tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37676383750865482032024-03-12T20:21:46.429-05:00Home as HobbyHome as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-20142967925802346802013-02-26T16:14:00.001-06:002013-02-26T16:14:11.801-06:00becomingI am going to go on a short rant about social media. Being the list-maker I am, I will stay true to my OCD and tell you what social media does to normal functioning humans and why I think it is BAD (and not in a Michael Jackson kinda way). Let me also put a disclaimer in here as well...I am a recovering technology addict. I have lived many of these scenarios and am not at all proud of it. It is hard to stop, but when you sit and realize what it is we are doing to ourselves, it makes it easier and is definitely worth it.<br />
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What Social Media Does to Normal Functioning Humans</div>
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(A Rant of Frustration by Jenn)</div>
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<li>It turns moms and dads into technology addicts. We no longer interact with our family or friends. For example...the mom too busy Facebooking to see her son score his first basketball goal, or the husband and wife out for a date who are on their phones checking football scores or e-mail the whole time. I don't use the term "addict" loosley either. It is, in fact, become an addiction in our society. When you can't even have dinner, enjoy your child's game, or wake up in the morning without checking FaceBook before you get out of bed, then there is a problem. </li>
<li>It has made us socially retarted. I use that word in it's true context and not simply for shock value: "a slowing down or hindering of progress". That is exactly what we have done. Our social lives are hindered. We don't know how to communicate anymore. If it isn't in 140 characters or less, we don't have time for it, and it must not be important, right? Wrong..</li>
<li>It makes us less patient. We live in an instant gratification world and social media has only amplified it. We don't want to wait for a letter in the mail...just e-mail it. We don't have time to chat with a friend on the phone, so text it. This is true for social media, as well as for other things...but that is another soapbox altogether, and I won't go there today.</li>
<li>It makes people boring. If you know what someone ate for lunch, who they were with yesterday, what their kid turned in for a Science project, and what movie they saw last Saturday, what is there left to talk about once you are face to face?</li>
<li>It makes us feel inadequate. If I'm not working out as much as so-and-so, or don't have my kids in activities like what's-his-face, or have a homemade dinner on the table every night like what's-her-name, then I must not have my stuff together...OR....</li>
<li>It makes us uninhibited. You know what I am talking about. We all have those people who rant and rave on the social media of their preference on a daily basis. They hate traffic, their boss, their kids are brats, and they are sick of "someone" doing "something" to them. I am guilty of ranting (I know...hard to believe *ahem), but when we can hide behind a screen, we tend to say things that are typically not something that we would ever speak about in person. Our filter is lifted...and usually not is a good way.</li>
<li>It is an easy way to ruin a marriage. Whether you are "chatting" with a friend privately, or perusing someone's vacation pictures from the beach where they are shirtless or in a bikini, it isn't honoring to your spouse. Complaining about your spouse on any media isn't honoring (even if it is true). Making "innocent" comments on someone's physical appearance (be it that their workouts are "paying off" or that they look "good in that dress") isn't honoring either. I often wonder what percentage of marriages are ruined because of contact and indiscretions where social media is involved. I would venture to say it is extraordinarily high. </li>
<li>Lastly, it causes us to sin. This is where I have been convicted and a huge reason that I have decided to give social media (for the most part) the boot. I found myself wanting to judge people for their posts, or "likes", or for their choice in activities on the weekend. I found myself in situations where someone had wronged my family or me, and the first thing I would do was to mentally prepare a "post" in my head for later to rant about it. I found myself not seeing people how God sees them, but seeing them for the things they post. I looked at myself and my posts and thought too many times, "That is not me, nor is it how I want people to view me". It is too easy to put yourself out there when raw emotion has taken over and you have an audience to vent to. </li>
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I am not saying that social media is bad. It can be a wonderful thing. I have just found that when it is the only thing, it is not so wonderful. I chose to write more letters, have more face-to-face conversations, play more, read more, and hopefully blog more. My diary of my home and hobbies are better said in a thoughtful post than in a heat-of-the-moment rant. My relationships are more important than a quick thumbs up, or a smiley face. My time is better spent listening to my kids ramble on about airplanes, or painting our nails, or watching them hit the ball into the outfield, or snuggling up with my hubby on the couch to watch a movie. I'm not perfect, and I don't have it all figured out, but by God's grace, I am working on becoming a better me...but you won't see me tweeting about it anytime soon. </div>
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Blessings!</div>
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Jenn</div>
Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-29969966476991270902012-09-27T00:17:00.000-05:002012-09-27T00:17:09.419-05:00homeschooling...my 18 hour days...and i'm not being dramatic...not one bit...I am a somewhat rookie homeschooling mom. Before this year, I put in about 6 months between my eldest son's kindergarten year (he will be 10 next week...hold on a minute...okay, I'm alright now), and the last half of last year. Let me tell you something...homeschooling 3 kids in 3 different grades is absolute insanity. Like, locking myself in a closet daily to go and have a good cry, insanity. Can I get an Amen? I will be very transparent and say that I question my decision on a daily basis. When I am trying to wash the dishes, teach long division, read about how "Bob and Jan sat on a rat", make sure that the "c" kisses the lines (some of you know EXACTLY what I am talking about & those of you who don't, no, we are not reading Louis L'Amour for story time), and make sure I have all of our supplies for our diorama, I think to myself, "Self, are you completely crazy? Self, is it worth it? Self, did you take your meds?" Just kidding on that last one, although that may actually be in my not to distant future.<br />
I texted a fellow insane person (my friend Sarah) and asked her if she felt like she had a full time job with homeschooling. The verdict is out. It is like having a full time job with a full time job on the side. <br />
I am not trying to be dramatic, because if you know me, dramatic is one thing I am not. I repeat NOT. EVER. (ahem). I am simply trying to say, or rather warn you, that if we cross paths on any given day and I have "that look" in my eye....RUN! Run for the hills. Run like Forest Gump, like Usain Bolt, like my kids from vegetables. Run I say! That, or offer to take my kids for the afternoon.<br />
Any of you homeschool moms still have your sanity? How do you do it? How do you get your schoolwork done, have a house that doesn't look like an episode of Hoarders, have your children fed and clothed (in clean clothes mind you), have dinner on the table, get your workout in, your quiet time and your Bible study, plan a birthday party, have time for coffee with friends and date nights with the hubby? I am not quite sure how to do it or that it is even humanly possibly because those of you out there that look like your stuff is together either have it figure out or are big fat liars. I prefer to think the latter...sorry...but it makes me feel better. I jest. <br />
I implore you, oh wise women, to thrust upon me your pearls of wisdom. That or pitch in and get me a day at the spa...your choice.<br />
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Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-38514068811208363362012-08-13T17:13:00.001-05:002012-08-13T17:13:11.026-05:00Here goes nothing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am simplifying. It may seem strange, but I started on my Pinterest board. After lots of prayer and self-examination, I realized that many of my problems with my love of things come from magazines, blogs (how ironic) and Pinterst boards of things that I will never be able to accomplish, make, live in, afford, or wear. I would peruse Pinterest and pin every thing that I could possibly dream I would ever want in my life. If I had my Pinterest life, it would be perfect. Therein lies the problem. With every pin, I would feel as though my "dream" was that much more unreachable. With every picture of every "perfect" female body with a workout attached didn't make me feel hopeful, but would make me feel more and more like a failure everytime I looked in the mirror. Everytime I looked at my board of crafts to make, I would get more and more frustrated because I had pinned 400 of them, but had only made 10. Does anyone see something wrong with this picture? The same goes for blogs. I would faithfully look at the 40+ blogs and wonder, "How do they have time to do all of that stuff? Their pictures are perfect. They have perfect houses. They are perfect moms. Their lives must be perfect." </div>
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Then my mind would go places that it should never go..."Why can't I do all of those things? Why can't my house look like that. Mine is always a mess because everyone destroys it and I can't keep up. I don't have time. I must be a failure if I can't cook perfect meals, have a perfect home, be a perfect teacher for my children, have my quiet time everyday with great revelation from the Lord, have a perfect body and a wonderful social life with my perfect husband." Hellooooo.... What? Doesn't it sound absurd? Yes, it does, but in my mind it didn't. I will admit, I am a perfectionist...as if you couldn't tell by the 432 times I used the word "perfect" for describing what I wanted my life to be. Perfectionism is something that I struggle with on a daily basis. It is what the Lord is really working with me on, and simplifying my life is one way that he is doing it.</div>
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Today, I began to simplify. I found myself really struggling with hanging on to things. Things that I thought I HAD to have. Things that I had hung on to for years because I was going to wear them when I was skinny enough, or make something out of it, or I just liked it. I had to look at each thing and ask myself, "Is this thing making me happy? Is it causing me stress? Do I look at it and feel like a failure because I can't utilize it?" That may sounds strange, but try it.</div>
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My goal is to make my home more streamlined. Less stuff means less cleaning. That doesn't mean a simple space can't be beautiful and personal. Don't believe me? Check these out...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdeOj3WcWFP9UIcT-t16P9xtmf9CajX31gdBY27U4we5zWm-nBqciQQiZko3ZxDSy2at_iTVy_21et24RU9VeX1x90XWk7hwXmYbRvowd38GO2vTpeb-UPw9jEKjtxX9mCnn6IMLpNXg/s1600/simple+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdeOj3WcWFP9UIcT-t16P9xtmf9CajX31gdBY27U4we5zWm-nBqciQQiZko3ZxDSy2at_iTVy_21et24RU9VeX1x90XWk7hwXmYbRvowd38GO2vTpeb-UPw9jEKjtxX9mCnn6IMLpNXg/s320/simple+bath.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />I prefer a little more color, but how easy would that be to clean? So simple...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOgFx-IHzTW7bDLRAd1G2WDvjRp3N6IdozvMYdFDrieHcw1bcsTEwgJfMBwtAjA8fk9K44RNubd8D0VE-py9SD268p5RgwUs3rvkejF6lFumLjOqBwe3fawagy52E_2ni5wFqEjPrtdY/s1600/simple+bath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOgFx-IHzTW7bDLRAd1G2WDvjRp3N6IdozvMYdFDrieHcw1bcsTEwgJfMBwtAjA8fk9K44RNubd8D0VE-py9SD268p5RgwUs3rvkejF6lFumLjOqBwe3fawagy52E_2ni5wFqEjPrtdY/s320/simple+bath2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I adore clawfoot tubs. I could do a lot of soaking in there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NuaPRlbI8f9CgZpCdTyrlxTFfbxlYUEKR5xNxLHFlZxmSd7u5nuYlflW-dOyl1Egi93L-yci7Qfpj1KxR8f0U0e-l0Yd-EHB3bgabSoGjBkb-USrRV0xeOZLwVMq3dKk2MJJyM6cgi0/s1600/simple+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NuaPRlbI8f9CgZpCdTyrlxTFfbxlYUEKR5xNxLHFlZxmSd7u5nuYlflW-dOyl1Egi93L-yci7Qfpj1KxR8f0U0e-l0Yd-EHB3bgabSoGjBkb-USrRV0xeOZLwVMq3dKk2MJJyM6cgi0/s320/simple+bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Simple and cozy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQf1Z5fNHxmsh_XL62TL4WcwGrjdpiPdETVvvI7EswUNxXfu_qeq9TfOwKKPshe2dO-50cQB_GRsYB5lYbbidlbdYSFfnKy_bSyuShLyBHl7pngPdZXLHScg_fCdD8q2LPFLYJb8rPGc/s1600/simple+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQf1Z5fNHxmsh_XL62TL4WcwGrjdpiPdETVvvI7EswUNxXfu_qeq9TfOwKKPshe2dO-50cQB_GRsYB5lYbbidlbdYSFfnKy_bSyuShLyBHl7pngPdZXLHScg_fCdD8q2LPFLYJb8rPGc/s320/simple+desk.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<br />Not a huge fan of the chair, but I love the simple desk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6-F0N-rvIYeiKbiEMU9doPFSz0zhyDMJKPjqfzkIlp83xkXtZ3StAUu_tzZ7K7MI4iTigxZvrQxyRTUSmdIDWvOLuuc-AsjGHCxvrICCzNf0kw_okWM2fKGH10_tZigQamNqHNC7GYg/s1600/simple+dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6-F0N-rvIYeiKbiEMU9doPFSz0zhyDMJKPjqfzkIlp83xkXtZ3StAUu_tzZ7K7MI4iTigxZvrQxyRTUSmdIDWvOLuuc-AsjGHCxvrICCzNf0kw_okWM2fKGH10_tZigQamNqHNC7GYg/s320/simple+dining.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Such a clean look. I love the ghost chair. My hubby doesn't. Can't win them all ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeP_KOaNvRPlIKpcZyRyCMI7jNDD5fR_XNViIHp4mcRopir-8F8_un3dJ7uG5FGnLgjV5AD62oyISqERdFWZaxa1mgMmWyhuUTFs5j5N0aIt8FTI7wJhrFEYOHjpKhD70ewQhkfn6SMU/s1600/simple+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeP_KOaNvRPlIKpcZyRyCMI7jNDD5fR_XNViIHp4mcRopir-8F8_un3dJ7uG5FGnLgjV5AD62oyISqERdFWZaxa1mgMmWyhuUTFs5j5N0aIt8FTI7wJhrFEYOHjpKhD70ewQhkfn6SMU/s320/simple+kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Clean and simple but with loads of personality. I heart butcher block counters!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYVlnATxtYmU_04vqWh2-RclbzzrFA4oKUnWLgQwWhTohKExi-_cayI-LLYHMJ886dNZ_91tJqjLnZBWwrJTLgfNbVC-jx80LXr-KKq2ulDkQDmLqZl6TFWNY8fJ-vPOFjjU-9QamlAo/s1600/simple+kitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYVlnATxtYmU_04vqWh2-RclbzzrFA4oKUnWLgQwWhTohKExi-_cayI-LLYHMJ886dNZ_91tJqjLnZBWwrJTLgfNbVC-jx80LXr-KKq2ulDkQDmLqZl6TFWNY8fJ-vPOFjjU-9QamlAo/s320/simple+kitchen2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I dream of that many windows in my kitchen. Natural light for days.</div>
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Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-7423943003694650062012-08-10T11:47:00.001-05:002012-08-10T11:47:53.881-05:00simpleThe title says it all. simple. I want simplicity in my life. I want to simply enjoy my children. I want a simple home. I want a simple home with less stuff. If you know me, you know I love my stuff, but I have truly felt a tug at my heart to release it all. There are those who embrace simplicity because they have no choice. They do not have the means to live any other way. I am, fortunately, not one of those people...but that doesn't mean that it doesn't lurk around the corner. I want a simpler life, not out of fear, but out of obedience and a hope for more than I give up.<br />
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I had a visit with a precious friend of mine last night. She is one of those people that lives simply. She strives to do so. It is very humbling for me. Her home is not big, nor is it filled with designer pieces. </div>
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It is filled with her children's artwork and pictures from their travels and hand-me-down furniture...and it is one of my favorite homes I have ever been in. It doesn't have a sprawling back yard with beautifully manicured plants, or a pool, or an outdoor kitchen. Her back patio has a view of the lake, a huge tree with a swing and the sound of birds singing. I have even mentioned to her that I could sit out there with a cup of coffee all day. She says that she often does, and I can see her doing so. My friend is one of those people who truly sees the beauty of God's creation in the little things. She and her family don't take fancy trips. They only have one car. They have simple (and delicious) dinners. They spend their time together doing simple things. It is inspiring.</div>
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I want to be like her. I don't mean that I want to be someone else, I just want to embrace that spirit. I have felt the Lord tugging at my heart to embrace simplicity, regardless of my own desire to have more. I have really struggled with wanting what God wants versus what I want. I finally feel as though it is coming in alignment. I haven't figured it all out, but I am beginning to see the path that He has set before me.</div>
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I don't want a bigger house.</div>
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In fact, I want a smaller house. </div>
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The smaller the house, the less to clean and the more time I have to spend on things that matter.</div>
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I want less stuff.</div>
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The less stuff you have, the less you have to maintain.</div>
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I want more time.</div>
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More time with my husband, my children and my dear friends.</div>
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I want fewer things that take me away from a simple life.</div>
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Fewer commitments.</div>
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More walks.</div>
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More talks.</div>
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Less social media.</div>
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More reading.</div>
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More praying.</div>
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How simple.</div>
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<br /></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-81709959353768024622012-07-22T23:33:00.003-05:002012-07-22T23:34:27.500-05:00five & six<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Six. Where did six years go? Too fast I think...</div>
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My baby is five. This precious little face is five. Oh my. </div>
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These two keep me on my toes. They test my patience. They make me laugh. They make cry out of joy and out of frustration. They are best friends. They are partners in crime. They are 2 big parts of my heart that are outside of my body. I can't imagine loving my kids more. I don't think it is possible. Sometimes I ask God why he would bless me with such an amazing family. I don't deserve it. I don't deserve any of it, but I am grateful for His divine grace, His unfathomable love for me, and for His incredible blessings. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TNUENrt3N85kGwNXFEFD8B5qnjCaa0x7s4woJqZZD2G1FjNMddUk7Hg1Is8nm7X6bu8mveNWywa49FnnTbgALC9Te2kIPNlmVBDA3D2_CG5170p_eVYi10xqIyeyuNeWiVbgxzuMr2o/s1600/27-DSC_1115-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TNUENrt3N85kGwNXFEFD8B5qnjCaa0x7s4woJqZZD2G1FjNMddUk7Hg1Is8nm7X6bu8mveNWywa49FnnTbgALC9Te2kIPNlmVBDA3D2_CG5170p_eVYi10xqIyeyuNeWiVbgxzuMr2o/s320/27-DSC_1115-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-31739602066282093352012-04-25T13:43:00.000-05:002012-04-25T13:43:33.515-05:00distractionsHomeschooling is hard. I have 3 kids that are 3 different ages and have 3 totally different personalities and learning styles. My eldest is very smart, a born learner, and is really "into" certain things like war, history, the military, science, you know...tough boy stuff. My daughter is very bright but it takes her a little longer to get certain concepts. Just when we got over the handwriting-is-making-me-want-to-rip-my-hair-out hurdle, we began the learning-to-read-is-going-to-be-the-death-of-me stage. She is not patient (I have no clue where she gets it...*ahem...*cough...*cough...) and when she doesn't get something right, and have to correct her, she isn't very happy. Constructive criticism is not in her wheelhouse. Just when I thought that we would never see the light, it clicked for her. Her painstaking sounding out each letter turned into blended sounds and is slowly progressing into, like, really reading! Do you hear that? Yes, indeed, there are angels singing. Maybe that is just in my head. Anywho... I pulled out a Dr. Seuss book today, flipped through the pages, and KNEW she would fly through it. However, she wasn't having any of it. She didn't want to read. She was over it. I blame it on lack of sleep. It definitley couldn't be that she is strong-willed. I don't know where she would get that either....mmmmhmmmm. Bless her heart. She's just like her momma. My littlest one is only 4 so we don't really homeschool, but we DO do (sorry, I really tried to avoid the "do do") "school". It is school to him. He is eager, does very well, is very intelligent, but I have to duct tape him to the chair to get him to sit still long enough to do anything. That boy needs to have his DNA bottled up and sold because his energy is off the charts! (I would have said off the chain, but I am 35 and it just didn't sound right...fo' shizzle.)<br />
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My biggest challenge is getting them to actually work. We have figured out that the schoolroom (you know, the really cute one that I worked sooooo hard on???) doesn't work for us. Desks don't work for us. We end up homeschooling wherever we land, which is usually at the kitchen table because I am constantly preparing meals, eating meals or cleaning up after meals. It works out best for us (and about 99% of other homeschooling families from what I am hearing).<br />
Getting them to focus is a huge issue. My eldest wants to watch my daughter and cheer her on (or boss her around......whatever...) and my daughter wants to chit chat...again, like someone else I know. <br />
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Anyone have any suggestions? Aside from duct taping their mouths shut, shackling them to the chair and putting on horse blinders, I don't have any other plan of attack. Splitting them up doesn't work because their mind's wander and they get distracted by every little thing when I'm not monitoring them. Here are a list of things that they get distracted by: flies, the texture of the wall, light fixtures, the glare of the sun on the glass, their pencil erasers, their pencils, the lead on their pencils, the crumb from this morning's toast that is 12 feet away on the floor, the bunnies outside, our dogs outside, the blades of grass outside, the birds outside, the noise they think they heard outside, the hum of the refrigerator inside, their eyelids, the hair in the brush in the other room, etc. etc. etc....<br />
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Comments? Suggestions? Beuller? Beuller?Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-32739055755276137372012-03-27T00:58:00.003-05:002012-03-27T01:32:26.023-05:00timeOh my...<br />What I wouldn't give for more of it. I say that, but know that more time would just mean more I could attempt to pack into a day already packed to the gills. I once gave advice to a friend that I need to take myself...spend time with the Lord in the morning, give him your day and all of the "stuff" you need to get done (and I mean REALLY release it), and the things that don't matter will fall away. The things that are truly important, will get done. The laundry might pile up and the baseboards might have to stay coated with an inch of dust, but your kids will remember that you played baseball with them in the front yard. You might have cereal for dinner, but you got to spend an extra 30 minutes with your family instead of scrubbing the dishes. You might not be able to watch that t.v. show that you need to "catch up on", but that extra 30 minutes snuggling with your kids on the couch or riding bikes around the block are more important anyway.<br /><br /><br />At least, that's what I say. I didn't say that I DO it. Sometimes it takes me being up at 1:00 AM and going into my daughter's room and sitting on her bed watching her sleep to be reminded of this. My perfectionism is an anchor. My guilt of not being perfect (or at least my vision of perfect) weighs on me a lot. I often fear that it makes me too demanding of my kids. When I do that, I end up taking on more so my kids can be, well, kids. Then I get frustrated because I feel as though I am doing it all by myself. I find it hard to find balance in my life. I want a tidy house, but I find it impossible with 3 young homeschooled kids. We are here all day, so we make messes all day. I want to plan my lessons ahead and be prepared, but find that doing so leads to frustration because we have to make so many adjustments throughout the week for things that we get done quickly, things that take extra time, or things that we simply don't get done at all. Then I panic and worry that I am not doing enough. I know...the beauty of homeschooling is that you can go at your own pace, but I can't help but feel the pressure when I know that what we do or don't do ultimately rests on my (tense) shoulders.<br />When you are a homeschooling mom, life is different. Your "you" time is something of the past. It is all kids, all the time. Your house is rarely, if ever, clean. You become a master at juggling things: throw in a load of laundry, give kid #1 directions, clean the dishes, answer kid #2's question, give kid #1 directions AGAIN, go find what kid #3 is doing, clean up after kid #3 because he decided to "decorate himself" with markers, then kid #2 needs help on their assignment and the doorbell rings, and "no thank you, I don't want any magazine subscriptions", and kid #1 is gone from the table. Oh yeah, he got done with his assignment and took it upon himself to turn on the tv. Hey, turn that thing off...we aren't done yet! #2, you get back over here too, you haven't even finished the first page...and WHY is it taking an hour to do 3 lines of handwriting?<br />Aren't you jealous? Seriously, I love homeschooling. That doesn't mean it is easy. It doesn't mean we don't struggle. It doesn't mean we don't school until 6 PM sometimes. It does mean that my house is often a wreck, dinner sometimes doesn't even get considered until tummies are rumbling, and sheets are sometimes still in the dryer at bedtime.<br /><br />Then there are days where everything goes smoothly...and do you know what? Those are the days that I heed my own advice and give it all to the Lord. All of it. The to-do's and the things that can wait. He sorts them out better than I do anyway.Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-12344410658269153402012-01-26T10:21:00.012-06:002012-01-26T12:09:33.503-06:00Homeschooling is not for the weak.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11AjDu2WiVHyil41u6QxPGys8bIDiDH9oDdhg6cGLNkRWlKV5UuqV35bWV6lIgd-c1SN0EJOl3huXC40o70SrSlTO4ab0sc8z_E4lpbVI-LCJoJJEyniOWi8OVgBVT2FXTXee66nm2Ug/s1600/IMG_3478.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702003632904612834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11AjDu2WiVHyil41u6QxPGys8bIDiDH9oDdhg6cGLNkRWlKV5UuqV35bWV6lIgd-c1SN0EJOl3huXC40o70SrSlTO4ab0sc8z_E4lpbVI-LCJoJJEyniOWi8OVgBVT2FXTXee66nm2Ug/s400/IMG_3478.JPG" /></a>(Sweet daughter, I feel your pain. More than you know.)</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="left">Everyone keeps asking me how homeschooling is going, so I thought I would update all of my fans, um I mean friends (hee hee).</div><div align="left">It is awesome (and by awesome I mean fulfilling, fun, frustrating, and hard) I am no fool. I knew that homeschooling wouldn't be all field trips and projects and walking hand-in-hand through the flowers whilst reciting William Shakespeare, and then sitting down for a lovely picnic of homemade jams and tarts. I am laughing as I am typing this because it is so far from that it isn't funny...well, it actually is, that is why I am laughing. Aaaaaanywho...</div><div align="left">It is wonderful that I get to spend all day, every day with my kids (I know you are laughing, but I really do like my kids most of the time) and that I am in complete control of what we do, but that also means that I am under a lot of pressure to keep us on track. On days when it is cold and rainy and all we want to do is stay in our p.j.s, snuggle on the couch with hot chocolate and watch Phineus and Ferb (one of my, um, I mean the kids' favorite shows), it is really tough to do chores, sit and work on handwriting (I'll talk more about the dreaded and throughly despised handwriting later) and other subjects. We usually do stay in our p.j.s though so, duh - WINNING!</div><div align="left">I am sure it will be even more difficult when we get our 2 weeks of bearable weather in May between the floods of April and the skin melting heat of the summer. </div><div align="left">Okay, so I am going to follow a rabbit trail about handwriting. Oh dear Lord in heaven I have never wanted Jesus to return so badly than when I am in the full on hair-ripping-out process of handwriting with my daughter. I still don't understand WHY it is so hard. I can't comprehend WHY I get so frustrated. Sidebar: Don't ever, ever, ever, no matter how tempted you are, pray for patience because the Lord WILL bombard you with opportunities to grow in this virtue. </div><div align="left">Okay, back to handwriting. Yes, I am doing a full on handwriting curriculum with my kids. I think that the written word has become a lost art. With texting and e-mail and all of the social networking that we have at our disposal, we just LOL and LMBO and TTYL each other all day. Some of the acronyms are so confusing too. I find myself going to the Urban Dictionary (oh yes, there is such a thing) to figure out what everyone is saying. I guess that means I am old. That and the fact that loud music gets on my last nerve now. You know, back in my day...oh wait...nevermind.</div><div align="left">So, as I was saying, the written word is a lost art. Lots of parents who homeschool don't do handwriting, but with handwriting, we also incorporate several other subjects. We write scriptures, sentences from our history and literature books, etc. I don't want my kids writing like doctors. No offense to doctors. I am sure some of you have excellent penmanship.</div><div align="left">So, for those or you who wondered, and those of you who didn't but were so taken with my thoughts and wit and couldn't pull yourself away from my post, homeschooling is going well. It is frustrating. It is not something out of an Emily Bronte novel. In fact, sometimes it is something out of a Stephen King novel. It is wonderful, however, to be able to go the coffee shop in the middle of the day to do our history lesson, or have lunch as a family. It is comforting to know that my children are learning about our world as one that has a Creator...a loving and caring Creator. It makes me happy to know that I am learning my children's strengths and weaknesses and am able to speak to them within the framework of the curriculum that I have chosen. So, I am off to take my Valium and finish our school day. (Just kidding about the Valium...it is Xanax. I am allergic to Valium.) ;) <--- And that is a smiley face for those of you who don't text. LOL! Ha ha ha! </div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-38723289935768663302012-01-07T23:30:00.014-06:002012-01-08T00:53:10.158-06:00Why I homeschool...<div><div>Well, we are officially homeschooling.</div><div>Holy freakin cow.</div><div>I am excited and a little anxious...a lot anxious.</div><div>The whole fate of my 3 munchkin's education rests solely on my shoulders...no pressure.</div><div>Gulp...</div><div>Anywho, I'll start with a complicated answer to a simply question that I continue to get..."Why are you homeschooling". </div><div>Well, here goes...</div><div>First of all, I don't hate public schools. I love our school system. I do think that the public education system is broken, however. I am incredibly grateful for the teachers that my children have had. They are phenomenal and I feel very blessed to have had each and every one of them. We have prayed every year for our teachers, and we have had amazing ones.</div><div>Secondly, I want my children to have a faith-based education. That is something that public schools simply do not provide. </div><div>Next, I have a child who is of above average intelligence. I am not bragging, it is truth. He began reading at 2 years of age. He understands the concepts of physics better than I do (and I am a former science teacher). He remembers EVERYTHING. Literally. I think he has a photographic memory. He could, and did, read entire books at school in one day. He has a love (almost an obsession) with history, the military, engineering, and science. He simply cannot get enough. I feel as though God has given him a wonderful mind, and that He has laid it upon my heart to foster that as much as possible. I have the desire and I have the ability, so why not? </div><div>More than anything, I have the opportunity to introduce concepts and information to my children at the time, and in the way that I feel, as a parent, is appropriate, and that I can be the final authority in all areas of their lives. As parents, we have a very short window to have the greatest influence in our children's lives as they are learning about the world and society that they live in, and I feel as though it is my calling to be the foremost influence in their lives. As parents we love our kids more than anyone, know them better than anyone, and have their best interest at heart more than anyone, so why not be the preeminent figure in their lives to teach, encourage and love on them on a daily basis?</div><div>All of that being said, I am certain of several things...homeschooling isn't for everyone. Many people do not have the desire, the calling nor the patience to be home educator. That doesn't make them less of a parent, it makes them normal. Ha! Seriously, I, by no means, feel as though this is the path for everyone. It is what I feel that the Lord has called ME to do. </div><div>I also love and admire educators in the private and public sector. They are saints and have jobs that are invaluable to our society. God bless 'em!</div><div>Lastly, the hubs and I believe that the Lord has put the call on our hearts to raise Godly children and do the best that we can to instill His incredible love and mercy for us. In this world of, well, worldliness, egocentrism and self-indulgence, among other things, we want to raise our kids to love the Lord first, each other second, and others third. Educating our children at home gives us the opportunity to impress these values upon them while giving them an individualized education. Not a bad plan in my opinion.</div><div>Sooo, there ya' go. Just in case you wondered...now, here we go into the great unknown. I'll keep you posted as we will update our homeschooling journey on this blog. Nope, no new one for that, just this one. This will be this Swiss army knife of blogs. Homeschooling, crafting, decorating, and just about anything else that floats my boat. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Here goes nothin'...</div><div>Jenn</div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-67807832055621553702011-08-31T14:08:00.007-05:002011-08-31T15:03:52.576-05:00priorities<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArQZN0ViFxsprhay1nl8CcDoQn7yjntAT1rZMM83Kk2CC-85DK3eEgCQQNscQWosYSbSwNsxKCt6MKfHkpQ67WYsojvQGqSMhNQmHgR5U6aegRSle9RRJTNsAJDNTt93VhqBTgPWIGFo/s1600/imagesCA2JQOYJ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 114px; height: 171px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647109527364564290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArQZN0ViFxsprhay1nl8CcDoQn7yjntAT1rZMM83Kk2CC-85DK3eEgCQQNscQWosYSbSwNsxKCt6MKfHkpQ67WYsojvQGqSMhNQmHgR5U6aegRSle9RRJTNsAJDNTt93VhqBTgPWIGFo/s400/imagesCA2JQOYJ.jpg" /></a><div>I don't know about you, but I find myself constantly questioning myself. I have spoken about Mommy Guilt before. I have it. I have it bad. I feel guilty about everything and about being perfect (or very imperfect) at everything. I know, it is a silly problem, but don't lie and say that you have never felt that way. If you haven't, for real, please message me and I want to meet you and somehow get you to ooze some of your awesomeness on me. Wait, that sounds gross. You know what I mean. Anywho, reading all of the amazing blogs that I follow, makes me feel worse, but I can't help it. I LURVE reading blogs and getting ideas. The problem is, I have all of these amazing ideas in my brain, and I will never get them done. And so the cycle ensues...I feel even worse. </div><div>So, bear with me, I am going somewhere. I have really felt burdened that I am not prioritizing my time as the Lord would see fit. I pray constantly for direction on how to budget my time effectively. I pray that, in spite of myself, that I could fit in A-Z in the 18 hours that I am awake. I don't spend enough time with my Father, I don't spend enough quality time with my kids, and I spend too much time worrying about my house being clean, and projects not getting done, and the weeds in my flowerbeds, and the fact that I STILL don't have a garden, and that I have big boxes in my entryway that have been there for weeks, and that I have food going bad in the fridge, and dust on my baseboards, etc.....</div><div>I am making a commitment to myself and my family. My house might get messy. The kids might get messy. Dinners might last an hour to make time for conversation and laughing. Baths may last an hour to make time for bubbles. I might not answer emails right away. I might not even turn my computer on. I might leave dishes in the sink overnight and not care (or at least, try not to care).</div><div>I am going to spend time with my kids. I am going to really listen to them and do the things that they want to do and not worry about what I am not doing. </div><div>So, if you need me, you know where to find me. But I might not be there...so just leave a message. I'll get back to ya'. </div><div> </div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-57848944108777972132011-08-19T14:10:00.007-05:002011-08-22T14:55:31.098-05:00changes & being out of pocket<div>For those of you who take the time to visit ye' ol' blog, I have been a little out of pocket for a while. I will make this short and sweet. </div><div>The hubby and I have decided that I need to work for him for a while. We had initially had plans to hire someone (other than myself), but after looking at our budget, there was simply no way we could do it right now. That being said, my help is free, and we are putting the kids in school. I know, two posts ago was my big reveal of our office/homeschool room, so this was a very quick and recent decision. I am heartbroken. Completely heartbroken. However, I know that the Lord is guiding our steps and that this is the best decision (although the hardest) we have had to make in a long time. The past couple of weeks have been spent buying school uniforms, supplies (I mean, do we REALLY need 8 glue sticks & why is there not one single packet of 8x12 construction paper within a 100 mile radius?), lunchboxes and backpacks. So, I haven't been too crafty. I have been trying to wrap by brain around early mornings, and packing lunches, and my babies being away from me 5 days a week, 8 hours a day, and homework, and after school activities that were going to be a welcome addition to our homeschool schedule, but now seem like just one more thing for us "to do" and be away from each other. My only daughter is off to kindergarten. Honestly, I needed a good 3 months to prepare for this one. Oh, and now I am up all night worried about schedules, and meal planning, and when to clean my house, and the responsibilities of my "new job" and when and how that is going to work.</div><div>I am smiling, because I refuse to cry. I know that the Lord is in control. I know that he is sovereign, I know that this too shall pass and that we are all going to be fine. Just fine. I know that this season is just that...a season. The kids will love school, my baby will love his preschool, my husband will be gratefull for the much needed help, and I will survive...</div><div> </div><div>just like Gloria...I will survive.</div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><iframe width="640" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZBR2G-iI3-I?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-58994644071352189022011-08-03T14:56:00.001-05:002011-08-03T14:58:40.314-05:00My next project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG0u8Hy-QkxcPuC16OkwUS6isGuM4EWjcIB9BqLSotxDvEBIzJZ-58DEWr7UnAqxd7vO1JPI00KDgVp8yhoyFnnjYoupHih7oNjopF52qymJyqYoDeCQwY3_upPQm2dI9nG1EPuFMYNc/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636721317020092402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheG0u8Hy-QkxcPuC16OkwUS6isGuM4EWjcIB9BqLSotxDvEBIzJZ-58DEWr7UnAqxd7vO1JPI00KDgVp8yhoyFnnjYoupHih7oNjopF52qymJyqYoDeCQwY3_upPQm2dI9nG1EPuFMYNc/s400/IMG_2162.JPG" /></a><br /><div>...doesn't cost a dime...</div><div>will change the whole look of the room...</div><div>& is something I have been dying to do for a LONG time...</div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-78227191859820626752011-07-28T14:54:00.016-05:002011-07-28T17:04:04.276-05:00office/school room reveal<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><em>(My new favorite place in the house...)</em></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0RHR6Sld9zkDZOj_zz-ri-d-qPZEcCSbnzPYpe5_XHtG2O4g6TLet8Y21PiRnBC1IiRlAM7cAiSsDbyMFWMlE060L1dA1LdJJS4mWNCfoCDCHfq1urxuh_X3rYXiQptOcEyThJ6SdFw/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0RHR6Sld9zkDZOj_zz-ri-d-qPZEcCSbnzPYpe5_XHtG2O4g6TLet8Y21PiRnBC1IiRlAM7cAiSsDbyMFWMlE060L1dA1LdJJS4mWNCfoCDCHfq1urxuh_X3rYXiQptOcEyThJ6SdFw/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0RHR6Sld9zkDZOj_zz-ri-d-qPZEcCSbnzPYpe5_XHtG2O4g6TLet8Y21PiRnBC1IiRlAM7cAiSsDbyMFWMlE060L1dA1LdJJS4mWNCfoCDCHfq1urxuh_X3rYXiQptOcEyThJ6SdFw/s400/IMG_2077.JPG" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left">After the hubby moved into his "real" office, I knew that the space needed a major overhaul to accomodate the chirren's learnin' and stuff. Also, I really had to have a place to put all of our "home" paraphernallia (i.e. bill paying stuff, files, manuals, paperwork) and my crafting/sewing stuff. This room is multipurpose if there ever was one. Sooo, here 'tis. </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKq9H5gV8aI8vappEziyscjDk5xc4uvtji2AWNEUQ3Fpcx2gPbj8is-NhoOPksS-5nXBHiQuFE3LJR0lkLoADKlm0nkJ9VFHn0ldMAZsamS6k0OU5RoSismgRHae8mY6ZEkmw5Q21YbY/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKq9H5gV8aI8vappEziyscjDk5xc4uvtji2AWNEUQ3Fpcx2gPbj8is-NhoOPksS-5nXBHiQuFE3LJR0lkLoADKlm0nkJ9VFHn0ldMAZsamS6k0OU5RoSismgRHae8mY6ZEkmw5Q21YbY/s400/IMG_2080.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">Like I said, this is my favorite spot. It is the reading "nook". I have one more little touch to add, in the way of some decoupaged letters, but that is for another post (and tutorial).<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGTspGbwtn0PNcmXqXAEzbbHd57eE7dzZ4gD5onOTveg6vhkd55aGFUpqBsHynT-klTU_DLaCmXo0YUWnWKwdylQm2jITibE_8cv0ES3xBisi9CPHWZjKXiajWi4NbiwWoyXLvBUaM2k/s1600/IMG_2081.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGTspGbwtn0PNcmXqXAEzbbHd57eE7dzZ4gD5onOTveg6vhkd55aGFUpqBsHynT-klTU_DLaCmXo0YUWnWKwdylQm2jITibE_8cv0ES3xBisi9CPHWZjKXiajWi4NbiwWoyXLvBUaM2k/s400/IMG_2081.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">I saw this petite little chair at <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Gifts/tabid/978/CategoryId/913/ProductId/6469/ProductName/Audra-Painted-Floral-Slipcover/Default.aspx">Pier 1</a> months and months ago. I fell in love! Something about the little ruffles and pops of bright color in the midst of the cream and brown just got me. I just didn't have a spot for it, so I forgot about it. Then, the other day, as I was sketching out my new office/schoolroom, I realized that I had a perfect place for it..and it was on sale! SOLD! I adore it...and it is kid sized, but perfectly comfortable for the vertically challenged, such as myself.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6qQcxOFuEpI-NyuEv2rrXpzrrhdYibniqVGVymWAENuZlG-g5f8nqAZoyRqVLbfcLmZstddS8FsDZURlN8bJwY6GAJ-vy0IR99lu5ft0aMKYhuav5wtf3fCFYSNJHet7Fh4KzMWTcWE/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6qQcxOFuEpI-NyuEv2rrXpzrrhdYibniqVGVymWAENuZlG-g5f8nqAZoyRqVLbfcLmZstddS8FsDZURlN8bJwY6GAJ-vy0IR99lu5ft0aMKYhuav5wtf3fCFYSNJHet7Fh4KzMWTcWE/s400/IMG_2082.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6qQcxOFuEpI-NyuEv2rrXpzrrhdYibniqVGVymWAENuZlG-g5f8nqAZoyRqVLbfcLmZstddS8FsDZURlN8bJwY6GAJ-vy0IR99lu5ft0aMKYhuav5wtf3fCFYSNJHet7Fh4KzMWTcWE/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p></p><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">A book "nook" for each kid. I got them at Hobby Lobby (when they were on sale for 50% off, of course) for $20 each. I sprayed them white (they were scuffed and the finish was worn when I bought them...they were ALL that way), and added little metal book plates and finished it off with their names.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BW70SSGYm6BTUgPzyFtjF5wKDbsTpTW4YIrPtWuVav3nnL_0_8E-0oNTvlqNLQNaaru0HhOQ-9QQiHyIegH5-3BMjbchqfsin32ESUlfNiq2C9p7ldwODBraBZux_7ZYU2GqOP6ilyM/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BW70SSGYm6BTUgPzyFtjF5wKDbsTpTW4YIrPtWuVav3nnL_0_8E-0oNTvlqNLQNaaru0HhOQ-9QQiHyIegH5-3BMjbchqfsin32ESUlfNiq2C9p7ldwODBraBZux_7ZYU2GqOP6ilyM/s400/IMG_2083.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">I am obsessed with this print. I got it <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/54339714">here</a>. I purchased it, downloaded it to my computer and had it printed off at Costco for $2.99. It is 12 x 12, perfect for my cheapo <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60174766">IKEA frame</a>.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGb2XaXdwrFwvSsFQ-Mu5fKaqzVBeRTWPRVTNSnSefsr_ODYUqjDsZvBLoRKRw9QEsbHx_3Tlyjj3hYcGfPsChwppshzYekpZ-YZpjg3CWb8QYezvjRlWnOpDVJrA0EIQNJhQgpY_Rmo/s1600/IMG_2085.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGb2XaXdwrFwvSsFQ-Mu5fKaqzVBeRTWPRVTNSnSefsr_ODYUqjDsZvBLoRKRw9QEsbHx_3Tlyjj3hYcGfPsChwppshzYekpZ-YZpjg3CWb8QYezvjRlWnOpDVJrA0EIQNJhQgpY_Rmo/s400/IMG_2085.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">I have a magazine fetish. Books are great, but they are a time commitment. I can commit to about 15 minutes at a time, and I am am immediate gratification girl, so magazines fit the bill. Wow, more than you wanted to know, right? Anywho...I got <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50187340">these</a> at IKEA. They come in packs of 2, and at $10, I thought it was quite a steal. I really wanted wood. I didn't think the cardboard ones would hold up, and these, I could stain and bring in a natural element to the space. I just went all designer's challenge on you...you like that? ;)<br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634517558722887714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwlsIOYxUyMMdZPlOp8VYPy0FMHa5QYfX_p5b10ohfSDVcczmipkKYxsDYJCMfBsT0A0lKbGaX558r-MesNApmGjx9tI1g3yMJfDgXEocJNtKLbRkSlx37X3ZTfPPZRKSm3YfR_ckhMM/s400/IMG_2110-1.jpg" />Okay, so I just had to show the frame peeking out from the picture above. Honestly, I gasped when I saw it. It looks like it is made out of shell or something. It is perfect! Well, almost...have to fill it with something ;)<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoIUliUiw9Pw0DJFADdE09YPMptYCz1dpdgETNYG2DZlr0q1p4GqznnlNSgicCgyN_1cjUrmEDB4_HF8SO6MMcyu7Cmbv1w-4mBrPyf4m7WuPLraVZRYGRO2sFW9SnVy2axfXg1j3xQo/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoIUliUiw9Pw0DJFADdE09YPMptYCz1dpdgETNYG2DZlr0q1p4GqznnlNSgicCgyN_1cjUrmEDB4_HF8SO6MMcyu7Cmbv1w-4mBrPyf4m7WuPLraVZRYGRO2sFW9SnVy2axfXg1j3xQo/s400/IMG_2086.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90167726">paper boxes</a> are from IKEA ($8 for 2), and the wooden crate came unfinished from Hobby Lobby. They were $10 each ($5 with a coupon). I distressed, stained and (will) wax them (when I get a minute).<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3CkxkrVkOA9f1tyOAxfvad3NURq-dcFDQYurKsKMlFbwpbriw_kBS-H7IOJOakTlmOvmbLV4Ryi7iii9Z4q0j2quLxkW3nhZBlQF1jApf5Q_qdVBko0xRfw5Qfyj-WmgzOG_HvdIVF8/s1600/IMG_2087.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3CkxkrVkOA9f1tyOAxfvad3NURq-dcFDQYurKsKMlFbwpbriw_kBS-H7IOJOakTlmOvmbLV4Ryi7iii9Z4q0j2quLxkW3nhZBlQF1jApf5Q_qdVBko0xRfw5Qfyj-WmgzOG_HvdIVF8/s400/IMG_2087.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">My work space. Let me put a little note here. I am having a heckuva time with the corkboard. I got it at Homegoods for $50. It is BIG. The frame is about 5 inches wide. It was originally a brick red color, and although it was gorgeous, I knew it wouldn't work in this space. I primed it and painted it orange/coral. No bueno. It just didn't work. So, I went for pink. I like it okay, but I really think that I am going to go with the color of the desk and bookshelves. That or apple green. The verdict is still out, but in the meantime, the pink will do just fine.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXjftHDznX9kyaKcANO9TXOMtsuqwK4InjuuF48mgyJFqU2Yjksgi2j-QO5uhjSZuuvikIMXo-78xti0E-AHabov6PAs86Bnr6MAgnIV19J3NsCRI7nYQINqTla7j27o3dTumUaRIJlQ/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXjftHDznX9kyaKcANO9TXOMtsuqwK4InjuuF48mgyJFqU2Yjksgi2j-QO5uhjSZuuvikIMXo-78xti0E-AHabov6PAs86Bnr6MAgnIV19J3NsCRI7nYQINqTla7j27o3dTumUaRIJlQ/s400/IMG_2088.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXjftHDznX9kyaKcANO9TXOMtsuqwK4InjuuF48mgyJFqU2Yjksgi2j-QO5uhjSZuuvikIMXo-78xti0E-AHabov6PAs86Bnr6MAgnIV19J3NsCRI7nYQINqTla7j27o3dTumUaRIJlQ/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="left"><br />This candle mold came from a nearby antiques shop. So did the kid's chairs you'll see in a minute. It is perfect for holding all of those necessary (and not so pretty) office supplies. The weathered star is from Joann's fabrics. I am always surprised when I go in there. They have neat little stuff every now and then.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6JEacx38nk1oSS_hkIAJE-zyIGovN7DUju6qeyeZep3q__hbptWTsFLYgktT6d-smqcaxismx90ynJf4OXaiIbHENQEWw5j_b5kRuBUroLqU7M8wNY42PK5HY47QOKrqNfAVjTGhoOk/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6JEacx38nk1oSS_hkIAJE-zyIGovN7DUju6qeyeZep3q__hbptWTsFLYgktT6d-smqcaxismx90ynJf4OXaiIbHENQEWw5j_b5kRuBUroLqU7M8wNY42PK5HY47QOKrqNfAVjTGhoOk/s400/IMG_2089.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">Can you believe this is a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00140326">fake plant</a>? It looks very realistic EVEN in person (not so much on the website though). It is from IKEA, as is that <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10186093">pot</a>. It just goes to show you that IKEA isn't strictly modern design. They also have hanging pots to match this one. I had to show some restraint or I would have loaded my basket with them for the back patio.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBNr4RvU3VpL998rGq5Pl8RvIQNR8te98_5DBPtBa09rox1RWr6ZYs4drPNKCJUHmL-Z6Y7JdNGoaxhDO6uPMkZP_QoKS2Fg_yMgF0rfUYsUOW2OWu-kjeiQ2aSDEAB__4TdJQdz05fo/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBNr4RvU3VpL998rGq5Pl8RvIQNR8te98_5DBPtBa09rox1RWr6ZYs4drPNKCJUHmL-Z6Y7JdNGoaxhDO6uPMkZP_QoKS2Fg_yMgF0rfUYsUOW2OWu-kjeiQ2aSDEAB__4TdJQdz05fo/s400/IMG_2090.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">The woven star is from Hobby Lobby (I have one hanging on my living room wall as well) and was $5. The notebooks are from Target. $2, I think. The colors were my inspiration for the color palette of the room. You never know where inspiration with strike!<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXA-txd8-MK3f4oKMjy2TaGYe85O3Uc5waPvlSXcnS0AoS1q1l8XRkk16HfGrM2Kfb5uM2_0wJALTiNAWdjfO0PR-EYP7LOm9GtUkWCHnUjQIqVRxv10iwEWZ3udjJpvLJ1OjIOW2WY0/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXA-txd8-MK3f4oKMjy2TaGYe85O3Uc5waPvlSXcnS0AoS1q1l8XRkk16HfGrM2Kfb5uM2_0wJALTiNAWdjfO0PR-EYP7LOm9GtUkWCHnUjQIqVRxv10iwEWZ3udjJpvLJ1OjIOW2WY0/s400/IMG_2091.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">The prints above are of vintage alphabet flash cards. I got them <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/50057250">here</a>, & just printed them out on some heavy carstock, trimmed them up and framed them in IKEA frames. Super cheap art. They are my kiddo's initials.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNr0NFqJRcyV-scOi0dSCvR6lDahon2ghZpJHSm-gJ25W9KGBE8Kc5Ocsoq7jesnk1XhEA68-cEBqOdNVqDriz7SnvzT_j187iRg5IO9wxLzdaep9ZegZA7DNPSCTnr-AdWIkk2vdwFk/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNr0NFqJRcyV-scOi0dSCvR6lDahon2ghZpJHSm-gJ25W9KGBE8Kc5Ocsoq7jesnk1XhEA68-cEBqOdNVqDriz7SnvzT_j187iRg5IO9wxLzdaep9ZegZA7DNPSCTnr-AdWIkk2vdwFk/s400/IMG_2092.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">Vintage banker's chair from Craigslist. I think I paid $30. It needs a little work, but I have a thing for these kind of chairs and they last forever.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWD8WPUanYh9iggAs8BP2rJ8rM7w40sZRHtr6sRV2WELTyNR2lYi9ct2FoFRRdn7CC3NPotouXOXrKZ5gyFupmXA3SfHAk9HX9mG6N5wKgmOMX57VRJ1DmmOn1Uavqi1nyRJexZrSiIg/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWD8WPUanYh9iggAs8BP2rJ8rM7w40sZRHtr6sRV2WELTyNR2lYi9ct2FoFRRdn7CC3NPotouXOXrKZ5gyFupmXA3SfHAk9HX9mG6N5wKgmOMX57VRJ1DmmOn1Uavqi1nyRJexZrSiIg/s400/IMG_2093.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">More storage. The bakets on the bottom are from Hobby Lobby...all together..."ON SALE". Under $10 a piece.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow1SVk7Lw0HcVYOfISVSxtzS_cUW0YOz1eDzIGoE5LUdqs7w7yBPkXA3P9xhsngxA1raZ-t2KYNBIEEW5eKm_0PwKl6_IBQulqkImBhL3MneIvgARBmv7i16hzMxBOimgjYnGhjcI6t4/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow1SVk7Lw0HcVYOfISVSxtzS_cUW0YOz1eDzIGoE5LUdqs7w7yBPkXA3P9xhsngxA1raZ-t2KYNBIEEW5eKm_0PwKl6_IBQulqkImBhL3MneIvgARBmv7i16hzMxBOimgjYnGhjcI6t4/s400/IMG_2094.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">The wicker topped jar is from TJ Maxx ($13) that holds those fun little shaped erasers. I am going to fill it with little goodies for the kids that they can use for school. The gumball machine is from TJ's as well from forever ago. It was cheap. Notice it is almost empty. Wonder how that happened? I may need to rethink this little accessory.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy82ozGtTbf67jPg2svkvKHeJ9JstBu6dwo_otCN7Pw08YbYPi9FJbvt59xWxUlgJEnL5bJ0jvliFfL7xJX1yk-elCXMD_e7a9gOFgDCTa284Pn5npjSVf3xYwjq-LZJZbmmpTkr-p30/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy82ozGtTbf67jPg2svkvKHeJ9JstBu6dwo_otCN7Pw08YbYPi9FJbvt59xWxUlgJEnL5bJ0jvliFfL7xJX1yk-elCXMD_e7a9gOFgDCTa284Pn5npjSVf3xYwjq-LZJZbmmpTkr-p30/s400/IMG_2096.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">The whiteboards are from Mardel. I think I paid about $10 each and they are held on with 3M velcro hangers. We can pop them off if we need to, but they will probably stay right here. I am going to write each munchkin's assignments for the day on the board, and they can cross them off as they finish them. That is the plan. It may just end up being a drawing space. Either way, the kids LOVE them.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-WKK_k5lQJKydFFkkofGwY13cAJ1DDNwFIsDYWiAmqv9YBq2SfVMBaZbrzJ2r3Gq6I_Z1ihRhv-8dk-dzoso9LRwok3FUnd9Vwhqdyhxwwg0riX_EcfwnINLGE6eDNuWq1dx8MS0PPA/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-WKK_k5lQJKydFFkkofGwY13cAJ1DDNwFIsDYWiAmqv9YBq2SfVMBaZbrzJ2r3Gq6I_Z1ihRhv-8dk-dzoso9LRwok3FUnd9Vwhqdyhxwwg0riX_EcfwnINLGE6eDNuWq1dx8MS0PPA/s400/IMG_2098.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="left">Old school desks painted white. I got them for $4, then painted them out and purdied up the tops. The one on the left was painted with chalkboard paint (not sure it is staying...it's kinda messy) and I decoupaged some magnificent wrapping paper on my little girl's desk.<br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgf91ENyB_ijLrtPGyX1GYzxPEN-O5uD-Ur1_TdwgB5PAvR9gFWCpwS2oiwfgLSGQzIauU82jVug89kQLPBOTSQerUzjY9WT4ixxftsC_X0eEyBOF_a9jzngeieflXjq7jPKDU8A9zoY/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgf91ENyB_ijLrtPGyX1GYzxPEN-O5uD-Ur1_TdwgB5PAvR9gFWCpwS2oiwfgLSGQzIauU82jVug89kQLPBOTSQerUzjY9WT4ixxftsC_X0eEyBOF_a9jzngeieflXjq7jPKDU8A9zoY/s400/IMG_2099.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left">This is a close up of the paper...love love love... (Found it at TJ Maxx)</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" align="left"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634516873829796066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66rB8ehk-SPre_Z6Ld1RLTb32hXrCt0CXMRZ41LQtW8zWj1wvV4g4M7ZoQcmDakf5ThxipVhULV8guxvY1vUttg94UHCZJ08r0J8KmRBVHajdSQnv03SD0f5RyU1dwHSoqoqcQZHHFHQ/s400/IMG_2100-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left">I got the chairs at the same antique shop. There were 2 of them. I paid $20 a piece. The chairs are just a bit different from each other, but finished out the same. The seats were originally upholstered, but the fabric was removed and some woven caneing was added. I think it is fun and definitely a departure from the regular kid's chair. <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634514558873985538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLR6CYdcdl2Z-rijscyI-C4l0G636fVh7nO3BFYr-dmLM_fNEbjm5QK90Qqa4dVQIcJ5sq0Zo5HMd-P9oI6MuKPu2hu1w23rgoSgPMRZKyT0fn4NDdDDI2-1WKoKL6vcup1bVBuBenuxI/s400/IMG_2108-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left"> <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50021076">Easel</a> from IKEA. Chalkboard on one side, whiteboard on the other. For $5, you can buy a big roll o' paper. It came unfinished and I just spray painted it. I like the white, but a bright color would have been fun too. I just had the white spray paint on hand. I smell a masterpiece a comin'!</div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634511694441044338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdeUQhc_6KbulL9iFFoXzZI7QJ2w-lJof2G_D37WztfiZXa9QhtWrNDN22pdz7jT3ChFtccwEOxXP38ZUK5PoJFFzl3_UOuj-TDuHJfYZmni-nByPtbkVAyggOf00pvCvXOTuZLRnGwE/s400/IMG_2111-2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left">These <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30111978">Lenda curtains</a> from IKEA are $20 a pair. Yes, you read that right, a pair. They are 96" long, and they come with tabs at the top. I simply cut the tabs off, cut 1/3 of the tab off, refolded it and reattached it to the panel where the top of the folded tab came about an inch or so from the top of the panel. I sewed them in place, then sewed on a piece of gathering tape right, gathered it up and hung them on my existing rods.</div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwinDA722XkYh2bjYhH9sWxUiElXtggWexfYn1OmQb3c8ixd9XglZ2i9cK17_YVintoMP-5zLbMkDkF5Cz8JKP8zVeuHcsIVaax2k0SFjCf4ajsQ83THAYYd8s94bBVnz_RZxx4zQkNU/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwinDA722XkYh2bjYhH9sWxUiElXtggWexfYn1OmQb3c8ixd9XglZ2i9cK17_YVintoMP-5zLbMkDkF5Cz8JKP8zVeuHcsIVaax2k0SFjCf4ajsQ83THAYYd8s94bBVnz_RZxx4zQkNU/s400/IMG_2078.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left">Easy peasy and cost about $11-$12 a panel. The fabric is nice and thick and it has just a hint of a stripe running vertically. Looks good, don't ya' think?</div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left">By the way, I got the idea from <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/using-gathering-tape-for-curtains/">this post</a>. Gathering tape is my new friend. It made this project ridiculously easy.</div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634514985769726354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdx7aJXthHCWGQjZrGwj3uQe7W6MGsCQcuFB6umKFLFpeuHOF_kR1hv3-fKww2oEMlyr1906xNCS58um3Wvv-tUmCd_sYaKCqwBZwFgx6xXI4YnVl3Mt0G8v0kznIQZqpoInOjTDuVbM/s400/IMG_2107-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left"> This little spot is to the left of the desks. I finally (after 10 years) framed my diploma. It only took me 7 1/2 years to get it. I was on the 8 year BA plan, but graduated early. HA! I thought the cute little old framing dude at Hobby Lobby was going to stroke out when I said I wanted to mat it in hot pink. I thought it was fun, and why the heck not? The pillows are from TJ's way back. They can be thrown on the floor to read or sit or be jumped on too. Seriously, that is what will happen if you know my kids. </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left"> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634520094382575522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3v429yUuhCDIskhrjkUctshY6K9Mljms_rKsejeI0Ef0kWsdWmvXAn2N53pliB7c1BGQO3IIFh_onj-24rKgyKf_1NAwLaGTg3_KYgPgmwziyeOObUPqXz9W5L-rNTk5K5P-0VLuW-Xg/s400/IMG_2105-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left">The giant basket <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70167124">looks familiar</a>...but I got mine on clearance from Hobby Lobby for $15 beans less & I liked the finish better...whooo hooo! It is where I keep my sewing maching and other sewing related thingamabobs and dohickeys.</div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left"> So, there's the grand tour! I thought I would break it up into separate posts, but I just got too excited to show it all and couldn't wait. I love it. I love that it is the one room that I feel like is totally me. I wanted to love everything in it and not worry about if it was the proper or popular thing to do. I like the quirkiness of it. It is so much more intersting that way. It makes me smile :) </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left">So, are you freaked out like Hobby Lobby mat dude? Are you shaking your head? Or do you love it? </div><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" align="left">P.S. Anyone else having trouble with Blogger? It won't let me publish straight from the edit page. Also, when I add a picture it automatically puts it at the top of the page. Is that normal? </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-70903048738131547332011-07-22T14:26:00.003-05:002011-08-31T15:03:52.582-05:00yes, this room is, sadly, in my home...scary<div>Okay, so first of all, the following pictures might possibly be a hazard to your health (your eyes, mainly). If you have been following my blog, you will know that my not-so-fancy-schmancy camera kinda pooped out on me. I have been using my phone for pictures since then, which I kinda like. I usually use the hipstamatic app (which is the bomb diggity) or the Instamatic app. Both are phenomenal and free/cheap. If I don't, I usually send my regular pics over to Picnik and fiddle around until I am happy with them. I wish I had photoshop, but I also wish I had a DSLR camera, a bigger laundry room, kids that slept through the night, a smaller waist and a toilet that cleaned itself, but that is neither here nor there. Anywho, you are getting the unrestricted, untouched, frightening pictures of my new office/craft/billpaying/internet surfing/blogging/homeschooling room. I have about 5 days to renovate this thing, so here are </div><div> </div><div>the plans:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCh6RTQBwZVke4CJk9ouMmDjzE-8iEBofhEac6uIAdb5MYzFVsk7D5dI9S47zhS63YsdvrIpZhzO1OPZFvvT0q5eFaR-TST758P91SwsIqNm5l4NidniZcY-OULFghq5McNY0ztkvQhE/s1600/IMG_2042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632261207858432546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKsvqRaW3IfY1dlR4rQSUbQ4v2PieRBl4nW2q_T5sX8T2WJSEswPguSZy3z9A7F7oZKVL0XsKXgN0OiJW2YuHswPgCzrsCAbEroOv3N8cLVduRCgLZLhJ262x8oxxgTl23BINKGIzdPw/s400/IMG_2043.JPG" /></a>I love this trellis pattern that I handpainted a while back, but I see every little imperfection and it stresses me out. I also want to lighten the room up, so the medium khaki color has to go. Sorry trellis, we had a good run...it's not you, it's me. I am thinking of going a very very pale robin's egg blue. I have a little tester sitting around, so I am going to test out a bit and see what I think. I'll let you know. Oh yeah, behind door #1 (which is the one that is closed), is a little closet. It houses lots of coats, board games a small file cabinet, some things for my hubby's work that he has to have here, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves...oh wait, that's the other closet. <br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gtdSuCcEM4puAGAk81speC3RafAvK8_amJZLGNdPGNWmrj2aOKddGSoC3qZDk4pz0qwbVi-GMga74mYKa_rCRy0SlCrXhKULHQRJBAZ8zxt-gkYIaqoKj3Iyc4pn8o7T091fm1phiYI/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632261203558217266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCh6RTQBwZVke4CJk9ouMmDjzE-8iEBofhEac6uIAdb5MYzFVsk7D5dI9S47zhS63YsdvrIpZhzO1OPZFvvT0q5eFaR-TST758P91SwsIqNm5l4NidniZcY-OULFghq5McNY0ztkvQhE/s400/IMG_2042.JPG" /></a></div><div>This is a SE facing window. Lots of great morning light. I am going to replace the drapes with some plain-ol' white ones from IKEA and use some gathering tape at the top. I <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/using-gathering-tape-for-curtains/">saw this tutorial</a> over at Jones Design Company and thought I would give it a whirl. I have always wanted to use it, so we'll see how it goes. Looks easy enough. </div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632261194499139666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gtdSuCcEM4puAGAk81speC3RafAvK8_amJZLGNdPGNWmrj2aOKddGSoC3qZDk4pz0qwbVi-GMga74mYKa_rCRy0SlCrXhKULHQRJBAZ8zxt-gkYIaqoKj3Iyc4pn8o7T091fm1phiYI/s400/IMG_2041.JPG" /><div>In front of this window, I plan on putting the kid's desks. There are three, so they will be tight, but I have a feeling we won't be schooling from here most of the time anyway.</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJimu-mDcUcM9NN32HBsWNVhbJ-OOpx2Uv2yLc36fb8A4vJfkpEQg7-Ep_ax_r6-foi-kSClrXIssQOHaPhBqp6T41Hiz6jM4d7j-0poCapedKHowD_qenG9kzhqVYRJ0SJcqMjJ51_4/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632261191663988354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJimu-mDcUcM9NN32HBsWNVhbJ-OOpx2Uv2yLc36fb8A4vJfkpEQg7-Ep_ax_r6-foi-kSClrXIssQOHaPhBqp6T41Hiz6jM4d7j-0poCapedKHowD_qenG9kzhqVYRJ0SJcqMjJ51_4/s400/IMG_2040.JPG" /></a>Wow, this is the really scary part. I love my IKEA desk, but they don't match the bookshelves. Long story, but they originally weren't in the same room. I am going to paint the shelves to match my desk (the closest color I found was Sherwin William's "alabaster"). I am also going to paint some large horizontal stripes along that wall with alabaster and the other blue color. I have a large whiteboard on the left, I will have a large framed corkboard above my desk, along with the woven baskets on the left of my computer. You see them? They are awesome and hold file folders for all of my paper junk. I am going to put the old wooden banker's chair back (after I heist it from my hubby's new office...have to replace it with something else though because he won't work without a chair. Selfish!) and maybe give it a sweet little seat cover. On the right of the desk , I am going to put up my kid's 3 little book caddies and a little chair to read in. Other than that, there will be lots of DIY artwork, places to put the kid's artwork & school masterpieces, and whatever works. Lots of organization, lots of baskets and magazine files, etc. etc.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1QEH4DWwdbFyx_LP_QJ5Ovy2GdmE2DSZRMgfalMzETtmsEodfHwXDQdTNNat6xyv0P-wbIiucvoVdCQObum3L0P5fR1dT-nIvptKqE1-NW_eN9NkJkcytTA3S-MNB_88yRkDRd9Wknk/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632261185566832114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1QEH4DWwdbFyx_LP_QJ5Ovy2GdmE2DSZRMgfalMzETtmsEodfHwXDQdTNNat6xyv0P-wbIiucvoVdCQObum3L0P5fR1dT-nIvptKqE1-NW_eN9NkJkcytTA3S-MNB_88yRkDRd9Wknk/s400/IMG_2039.JPG" /></a>So, there is my newest project...I'll keep you updated ;)</div></div></div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-8883618830891614792011-07-14T23:30:00.035-05:002012-02-17T17:03:29.107-06:00the prairie & a little ice cream<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I apologize in advance for the disjointed post. I have had some weird computer/blogging issues and it has literally taken me over a week to get this post put together... so here goes nothin'...</div><div> </div><div>Before we headed to The Prairie, we had to take a short detour to Brenham...home of Blue Bell ice cream.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkABhsTRU8s5_FJVU7ErSm4wNG1bWvRrBWwhjX1w7NuadnjiMREw0MdoIxeZ7MpgOBz4ftA9fp4KdEE72FENL-4kIPpP0Jmp9vjG_C-wIPjp3uQONJsJFHgnCMCYbFEnt68rvi4jW4_C0/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630780731781485586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkABhsTRU8s5_FJVU7ErSm4wNG1bWvRrBWwhjX1w7NuadnjiMREw0MdoIxeZ7MpgOBz4ftA9fp4KdEE72FENL-4kIPpP0Jmp9vjG_C-wIPjp3uQONJsJFHgnCMCYbFEnt68rvi4jW4_C0/s400/IMG_1546.JPG" /></a></div><div>No tour for us, just our $1 scoop of ice cream. Butter pecan. Mmmmm.</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630780740694315954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MawqSCTyWFu12wYtwyyN4f7_z3-8hpnH3Hp0osU1AxNo3WsMgCu9eMqQ-Jskj2Q-Y6yNC2q99gZ5h373P2WLSwKnP9WbdVSbnylhikR1zZ7mQU8TaopOvYX_ABXNTJYCDQxmZXOh4rc/s400/IMG_1552.JPG" /><div><div><div><div><div> Is it weird that I want one of these to deliver kids ice cream in. Seriously, it would be the greatest job in the world...all of those smiling & sticky little faces?</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxi9kHcJuUSrdUPGpvGpkc_XxSMnKydBj0ld4gd6j3Wfse_M6XnR9xfiJJYTpnIU0eMg_UPK2Jb3iAU0ZZdrRII3e6DxJEYtwGGqepna9E-Kd38x3eZZyvXFV7oz4BM8TGHf6uuTkqOs/s1600/IMG_1566.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630778580705725634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxi9kHcJuUSrdUPGpvGpkc_XxSMnKydBj0ld4gd6j3Wfse_M6XnR9xfiJJYTpnIU0eMg_UPK2Jb3iAU0ZZdrRII3e6DxJEYtwGGqepna9E-Kd38x3eZZyvXFV7oz4BM8TGHf6uuTkqOs/s400/IMG_1566.JPG" /></a></div><div><div><div><div><div>After our quick stop, on to The Prairie we went.</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630777786498742930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjgVf2_XfCMGr73u3y1DAgfxcsPAz9OIL7kQE9p5AvcVuF2i12PnGvqwaLKG-uHjMCjn_VhLerEJS_z2rrrbLqU9JPG-MUrWodEGbCEUrt4TPRwnrSQsOGs2VLw1H-ZNggtHjzi8BCbQ/s400/IMG_1633.JPG" />This is Pearl. She kept us company at The Prairie. She was the sweetest thing. </div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630776160428486466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqvqEbwdBOPUgByJ2h2jG5Llu_lyoy62cLawYowOjkwEyY-sYDqGL7ExT9qH9UvxPsClH8WPmH0gOzMytpfUwdVHq9B0_7JkYGuBBbbDWWAwcL6LGxTSqRWKZDZXu1S7WUd9L2V0UxXI/s400/IMG_1681-1.JPG" /></div><div>These two wonderful folks are Lisa and Danny. Lisa was the sweetest thing. We felt like we knew her forever. She made us feel very welcome. What a sweetheart! Did I say she was sweet? Oh, good. </div><div>Big Danny was the first person we ran into at The Prairie. He's not quite what I expected. Big burly Danny at this Shabby Chic place. It works though. In fact, it was perfect. Big Danny in his tiny floral apron cooking some of the most amazing breakfasts that I have ever had. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL031lW9FeYEsLv3mvyfI7M4gGcYiBXbz2507SI_gV2hXJWUOeJHPxN2C2Mfydgyfqm50KB5QfFeBwE2gW3FF_TJGQelMZ6cSAWPcfose3sSF1z7LnoJG4CyTXqvS5Oez7RoaVVTI3JI/s1600/IMG_1567.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629437570096628402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL031lW9FeYEsLv3mvyfI7M4gGcYiBXbz2507SI_gV2hXJWUOeJHPxN2C2Mfydgyfqm50KB5QfFeBwE2gW3FF_TJGQelMZ6cSAWPcfose3sSF1z7LnoJG4CyTXqvS5Oez7RoaVVTI3JI/s400/IMG_1567.JPG" /></a></div><div>This is what we saw when we first arrived. The main house is where you can kick up your feet on the most comfy couch ever, watch a little t.v., grab a cup of English tea, sit on the back porch and watch the sun set, and give Pearl a little love.</div><div>Now, onto our room...We stayed in the Cornflower Cottage. <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631176879366672322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39y6ToGnoxHYcJbyJGqTWTg-IMQcfwyl3GjTRikLLusm8Qm1m30hOmR6u-J2_Z-eajhv1YjSfsBpp1V7drdYDGIFhONYRCSn4vs-sbTb93vacM2VitQg_0iT4VcQF1aZMBtYPC7LdIJU/s400/IMG_1604.JPG" />It was stunning. This is the chair that I plopped down into as soon as we walked in. The door to the right is where you walk in. That aqua door had me.</div><div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM4pOcNy8l9xbvBkARC0fGd9GCTZ5XHgjMh3vcp-fv3tLLQXvDyGLtC5s2wC3iqwamNZPIQ2ZdEWJXhYn6iltYtCKg1jojUfk5Nt75ewVRoHmekvdJa-nRYX_qmKqfdUWewKiboeFlgU/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629437567771876162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM4pOcNy8l9xbvBkARC0fGd9GCTZ5XHgjMh3vcp-fv3tLLQXvDyGLtC5s2wC3iqwamNZPIQ2ZdEWJXhYn6iltYtCKg1jojUfk5Nt75ewVRoHmekvdJa-nRYX_qmKqfdUWewKiboeFlgU/s400/IMG_1572.JPG" /></a><div>Just to the left of the chair was our bed. A bed fit for a princess. The linens are from Rachel's Shabby Chic couture line. They were soft and luxurious. Exactly what you would expect.</div><div>The lace covered lampshade on the chippy wood side tables...mercy...<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629437562287397218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxrJUh7rjNdxJZLnWM3S6nSisVLVXDVLmZdRiVSZlyLXriMCkMwRLimrDZsmd78d1XKP-5eVrfSJ648PJ_njmMDUjPo5RR0dlR_aATLdRHiCW0xes4VlZr6XdyyDBCNoKg0bPLHF-ddE/s400/IMG_1573.JPG" /></div><div><div><div>The mix of rustic wood with the antique vanity and pale robin's egg blue lampshades on the sconces...<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629436489672309794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwXmVtvLBRvXQOHdLPIiT_U2cthl7hY3c-XcsTHfsZ0bxkzuFSIkV2t13nLpkNCvQm8uarjPSF4r8ur7ix55s8DNiBqmxycZ6aI9TXLYIFtGdm0c643Vx_hWzQGfBGyaIDR7l4uNTG6E/s400/IMG_1590.JPG" /></div><div><div>The bed with it's soft and shabby linens. Ahhhh. Perfect...<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629436486014056306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MDaOW57PYPyxSgWMHtUl-TMyFMXZ-qCa67qqBegXtKLKVyz5-2c0zM-JQAnr7_WhI4rzWhQYRrwLKmpzVV-CBakQG3WudW2gHfqtxncDeHuDRC9bi-SEm0-OGDkTGE0pfSphuvhTpK8/s400/IMG_1581.JPG" /><div>Even the coffee mugs were perfect. Perfectly simple. <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629436475721793362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwgZxl2YMZZDrw0k8hKwEU-MEl6IG1DMHbrgtrVxL8vsS4G8RfbBVt_ISDD4iNQKvQWSHCXakK374JjEOigNZpi7bLLnidoMtDdHqkcu9WsMarUdg7ZZowb5ZDL9TQbi0IWDVgnoOcp4/s400/IMG_1583.JPG" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHindWDvfboZFU4QXVhiCeGH4JCgSr24ivFwmLKsRTND8f8xC0ms-Lg9YmwZZpjGKZ69KJ1aeHkW-MEsPg6DIOoYaKeQUYBwNexyBAo2bruKzRJaISYiE7GeEoVDkrQg8uXTbfp4MhtxE/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629436472393308722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHindWDvfboZFU4QXVhiCeGH4JCgSr24ivFwmLKsRTND8f8xC0ms-Lg9YmwZZpjGKZ69KJ1aeHkW-MEsPg6DIOoYaKeQUYBwNexyBAo2bruKzRJaISYiE7GeEoVDkrQg8uXTbfp4MhtxE/s400/IMG_1584.JPG" /></a>Linen covered hangers. The smallest details...<br /><div><div>Book bound with the softest leather.<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631183686428345522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5XByvaJqd21U42UrwEi1AO7jw3qhxdaD_iZIl0pHaIO9RgF797TlpLOA91SM5fhC9lv1rW142CtJGf0BnGMZ-QFIYt1-3Xy1hWBk4IwPv6UsBXv44l0YYvhFkpsBngO-bUjD90mRg-k/s400/IMG_1589.JPG" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo0VAn8PYnNoxhpj3GHNmgBJhO5tY1NyFfPjiU8Za5sDPkYUrzhVTxoosfgdvcJyDzLf4_D8Qm382vcB-Pooi62JSBCvn_iE2jIJJU5lLkNBo7lY56WzO5vaCHZ8hUMT8X_auPq45uak/s1600/IMG_1600-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629435518802208930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo0VAn8PYnNoxhpj3GHNmgBJhO5tY1NyFfPjiU8Za5sDPkYUrzhVTxoosfgdvcJyDzLf4_D8Qm382vcB-Pooi62JSBCvn_iE2jIJJU5lLkNBo7lY56WzO5vaCHZ8hUMT8X_auPq45uak/s400/IMG_1600-2.JPG" /></a>The view outside of our window. This little "house" looked to be something of a greenhouse. All I could think about was how I wish I could pick it up and set it in our backyard for our little girl...well, really for me, but she could use it too. ;)</div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkTsukW-KBVOBHmQ9PLJ-2fIcMqgOdjVI5WB168cej1T43hTqB9sfQ-2el2PYHX1lGrLy1F8vTBUkuekpsDPVle88G2M42RBDSWi6It6EBvkq4k5kG0hQhtuMsPvPRGc_LMlrrRtOK5I/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629435504286188498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkTsukW-KBVOBHmQ9PLJ-2fIcMqgOdjVI5WB168cej1T43hTqB9sfQ-2el2PYHX1lGrLy1F8vTBUkuekpsDPVle88G2M42RBDSWi6It6EBvkq4k5kG0hQhtuMsPvPRGc_LMlrrRtOK5I/s400/IMG_1647.JPG" /></a>The dining room was full of little vignettes everywhere, but nothing looked forced. This giant wooden rosary was gorgeous. I was smitten...<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629434468969328450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDg37AcJVoiDkahl39fJP5mAMfXcTJszWB39G7_6OD_5lHExM2GJi52sHm5HudVfqy8GtSqZLVMlW4TN4RLkBA_8O2QN3JRwhGqOFWqQ2_KrePQEndvEUPXoSrK6kqkQ-47ZYisYhZ1c/s400/IMG_1658.JPG" /><div>Big Danny fed us the most delicious breakfasts. Sweet potato wedges, asparagus, scrambled eggs. Yummy. I didn't take a picture of our breakfast the second morning, but it was chicken enchiladas with grits & polenta (I think...it was a firm moist cornbread type dish). It was equally as amazing. Apparently, Danny's breakfasts are pretty famous around town. We ran into a couple of locals that told us how lucky we were to be eating Big Danny's food. He is quite a mean cook. Even in his little floral apron. </div><div>We fell in love with the dining set. Sorry for the poor picture. It was breathtaking. The slipcovers were mixmatched, but perfect. Have I mentioned how perfect everything was? Oh, sorry ;)<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629434462226889986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBb6uqT0RD8NG-rubao_ePODupwNCb3z1XCI2k0pCMFW4lH7QWfnyJihLlm16bPIIm7m5ebzjykUPkvhDOgS4WavX8d8h0m3sKQskLNQxMpDZb-CjEpPQWcjk5mpfueltaO5mLweM4nRg/s400/IMG_1660.JPG" /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUZQKyNuCdkC6M3dqq71HRgWKmqpQL-0Bwdr8lUWD0DA5IyWDGZz2W8uiH9u5iP9crr6P3BuAwgXwy4ZU5YkPrMEoKzDQz_iQ7H2xDAX8r94jZrZIc7s-DoUHsL3Q04nNJQk5N2fRfMs/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629434458149097282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUZQKyNuCdkC6M3dqq71HRgWKmqpQL-0Bwdr8lUWD0DA5IyWDGZz2W8uiH9u5iP9crr6P3BuAwgXwy4ZU5YkPrMEoKzDQz_iQ7H2xDAX8r94jZrZIc7s-DoUHsL3Q04nNJQk5N2fRfMs/s400/IMG_1661.JPG" /></a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630778581824648034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5bPEs397Xyfwg94vfTDKr30VE4EQ62_gdwHAnQGkuUtNN_BUNIWS0fNaq6IxAuJ-BSXukO45Z3er0Lgh623sGG16Xiz32RCBHEGOHI3xmcc6kBngHBgT3rLWoDAFLs_6ZNajcyp9GY0/s400/IMG_1678.JPG" />This car was in front of a funky little shop next to Royer's Cafe (which had the best pie I have ever eaten...seriously, there is a reason it is world famous).<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631176883620904178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_4WVHVGY2Cshw4d0Wqk-su7rK20dKA-eYzO1-pVnDFzTMNAO2WV5PIB9Ql-iJsAUh2uoZ1MPT_1IpOplN6jO8ttKCiObgMIeJO6QcnWBpEIOpRi2D6QqEey0WwIL68wMU35fQmo1WF8/s400/IMG_1642.JPG" /><div>Royer's crazy & awesome decor. Definitley not going on Pinterest, but something unique and memorable and perfect.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhzMumCBpbjRWjaOGmGNFkwc8lTZapySHM3VkBnXAAUGVuuV6GOQNBmQvUAMXQk__4OkK5ce3dCTQefiJg6kf3qIt_7Ovgavjt9787F7aTxnrmtf9iehqNoJDHnqdVYM-cUXz7qI9mKQ/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629434454383056018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhzMumCBpbjRWjaOGmGNFkwc8lTZapySHM3VkBnXAAUGVuuV6GOQNBmQvUAMXQk__4OkK5ce3dCTQefiJg6kf3qIt_7Ovgavjt9787F7aTxnrmtf9iehqNoJDHnqdVYM-cUXz7qI9mKQ/s400/IMG_1662.JPG" /></a>This was one of the many old trucks that we saw while driving around Round Top. I really really love/want one.</div><div>It is such a charming tiny little town with the friendliest people. Everyone seems to know everyone.<div><div>If you ever get the chance to go, don't expect that there is a bustle of activity. It is a place to relax and unwind - as it should be. Go to the Stone Cellar and have one of the best pizzas you've ever had and listen to some live music.<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631176875118677618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSsEOQXeiABYy4RRnpPWrAj62kVQgWMry_W8wXsIv8GJBAuEZJjdX1iiVSAdbO01rIjYFNYcZX5cV7g3vTzVFlPKLHxNBLJei3Xr3GmBSImdLRpTTdp9ZVjrRGDMLTih_La5zsgURbJw/s400/IMG_1641.JPG" /></div><div>We met both of the owners and they were so charming. Loved giving them our business (2 days in a row...totally worth it).</div><div>I had no idea, but Round Top is also home to one of the most gorgeous concert halls that I have ever seen.<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630776165387934274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAFVZ8vFgAYOEKOM_1a-IOEKZ5sK_uJl9tvKhNHRr6Lfq0x6juR3zw0wZwQT1JNBshIGIsB8zb4h2La4RcxE0EcuroC6HGyB_InOpOLbJimZ0e1-Ox-XC74SMgUGfPY_eAXIRY7Dodbw/s400/IMG_1686.JPG" /></div><div>Browse the art shops. Go check out the French Antiques on the road to Carmine (pronounced Car-meen, not Car-mine) & and be sure to stop by JW's and get the cheeseburger...one of the best you've ever had. </div><div>If you are lucky enough to stay at The Prairie, you will not be disappointed. The food is perfect, the rooms are perfect, the views are perfect, everything was, well, perfect. Be sure to give Pearl a good scratch and tell Big Danny and Lisa "hello" from us. </div><div> </div><div>And take a nap in "my"chair...<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631184815735927106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik31uhU_S8mylzMqjUyV8lYMomJxti2ANvXsO2Yj72aeraWK9ofzLOuMY7X4jvWObaUddLnLFXKXme_zlIFrzf6RMJLpPGncDng1ZBTB5CGDvgV-1Il2fFKz7yFWvPozCZS8D4tFvCbyc/s400/IMG_1587.JPG" /></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-61089469495691156682011-07-10T19:54:00.022-05:002011-07-10T21:09:09.479-05:00birthday party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu5QPxq2R9yqDvjP84SxqtQoWyWLvnsiR-N619cFZ8tlgUCzTQIJSM8rqo9mYuyQfSb87Wo8ajIS3g0RckBWsJa-zxi4RLfR_lDLvDHMsHve65qeGz2s-fWBLEhi9QFA76JW_-m3-5pk/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627907361983131858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu5QPxq2R9yqDvjP84SxqtQoWyWLvnsiR-N619cFZ8tlgUCzTQIJSM8rqo9mYuyQfSb87Wo8ajIS3g0RckBWsJa-zxi4RLfR_lDLvDHMsHve65qeGz2s-fWBLEhi9QFA76JW_-m3-5pk/s400/IMG_1895.JPG" /></a>I have so many things to post about, so I will start with the most recent and work my way back...<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> My 2 babies had their birthday party yesterday. I will proceed with a list of adjectives to describe the event because it feeds my OCD and because I like lists. Here is my list:</div><div>exhausting, fun, loud, crazy, exhausting, colorful, awesome, exhausting. </div><div>Yes I am aware that I said exhausting three times. I restrained myself.</div><div>Here is a little photo story of the event. (Note: I only have pictures of the decorations and I didn't get them until after the par-taaay had already begun. I was lucky to even get these, because I was running around like a maniac up until and about 30 minutes into the party, I mean par-taaaaay, because we had a little mixup with bathing suits and, well, it is all a blur and I prefer for it to remain as such...). My sweet sister in law took some other ones that I will post as soon as I get them from her. I need a photographer at every party. Seriously. And a maid after it is all over. And a massage...anyway, on to the photos...</div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627905912595479330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEnWkV80V5boJVI-GmZbrhUJrc3ZDAKsZzHRIk7J6dvo771ziIyy4LH3Ire12lVesNMhs2HcLSsMZQ1Hh899cRrlN2X8Tyjy3tVFdznfMJ5pwLia_yPvhlRTf2fX13ij8Ir90bpSKxXg/s400/IMG_1907.JPG" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627906515764854562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzscFTg9j_YZUSLJXQpb5dHjmjHnTnX2q6UObka7_868vbazBPztWlILxc7jvSKlDKGnBEhOdMEFDzf3aW37OCHgXTIDtOOyi_tJVItvEfiJY68uCYDZBPDYKzJ2_pNxJo8Km1NlP0bY/s400/IMG_1910.JPG" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627905906183205010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSfYGfxCFEl-NkFyKvw8mgVXnpFZWVJoeeP-uTw12KUNJM_iu3viFa1qB1Rfs7oJD4o1971XW4oXmJVw-WQ7jrraY9gtLPzYXBnhI3WJGXZ1LjjyrrCUn_eUjjHYw37ZX2iWOYS1IDGU/s400/IMG_1878.JPG" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 299px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627905903722243442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfwMreruKfC8oLolqgBsV-Ikrkm4DB76Y4SGTJtZRpbaNVyItlsjzuRygIeyYJCRiE02oYWpCufdL_8DlV2hlJD7pBjhKD5gP3UTNn8tPqgCYyn57XSiBoVvTZ0Q8LvNP_UZJVYzD2nE/s400/IMG_1889.JPG" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627905229751457858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rZKYZ40ZmkS-AjdSNGcJoKzt75LRgf-Ej9kcJPLfe0XF5J3i1hcn32OJIOvLhn6xHs6SFZKtr5ST3QjushAHQbDXthuuXPEA_j68LhjFi_If7u3BrMSQHDXzstmd4xJLEyrjOfuQqUQ/s400/IMG_1885.JPG" /></div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627899340718497426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36mGs9SCOzmoK0MVINg3kV8mhvEcSWKFnXOWEhl94jTkuO3OoApoAHQAwk5Fcfvz2it9cADb1_zx32UYqF4TlRvpiP8xVMDs2MbymDnmgGW6QgsTP9gJIOvZempTxCwHjdDyXCTe49Qc/s400/IMG_1898.JPG" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627899324522675666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAlhoh4U-fbi8chQawTnOCgAOKKgOE9X56_xiCu6v0g754sa-szZ-wpAzb5QtYYzwUMZn_OTypQkhzwsRHBZMewMY7VeSbfKilutGaE1zsaP_HZO5JFp-soR4Q7smO4tRgYxaArTFBmg/s400/IMG_1876.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-30173000198361674282011-06-28T16:05:00.005-05:002011-06-29T17:05:15.764-05:00rachel ashwell's prarie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1hyphenhypheng5uXEX1JH9-V26RiN-JCUbFQpj-2n904jsE-n40DGZAbUjGIxJjQQWPRJhoDAxlHWS5rJzGaIWi1puQqpME5MsbrusDUDBoLPjAROS30zIfwnkiHz_OdGP1HDBrKQy2W5YNk_Ncs/s1600/rangerskitchenwowslides.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623384358979598802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1hyphenhypheng5uXEX1JH9-V26RiN-JCUbFQpj-2n904jsE-n40DGZAbUjGIxJjQQWPRJhoDAxlHWS5rJzGaIWi1puQqpME5MsbrusDUDBoLPjAROS30zIfwnkiHz_OdGP1HDBrKQy2W5YNk_Ncs/s400/rangerskitchenwowslides.jpg" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL-NuLY_Iy0r9fYEy7_VRfkcJUsPIpORl67oJc7Swb5xxmVUx542zmkoEGvC800NH79OHstt48vf_yjngRvxQWOZ1MeP2-M5SkzM7sdsBgRDzE4VX-qTBtc6BOEDiSNRa0F9Kxt7fltY/s1600/sittingareawowslides.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623384351761911010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL-NuLY_Iy0r9fYEy7_VRfkcJUsPIpORl67oJc7Swb5xxmVUx542zmkoEGvC800NH79OHstt48vf_yjngRvxQWOZ1MeP2-M5SkzM7sdsBgRDzE4VX-qTBtc6BOEDiSNRa0F9Kxt7fltY/s400/sittingareawowslides.jpg" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiyEhgTXdU-WX7nHbJpFMnjUpP6cWDyjW77RCLsBnQEp3p8gtsSVKuBdZr5fxyz4yl3gRNqU7Ketu-loBceRbH0xhxhYxzHSTKYz5_xdESGFxLRLelW7s90xcTjASDIAaU0Hr4tBWahI/s1600/cows%2526pondwowslides.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623384347957740402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiyEhgTXdU-WX7nHbJpFMnjUpP6cWDyjW77RCLsBnQEp3p8gtsSVKuBdZr5fxyz4yl3gRNqU7Ketu-loBceRbH0xhxhYxzHSTKYz5_xdESGFxLRLelW7s90xcTjASDIAaU0Hr4tBWahI/s400/cows%2526pondwowslides.jpg" /></a> <br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623381824064581394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDU7isnF7J6ydtY60BBqMnpiKXFkKdHLm1ou9TJQ_zKGBx4O1x65Zs-akAXzYIAH4dMPgaPxo8dLDhyphenhyphenSYus3kujNt9TT3W9ZK_YjGxAxtxePQ0wGTGmCsb-7_bFlU79ZUCbtHm3UorVOI/s400/rangerswowslides.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623381844848925794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG3ur4K6ftHdZMDF0smGmoOs3MEPHhoQbATO6eiJqsK6eqHkSWG7UUg5gDg0eQE8FiM6W4GMQnCB6ebHz-NT_FcnZo4CaLpQzzkjjAsCGY5t18nHZEEk_feM_4Y2ZfrQ8mtVsksA_Pq4/s400/rangerssittingwowslides.jpg" /></div></div></div><br /><br /><p>This is where the Mr. and I are hanging our hats this weekend...Down time + views of the prarie + smooshy sofas + smooshy bed + a hot bath in an old clawfoot time + hot breakfast cooked by someone other than me + a pile of my favorite magazines + my favorite guy + no kids = my idea of a nice relaxing weekend.</p><br /><p>Don't worry, I'll take plenty of pictures.</p>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-46150198237030790322011-06-28T14:33:00.003-05:002011-06-28T14:42:33.261-05:00party preparations (say that 3 times fast)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPjks9xOPpzJXVy7MzpP6Tjmih_1_DD-63UusTv3BBzdUxLPzhDxjI95Jr9pc8zNecreqaZTAGvsAZ75OiQj_n0Mu4DUqgPVzd7KR-4DotC09zxjp8c_Q5h3_-Dh4hvax7HbgP8hOKmA/s1600/IMG_1533-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623356868767956130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPjks9xOPpzJXVy7MzpP6Tjmih_1_DD-63UusTv3BBzdUxLPzhDxjI95Jr9pc8zNecreqaZTAGvsAZ75OiQj_n0Mu4DUqgPVzd7KR-4DotC09zxjp8c_Q5h3_-Dh4hvax7HbgP8hOKmA/s400/IMG_1533-1.JPG" /></a> I know a little girl who just turned 5, and a little boy about to turn 4. We have a party to plan. Since they are so close in age, it is easier and more cost effective to combine their birthday parties (as long as they allow it). They also have many of the same friends and in my opinion, the bigger the party, the better. I am a glutton for punishment like that. So, since we are having a gender neutral party, we decided to go with a "Candy Shoppe" theme. And what is better to kids than being surrounded by loads and loads of candy like the ginormous sucker above...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623356618337682866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQAvjdo8s-6nRID2Iw8aQKOqkv5CHXXYcCQgoztwp0CHUbBijXJfT8o56-DbWUMo_37HO9Y8HGWARRcPO8GObANVQJZP_LxV4PwSAZJUC1pL8gxxJcftHzgsQzZTN_oHRMaRktJmBayk/s400/IMG_1539-1.JPG" />...or this hugemongous piece of wrapped bubble gum? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL-bLSgQhKJm_2R2XctI_RKt0C1E_rZeSR0JaxKj1pfmiSRhTT6m6xSZNtREEAJoNDRhVDvT85hZbGskQc63Him-ci15Agg9o_xVMBZOAGihllEMBHApvhvT6rpL9rCEO-Ddhmd_70A0/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623356622971696914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL-bLSgQhKJm_2R2XctI_RKt0C1E_rZeSR0JaxKj1pfmiSRhTT6m6xSZNtREEAJoNDRhVDvT85hZbGskQc63Him-ci15Agg9o_xVMBZOAGihllEMBHApvhvT6rpL9rCEO-Ddhmd_70A0/s400/IMG_1542.JPG" /></a> Okay, so this isn't candy...just some colorful pom poms. Can't wait to share the rest!Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-40374918521394637402011-06-27T08:12:00.004-05:002011-06-27T08:25:05.676-05:00bittersweet<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622887290477995442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XnV0AHYVVIF88UjfC6kLWsB89m4CuLLSsX-T-pZ0hf2McVyPIyxPBPAkq6iQ3JhUbnzk37liAqTac8RkjIoyRdliSiVeqF8hIQ2CvfEulAh6r45IVsnlST3NAdPlmzx68FKgtfuZf-A/s400/IMG_0374.JPG" />Bitter...we lost our sweet fur baby of 11 years this week. Our hearts broke as we watched her fade away. Even as I write this I have to hold back sobs. She was an incredibly sweet and gentle girl. People were intimidated by her size, but they didn't realize that she was just a big ol' teddy bear that would lick them to death.We miss her terribly and still look for her when we pull up in the driveway. Up until a few weeks ago, she would meet us with that little "nub" wagging.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622887289221983698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzGJpJYNHa41dCPOhusCupTnEbqBC4ARaqy4zVrHnYrmuO3V0uUKH5AfCU5DtwOKhPJx3sRZezRuD44s8kLGWyQcZHb5cx9MUiYB5g3I7apY9FqVauFU2AsVn04UQvhLtkUmmmiMq2LQ/s400/IMG_0367.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622887296587068306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9q_mfcqW54jyBzOFbAyO3sMQ9gFygFLpjJaT1s2RRDnhJc2e1_Casg52bA2eek9wnJ_TjPiEmdbcHPeNpjPzzRBP42gsEdIPX71ULoGM_-6SgQcPi2RQknynNEYmFxugwdx-2Fdg3Ock/s400/IMG_1513.JPG" />Sweet...the puppies took to her too. We just wish she had hung on a little while longer so that maybe they would have somehow taken on her sweet disposition (although they seem pretty sweet anyway). We are just trying to enjoy our 2 new additions to the family while our hearts ache for the one that we lost.Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-27939180534111217182011-06-21T20:25:00.002-05:002011-06-21T20:38:16.473-05:00meet duke and jake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YLZc2eJ4yG5Js5_bMQOIaWmnNGLsaqEJ7oZoVP16SCtz7GySWisVtHjVY9OoX4Zj2vJY5DG5vwJQsUiXen1r68O4TsYearvNZRUsGZRyFPjX9CyDvGASg5_lMK6HIJS4iw-BsjICyXA/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620850463722541058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YLZc2eJ4yG5Js5_bMQOIaWmnNGLsaqEJ7oZoVP16SCtz7GySWisVtHjVY9OoX4Zj2vJY5DG5vwJQsUiXen1r68O4TsYearvNZRUsGZRyFPjX9CyDvGASg5_lMK6HIJS4iw-BsjICyXA/s400/IMG_1386.JPG" /></a>Lab + some other giant dog = these 7 week old puppies<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_Y6SAQxDof4FIeSyJXaVR1A-07hPQM9df2pvgHLusRxXK7YmfaW6mYcEmBmScmOqMR4NFEt6awIsdwEl0VBaINlyFCeQ7A-yOzWFtS2I9jB2HmrcqBRYiMdbSEZCUIdPdg1fKI7tTJ8/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620850454708265858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_Y6SAQxDof4FIeSyJXaVR1A-07hPQM9df2pvgHLusRxXK7YmfaW6mYcEmBmScmOqMR4NFEt6awIsdwEl0VBaINlyFCeQ7A-yOzWFtS2I9jB2HmrcqBRYiMdbSEZCUIdPdg1fKI7tTJ8/s400/IMG_1367.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>Jake is in the front. He is fiesty. The kids loved him immediately. Duke is in the back. He is a cuddler.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbT5qInY2BUz46a3I31SntWaEV2XgxwBmuuapRt_WRXKKm9_mXfPqUipIjxd5SQNKl14Qh49Zez6RUVTCNI5Gw3qBcL-UKkL4X23BZfF593rBT6671Qu7NZ1HRS5ks_nmkbeKuSbe-CE8/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620850448290047650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbT5qInY2BUz46a3I31SntWaEV2XgxwBmuuapRt_WRXKKm9_mXfPqUipIjxd5SQNKl14Qh49Zez6RUVTCNI5Gw3qBcL-UKkL4X23BZfF593rBT6671Qu7NZ1HRS5ks_nmkbeKuSbe-CE8/s400/IMG_1416.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u>This is Duke. He was a little more timid than Jake.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMKJfi2HV-FFSD5BIFPjpcqYyoBW7o0VXjXUPJhbEe7lTrEzlrY-ryAXcF23m6X_2Q6nvYyTb5US2owy9iji_H-4prgpFEX_0Mur_Sx9bWXUPJIxd6tvVu2AGaBjT2OKDb6GVxUYngaA/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620850443770689570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMKJfi2HV-FFSD5BIFPjpcqYyoBW7o0VXjXUPJhbEe7lTrEzlrY-ryAXcF23m6X_2Q6nvYyTb5US2owy9iji_H-4prgpFEX_0Mur_Sx9bWXUPJIxd6tvVu2AGaBjT2OKDb6GVxUYngaA/s400/IMG_1410.JPG" /></a>Jake or "Jakey", as my kids call him.</div><br /><div>There is a reason they call it puppy love. </div></div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-89320567651305253112011-06-20T19:21:00.009-05:002011-06-20T22:43:34.930-05:00birthday<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620505960849449618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhs2ckpEt3yVvwbqCx7664eWEjI2WmYu3zqBAQ2_xoACCKm0IfFTTlFRulno5z9lTdemzLz-JeTr5syLNe70vGfD4g11p46bwi2Xq1X3JIohyphenhyphenGExfRdYYiRMFKpeZOx4qM69uiT6U46Y/s400/IMG_1328.jpg" /> happy birthday<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620512280047323474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemrD5XYbchsckm8XouZRmkySOfhPxPpE9gIOqTco4i0fkZrEIAiiiXJyKgrlvF6Pb8ZPoxOdyY-Q-k9VZuv-vaphuU8yrYRc3KfdfhPszTms9wPDFOPYtyshCHDIpHCjntX5NLv-XwM0/s400/IMG_1326.jpg" />yummy cake<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620506674881018962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYZbkH9oP5j6C92fllDmVfwXlsNLkFw_IZvq4UPEOGKiEASzwY4oxqu7UOIGqpwwa4kE_p-2tPkF1KsWYvgt2ulqtmawNM-wxTJ5OFsM594wU2-zwEEv9cH7w5ZcoPPocd2s1xgdHYJA/s400/IMG_1354.jpg" />cutest helmet ever<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620505968999290418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUaWsuDNXKemxMufkgc6CiyC4sMhLnvMQot2p07_ngLO6bMZABYevMLQ4NCqGZUjUCu_IsIQH5Rwtw5AQuoziElkS1MddY_RrknwvUBVLiZLcvPum9kIxmACf8ZiAfe0p0zb-OwuaAsI/s400/IMG_1340.jpg" />weird brother <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3x2TbVlZMaveaupI00St5rmBI0553HKKxZIoiaRCeExVkIA65C4hdTWzqdQRyr8CrJ6mq9-LVHEtKFa-a8K3Qz32tVmXBIF5JLn1EO4JnIbG44MqZP8XN7_CU0EA0VufMZRFZEH0ezc/s1600/IMG_1302-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620510088370711074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3x2TbVlZMaveaupI00St5rmBI0553HKKxZIoiaRCeExVkIA65C4hdTWzqdQRyr8CrJ6mq9-LVHEtKFa-a8K3Qz32tVmXBIF5JLn1EO4JnIbG44MqZP8XN7_CU0EA0VufMZRFZEH0ezc/s400/IMG_1302-1.JPG" /></a> sweetest daddy (this year, they shared a special day)</div><br /><div align="center">blessings,</div><br /><div align="center">jenn</div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-17927364819621417232011-06-19T02:14:00.003-05:002011-06-19T02:21:43.016-05:00fiveHow did my baby girl go from this...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619826345853751010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb6bJtRKElXtPd9AcK1rmqfn-Y8Hc3WGTVCjVeGBqxb4PmwLbwWJOVjVGAHqt_-Z5tnO-X6xQ7PlsD71qu4eVOQGUX5UjDlzCVZnTexCuw7cR-Kp1jjKyB3I_Nwm-2k_vYRrlbb9oYn4/s400/Caroline_Grace_Moore_11_months.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619826341125136482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8H5QfkU6PqgdfNpP0KkHDbnZsSxxcDo-cO9jKr9RldaiUl-sFoOp9yMUzssh-2_cDmxzkNQvSSqu2xA0wiLhHBIhK9KRvnGjX2WvhT9vj6sup9ul7K5YvFgiuiXXPxQoaZ-6B5Xu1L8/s400/All_teeth.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619826355600811522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cDi5dDsxubi4iyDvl3vocC1gX_djB7Rq9te2cotCb4CAo7u6iE74WaoZ3P6t9r992UMsctjtTwLxgHYDbwebVSR9FHne5VTctMeP6iSNgXMBH0Q4mLE66o9ZLsLmJyDlwGV258rMJK0/s400/caroline3.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619826359526665074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_XrkqgXWmz6YtMs_SddZ0_gWsSQzezHkQi3pS0WozRCCAx6qDAfM9m1uRwIFH_A6Y4c9I0SRS3Nm_Afb9btDbSKse655apKhtmo2xnGf1_GxP9Cyv09vycUmXAK4kVIseswHVlTJcIs/s400/caroline4.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jlMtPGlDXdMo1fZalMmMy0SkQRBRbUJvwc_G04bRQlf8TLtL4_m9-d0UlYgOTKn_hppPjat03L73usQCbgonQeDDZqnu0PB0iXJF_Y8u3-QmW__yvg0w0UL-LJZaDm7Wl_vyONcYZ8I/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619826368088205970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jlMtPGlDXdMo1fZalMmMy0SkQRBRbUJvwc_G04bRQlf8TLtL4_m9-d0UlYgOTKn_hppPjat03L73usQCbgonQeDDZqnu0PB0iXJF_Y8u3-QmW__yvg0w0UL-LJZaDm7Wl_vyONcYZ8I/s400/IMG_0238.JPG" /></a> <br /><p>to this in a mere blink of an eye?</p><br /><p>Happy birthday to my precious, spunky little ball of fire. </p><br /><p>I love you with all my heart...forever and for always...no matter what.</p>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-23902114756381102462011-06-15T21:44:00.005-05:002011-06-15T21:59:41.745-05:00summer & sprinklers<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618644995298479634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uVgkMdcYeW8doHZtmBSEAmKROVR6wqrdZcE4HvQYTLrzphLjfCMjwiznm6zDy3WjZT32RcqXJ084E5xg30MOtqGSg01wJDZXGyqnCX44eLmdcIWbRY1gvQXUs54-cXJsGPEP_F1-vgU/s400/IMG_1279.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618644323456856034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbBZw_-W8Dxr0uYIQxnvhe1YVuqE0sYN6IeunrNVbqcJaMmu5uZC6ljuZYuA_OLbnptWNBzCea_Ng_7E-PLC5rAXO4CPGDAoyrOMCkhRyePZiGSlYWEEPFbv38vTvee4i9fBBfUxZyhI/s400/IMG_1257.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618644314289624146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_cLxejTnIQQ0BEUchP_i_JbphjqgdnW3ghc8VhEvfLtJlfMZbnuC68-scBsThRHl7t_7_M_FdZd6Xe8ejiaFPDeQIfOC9mndnsO2JRbVjjy1lknlx0LisaseBHc7kj7Nk_ksMVCN9yo/s400/IMG_1264.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618644991836085490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwtsEDYOjVyxyImxMMmdOJr_0XoWVcJZH67j7t4xjtcLbIBPkjRJdJUueTMsJDtI3pKsojcF_LIpzhEkxFFpQIc601RrsbGKROneAK2u-m6EFxyOd-kazo_m02xsgsRs8J46ccXT0Rx4/s400/IMG_1275.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfy9SsDAOkVRm3bDNKetSeUFK_OQdlfPlC4yClDfqNuhxYv3ooe0E1pBNwQCaSdx6X4MHsJIz0NlPehaPCkqRnDC2HgbVSGrWxGE1m8F5M_w7P9D-ZCEPOVfxvOlHF3KvxfTRTKHXZHo/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618645000716123570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfy9SsDAOkVRm3bDNKetSeUFK_OQdlfPlC4yClDfqNuhxYv3ooe0E1pBNwQCaSdx6X4MHsJIz0NlPehaPCkqRnDC2HgbVSGrWxGE1m8F5M_w7P9D-ZCEPOVfxvOlHF3KvxfTRTKHXZHo/s400/IMG_1291.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK83ekW8ZisfasVwY8PX6BKiAGRYEA40w0eh1wPNYihli-ZIX-9NG9o0Z3PwdvJUshRjxgTgAxHmAgNyJyLqAO1ifNZt5Dn318OUj9y0HHsccdpKy-764sIHwXkddQdyUr-lELnznYbjY/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618644309731013538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK83ekW8ZisfasVwY8PX6BKiAGRYEA40w0eh1wPNYihli-ZIX-9NG9o0Z3PwdvJUshRjxgTgAxHmAgNyJyLqAO1ifNZt5Dn318OUj9y0HHsccdpKy-764sIHwXkddQdyUr-lELnznYbjY/s400/IMG_1280.JPG" /></a></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-79709410747061915432011-06-13T18:28:00.007-05:002011-06-13T21:10:14.525-05:00the country<u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617887448532800066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYrXQcNKsKm_xdPbhywv5hQhpjuM_JWjDV73WBvaahRfEV69FatpGvx1M00vy3ZmQom3WIkyTcy-cWj6P1PnipcJAKX8Ryfbmq_g8tzH9GsOvrcGQyHV1aOGNFDCyXMenffBEc2wffbE/s400/IMG_1096.JPG" />Don't you love the country? I was raised in a small Texas town. I currently live in a different small Texas town, and I plan to grow old with my hubby and watch my grandchildren play in the back yard of the country home that will become our "forever home" in a small Texas town...or anywhere in North Carolina (tee <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">hee</span>).<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplgsS4go0ITh7Duym_ihIsdPjm_MYdsihto5jWE51FyIUmjtI-FuGWfk14q_cp8GndY50D5mNpvm-cmLW1C779TIcpTskaQvvbGK-Mfx31LcYpS8obiLsvgEIY0TWv2sqg_WnO3SXC1E/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617887093889372770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplgsS4go0ITh7Duym_ihIsdPjm_MYdsihto5jWE51FyIUmjtI-FuGWfk14q_cp8GndY50D5mNpvm-cmLW1C779TIcpTskaQvvbGK-Mfx31LcYpS8obiLsvgEIY0TWv2sqg_WnO3SXC1E/s400/IMG_1101.JPG" /></a> In the country, your kids can "drive" down the dirt back roads...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5CFfViOjkEAqXyQZpb0Agt1LiJzXiONxjXUPUiqUHc6rPcxAzpzbTeeKtUbUvt-D3qfB90PFhOxeZIihFd0dokhPLCmv2R919VOz7t5Rl015EEYhupxPpv7M6tyvwGOph2bgVF2_vB8/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617887086846395506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5CFfViOjkEAqXyQZpb0Agt1LiJzXiONxjXUPUiqUHc6rPcxAzpzbTeeKtUbUvt-D3qfB90PFhOxeZIihFd0dokhPLCmv2R919VOz7t5Rl015EEYhupxPpv7M6tyvwGOph2bgVF2_vB8/s400/IMG_1090.JPG" /></a> ...on their Daddy's lap, of course.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJfcqZbQsgil4dtq6UXHSZ6zOmPOO1gVMLLnnI78rI527EpmeJ0-l9PqAFqRCkSPSlMRgDf3KPRqVVj5YQ-O3uGXdo53Hx3KqROQ20luk049tI6hahC5Ay2TrvQVqxet3t7mRuTD1Alc/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617887082406248290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJfcqZbQsgil4dtq6UXHSZ6zOmPOO1gVMLLnnI78rI527EpmeJ0-l9PqAFqRCkSPSlMRgDf3KPRqVVj5YQ-O3uGXdo53Hx3KqROQ20luk049tI6hahC5Ay2TrvQVqxet3t7mRuTD1Alc/s400/IMG_1083.JPG" /></a>I love cows. They are simple. They just look at you and swat the flies on their backs. They give us cheese...God bless the cows. I love me some cheese...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_N3qz3o2pp0UCLn3bzjPvvbNCtxoGlKMq329C46lnCa9AMF0aO7aJZpZF7RiiTc9b2dEuJynzG5on3CzePR3neYFYhRvMXQnJEwdBXAFwwkKWxHVXLJpqn45DlO0T6Bs2lCku39CFm8/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617887074930891986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_N3qz3o2pp0UCLn3bzjPvvbNCtxoGlKMq329C46lnCa9AMF0aO7aJZpZF7RiiTc9b2dEuJynzG5on3CzePR3neYFYhRvMXQnJEwdBXAFwwkKWxHVXLJpqn45DlO0T6Bs2lCku39CFm8/s400/IMG_1073.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOqGR-S6tf3XlcDXTlbTovyRaf1wFz_AvR2Ex8hotjL_PuFS2KR35ZP3PwdsoqDzdbVSovnwQ6Wdoz_ygUpkjqGNpZkGBoXkzScJveWMdzGOpQeuGhMZb8LM0eYcoOzeWk6S0H_4JYI8/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617887070974019682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOqGR-S6tf3XlcDXTlbTovyRaf1wFz_AvR2Ex8hotjL_PuFS2KR35ZP3PwdsoqDzdbVSovnwQ6Wdoz_ygUpkjqGNpZkGBoXkzScJveWMdzGOpQeuGhMZb8LM0eYcoOzeWk6S0H_4JYI8/s400/IMG_1071.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRToQjVwmEHdcygPaGr2vY1THiVMnsUxgPTXqJWudgynCuK4dGnsv9RX8XvfaYZLTbg1gr7lSNBeiJC06o3V3ar_XRuelRm2YFM-4PMWOmzhOxfXgKc9FHNGp5Hz-fb-4hCtHoh1Q4w6g/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617886318098849474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRToQjVwmEHdcygPaGr2vY1THiVMnsUxgPTXqJWudgynCuK4dGnsv9RX8XvfaYZLTbg1gr7lSNBeiJC06o3V3ar_XRuelRm2YFM-4PMWOmzhOxfXgKc9FHNGp5Hz-fb-4hCtHoh1Q4w6g/s400/IMG_1034.JPG" /></a> (obligatory <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">snaggletooth</span> 8-year-old shot...bless that awkward age)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyBXQm3-ylpOiGWtxu8lRZrtl_bbIsJTaFYgMUSsPFk813IwvlFNOlKOZVThF8Q-2Q8mdD92j5Asz00XsCjg4zim4W-P8GLw-D_Sp2xPiJNoJ2gnN3XJFNjl9VhFtORuoE0YekYXKD30/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617886317647537314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyBXQm3-ylpOiGWtxu8lRZrtl_bbIsJTaFYgMUSsPFk813IwvlFNOlKOZVThF8Q-2Q8mdD92j5Asz00XsCjg4zim4W-P8GLw-D_Sp2xPiJNoJ2gnN3XJFNjl9VhFtORuoE0YekYXKD30/s400/IMG_1030.JPG" /></a> (obligatory <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">gapped</span>-tooth 3-year-old shot...bless that age too)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteBawx_V59v5Un5_wMTc6UgM8hi4HG1RqhVHGOJ8Oe7RwHxao_YAIIYHsG_RYuXcplihChgeTFl-Y9tH1vCKeHbXDRNu2uNu-FQ084FPmxtD0HpMc6DYQWKrNTxIn7BEzVoaB2E1LD-Y/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617886217107313106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteBawx_V59v5Un5_wMTc6UgM8hi4HG1RqhVHGOJ8Oe7RwHxao_YAIIYHsG_RYuXcplihChgeTFl-Y9tH1vCKeHbXDRNu2uNu-FQ084FPmxtD0HpMc6DYQWKrNTxIn7BEzVoaB2E1LD-Y/s400/IMG_1021.JPG" /></a> What is more country than a tire swing?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have a great day y'all.</div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767638375086548203.post-43710328106051975782011-06-12T21:52:00.004-05:002011-06-12T22:16:14.270-05:00finally<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsEGJSufPyxk9gzMqyTVhml2lul0V6V79pKIIZZZ7iRJSluEIjWJZmByLJ86cgdLuFJoQIKz4PpsHZgPhc7wqCtYqdHk8s_Yt5JP0Y-3UKs3IVHfmzCLbIIIn0yCfrtYsOz6IYB7RiO8/s1600/headboard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617532897911201906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsEGJSufPyxk9gzMqyTVhml2lul0V6V79pKIIZZZ7iRJSluEIjWJZmByLJ86cgdLuFJoQIKz4PpsHZgPhc7wqCtYqdHk8s_Yt5JP0Y-3UKs3IVHfmzCLbIIIn0yCfrtYsOz6IYB7RiO8/s400/headboard.jpg" /></a>No more pillows falling behind the bed. Seems like a small thing, but it's not. We got our new bed, oh, maybe 9 months ago and didn't have a headboard. We went from a queen to a king (I highly recommend it for people like me who get boiling hot, like to sleep on a diagonal, and don't want anyone to touch them because their skin feels like an incinerator...said individual shall remain nameless) and our old sleigh bed didn't work anymore. We just bought a bed frame to go with our glorious new, and extremely comfortable bed, but just couldn't make a headboard happen. You know, doctor bills, roof leaks, etc. etc. etc. Our headboard didn't seem to be a priority. Doctor visits over a headboard? Who made that rule, I say? Anyway, (cue the harps and angels singing), it is here...and it is glorious.<br />I bought the Camden untufted headboard in Burlap from Ballard Designs. I went back and forth between burlap and the white twill. I decided on the burlap because I was worried that the white would (1) show dirt easier and (2) would be a little over the top considering all of the other white that is going to appear in the room. I will post a mood board of the room on my next post. It is reeeeeal purdy :)<br />I was a little disheartened when I opened the box and it smelled like, well, a burlap sack. Then, the directions really didn't work. It didn't take too much brain power to figure it out, but it is a major pet peeve of mine when directions aren't right. I mean, they ARE directions, right? Can I get an amen? Thank you. However, the headboard went into place, and about a gallon of Fabreeze later (that stuff is heaven sent I tell ya'), all is well in the world. It hardly smells like a potato sack and it is GORGEOUS! Even if it did smell like potato sack, I might not really care considering I have a place to prop up my pillows AND they don't get lost into an abyss at night when they go careening behind the bed.<br />Take that rogue pillow!!!<br />Nighty night.Home as Hobbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02805757485770704158noreply@blogger.com0