Blogging, a love/hate relationship

I love my blog, I love to read blogs, but I hate that I don't post on mine enough and I don't get to read the others as much as I'd like. There are many times, throughout the course of my day (like everyday), that I think of things that I can't wait to share or say. Would it be rude to call on Father Time and ask if he would add another hour, or two, maybe three, to the day?  Oh, I know, all of you that are always asking when I'm going to update my blog, when am I going to share some money saving, up-cycling, kind of tips? (stayed tuned) To you all I say, school is a huge time sucker and ask if any of you know how to do statistics or who can wrap their brain around economics?  No, really, learning the how to's of statistics and the terminology of an economist often leaves me scratching my head and asking myself, huh? Call me dense and I'll have no problem agreeing with you. Okay, in my own defense, it has been 26+ years since I've attended school. (Did I just say that out loud)? If any of you can help tutor me in either of these subjects I would kiss you (figuratively, of course) and call myself blessed that I actually know people that get this stuff AND therefore freeing up more time to do bloggy kind of stuff. :)

Then there is Pinterest....do you Pinterest yet? I know I've thrown this question at you before but, seriously, if you've become a "Pinner" then you'll better understand when I say time sucker, addiction, love, hate, fun, new friendships, awesomeness...etc. So to Pinterest I extend a BIG thank you for existing....sort of.

A big thank you for the creator of this sign. Just wish it had a reference. Please let me know who you are and I will be super happy to give you kudos and a link to your site. :)

If I'd give my blog the same amount of attention that I gave Pinterest then I would have a real successful blog with lots of followers. Okay, maybe lots of followers. :)  *Big sigh* perhaps one day...

Here's a Pin on my "Lets Get Physical" board:

Yep, the truth sometimes hits ya right in the arse. :/

Thank you someecards.com for your uncanny wit and remarkable ability to state the truth.

p.s. You can join in on the fun here. For some odd reason Pinterest requires you to receive an invite before joining. I'll be more than happy to do that for you. Just say so. :)

Happy New Year! A Look Back

To my wonderful family and friends,

HAPPY 2012!!!...

Photo from Flickr

and thanks for being you! Each of you have contributed, in some way or other, to my many successes throughout 2011 and for that I'm grateful. The past year has brought many, many fun and exciting adventures, some happy and others not so happy. But it is those unhappy times that strengthen and provide me the opportunity to grow, and that too I'm grateful for. This post, however, and like every other post I put on this blog, I'll be focusing on the positives. :) I mean positives are so much more fun to read than negatives. Dontcha think? I mean, I'd much rather rave than rant and I'm confidant you'd much rather hear a rave than a rant.

First I should admit that 2011 is quite fuzzy and I'll probably be adding on to this post as more events come to mind. But for now here are my five "stand out" events that happened in 2011.

Trek

In July the hubby, two of our kids, and myself went on Trek. This is a four day event that happens every four years and is a life changing experience for most that get to attend. The purpose is to re-create the Trek that the pioneers made from the east to the Salt Lake Valley in the mid 1880's. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is a re-creation. From the hand carts to the clothes worn, food eaten, bedding, shelter and everything in between is set up to simulated the experiences of those pioneers who traveled thousands of miles to escape religious persecution.  An event designed never to be forgotten.

We Moved....UGH!

I say ugh, not in sorry we moved but, as in moving really, really, REALLY, sucks! Okay, I don't like that word and I almost never use it but, on occasion, there isn't any other word that fits the bill. Sorry, and I don't mean to offend. That's it. I think you get the picture. Now, the upside of it all is the house we moved into on September 1st is one FABULOUS place. You can read a tiny bit of its history here, see its lovely staircase here, and have a peek at a couple of re-dos here. I look forward to updating my blog and the progress we've made thus far on our home. A new years resolution, perhaps? 

Emily Moves Out....Whaaahahaha. :(

In September, just shortly after we moved, Emily decided to spread her wings and venture out on her own. The decision was certainly bitter sweet; sweet for her and bitter, of course, for her dad and I.  It's always a tough thing to watch your child grow from a cute, can never do any wrong, little child to a young adult that can't wait to leave the nest. No matter how hard it was for her dad and I, I'm very proud that she had the courage and enthusiasm to venture out on her own. I mean aren't some twenty and thirty somethings still living with their parents? Okay, to be fair, I know that some leave the nest and then situations come about that force them to move back home.  I'm not talking about those kind. I referring to the ones that are permanently set in the nest and are reluctant to fly. Our Emily spread her wings and flew to seek out new adventures. 2/28/2012 Update: she's moved back.

All Five Home for the Holiday

 Yep, there they all are. Our whole family was blessed to have everyone together for Thanksgiving. Why is this such a big deal? Well, because its been two years since we've had everyone together. It's been two years since we've seen our oldest son, one year since we saw our oldest daughter, and two years since we've all been together. That's a  BIG deal. Photo op! 

Undergraduate Studies DONE!

Not a lot to say here except WOO HOO!!! On to the next level......stay tuned. Update: Thought I was done but, transferred to a new college and evidently the joke's on me. :/ Got a few more class to complete before moving on.

Our Family Has a New Addition 

 Meet Carly. Isn't she BEAUTIFUL? Yeah, we think so too. :) Carly came to live with us last month. She belongs to my oldest daughter, Leah, who lives in Nashville, TN. Ha! However, Carly lives with us in WV. So, I'm thinking that she now belongs to us(?) Or perhaps we are just dog sitting for an extended period of time. Either way, we are thrilled to have her. Carly was rescued from a horrible home in Nashville. If you knew this dog you would wonder how anyone could ever be so cruel. She is an absolute gem and we are incredibly blessed to have her with us. 

See how she fits in? Here she is shopping the Black Friday sales with Collin.

  How was your 2011? Any "stand out" events you'd like to share? 

A few of my favorite things

Wow! Has it been that long? Really? *Big sigh* I've resolved to admit, my friends, that I'm only a part time blogger. Well, at least until things slow down a bit. Have any idea of when that might happen? HA! I suppose going to school full time, trying to settle in a new house, and still being a mom, wife, chauffeur, house keeper, etc. (you get the picture) can really suck ones time away. :/ AND so it has. But I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to take a few minutes and blog something to let you all know that I AM still alive and kicken' and to share with you a few of my favorite things. Especially this time of year because this time truly is my favorite time of year. Do you agree, or do you prefer another season?

There's something about Fall that really resonates with my inner being. Ya know? Don't know why. Perhaps it stems from fond childhood memories of trick or treating, or going "over the river and through the woods" to grandma's house for that awesomely yummy turkey dinner with all the trimmings and seeing all the cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Ok, who has ever stuck black olives on all 10 fingers and sucked them off one by one into your mouth? There must be a connection between kids and that ritual, right (?) because all five of mine, at one time or another, did it...and still do! Oh, fun times, indeed. :)

Then just right around the corner is Christmas with all its warm and fuzzy memories....to be continued.

But for now, at least for this post, I will share some of my favorite things related to Fall. A portion of my excitement for Fall comes from the anticipation of transforming my home from Summer to Fall. I'm talking, of course, about decorating! ♥♥♥ to decorate for the seasons and holidays and it would seem that I'm not alone. Pinterest is a one stop site that tells, or shows, how much others enjoy the art of holiday domestic transformation. Plus one can get TONS of ideas and hopefully share some too. See what I'm talking about here.

Side note....(really sorry about the poor picture quality. My kiddos lost my camera charger and I had to use my sons camera phone...Grrrr!)

Ok, sooooo, whats all the excitement about?

Color!!! 

Now that's what I'm talking about...swoon.

Photo from Google images

Honey Crisp Apples

You haven't lived until you've tried one of these. Oh Em Gee!

Photo from Google images

Porch Scape 

I was really bummed to see in the picture that someone took the top pumpkin to my 
Cinderella pumpkin tower.  Didn't notice it until now.  What the....? :(

                                                          

                            Creepy Stair Mice                                           

Creepy stair mice is not a Fall favorite, but decorating with them are :) 

                                   

Skulls, Skeletons, and Spiders....EEK!

A Fantle and Crows

Trick or Treaters and Carved Pumpkins

Black and White Halloween Mantle 
(walls and antique mantle still under construction)

Oh, and CANDY CORN!!!

What are some of your favorite things this fall?

 

Join the party here:

Wall Art and Feng shui

Did you know by switching up or changing out things on your wall can enhance feelings of well being and even increase your productivity? Pretty cool, huh?. Why do I believe such a statement? Well, because I've done it many times, but without realizing the benefits. All I know is that when I'd move things around or hang something new on my walls, I felt super charged and happily content. Wouldn't this concept be related to the Feng shui idea? I think so, but decide for yourself here. Interesting stuff, huh?

BUT 

what is even more fun than interesting, at least for me, is Pinterest. Haven't heard of it yet? See what I'm talking about here. But fair warning, my friends, this site is that of the addiction type. There, I have forewarned you so you cannot mention my name in any way, shape, or form when your hubby, child, dog, or any other person or thing threatens immediate consequences for lack of attention.

I have yet to hang anything on my walls because of the state of our home (one.big.fat.mess), but thanks to Pinterest I have collected a whole bunch of lovely ideas when that time comes. I wanted to share these ideas with you because that's how I roll....I like to share ideas. :) Hopefully by sharing some of these ideas you may feel inclined to share back any of your wall art ideas that are Feng shui inspired . You might even feel impressed to share a link to your Pinterest Boards so I may add another hour to my Pinterest addiction. Hey, no judging now, their mantra is "Happy Pinning" and pinning makes me happy. ♥

Oh the things that can be done with vintage windows.

thesweetsurvival.blogspot.com

I'm loving the open frame on the mirror with the single letter in center.

casabellaproject.com

I really have a thing for Subway art. Then add a wreath...♥

lilluna.com

  

 How creative is this message board!? Chicken wire? Too CUTE!

ashleyannphotography.com

 Wow! I'm wondering if the artist is for hire.

cherstynandmatt.blogspot.com

Sweet.

keltainentalorannalla.blogspot.com

 A reason to collect old china antique plates. Love it!

blog.addicted2decorating.com

Who would have thought? 

re-nest.com

Another shutter idea. Definitely on the to-do list. 

westfurniturerevival.blogspot.com

Another, who would have thought? Curtain rods are not just for curtains anymore.

byyourhands.blogspot.com

I'm officially on a mad hunt for ornate frames. Love this!

cupcakesandcasablanca.tumblr.com

Horse Hair, Mud and a Can of Worms

Ok, so our first "little" project was to prep and paint a couple of the walls in the dining area so I could mount  

 this, 

 an antique fireplace mantle I found sitting outside in the rain at an antique store. Really? Out in the rain? Yep, I was shocked, appalled, and down right annoyed at the site of this beautiful piece of art just leaning on the outside wall of this po-dunk shop. I felt so sorry for it that I decided to give it a new home. Trust me when I say it wasn't a hard decision. It really was love at first sight. :)  I quickly determined a new place to mount this little pretty and told the hubs to get to work. He is such a good sport and shares my enthusiasm for DIY repair and remodeling. Except when things are not what they seem....

The wall I pegged to place the mantle on was kind of uneven and rough in texture. We decided the mantle would look best if the wall was smooth and even. Not a hard thing to fix...HA! The first coat of mud produced bubbles (1) which indicated the walls were not of the drywall type. Uh-Oh! With a couple of taps with the hammer (2), we also discovered that the walls were super soft UH-OH! What the???? So, the question for you all is, what do you get when you mix mud and horse hair together? Yeah, I didn't know either, but you get mortar 1847 style (3 & 4) oh! and one. big. fat. mess!!!  This type of stuff doesn't leave a nice little white dusting, the kind you get when you sand drywall. This stuff leaves a coating of dust, of the dirt kind, that when one tries to wipe it up it immediately turns to brown icky mud! UGH!

Did I mention my hubby shares in my enthusiasm for DIY home repairs and remodel....EXCEPT when things are not what they seem? Yeah, this is what I'm talking about.

And what about the can of worms? Well, it's like this. In an effort to minimize the spreading of dust during the demolition process, the hubs thought it would be wise to mask off the area with plastic and open a couple of windows, with a couple of fans blowing through one window and out another. Windows are a great tool for many things like gazing out to see the beautiful trees, flowers or birds and on occasion weird people walking down the side walk. Another super cool thing windows can do is provide, when open, a way to let a nice breeze pass through the house. This can really cut down on the electric bill. I like that. :) However, when someone paints and caulks shut every stinkin' window in a house in an effort to weatherize the home, our idea of minimizing the dust during demolition is not going to materialize. GRRRRRR!!!! 

Hunny, will you please open the can of worms? With a hammer, putty knife, and a few swipes of a blade, we were able to pop open one window (1) and break another, which was the least of our worries since upon opening one particular window we discovered dry rot on the window frame. (2&3) Hmmmm....anyone want to guess on how many more windows we might find like this once they are pried open and released from their painted and caulking prison? *Big sigh* perhaps another day. :)

Progress.....to be continued.

A Staircase 1880's style

 Wow!, Whew! Oh My! Really?! and any other descriptive word you can think of that might describe how one feels after a move. Yep, that would describe me and my family at this moment in time. But nevertheless, we are EXCITED to be in our new/old home! The projects have already begun, those that were planned and others that we had no idea about. That post will be coming soon. :/

Anyway, so many have been asking to see pictures and I've not complied simply because there wasn't anything to show except a home full of boxes, literally, not kidding, honest Engine. Now that most of the boxes have been emptied and stuff has found a new place (well at least for now) I've started to snap some pics here and there to show all you inquisitive types. :) Trust me, I'm one of those types too. Suspense just kills me. HA!

Here is the staircase of the home. The main portion of the house was built in 1847 and then a second addition was added in 1880. The staircase was part of the second addition. As you can see it was all about detail back in the day. Be-ut-i-full! dontcha think?

 View from the front door.

Looking up. Love the turn in the railing. How did they do that?

View from the side.

The Beautifully, Ugly Door. Help!

I know the title is sort of an oxymoron, but let me explain. This door is beautifully hung in the front of a house that was built in 1847. I'm thinking the door isn't as old as the house, but pretty old nevertheless because of the design. I get so sad every time I look at it because it truly has awesome character, but what is with the colors? The colors scream HELP! I'm a beautiful door trapped behind ugly colors. Don't worry little door, rescue is on the way.  Please, please, please help me help this door transform from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan. Any ideas for color(s)? Also consider the sides of the door and upper part of the frame. They're all in need of rescue. Thanks! Oh, and the stuff looking like stained glass, (?) is just what I called it; stuff looking like stained glass. Should it stay or should it get peeled off and tossed? (So sorry about the photos poor quality. A better camera is in my near future.)