafting.<br /><br />So I hope that I have not brought you down, but reminded you that the family inside the home is more important than the home itself. BUT decorating and crafting are a fun way to get away from it all. I will keep decorating and rambling about a cure!<br /><br />So here are a few of my Christmas projects:<br /><br /><br />Here is the wreath that I made per Kimba at A Soft Place to Land. See the link on the right of my blog.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtLR3s7wwYhUlMwPmyJSOW84A1BPzE2BwnbPrbKRvMsUKW7qwvrAI_fOJgNtKkkCr1GDGzMkd3_lwEH7H7J-yH3ajLW203RYmHFOdvONOlsRzZ_vqN6yGrmz23-UDqhPYWuS6WaZ_8NrJ/s1600-h/IMG_0108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtLR3s7wwYhUlMwPmyJSOW84A1BPzE2BwnbPrbKRvMsUKW7qwvrAI_fOJgNtKkkCr1GDGzMkd3_lwEH7H7J-yH3ajLW203RYmHFOdvONOlsRzZ_vqN6yGrmz23-UDqhPYWuS6WaZ_8NrJ/s400/IMG_0108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415675358892158914" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here is sign I made by simply painting over an ugly one I found for $2.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QmVo8GWX_sitLPJAp98wmjVEswdu8f0FscTHdCapOHYreZFE1avOceycuOrZLPNfXw3J7OfHtlgu9zG88WQmbWMIPX-Urwr137O0uHEiNkYUpCHQHGynkkXuP0zS0-VZSsQr8x60b2Zs/s1600-h/IMG_0109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QmVo8GWX_sitLPJAp98wmjVEswdu8f0FscTHdCapOHYreZFE1avOceycuOrZLPNfXw3J7OfHtlgu9zG88WQmbWMIPX-Urwr137O0uHEiNkYUpCHQHGynkkXuP0zS0-VZSsQr8x60b2Zs/s400/IMG_0109.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415675922502063986" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a little display on a cabinet in the dining room. Simple candle in a jar with fresh greenery from the yard, add a wreath I already had and VIOLA! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0PA7aB4-Miecv9XFR8rFAcPP0ebMYijpB3kNJSxboOR77aOWADc3rBzxwUCRFmyNPoxwLfkBk_7rnQ6owf5PZp-Ix7_VKurLEFTRKgPMc1mWgYeHVr6VoD1dkG4b7Wu15bLZK7SAlYQz/s1600-h/IMG_0118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0PA7aB4-Miecv9XFR8rFAcPP0ebMYijpB3kNJSxboOR77aOWADc3rBzxwUCRFmyNPoxwLfkBk_7rnQ6owf5PZp-Ix7_VKurLEFTRKgPMc1mWgYeHVr6VoD1dkG4b7Wu15bLZK7SAlYQz/s400/IMG_0118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415676447889920562" /></a><br /><br /><br />I found this "ready to paint" sign at HobLob for 1/2 price, of course. I painted it red and then covered the bottom. I then splattered the top with white paint to create the snowed on look.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicumcXKf0GiTn7pYIqDunso1ijRiHiCVzEVkahwHn0lOTWp0-2V_tbp9LD5atj1-UP-qockdzaiZdQIQC5wLj9DMzWz82Iy4AMipas25KfiAH9XQNuOhstgfW1b7OMrBInR0fPwcADfmOO/s1600-h/IMG_0121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicumcXKf0GiTn7pYIqDunso1ijRiHiCVzEVkahwHn0lOTWp0-2V_tbp9LD5atj1-UP-qockdzaiZdQIQC5wLj9DMzWz82Iy4AMipas25KfiAH9XQNuOhstgfW1b7OMrBInR0fPwcADfmOO/s400/IMG_0121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415677128257040466" /></a><br /><br />These are my favorites, but of course there is more- such as my burlap table runner. If I find time I will post more pictures. I leave you with a picture of me under our Christmas tree - literally! It fell on me while I was steadying the base. I wasn't hurt but could not get up - it is a real tree and HEAVY. The kids were too busy laughing like mad and taking pics to help me. Merry Christmas!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl03mk7XqRlhe3Rl9YVjmYblu7Bw3IfsvGMKLTNUfWng8yfvQEEavItWUvKMY6VWgTXtxEcLJHG59dqh88luyiKkVyV6wXhxn5XWQucC_d2EKhfTR3K0yI1a0BPBcD22LJIxmOI8UUh_t/s1600-h/IMG_0125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl03mk7XqRlhe3Rl9YVjmYblu7Bw3IfsvGMKLTNUfWng8yfvQEEavItWUvKMY6VWgTXtxEcLJHG59dqh88luyiKkVyV6wXhxn5XWQucC_d2EKhfTR3K0yI1a0BPBcD22LJIxmOI8UUh_t/s400/IMG_0125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415677767028344402" /></a>Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-61993086603739120042009-09-29T05:24:00.000-07:002009-09-29T07:10:46.980-07:00Fall IdeasI have never had more than 1 or 2 comments on my blog so I am really feeling the love from last week, thanks guys! Now to answer the question about the dressmaker tracing paper. My package is probably 10 years old. I venture to say this stuff could last a lifetime. Our local Walmart does not sell it anymore but you could probably find it at Hancocks or Hobby Lobby. If not, I have heard that you can use a piece of newspaper with dense print in the same way. First, I print out the words that I want to use from my computer. Then you place the tracing paper face down on the object you want to transfer to. Place your printout face up on top of the tracing paper and then trace with any writing object. Try not to move either your tracing paper or your print out while you are tracing. Lift the papers and TA DA! Now you are ready to paint the words or my favorite -use a Sharpie or paint marker.<br /><br />Now for my fall stuff. I went a little overboard decorating for fall this year - but I think I like decorating for fall even better than Christmas! Here are a few of my projects:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioumRjWwDe7zfDvjrxqfOzS1UeKlZHmENTHpAnOtLtNWp_IDxZ80PF191Rec-WwjdoPg8YEkxOISFIU-Rc4sH40aQh9I3g5KhhiHcA5uHDN0lADA_cn1ufX7Vo9Cmr1UF8uS5gwWD1X17D/s1600-h/IMG_0053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioumRjWwDe7zfDvjrxqfOzS1UeKlZHmENTHpAnOtLtNWp_IDxZ80PF191Rec-WwjdoPg8YEkxOISFIU-Rc4sH40aQh9I3g5KhhiHcA5uHDN0lADA_cn1ufX7Vo9Cmr1UF8uS5gwWD1X17D/s400/IMG_0053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386891386131099458" /></a><br /><br />I wanted a new fall wreath but all the ones I really like were about $40! No way, I just see those prices as a personal challenge now. I saw a square wreath that I really liked and decided that I could just use an old frame. I already had the wreath garland, so I just snipped off the leaves and hot glued them on the frame. The little scarecrow head is not attached, again just something I already had.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWyqwN7LOpcB1qBIaBoLet1lp_dBcQ2f6NrfDzus4igGr3A2uL5OP3kM8bphW6e_PuJUJHuz8RM4xe34hSngWj5R67fyJj0kTKRqQ6a2AvTxFk9W7Etdk1GimU1fo7gmzC1Hshf7WUALw/s1600-h/IMG_0059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWyqwN7LOpcB1qBIaBoLet1lp_dBcQ2f6NrfDzus4igGr3A2uL5OP3kM8bphW6e_PuJUJHuz8RM4xe34hSngWj5R67fyJj0kTKRqQ6a2AvTxFk9W7Etdk1GimU1fo7gmzC1Hshf7WUALw/s400/IMG_0059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386873405497627890" /></a><br />I don't usually decorate for Halloween, but when I saw these pumpkins in BH&G I had to have them. I looked high and low for the small white pumpkins, but when I found them they were $6 each. So I bought the $2 mid-size orange ones and painted them. I used my tracing method to put the letters on them. My teenager pointed out how crooked the letters were, but I pointed out how cute they were anyway. I also spray painted this owl black (previously all white found for $1). All of this sits on my entry shelf.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTU-vBK9qUmpBQ9qWsUZv-E47RxHKcUOnXL8wh6vROrLepxqc2dJitT9ufJnMAIxYYx4AcQNbeGnOBzzsdAz1f9aW_IGH3lQnqh4qmnP0SE2OdSdebrN5co-yLNOru44G6ZhaSo_8BgwI/s1600-h/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTU-vBK9qUmpBQ9qWsUZv-E47RxHKcUOnXL8wh6vROrLepxqc2dJitT9ufJnMAIxYYx4AcQNbeGnOBzzsdAz1f9aW_IGH3lQnqh4qmnP0SE2OdSdebrN5co-yLNOru44G6ZhaSo_8BgwI/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386873403638897618" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I found this burlap bag at Tractor Supply of all places and then put the images on. I stuffed if with newspaper and propped it up against the shelf. Then I put some crates and a straw hat under the shelf and filled with pumpkins and gourds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-_Icps8_4p0QQfcrJ_5-o9rSiBb6Z5-cqICwjvlmsUW8FqgzT1uKkZbY8slldaz2hAN-U0yGw7xxdbiS-bg6ncxAWfHYtY_WBY7NM4MFvUiWZxq7Wclg-C2E-DyQKPLupPmj5jvWGLBy/s1600-h/IMG_0060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-_Icps8_4p0QQfcrJ_5-o9rSiBb6Z5-cqICwjvlmsUW8FqgzT1uKkZbY8slldaz2hAN-U0yGw7xxdbiS-bg6ncxAWfHYtY_WBY7NM4MFvUiWZxq7Wclg-C2E-DyQKPLupPmj5jvWGLBy/s400/IMG_0060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386875954624602242" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJTgkBye-IbvCpXduCF60JpLaZmzQkV8k2XZx_qWBNKp5JqVGIx7W__4Xmwpism6zNn7zZQiyg4FsW0OzCCbJOleph1RNsV1PGNyO2Xk6pHNjFzLKbyH30JHYECU5PTAy7OtF0Jh6tTpl/s1600-h/IMG_0061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJTgkBye-IbvCpXduCF60JpLaZmzQkV8k2XZx_qWBNKp5JqVGIx7W__4Xmwpism6zNn7zZQiyg4FsW0OzCCbJOleph1RNsV1PGNyO2Xk6pHNjFzLKbyH30JHYECU5PTAy7OtF0Jh6tTpl/s400/IMG_0061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386875956241908034" /></a><br /><br />Here is the whole shelf. Just try to pretend I don't have horrendous green carpet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwgmxc3gz46_XfRPjgbc35WayN1AgL_CP-aaih02OamKpGF18lBXxaKjclIxIfJI6zU1Gl6mCWhxWxFMixwwsxKCeu4T-k3Tf2NWnzJ_WmfcleZCi2mjUBPjR1yWUkDirBA4YzcDmZKMo/s1600-h/IMG_0065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwgmxc3gz46_XfRPjgbc35WayN1AgL_CP-aaih02OamKpGF18lBXxaKjclIxIfJI6zU1Gl6mCWhxWxFMixwwsxKCeu4T-k3Tf2NWnzJ_WmfcleZCi2mjUBPjR1yWUkDirBA4YzcDmZKMo/s400/IMG_0065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386885586859525474" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for stopping by!Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-30999920926848485742009-09-02T10:10:00.000-07:002009-09-02T10:49:32.223-07:00Dollar Tree FunI like to occasionally check our local Dollar Trees for something I can transform to fabulosity. Most of the time I don't find anything, but this week I hit the jackpot. These silver trays come in assorted shapes. Not pictured is an oval scallopy (I know, not a word) one that I got too excited about and painted before taking a picture.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0DbpzFHZ5X1w9PO4VukfUXkfnDLoiaNlFAgOjFcu4vPB8JZVQC1RIczUmK4oAZSy1bhdTNqzZSTuDggMA1ujdMl7zRUqbaWS69uqI7ZmQu3prEijYcawYCujaqZ0Z4tG2yT6ltJ43joJ/s1600-h/IMG_0542.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0DbpzFHZ5X1w9PO4VukfUXkfnDLoiaNlFAgOjFcu4vPB8JZVQC1RIczUmK4oAZSy1bhdTNqzZSTuDggMA1ujdMl7zRUqbaWS69uqI7ZmQu3prEijYcawYCujaqZ0Z4tG2yT6ltJ43joJ/s400/IMG_0542.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376920587656701394" /></a><br />The rectangular tray went to my bathroom for a catch-all. We don't have drawers in our bathroom, so there are a few things I have to keep on the counter. I do not like it, I would rather the counters be empty except for a few decorations, but this is a nice alternative. The trays will rust (they are not real silver you know) so I keep an old rag hidden under this one.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpzqOkIet-GtSRxRHCyigeRYu0vTONCKvV1W2MNoq1MdWyRrupnXiXEkLpSGXevR7RJ6OJ5NXKlLZXZUQ-Vj0mQWHViVLrX76_6kV2JcP8YzPZ_yMYqwP-sM9KypjXdArOEOKbPLCRwzN/s1600-h/IMG_0544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpzqOkIet-GtSRxRHCyigeRYu0vTONCKvV1W2MNoq1MdWyRrupnXiXEkLpSGXevR7RJ6OJ5NXKlLZXZUQ-Vj0mQWHViVLrX76_6kV2JcP8YzPZ_yMYqwP-sM9KypjXdArOEOKbPLCRwzN/s400/IMG_0544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376922061851104706" /></a><br /><br />The round tray went on a shelf in our entry. Tray chic (he, he).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHM8DFzqB_1-QB9VmInoTM-pXtdLccdOeoj9cVXt2Gxe9yK7IPVclAy7FxGOKGr3NEcXpvBw2ushfHHz3t7IYbUtm5lFPqNAhn4k2RYoz8tSVsmRAicimupRXzeVLYuM0ouwYIW_u2Eoy/s1600-h/IMG_0547.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHM8DFzqB_1-QB9VmInoTM-pXtdLccdOeoj9cVXt2Gxe9yK7IPVclAy7FxGOKGr3NEcXpvBw2ushfHHz3t7IYbUtm5lFPqNAhn4k2RYoz8tSVsmRAicimupRXzeVLYuM0ouwYIW_u2Eoy/s400/IMG_0547.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376922696541605666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iwKyO2BnogqCZG-LD9donh0pgdKM-kDgvZ_k2N-o8bSBZU4q6xvRFjgHPExq_bZsm-xQLIL9IerT8GDiFI0yeb4eZ2KfdVMSoMHz_9kXcIBQkKnFNiL6yrcYzc21L4MCEahDIDr4pqpf/s1600-h/IMG_0545.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iwKyO2BnogqCZG-LD9donh0pgdKM-kDgvZ_k2N-o8bSBZU4q6xvRFjgHPExq_bZsm-xQLIL9IerT8GDiFI0yeb4eZ2KfdVMSoMHz_9kXcIBQkKnFNiL6yrcYzc21L4MCEahDIDr4pqpf/s400/IMG_0545.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376922688267246066" /></a><br /><br /><br />Finally, I primed the oval tray with spray primer. I then painted it off-white with craft paint. I used a paint marker to write "PRIVATE" and then lightly brushed black craft paint on the raised edges. I used my usual method with dressmakers paper to paint the word on. I used the sign for our bedroom door. I was going to use a plate hanger to hang it, but I decided I didn't want a hole in the door. So I went with sticky tack. It is holding surprisingly well.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeiMkeVZzJBLAzrfxuH3dA28E6Ko-aut18ufXg5w3atgKDdLTblda0EKFErnWmlbywZuOuxpT568ITx5ShDkxQxpM93ZHvi20P712wgRzJhMFvU3MGibw-TccBr4-deQoVJLoNJEQnYrk/s1600-h/IMG_0540.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeiMkeVZzJBLAzrfxuH3dA28E6Ko-aut18ufXg5w3atgKDdLTblda0EKFErnWmlbywZuOuxpT568ITx5ShDkxQxpM93ZHvi20P712wgRzJhMFvU3MGibw-TccBr4-deQoVJLoNJEQnYrk/s400/IMG_0540.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376923996954553826" /></a><br />The new sign has really kept the kids out, well not really but isn't it cute?<br /><br />Also, this week I found this metal tray type thing at a junk store for $.50. It was already painted blue and red. My good friend Melissa wanted a sign for her bedroom that said "honeymoon suite". This was perfect.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfVbEjxKx1f6cZH6WIs0zB0u8CIFw5lR6eLudSYTg3ygngszivHVYQ4XlQQzOGCsL29-Z975iyvSdtTPDJqfzATw9UPtzJNkdOslUUcUdK2iF7puB0wdfv_CsjyMEAYvfbaZWuma_rC9U/s1600-h/IMG_0532.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfVbEjxKx1f6cZH6WIs0zB0u8CIFw5lR6eLudSYTg3ygngszivHVYQ4XlQQzOGCsL29-Z975iyvSdtTPDJqfzATw9UPtzJNkdOslUUcUdK2iF7puB0wdfv_CsjyMEAYvfbaZWuma_rC9U/s400/IMG_0532.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376924754780191426" /></a><br /><br />Using the same technique as the "private" sign, I created her sign. She hasn't seen it yet but I think she will like it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4QcokYOfP8IwewNBMa_g9wBgwPEd40csMSh_VZRDM7VFJtfY9XT-UYcen9yomNrvJkQtWYVO2YPNYCbEgsBgHedS7zRR8OaDJbrsXe5TMiP9K8jlUu0pU6eNIcPk69_aVVIGrYaKX6lY/s1600-h/IMG_0536.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4QcokYOfP8IwewNBMa_g9wBgwPEd40csMSh_VZRDM7VFJtfY9XT-UYcen9yomNrvJkQtWYVO2YPNYCbEgsBgHedS7zRR8OaDJbrsXe5TMiP9K8jlUu0pU6eNIcPk69_aVVIGrYaKX6lY/s400/IMG_0536.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376924757373176882" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A little bonus: a stool makeover. Those of you that are my Facebook friends have already seen this. I found this stool at the same junk store. It cost more but is so worth it. I just painted the legs, ripped off the old material, and stapled on the new. The whole thing took about an hour. It now sits next to our front door next to our shoe box. Thanks for stopping by.<br /><br /><br />BEFORE:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YNFrFJuW_iATDytXgcgW_f5EvhYB-354ZlA2DbTn58djwMDmwuxSRWHnU3AmXf454HP6hbym92DO0c_Vy8gvlj5j_ICHUh2U6vQHWSMfuPRLpdlvNz9mn3YvSm0oc3nuRvlv4hwV9A_s/s1600-h/IMG_0493.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YNFrFJuW_iATDytXgcgW_f5EvhYB-354ZlA2DbTn58djwMDmwuxSRWHnU3AmXf454HP6hbym92DO0c_Vy8gvlj5j_ICHUh2U6vQHWSMfuPRLpdlvNz9mn3YvSm0oc3nuRvlv4hwV9A_s/s400/IMG_0493.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376926021937405314" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />AFTER:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk6DnvoaUh_ROMhBCAXg2KtveV0mRdmethKTlVsb7lUW0eIM89WSyi3-L5qYpCFemI5ESiQE1W17WOTO2Ecoo5z9CMP8meKNsvKrHFEAm87dJQLDyAffgcPJTSulLdE5ErSj3xSoQV6FZ/s1600-h/IMG_0495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk6DnvoaUh_ROMhBCAXg2KtveV0mRdmethKTlVsb7lUW0eIM89WSyi3-L5qYpCFemI5ESiQE1W17WOTO2Ecoo5z9CMP8meKNsvKrHFEAm87dJQLDyAffgcPJTSulLdE5ErSj3xSoQV6FZ/s400/IMG_0495.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376926031136946930" /></a>Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-8475718300264929862009-08-16T07:46:00.000-07:002009-08-16T16:17:11.566-07:00Summer Summary 2009If I had to rate this summer, I would give it a 10! It was infinitely better than last summer. At that time, we were still having lots of hospital stays and Georgia was not feeling that great. Now it has been almost 8 months since she has had to stay in the hospital and except for a brief bout with swimmers' ear, she has felt great. We have had lots of adventures and lots of fun. Here are the highlights.<br /><br />As I mentioned in my last post we swam a lot! Sometimes in the creek, sometimes in the pool and sometimes at other area swim holes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0_sAuxzpRShOO00qRBy5ZKS1nsiqXYMTeBZSc0FUEA8uHy0gQTj163u5Hob-mZoJfwU7jNZ5ck6vJnG51D_Hv8XOUg1VQnZu6CCjf1UZ8LueA4omYFwVXIfXlcrAE58vL6glMtRlbNAo/s1600-h/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0_sAuxzpRShOO00qRBy5ZKS1nsiqXYMTeBZSc0FUEA8uHy0gQTj163u5Hob-mZoJfwU7jNZ5ck6vJnG51D_Hv8XOUg1VQnZu6CCjf1UZ8LueA4omYFwVXIfXlcrAE58vL6glMtRlbNAo/s200/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370592819448208034" /></a><br />Here is a picture of my dad diving into the cool clear water near our house. It is good to see him being such a kid.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuzpMd4r7MWXAFmeBpLx0O4asSD0vqB-5gWlhvl5M-Yh5G8wxqw7pp4kEslU55vhItJp49bfFZp6JcFCR4ve-jcDSGdsLzTla4AgIK-v36TXbkvjAPVAO4dvMYwwljgJ_B2V4Afqs9yy_/s1600-h/IMG_0343.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuzpMd4r7MWXAFmeBpLx0O4asSD0vqB-5gWlhvl5M-Yh5G8wxqw7pp4kEslU55vhItJp49bfFZp6JcFCR4ve-jcDSGdsLzTla4AgIK-v36TXbkvjAPVAO4dvMYwwljgJ_B2V4Afqs9yy_/s200/IMG_0343.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370597899460985554" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is a pic of Taylor (Adrian's best friend) and Gabrielle (our cousin) jumping off the bluff at the Buffalo River near Ponca. It took awhile for Adrian and Tanner to work up the courage to jump, but they eventually did.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSneA283h9SQKyKSGLPc4BUbkHAV1RBvzef4cP51pPkyooPHiKgznbh64zHxgQECraMJIqx3kM8t-CcLlnRO_1_J20Ip6Ft3hstXT3sWQBTpLQClgP_dKak25ElYDDEUsrhLI6LBIpcr9/s1600-h/IMG_0358.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSneA283h9SQKyKSGLPc4BUbkHAV1RBvzef4cP51pPkyooPHiKgznbh64zHxgQECraMJIqx3kM8t-CcLlnRO_1_J20Ip6Ft3hstXT3sWQBTpLQClgP_dKak25ElYDDEUsrhLI6LBIpcr9/s200/IMG_0358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370604630744286210" /></a><br />Here is Georgia looking off the same bluff, she of course did not jump. We also explored the old homestead located near the swim area. We drove through Ponca and saw one elk and drove through Steele Creek. Some other fun we had included ice skating, movies and hiking. Our biggest memory from this summer will probably be our trip to Destin, Florida. It was amazing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPxjrVxmg83CTTOBiCL6dcXzr_dJ6agc_fBhCYQUmG0BvsZN6RxS7t2RM4ckvUj_WopPnF1zaN956IhYbqQ55Hm5JHkCxSbPZftwBjWfkcmxbmwBZhk7D-TwcmCFD8owsgwpt2oMjJ7Ky/s1600-h/IMG_0330.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPxjrVxmg83CTTOBiCL6dcXzr_dJ6agc_fBhCYQUmG0BvsZN6RxS7t2RM4ckvUj_WopPnF1zaN956IhYbqQ55Hm5JHkCxSbPZftwBjWfkcmxbmwBZhk7D-TwcmCFD8owsgwpt2oMjJ7Ky/s200/IMG_0330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370640047372509602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOqowMAVJAgJxXIevw6ziuh32zoG9auUHO2gTnf5e8BaThbLeud8P7pLeHrpcHsQhZgCNpBx8KYSwOh63lmr8RHOr8yb5uEZdmyxzR7B_xsLKaPYdqz6xsNPZYCaZvRY2k0Ej_e3_6XHk/s1600-h/IMG_0324.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOqowMAVJAgJxXIevw6ziuh32zoG9auUHO2gTnf5e8BaThbLeud8P7pLeHrpcHsQhZgCNpBx8KYSwOh63lmr8RHOr8yb5uEZdmyxzR7B_xsLKaPYdqz6xsNPZYCaZvRY2k0Ej_e3_6XHk/s200/IMG_0324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370640043459276066" /></a><br /><br />Although of course we had some not so great moments this summer, overall I think it will be one remembered for fun family time. I hope the fun won't stop just because school is starting. There are several hikes I would like to take, a bike ride around Fayetteville, and maybe some rock wall climbing to do. <br /><br />Now on the home decorating front, my big goal in that category this summer was to finish painting the kitchen and I DID! I am so proud of how it turned out. Here is the before:<br />Horrid pink and green stripes - they came with the house.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2xYpUyraqI9OnuXZJWPmvA_QZECqc5_RRahvP41qrLpxcuqNLaA-w2cQXAIlPucadblyzB26Iz2_5mvndHDSw647mNLXVTm4-QW98RSWbThZnQ6Sg8iI0Vzk05UXAzFfNiL8vlGcOhIb/s1600-h/164.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2xYpUyraqI9OnuXZJWPmvA_QZECqc5_RRahvP41qrLpxcuqNLaA-w2cQXAIlPucadblyzB26Iz2_5mvndHDSw647mNLXVTm4-QW98RSWbThZnQ6Sg8iI0Vzk05UXAzFfNiL8vlGcOhIb/s200/164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370668688829101602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoRsXtoRFwhwKsYf4PwIkoSYAAf3izkJHCKiT4dbBf_fn2llVgaU04GzaOOrmdHcFwFdCfTRbpLk0SyRjXic8BTaVCGVONg71hUIvvDcq68LwRstp9ZeutSyJQjKOAFV-stk3_MMeiP4D/s1600-h/162.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqoRsXtoRFwhwKsYf4PwIkoSYAAf3izkJHCKiT4dbBf_fn2llVgaU04GzaOOrmdHcFwFdCfTRbpLk0SyRjXic8BTaVCGVONg71hUIvvDcq68LwRstp9ZeutSyJQjKOAFV-stk3_MMeiP4D/s200/162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370668685235924098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7FDOwyWYEiE48TwxbvnyZs42Z5-4go2agRLQ-edrNi-RTXXfLSIxA9PErf-H_r2CfGCVeCzKNS5qDbvkhoyP6XU1ttdm3hhVauGIUAAE9mfUXdAU67TZxKnshUvoSpzTN_5WgENaR2Sn/s1600-h/161.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7FDOwyWYEiE48TwxbvnyZs42Z5-4go2agRLQ-edrNi-RTXXfLSIxA9PErf-H_r2CfGCVeCzKNS5qDbvkhoyP6XU1ttdm3hhVauGIUAAE9mfUXdAU67TZxKnshUvoSpzTN_5WgENaR2Sn/s200/161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370668674969589266" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here is the after:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXHIC1RfxMyQW-9WBsILGdPMDqfbnZ2AZGeRDuEb04pNi02DxkN5sIlVSRQCjoOHC9CiAH7yjX8HxiPHw5ENr60zfEw85-uOJjD4lOcI3ENOlzf5W7YtXBqq9tkm3hnMsrttRMjwsyeU6/s1600-h/IMG_0459.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXHIC1RfxMyQW-9WBsILGdPMDqfbnZ2AZGeRDuEb04pNi02DxkN5sIlVSRQCjoOHC9CiAH7yjX8HxiPHw5ENr60zfEw85-uOJjD4lOcI3ENOlzf5W7YtXBqq9tkm3hnMsrttRMjwsyeU6/s200/IMG_0459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370691738128012146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH0SF8gAZtaxjXrZjVhQAYHs_HJSX-Yc_lTbwxNO2DIbO00HvKl4C52XyhJ9YsoSzI47n5SJ_5fahj0_R2XaRmpP3UBLDhMhl7Blq_GHknZKEj1CdQs6IIpu2I0G5lLHM_CxVURQfIDla/s1600-h/IMG_0458.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH0SF8gAZtaxjXrZjVhQAYHs_HJSX-Yc_lTbwxNO2DIbO00HvKl4C52XyhJ9YsoSzI47n5SJ_5fahj0_R2XaRmpP3UBLDhMhl7Blq_GHknZKEj1CdQs6IIpu2I0G5lLHM_CxVURQfIDla/s200/IMG_0458.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370691729611533650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDON5-kSkvRdDCiwChaX_KrODwac4ocSkBD3mkMkzRk9OM957S3dtyTjjfjnSfdEGQD8Za9F2NQgyHqjfsk3GfBH7zQG2MiQrA_HFGNlHh5dMBzMvF7MomfmL4JJS8EjI0RvmMHr-mC0V2/s1600-h/IMG_0456.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDON5-kSkvRdDCiwChaX_KrODwac4ocSkBD3mkMkzRk9OM957S3dtyTjjfjnSfdEGQD8Za9F2NQgyHqjfsk3GfBH7zQG2MiQrA_HFGNlHh5dMBzMvF7MomfmL4JJS8EjI0RvmMHr-mC0V2/s200/IMG_0456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370691721056474834" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shabby chic red. We have a very humble home and I realize this kitchen is hardly worthy of most peoples standards, but I love it. I did not take down any trim per my husbands request, instead I painters' taped everything. I prefer to do big jobs in small chunks - perhaps b/c I have four kids - and I painted each section of wall over a period of a couple of months. I will have more posts later about the different accessories as I made some of them. Thanks for stopping by!Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-5259380520053415002009-06-26T08:35:00.000-07:002009-06-26T11:34:29.915-07:00Little Update, Little CraftyWHOOO HOOOO! It's hotter than the 4th of July here. It has been so hot this week and last week for that matter. We have either been swimming everyday or just staying close to the a/c vents. I have realized that since my children are no longer babies, that I can actually get in the water and swim. I forgot how much I loved it. I jumped off the bridge 3 times on Tuesday. I had to give myself a pep talk every time, but I did it. And LOVED it! The water in our creek is deep, clear and cold. We are so blessed to have a place like this right down the road. I can't imagine being a city dweller on days like that. My poor hubby though has not been so fortunate. He has been out in it everyday, fixing other peoples' air conditioners.<br /><br />Last weekend my cousin from Tulsa and her hubby and 2 girls spent two nights with us. We had such nice visit. We also got to see my grandma Betty and Aunt Chris. On Saturday we went to Eureka and walked around. It was too hot, but we still had fun. I found an adorable topiary for the kitchen at a store called Lilies. Here is a picture of Carla's kids and mine(without Adrian)in Eureka. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zJqaP0NKY3ZLktmeT6FVqoFeMFF_b8Acnbe1R-YB6d3HKUuj2c36zCBP92p4PUZTgSQTTUr5ZYWga5WDFvteyjcQA4261ucxGQbf56sXc_SKmYVHsP_ebNR4XHldURt1DKJP9Oiyy4k4/s1600-h/100_2027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zJqaP0NKY3ZLktmeT6FVqoFeMFF_b8Acnbe1R-YB6d3HKUuj2c36zCBP92p4PUZTgSQTTUr5ZYWga5WDFvteyjcQA4261ucxGQbf56sXc_SKmYVHsP_ebNR4XHldURt1DKJP9Oiyy4k4/s320/100_2027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351692935414821874" /></a><br /><br />Here is a picture of Grandma Betty and her signature red lipstick. She looks great.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGQ4bHwotlbhyphenhyphenLLaOxJhVnywrh4AOmAYXLJEYlDbCed6c4rp-K3Ox_ZpPQ9PIjScAnfh4y_kvd3p7yGinHAhpQuLXmoWuczwD87ZeaSndCb-GT04Ysc9qxxoFdsxUV7-lcuYiDSveEZDR/s1600-h/100_2036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGQ4bHwotlbhyphenhyphenLLaOxJhVnywrh4AOmAYXLJEYlDbCed6c4rp-K3Ox_ZpPQ9PIjScAnfh4y_kvd3p7yGinHAhpQuLXmoWuczwD87ZeaSndCb-GT04Ysc9qxxoFdsxUV7-lcuYiDSveEZDR/s320/100_2036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351693914218313090" /></a><br /><br />Here is a picture of my sister and I. We had a bbq the last day the cousins were here. We celebrated Gma's birthday, Navaeh's birthday, Georgia graduating Kindergarten and mourned my brother leaving for Chicago.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsXYoy47Wljq57yBjXdPT8gUt8gSXd0UZ6L5UQqxaClEIe2ZmltJ5XZh9OjcKbe5odSZkKpLICL8bT03hIGKM61hpkeYMKUci3704QV2F_Y5Gl7UlK7tGz8Lyxn5bywaaHfyhPeb4gBVP/s1600-h/100_2057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsXYoy47Wljq57yBjXdPT8gUt8gSXd0UZ6L5UQqxaClEIe2ZmltJ5XZh9OjcKbe5odSZkKpLICL8bT03hIGKM61hpkeYMKUci3704QV2F_Y5Gl7UlK7tGz8Lyxn5bywaaHfyhPeb4gBVP/s320/100_2057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351694981940092274" /></a><br /><br />Adrian is back from DC and had a good time. She has about a million pictures. I am not sure she fully appreciated everything she got to see, but I hope that someday she will. She rode the metro the night before it crashed! Her favorite places were Virginia Beach (of course), the capitol building and the Holocaust museum. She was also blessed to get to see Glenda McMath while she was there. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnLoeP5EEayAJxsXTooXG69gkXyZhJDLsryvHZLn7eJhMAFdotzPa5T0IhgZMfzVaoZfIuwZDQ-QNzEMB0ZvgrML6GLZFPUQZH43OtjDYHteJy0xbNJDJsGwW5mvO4URKjfbfZHylW_8h/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnLoeP5EEayAJxsXTooXG69gkXyZhJDLsryvHZLn7eJhMAFdotzPa5T0IhgZMfzVaoZfIuwZDQ-QNzEMB0ZvgrML6GLZFPUQZH43OtjDYHteJy0xbNJDJsGwW5mvO4URKjfbfZHylW_8h/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351700954975137906" /></a><br /><br /><br />Finally, my latest craft. Have you seen those cute little frames with antiqued looking silverware in them? I really wanted one, but of course I wanted to make it...so much more fun. So I bought a dollar set of silverware and a frame from Dollar General (it already looked antiqued). I took the glass out of the frame and covered the cardboard with black scrapbook paper. I lightly spray painted the silverware with Krylon in Woodland Brown. After they dried, I glued them down. Then I hung it up! Easy! As usual my husband thought my creation was a little strange, but I just love it!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAANqq2qa-HvfSLYQRfpD240KbUEiVbIuflqtisnYVgcfwy_kYFQXlKwm4m9_G_X67wQB7WV9KG9ggns_QuIp-e7TIAf4Dc6KYYm-ZCIy1_MPqubLBnP79tR9PQgos1Lwrn3co_XpZVpb/s1600-h/100_2062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAANqq2qa-HvfSLYQRfpD240KbUEiVbIuflqtisnYVgcfwy_kYFQXlKwm4m9_G_X67wQB7WV9KG9ggns_QuIp-e7TIAf4Dc6KYYm-ZCIy1_MPqubLBnP79tR9PQgos1Lwrn3co_XpZVpb/s320/100_2062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351695972854438322" /></a><br /><br />My other recent creation is this lamp. I was inspired by Rhoda at Southern Hospitality. I found this cute little lamp at Hobby Lobby (on sale of course). It was already adorable but I just couldn't help myself. I covered the shade in burlap and glued down the monogrammed "L" (which was also purchased at HB). SO EASY and so CUTE.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TtTjoLUqjBkKLi-IUk5yXLs7_Iyvn6OlO5GrKvLcrnu9inREQDhzMt-PSHiBz-15op3o8dyYPwYVWi91sEzJ__Nz3lvuE1gdruJz726kJe9sQh6jyGNwn2ECEHLhXw6sWUUUm-FdLB2f/s1600-h/100_2025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TtTjoLUqjBkKLi-IUk5yXLs7_Iyvn6OlO5GrKvLcrnu9inREQDhzMt-PSHiBz-15op3o8dyYPwYVWi91sEzJ__Nz3lvuE1gdruJz726kJe9sQh6jyGNwn2ECEHLhXw6sWUUUm-FdLB2f/s320/100_2025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351691312277969058" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy 4th of July, hopefully next I will be updating about our trip to the beach!Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-16386856297108154282009-04-29T07:15:00.000-07:002009-04-30T08:47:48.259-07:00Clean Your Whole House for LessThere are really only 3 products you need to clean your house.<br />1. Vinegar - white or apple cider<br />2. Toilet bowl cleaner <br />3. Magic erasers<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hwoQe7FeCr4fixz84ScpiNigRCVF0Q9hCHAw_ItCQGHJEspUxGJuujthe7WwtT_TIALienRCa9kcvFWJpI3kaaPKYdTdwZtbqF4PD2Or8ujh1GIpxFXy1yVerCnaZ4i-qvVcHtZZLGg0/s1600-h/IMG_0286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hwoQe7FeCr4fixz84ScpiNigRCVF0Q9hCHAw_ItCQGHJEspUxGJuujthe7WwtT_TIALienRCa9kcvFWJpI3kaaPKYdTdwZtbqF4PD2Or8ujh1GIpxFXy1yVerCnaZ4i-qvVcHtZZLGg0/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330509542943505746" /></a><br /><br />Of course you need things like rags, broom, spray bottle, etc., but as far as products go you can get by with just these things.<br /><br />A few optional things are:<br />1. Cheap hair conditioner if you have a shower door.<br />2. Rubbing alcohol <br />3. Disinfectant<br /><br />I dilute the vinegar in a spray bottle and add a 1/4 teaspoon or so of the rubbing alcohol. I use this spray to clean all my glass and it works just as good as any commercial glass cleaner. It can also be used for just general cleaning such as wiping down appliances and counter tops. I also mop my floors with diluted vinegar.<br /><br />I have not found a way to get around buying toilet bowl cleaner, but I do buy the plant derived ones with a coupon. I often pay $1 or less.<br /><br />Magic erasers are the best thing ever. I use them in bathtubs, showers, counter tops, floors, walls - just about everything. They are worth the extra money, but I have found that the store brands work just as well. I always tell my kids - if it won't come off with a magic eraser, it is not coming off. I especially love these for the tub and shower. They get off soap scum that you can't even see yet. Just wet your tub and rub the eraser across the tub. The eraser glides across the areas with no build-up. However, when you feel it catch in spots, that is where soap scum is beginning to build up. You can prevent your tub from ever becoming a hour long scrubbing match by just keeping it wiped out every week. <br /><br />Now the hair conditioner trick was given to me by my dear clean freak neighbor. Just apply some cheap hair conditioner to a scrub brush and gently scrub the door. I actually do this while I am taking a shower. Then just squeegee or rinse off. I might hit it later with a magic eraser and glass cleaner just to really make it shine. My shower door really is spectacularly clean.<br /><br />Some of you cannot live without your germ killer and I don't blame you. I only use a disinfectant spray weekly for the counter tops. Remember, germs are not killed unless you let the spray sit on the counter for a few minutes before wiping.<br /><br />Now for those of you with good wood furniture, you may have to purchase some polish. I don't own anything that can't be dusted with a damp cloth. I know a lady with some very expensive antique furniture pieces and she only uses a dry microfiber cloth on them.<br /><br />So you can clean your whole house for $4 and this will last for months!Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-42885110539035541922009-04-16T06:19:00.000-07:002009-04-16T06:48:09.218-07:00The Day AfterApril 16th is always a relief for me...the taxes are done or should be. I filed two extensions for people though, so those are still calling to me from my desk. Also calling to me is the business of trying to find a job. After being at home for 14 years, it is a strange feeling to be searching high and low for a job. <br /><br />Somewhere in the middle of all this "chaos", I found time for a couple of projects.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RFZRre_pJ54GNvEttqhNSIjB8F4FvTHY-8PyMGzvnBOG7OQ5yzPfX3S_2AuLaWzqsYhmFSiXcDFXegwUKl8TwTrRFGN4SxTiJ4mtMW6VbqBGlhznRLTHOczXnhXO_lWuxO3PGPwVZYOs/s1600-h/IMG_0058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RFZRre_pJ54GNvEttqhNSIjB8F4FvTHY-8PyMGzvnBOG7OQ5yzPfX3S_2AuLaWzqsYhmFSiXcDFXegwUKl8TwTrRFGN4SxTiJ4mtMW6VbqBGlhznRLTHOczXnhXO_lWuxO3PGPwVZYOs/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325280099722193202" /></a><br /><br />The first, is my "shoebox". We don't have much of an entryway, and my kids are forever kicking their shoes off by the door. We did have a horrid, torn canvas box holding the shoes, but I had been on the lookout for something else. Last week at Hobby Lobby I spotted this crate. I knew this was sort of what I was looking for. It was stained brown and had some pieces splitting off. I really did not mind the splitting but I asked for a discount anyway and they gave me 66% off! So quite pleased with myself, I brought it home and sprayed it black. I decided it needed a little something else, so I printed out the word shoes in a large (I think 350) font. I then used dressmakers paper to trace the word shoes and then I painted the words. Ta da. My husband was like...did we really need the label to know what is in the box? He so does not understand. <br /><br />I know what you are thinking - this lady needs to worry more about her ugly green carpet. I know, I know, but not until I get that job.<br /><br />Next, I got this platter at a flea market for $2.00. It was very discolored and old. I sprayed it white and used my dressmaker's paper again to put the words on. I was going to paint the words black, but then I just decided to color them with a Sharpie..I think it looks pretty good.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zINHDaNY-J3TxND4QL1TV_84iTG52lF1izlRYPY_E1VardKbbnygsjws9Moos4tCpWu7Pe6-hsJOh8ZKfYnaIEMA86MZ97DiRO3coc9j7NWFG7SEn9shC4TSrLxo5QIFw4HX13EuvgC_/s1600-h/IMG_0066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zINHDaNY-J3TxND4QL1TV_84iTG52lF1izlRYPY_E1VardKbbnygsjws9Moos4tCpWu7Pe6-hsJOh8ZKfYnaIEMA86MZ97DiRO3coc9j7NWFG7SEn9shC4TSrLxo5QIFw4HX13EuvgC_/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325282504744950930" /></a><br /><br />I hung it above my stove and then spent the rest of the weekend being teased about it by my husband and 14 year old daughter. Apparently they don't believe our kitchen to be very spicy.Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-10965751518129598602009-03-28T07:19:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:46:12.881-07:00A Man's HomeI have been doing a lot of home decorating lately. We have lived in this house for a year and a half now and I really had not had time with everything going on to make it ours. I have realized lately that when I say ours - I mean mine. I know that I am not alone in this. As I decorate each room, I have slowly pushed my husband and his "ugly" things out of the rooms and into dark corners. The Lord began to quietly convict me. Who was I decorating the house for? My family, or people who came over? Who was I trying to impress? My husband, or insurance salesmen? And then the nasty word PRIDE crept in. So, for now the deer mounts remain in the living room. I hate them but my husband loves them. They represent his loves in life, and because this is his home, they remain. I suppose he is lucky that I do not display Hershey candy bars in every room.<br /><br />On that note I have found a new love of refinishing furniture, giving new life to ugly useless pieces. I found a very ugly small stool at a antique store. It had dark brown legs and brownish yellow (think pee) vinyl covering. As I am new to blogging I didn't take a before picture! Gasp! I will do better next time. However, here is the finished product. I love it! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Wxm01_DuSHWnPprZLTDn82zXB8xN2vQjAqbQt9iBLb57a5v0ja0b8pKfjW1bMXh5rT8iNkgb-7matN_fPJ4Pt8yjHyIA7BkPsosE77GC9E6vSJtfB5CEhWXBRuSkfGQOJ8JsDmHGTNoZ/s1600-h/012.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Wxm01_DuSHWnPprZLTDn82zXB8xN2vQjAqbQt9iBLb57a5v0ja0b8pKfjW1bMXh5rT8iNkgb-7matN_fPJ4Pt8yjHyIA7BkPsosE77GC9E6vSJtfB5CEhWXBRuSkfGQOJ8JsDmHGTNoZ/s320/012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318247177672740258" /></a><br /><br />I simply removed the ugly cover by prying off the upholstry tacks. I painted the legs black with spray paint. After that dried, I recovered the batting with my new material and retacked. Easy, the whole project including shopping took about an hour and a half.Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-44156600339807280492009-02-24T20:23:00.000-08:002009-02-26T19:25:50.711-08:00Green ChristianI am having trouble finding time to do this blogging thing. Oh well, more time will come. <br /><br />This post is about me being a Christian who believes in living green! Living green is not typically considered a Christian platform, but I think it should be. It is, of course, not the most important issue out there. However, I believe it does have its place. In order for me to live "green", and I think this holds true for most people, three things have to occur.<br /><br />Being green has to be:<br />1. Relatively easy<br />2. Inexpensive<br />3. Not time consuming<br /><br />First why should you live ecologically responsible? First, I believe it is a Biblical concept. We are told many times to be good stewards of what we are given. Living green is a great way to save money and to make things last longer. We are also given the example of not wasting resources - such as the loaves and fishes. I am not talking about rinsing meat trays here, just doing simple things like using table scraps for a compost pile. Also, living green can be better for your health as many man made chemicals have been proven to be harmful to our bodies. <br /><br />Some of the ways that I live green are recycling, gardening, and composting. I also hang my clothes on the line when possible and make things myself. You are probably thinking that those things don't sound very easy and some of them aren't but they can be made easy. <br /><br />Recycling: I do this a lot more than I used to, of course my kids are bigger than they used to be. We have a small house but I still found room for two receptacles. One is for paper products and the other is for glass, plastic and metal. I have the receptacles marked for the kids. We have a regular trash can in the kitchen. I instructed my kids on what can go in each and that cans and bottles have to be rinsed and compressed. I was pleasantly surprised at how good at it they are. We have only had a couple of incidents of yucky trash going in the recycling- and those were by my dear husband! I buy the recycling bags at the local center for .25 cents each. I am paying for not having to sort my recycling, I just drop the bags off. You could save even more money by sorting your own. We are still saving money though because having our dumpster dumped is lots more expensive. The receptacles are tucked neatly away in the laundry area. I also keep an empty storage box without a lid under my sink so I can rinse things and throw them under there. <br /><br />Gardening is my passion. This is easy for me, but it is labor intensive. There are ways to grow a lot of food without a lot of work. You could check out the book, Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. I incorporate food composting with this love. Growing my own food saves resources and is healthier for my family. We have a small garden and it produces enough food for us and allows me the pleasure of giving lots away to family and friends. I keep a compost bucket near the sink and put all produce peels and scraps in it. However, I also put eggshells, paper from egg carton tops (torn into small pieces - I save the bottoms to start seeds in the house), expired grains, and basically any other non-processed foods that the dogs won't get into. Every couple of days I take it out to my pile. Composting is a whole other subject though.<br /><br />If I can make something myself less expensively and without killing a whole bunch of time I am game. I just recently started making my own laundry detergent. It is fairly simple and only costs about a penny a load. Most importantly though, it works. It is made of mostly natural ingredients and I feel good about using it on my family's clothes. I make most of my own cleansers out of vinegar. Recently, because of Georgia's health issues I have had to use a few stronger things, but for the most part vinegar is good for your family and the environment and it works. I don't make everything or even most things myself, but everything that I make from scratch makes a difference. <br /><br />Other little things you can do: use tips to make your car more fuel efficient, buy energy efficient appliances, buy things in recycled packaging, buy from farmers markets or from local farmers, buy used... There are many more and lest you think I am some kind of super greenie there is a lot that I don't do. I don't buy $8 toilet paper from the local health food store. I have paper towels - but I am pretty stingy with them and I find if I buy those select-a-size ones they go twice as far. I am really bad to run the water while I wash dishes or brush my teeth - working on that one. I have potato chips in my house and I don't wash ziplock bags. I can't stand that filmy feeling they have. I do have energy efficient bulbs, but I don't always turn them off when I could. I could go on and on about what I could do better, but the point is I am doing something and I am teaching my kids to do something. I am teaching them that we are being good stewards - not saving the world - that is Jesus' job.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em><em></em>Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-4284537751744170242008-11-24T05:13:00.000-08:002008-11-24T08:37:44.289-08:00That Day Part IIIWe survived that first night - I don't know how. I don't remember anything after my sobbing fit. The next morning we met who would become a very important person in our family - Dr. Saylors. He was to be Georgia's hemoc doctor and he seemed dry and negative to the bone. We would later learn that this was not true, but at the time he sure seemed that way. He gave us the facts: her body was full of leukemia and her blood needed to be cleaned. Yes, cleaned. She was to begin apheresis in a few hours. A process that slowly cycles the blood out of the body and through a machine that pulls the leukemia out - which is really just sick white cells. Sounded barbaric to me. I remember my mom telling me that she thought it sounded like a miracle. However, this process was just a starting place because Georgia had so much leukemia it wasn't safe to immediately give her chemo. All of the killed cells have to go somewhere and that was just too many dead cells at once. So we were taken down the hall to "apheresis". There were three other children in the room hooked up to huge machines with blood running in one side of a reel and back out another. I was terrified of this machine but could not show it because at this point Georgia was beyond terrified. However painful the process sounded, it was actually quite simple. They hooked the machine up to her iv and she just laid there. It did take four hours though. <br /><br />At some point she had begun to look sick. She was very pale, almost green and very weak. She wasn't talking to anyone much. When the apheresis was complete we were shown the bags of sludge that came out of her blood. It was terrifying! I don't know how her blood continued to be pumped through her body. What if I hadn't taken her to the doctor when I did? I've always been the type that rarely goes to the doctor or takes my kids there. It's hard to say what was going through my mind at this time but at some point I had begun to ask myself HOW. How did this happen? Where did it come from? Is it something I fed her, something I did when I was pregnant, something in our environment? Of course the doctors said no to all of this, but to this day I wonder. <br /><br />That second night in the hospital Georgia awoke screaming "momma" over and over. Screaming. I never felt so useless and scared in my life. I literally wanted to run screaming into the night, or bash my head into the wall until the pain of hearing your baby scream was gone. I wanted to run, and I know that Scott felt the same way, but he handled it in usual quiet way. The staff tried several pain killers until eventually they gave her morphine and that allowed her to sleep the rest of the night. When she finally fell asleep, Scott and I just sat and cried. Never had either one of us known such pain.<br /><br />The next six days went by as slow as one can imagine, but they are a blurr in my mind. They were a so many tests and procedures and a couple surgeries. One surgery to place a temporary line in her leg and another to place a long term port in her chest. There were so many tears, from Scott and I, and from Georgia. There was fear and frustration. There was confusion as new people came into our lives everyday. New people who wanted to do new things to our precious little girl. They spoke in terms that we did not understand - neutrophils, central lines, vincristine... But something else began to happen over those 8 days, I began to find my faith. It had never left, I just couldn't see it for the doubt.<br /><br />I liken faith and doubt to two trees planted side by side. When the sun comes up over the trees, the shadow of the doubt tree covers the faith tree. The faith tree is still there it is just covered by the shadow of doubt. The bigger your doubt tree the longer it takes for the shadow to come off your faith. You see I had the faith to believe that this disease would not take our baby, I was just overwhelmed by the shadow of circumstances. God had given us Georgia, she was a perfect gift asked for and received from God Almighty. She would live. My faith tree grew, and the shadow pulled back. My faith is built on knowing, knowing my God, knowing His goodness and mercy, knowing that He loves me and loves Georgia even more than I do - which is unfathomable. I began to remember God's love for me, for Scott. for Georgia. I began to recall His promises. And then...I was ready to fight. The devil would not take my baby. She was and is a gift from God, sent to do wonderful, amazing things with her life and that would not be changed by the words of man or the physical circumstances of her body. <br /><br />We were given a diagnosis. Acute lymphocytic leukemia. A very treatable form of leukemia. She will endure almost 3 years of treatment, but I now believe that she is already healed by the blood of Jesus, we just have to wait for the doctors to discover this same truth. It's been 8 months since her diagnosis today. We have had good days and really, really bad days. I have had moments when the shadow of doubt covered my faith again. However, I always find it again. I have learned that my baby girl is tough beyond compare. I have learned that I can handle things that I never dreamed possible. I have learned that there is a whole community out there of families fighting childhood cancer bravely. Some have lost the battle, some are just beginning, but they all fight bravely. I still mourn for the days that the devil has taken from my baby - days of pain and sleeping all the time. I know that God will restore her body completely and give her days full of joy.Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-37975442976566675402008-11-17T09:10:00.000-08:002008-11-20T09:42:18.432-08:00That Day Part IIWe arrived back at the clinic, and I was not sure if I was imagining things or if everyone was looking away from us. We waited for the doctor and Georgia continued to whine that she didn't want to go to the hospital. Dr. Ball finally came in. He said, "the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloodwork</span> showed that Georgia's white cell count was about 111,000." I did not know what this meant - was that too many, not enough? He continued, "I already called Arkansas Children's Hospital and talked to Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Saylors</span>. He needs you to come down there tonight. I am just going to tell you that they are probably going to find out she has leukemia. Now that does not mean what it used to, not even what it meant 10 years ago." My mind was racing - they made a mistake, there's no way, they made a mistake, how are we going to afford going down there, I don't even have gas in my tank. He gave us directions to the hospital and we left. Then I had to call Scott. "You probably want to sit down," I told him. It was rare for me to even be able to get him on the phone during the day. "The doctor says Georgia probably has leukemia. He doesn't know what kind but thinks the hospital can tell us by morning." I don't remember his exact words but I think that like me, at this point he was thinking they were wrong. Neither one of us cried and we were both pretty calm, possibly because of the denial. I did feel sick to my stomach, but if you knew what I have dealt with over the years you would think that quite a miracle. I might get into that another blog.<br /><br />I drove home in autopilot. Georgia still whining and crying in the backseat that there was nothing wrong with her. I called my mom and called Scott a few more times - trying to figure out what to do with the other three kids. Somewhere in one of those phone calls, Adrian overheard and then all the kids knew. This was very hard. They immediately had pictures of sad, bald children in hospital beds with their crying parents at their sides. When I arrived at the house to pack, people in our small town were already beginning to find out. A couple friends and family arrived with cash to help us out. What a blessing they were. Amid tears, we packed and the kids went home with our friend Audra. Georgia had cheered up a little now and she danced around and sang, "no one needs to be sad because I am going to be fine." My little prophet.<br /><br />We drove to Little Rock in record breaking time. There was no radio, no talking - we just drove and Georgia slept. When we arrived at the hospital, I was quite discouraged by the appearance of the emergency room. It was very run down. This was one of the best children's hospitals in the world? We now know that yes it is, but at the time I was concerned. We sat in the ER for about 5 hours. They repeated the blood work, and 2 or 3 doctors came and told us that she very likely had leukemia and we just needed to figure out what kind. I still did not cry. I don't know why but I think that it still did not seem real. Around 4 or 5 in the morning they admitted us and took us upstairs... and then it seemed real. We entered the cancer wing of the hospital. The walls were covered with murals of little bald children playing by a stream. The entryway said "cancer and blood diseases unit." Then it became real. They put Georgia in a bed and then I ran out of the room gasping for air. Fear overcame me and I sobbed until there was nothing left in me. Georgia's first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hematology</span> nurse, Kristen, held me while I cried. I had never laid eyes on her until about 30 seconds before I fell into her arms an emotional wreck. We survived that first night and waited for news the next day. Where was my <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;">faith</span>? I needed it now more than ever, but where was it.Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-73927696612093495102008-09-14T12:57:00.000-07:002008-09-14T15:41:04.077-07:00That Day Part ITo know anything about me, you would have to know what my family and I have been through in the last six months. I have four kids aged 13, 10, 8 and 5. At the end of summer 2007 I went to work after being a stay at home mom (my dream job) for 12 1/2 years. My older three were all in school and my youngest, 4 years old at the time, went to preschool 4 days a week. I did not want to work, but financially we no longer had a choice. I was busy working and trying to get my non-traditional teaching license. The kids were busy doing their things. In early March, I began to feel so sad. I couldn't explain why. I thought it was because I was having trouble balancing home and work. I felt like we were just surviving, not really spending any real time together. I would lay in bed at night and just cry. My intuition was trying to tell me something, but my intuition has never really been something I can trust, so I just kept marching on.<br /><p> About March 14th or 15th Georgia, my baby, was in the local fair pageant. The following night she was an escort for her 13 year old sister Adrian. She felt awful that night - very intense headache. She made it through the night, but vomited the whole next day. She also had the strange purple spots all over her tummy. She felt better the next day and spring break began. Apparently my husband was also feeling a strange sense of urgency to spend time with the kids, because he spent the whole break with them. We even went camping that week in Ozark. Now of course I look back and it hurts, oh it hurts to remember the signs. We took our bikes to go camping as we always do. Georgia would beg for me to go for a ride with her constantly. When I finally would take her she would get tired. I would say, "Georgia, if you can't keep up I'm not going to take you for another ride." Oh that hurts. A couple of nights she went to bed early for no apparent reason. This was very unusual for her especially considering her cousins were there to play. Again I just assumed she had some little virus, but my nighttime fears and crying continued. </p><p> We came home that Sunday, it was Easter, and Georgia wore a dress. It was hard not to notice the bruises all over her legs. Still I prayed this was just from the bike rides. But as I lay in bed that night I could barely catch my breath. I was so scared and at this point I was starting to have a suspicion of what the fear was about. The next day I made a doctor's appointment for the same day. I had let my 8 year old son Caiden stay home that day, so the 3 of us took off to the doctor. My heart was heavy and even though Georgia knew nothing of my fears, she was scared she did not want to go to the doctor. She kept saying, "there's nothing wrong with me!"</p><p>The doctor looked Georgia over and declared that the purple spots were likely from low platelets. He felt that since she looked and felt pretty good that it was not likely to be anything more serious. He sent us to another clinic to have her finger pricked. She was terrified and angry. We went to Walmart to wait for them to call us and tell us if we needed to go to the hospital for platelets. Not long after we got there, my cell phone rang. A nurse told me we needed to get back to the clinic. "That doesn' t sound good," I laughed nervously. She didn't say anything. We headed back there with Georgia crying, "They called too fast, I know we are going to have to go the hospital, they called too fast." If she only knew, but yes they called too fast.</p><p>To be continued...</p><p> </p>Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3430301393220013841.post-34560823352821882132008-09-13T19:48:00.001-07:002008-09-13T19:57:33.075-07:00Why Blog?Since I was a little girl there has been an author's voice in my head. Everything I did and felt happened in my mind in the dialog of a story playing out. I attempted to write some stories but always lost my steam. I do not like the physical aspect of writing- hand cramps. Now as an adult in the digital age, I have unprecedented opportunities to write. No one may ever read this blog but it will give me pleasure to know that I am fulfilling an aspect of a childhood dream.<br /><br />More important than my childhood fantasies is the idea that I feel I now have something to offer others. I don't have the wisdom of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dignitaries</span> or the professional style of writing that some may have. What I do have is desire to share my struggles and triumphs in this cold hard world. All that I share is seen through the glass of my faith. Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world. My life is far from perfect - far. I have always valued transparency in others - the ability to not pretend like life is perfect but to share our sins and struggles to benefit others. That is what I hope to accomplish in this blog. Transparency and faith and hope.Lelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215143804977944003noreply@blogger.com1