Saturday, February 27, 2010

The Platform

Well the work is almost complete this week at our house. My brother in law has been awesome getting the rest of the framing/roughin work completed in our basement. They have about an hour or so of work left today and then the first phase will be complete.

These pictures aren't too exciting....but at least will give you an idea of what has been going on in our basement.  We have a new platform landing at the bottom of our stairs.





The framing is also complete around all the ductwork and around the pole....




As well as the windows are now boxed in too.....
And we now have a frame for where the big projection screen will go for the media area.......





We still have a long way to go before we are complete....next up....electrician and plumber....we will eventually get it done....I know we already plan on having my BIL back to help build the media center...put tile in our entryway upstairs and help us put a tiled shower in our upstairs bathroom....the lists continue!

We took him downtown last night for dinner...as he had never seen our city....we ate at Anthony's...oh...it was just SO GOOD! 

Hopefully, today will be low key and relaxing....the sun is out....hoping the snow melts too!

Happy Saturday!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Come Run With Me

Well, it's official. I am going to be doing another 5k run in May!  My sister has asked me and several of her friends to participate in the Mother's Day Run and I jumped at the chance. I am so proud of my sister for setting a goal for herself and I can't wait to do this with her! Anybody else want to join us? It is going to be May 9 and the cost is $25.00 if you register before April 15. Let me know if you are interested!

Now I just have to get myself back to running and work on beating my time from last time!

My brother in law, CJ, arrives today to begin working on the basement. We have not seen him in over 2 years, so it should be interesting to have him around this week. We are excited to get a lot done in the house....so he should stay pretty busy.

I found a new devotional site online last week and have been enjoying their daily devotions.  I thought I would share with you the one from today...because it just hit home for me.

Today's Truth - Mary Southerland


John 13:34 "Love one another as I have loved you."

Friend To Friend

Everywhere I go, I seem to be surrounded by red hearts, roses, pink ceramic dishes, boxes of chocolate and brightly decorated cards that sing mushy love songs and even let you record your very own words and thoughts of affection. February is the month of love but if we are honest, some people are harder to love than others. I call those people "sandpaper people" because they can be irritating, abrasive and tend to rub me the wrong way.

I can also be a sandpaper person. We all can. Our only hope is God's love at work in and through us. God calls us to love the unlovable and to reach out to those people we would rather avoid. God calls us to love each other just like He has loved us. In fact, God uses those difficult people to refine us and make us more like Him.

In the late 1800's, a group of women enrolled in a Bible study came across Malachi 3:3, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Since no one understood the verse, they commissioned one of their members to explore the process of refining silver and report back to them at their next study. The woman called a silversmith, making an appointment to watch him work and ask a few questions.

On the appointed day, she saw him hold a piece of silver over the fire, letting it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, a silversmith needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest, so that all impurities would burn away. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled. "Oh, that's easy. The refining process is complete when I see my image in it."

Difficult relationships can sometimes make us feel like we are being dangled over a fire of unreasonable expectations, can't they? It seems easier to simply give up and walk away from all of the emotional stress of trying to make the relationship work. When we make the choice to love a sandpaper person, we are inviting God to work in us and through us to bring about change - to create His image in us so we can then see His image in others. Difficult relationships and combative interactions do not hold up well in an atmosphere of love, because it is through love that stubborn wills are compelled to yield. Under the influence of God's love in our lives, winning no longer seems important to us, as we recognize the value and worth of a soul.

Have a wonderful day!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Our Staycation

Well, it is still snowing here! It started yesterday evening, I awoke this morning to sleet and it is now full blown snow. I think we have almost 5 inches....will have to take a tape measure out later once it stops...if it stops. Positive point - they did plow our street, however now that the wind has picked up, you can hardly tell now.

We have been enjoying being home this weekend. Friday night, we watched the movies All About Steve and The Gamer.  We made homemade guacamole and had some chicken fajitas. Just a great night at home.

Saturday, I received a call from my brother and sil that they were coming to town and wanted to know if I could meet them for lunch. I was so happy to have our sister and her family join us too. Of course, Little "I" was the star of our lunch. He is growing up so fast! The news of the day is that there MIGHT be a chance that my SIL is carrying not one, but two babies. We find out for sure the first week in March. They had an ultrasound that the doctor thought it looked like another heartbeat was behind the first one.  Oh my! Auntie D wouldn't know what to do with twins. :)

I will be sure to keep you posted on this!

Today, I have been at home all day....and I have been enjoying being STUCK at home.   I have been baking...I made some Peanut Butter Cookies, Pot Roast (will be making the soup tomorrow night), and the BEST mashed potatoes..ever! Pioneer Woman did not let me down again....Hubs and I couldn't believe how delicious they taste...and it was pretty easy too. Mom -!I didn't even use a hand mixer!

Anyways....I am now hanging out...Hubby is flipping through channels...I made some coffee and am hoping to get all of our laundry caught up by the end of the night. My BIL (Hubs brother) is arriving on Tuesday and staying till Sunday...so lots to get done around the house before he arrives.

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Staycation

This weekend, we are having a staycation...is that a word? We are staying HOME.  We have a couple of projects planned around the house and I have been asked to BAKE!

I love baking....and my hubby knows it....and he enjoys eating my treats for sure! So...I have begun my list of items that I am wanting to make.

First, I am going to make Paula Deen's Red Velvet Cupcakes...shhhhh don't tell my hubby! His favorite cake is Red Velvet....so this will be nice surprise.

I also want to attempt to make a Chocolate Souffle....we'll see if I can accomplish that.

I also have a list of yummy meals....Southern Fried Chicken, Pot Roast Soup, Roaster Asparagus, and Seafood Lasagna (no worries everyone...it just has shrimp and scallops..) Clams make me VERY SICK.

I don't know if I will get everything I want made....but it's a start. I love being in the kitchen....it is such a stress reliever to me....and I love the fact that my Hubby loves my food....that makes me a very happy housewife.

The sun has been shining all day today and it is really putting me in the mood for Spring....to bad more snow is on it's way tomorrow. I went home at lunch and the builders were pouring concrete for the basements ....I think they were trying to hustle and get it all done before the weather hits tomorrow.  Sure doesn't look the same already.....Poor Bella doesn't know what to think...her territory that she loved to go and sniff in is being taken over by construction workers!  I don't know what she will do once someone is actually living behind us.

Bunco night is tonight....I missed last month's get together, so should be fun to catch up with the neighborhood gals.

Anyone else ready for spring?? I have been browsing online today at spring dresses and raincoats...so many fun colors....I think I wear entirely too much black. (hey...they say it's slimming!)  I found a couple of dresses online at Old Navy......the maxi dress...
























I LOVE.....however...here is the problem...I am SHORT...let's face it..I am not getting any taller..however I JUMPED for joy when I saw that Old Navy is carrying these dresses in petite. I know I am SO SHORT (5'1) and probably not suppose to wear them (according to Stacy and Clinton of What Not To Wear)...but seriously...they look so comfy....and would be great for nights out to the movies.....or leaving the pool.....or just out hanging with friends or family....get my point??? I have added it to my cart and will make a decision this weekend.

I also found a raincoat for $15.00.....I needed one so badly last spring...and by the time I got around to shopping for one...I couldn't find one I liked. I think this one shall do the trick.



So...there you have it....I am shopping for spring....I can't take it any more!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The dozers are out!

We now have two holes being dug behind our home......a  definite sign of spring to me! This first lot is already sold....


They were there all day yesterday...and this is what I saw this morning before I left for work.  We have lived here almost 2 years....and it looks like by April we will have a street full of homes behind our house. I wonder who are neighbors will be.....it will be different looking out back and seeing another home behind us....we have been blessed with some privacy for the first two years.

This is the lot they will be working on today.



And this is looking to left ...another lot sold...and home going up




Now if we could just help our neighbor out in selling her home...anyone want to be our next door neighbor? Ha! 

Monday, February 15, 2010

My Blog Facelift

So what do you all think??? SURPRISE! My blog has received a facelift!! Thanks to Traci at Sweet Cheeky Designs!!

She was the best ever and has given me exactly what I wanted in the design! It's so me. :)

Hubby and I went to see the movie Valentine's Day tonight after work. It was good...we both really liked it.

More to come....but just wanted to write my first blog after the makeover. Good night all!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Saturday mornings

Thank you to all of you for your sweet comments and well wishes to us both! How I love your notes and comments. :)

I was hoping to sleep in a bit this morning, however I woke up at 6:30. How does that happen? I guess that is sleeping in...but not as much as I would have preferred.

We had a low key night last night...ordered in Chinese food and watched the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Did you watch? I am not sure if I have ever had the patience to watch it all...but last night I did! There is just something about watching the good ole USA team walk in...simply amazing!

Today, is our celebration day! I have been looking forward to this ALL week. I had hoped to get away for the weekend, but Hubs is out of vacation days....and we didn't want to pay a fortune to go somewhere...so we are headed to the Country Club Plaza for the evening. We have dinner reservations and a hotel room. Woo hoo!  Hoping I can convince Hubby to do a bit of shopping too...and I have hinted that I would love to go and see the movie Valentine's Day. Just a slight hint...ha!

The best part is that we will be able to check into our hotel room and just walk around the rest of the evening...no travelling in the car.  It will be as close as I can get to the weekends we use to spend in NYC. I always looked forward to them...just drove in parked the car and walked around all weekend....miss that for sure!

We don't typically do much for each other for Valentine's Day....we combine the two together. The best part...this year I didn't have to get him a gift, as we have decided to get some decorating advice for a room in our house by an online decorating consultant....not going to tell you all which room yet though...it will be a surprise! I have one style of tastes...he has another...and we need someone to help us figure out how to combine the two so that we both can be comfortable....hopefully this will work! ha!

I have a surprise for you all in just a few days...so be sure to be checking back! This blog is about to have a WHOLE new look! I cannot wait to show you all. :)

That about wraps up my exciting morning. I need to get some cards ready for the mail, unload and load the never ending dishwasher, work on some laundry, take the dog outside....and hopefully run and get a manicure this morning. PHEW....it wears me out just thinking about it all!

Happy Saturday!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

5 years ago...Feb. 12, 2005

I married my best friend....the man who is my number 1 fan, who loves me even when I can be a pain in the behind, who surprises me when I least expect it, and is the hardest working man (besides my Dad and brother) that I know. We have been through a lot in the past 5 years, I can't imagine my life without him in it. I look forward to spending at least another 45 years together! I tell him all the time that we will make it to 50 years of marriage just like my grandparents.

I had wanted to share wedding pictures with you all and I have misplaced our 5 disks of pictures! So...I took pictures of our amazing wedding album that my good friend KJ created for us.




Happy Anniversary Babe...I love you.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Book and Movies




I have been reading all about her new book on twitter and blogs...I bought it on Amazon.com and it arrived on my doorstep this morning.  What a great surprise it was when I arrived home for lunch!

I am already hooked....I have ready the intro and Chapter 1 and can't wait to read more!  I am so ready to dive in.

It will be another night of breakfast food at our house tonight. Hubs has requested biscuits and gravy and sunny side up eggs) We will be watching a new favorite movie of mine....Julie and Julia.... have you seen it??? LOVE IT! I was explaining to Hubs last night about the part of the movie where Julie tries to make a poached egg as she has never tried one and she finally sits down to try and likes it and says it tastes like cheese. :)


Last night...Hubs requested bacon, hashbrowns and eggs....and we watched

And Monday night....we had spaghetti and watched....


We both agree....we are loving our movie nights together this week....


My Simple Pleasures

I am a little late at writing this...but Kelly had written a post about simple pleasures in life...

As I sit by the fire this morning before getting ready for work....I began making my list. There are so many things that are so simple....and bring joy to my heart....

The pitter patter of rain gently falling from the sky
The smell of fresh pine trees
Bella hopping on top of my lap
The smell of popcorn popping
My nephew calling my name
My husband's hand gently touching my back as he tells me goodbye before he goes to work each morning
Hugs from my family
Roses
My grandmother's letters and notes
Lazy weekends
Sewing
Smell of coffee brewing
My comfy Gap pants that I have in two colors, are falling apart and I think are almost 5 years old, but I look forward to going home and putting on every night after work
Quiet time to spend reading the Bible
Baking/Cooking in the kitchen
Clean hot towels pulled from the dryer
Collecting cookbooks
The smell of freshly cut grass
My parents home....sitting outside in the country just taking it all in
Old pictures
Road trips

These are just a few...I know that there are many more....what are some of yours?

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Closet

Ok...let's just put this out there....I know I have tons of clothes...more than I should...but hey..this girl loves clothes..and to top it off...I can go through my closet and not find a darn thing to wear in the mornings...what is up with that?

I got an itch a few weekends ago to start working on organizing our closet...color coordinated. I had started doing this with my shirts....all short sleeves on bottom... all long sleeved on top...however I had this hair brained idea to go a little further.....in my mind I kept thinking...I wonder what it would look like with all the whites together....all the blacks...all the blues??  You get it?

Well...here is the first before picture........


I thought...this won't take me too long....I can handle this....
And this.....

And then it set in....this project is way more than I first thought.....WHAT WAS I THINKING???

I started with putting all the black items on the small side.....


Not bad...I was liking it.....and then I got to the next side....


Not bad again......

And then...I pooped out...and here is where I am at now.....the middle shelving is making me nuts! And I haven't even gotten to the other side of the closet or the top shelf I can't reach....Goodness girl....I need to think more about these things before I do this again!



Hoping to accomplish more.....in the near future.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

News from Stash

We received an email last night from Stash......................


Looks like we will be having a new nephew or niece that will be arriving in September!!!

Congratulations to my brother, Jase and sister in law, Brey!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Bedroom ideas continue

So I have been pulling together different photos of bedrooms that I like. I came up with 10 different ideas and showed them to Hubby....he narrowed them down to 4....so here is where I am at this point.....I keep flipping as to what one I like the most.

I am honestly still online looking for more ideas....and I went and picked out some fabric swatches at Joann's last week...but I just can't make up my mind yet.

Sounds like we may be getting some snow this weekend...so I am thinking I will spend the weekend researching some more...what do you all think? Do you like any of these? (I really like the 1st one..a lot) I wish our bedroom was just a tad larger....oh well.





On another note...be sure to check out my Anna Phyllis blog. I have been making all kinds of new projects and am having a great time doing it!


Birthday celebration...take 2.

This year my sister decided that they would have Little "I's" birthday party at our parents house as it is bigger than their's and it is easier for all of the grandparents to get to as they all live in the area.

So..Sunday morning I drove up to my parents...despite the fact that she had called to tell me that Little "I" had a fever all night and was in the beginning stages of getting sick. Auntie D was not going to miss the celebration, however Uncle Ike stayed home as he was heading out of town on Monday (driving 7 hours in the car...so he didn't want to drive another 4 the day before)

Anyways....the celebration was great....Little "I" was in a great mood and of course I have lots of pictures to share...I may overload you...but he is adorable!

Still in in jammies...he was getting ready for his party and watching the Cat in the Hat.


I love this picture...


He then went from jammies....


to birthday outfit....

My sister did a great job on the cake!!


However, before cake.....he wanted to open his presents!!



I think the box was his favorite....
He performed for us all....

His guitar might have been his 2nd favorite....he was easily distracted....
Then it was cake time....



Little "I" has been sick ever since his party.....the latest is that he has an ear infection...hoping he gets to feeling better soon!