I have created a new blog to be able to keep up with a new project the girls and I are doing. For those of you who get here from my url alone, you can get to this additional blog by visiting: http://momgirlsandgod.blogspot.com/
So, grab a cup of coffee or whatever suits your fancy and join us on our journey! We love feedback too :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Room to Breathe
If I haven't mentioned it before, I'm going to now. (I'm pretty sure I have though) Our home sits on one acre of land. I'm enjoying about half of that acre. The rest, around the perimeter, is all grown up with brush. I've waited over a year for it to be cut away, but nothing has happened yet. I saw a guy the other day doing some work on my neighbor's yard, so stopped and asked him if he'd take a look at mine. He did. He was supposed to come out yesterday to start on it, but called instead giving me a quote. I didn't like that quote. Now, I'm giving it back to Uncle Dudley and he's coming out Saturday. Let me just share with you what I've been tolerating the last 1 plus year.
This is our driveway looking out to our neighbor's house across the street. I can barely get in without scratching my car to pieces. Actually, some of this has already been cut away. I'll need a bit more privacy once all that to the left is cut. I'm thinking Bradford Pears. I don't know how fast they grow though.
And this is the opposite direction as you come into our driveway. The cleared area to the side is our front yard. Take note how deep the brush is and that's not all of it.
More of behind house.
About half the side yard where the most land is. It's about twice this big, but still more narrow than it should be due to all the brush. Oh and there's a beautiful creek right past that brush.
I have my privacy, that's no doubt.
I only have one house that I'll be able to see after all the brush is out of the way. We are still tucked away deep in the area. On three sides of the house beyond the brush is property that won't ever be for sale because it belongs to the city. On the side yard and front yard, is a walking park that's kept up fairly well. The back yard (beyond the brush) is an electric substation and woods. I'm not worried about privacy once all this is cut.
I just can't wait.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Challenging Days
Yesterday was a day I'd like to forget.
I was arranging my laundry room, getting ready for the oh so coveted new dryer to finally arrive, when I wound up with a boo boo. I had an open box full of picture frames laying next to some cabinets in there. One of the frames in that box was torn apart and the glass was sticking out over the side. I swiped my leg right next to it and literally sliced it open. I had no idea the damage I had done, so continued to walk across the house to my bedroom. I seriously thought I had just scraped it. It was starting to sting a little, so I sat down and looked at it, realizing I was going to need stitches. It still didn't look as bad as it really was. It looked deep enough for stitches, but didn't realize the tissue I saw was actually the inside of my leg. YUCK!
I'll spare you what I saw, but here's what it looked like after the stitches:
My dryer was scheduled to be delivered between 12pm and 4pm. It was about 10am when this happened, so I figured if they could get me in and out in a couple hours, all would be good. I had to have Allison (14) drive me to the hospital (thank goodness it's basically across the street) and on the way out, the delivery man called to say he was in town, ready to deliver the dryer. The instructions were to bring it through the threshold, so since I wouldn't be there, I told him to just leave it under the carport and Morgan would sign for it.
My washer is red. My dryer is burgundy! All this waiting and this is what I get! Doesn't even come close to matching, of course. With everything I went through to get it, it's staying. I don't care. Maybe I'll get another one to match one day, but not this day. REALLY?? I'm just too exhausted to care.
With me not being able to really move around, I couldn't exactly stay in the kitchen to cook lunch, so the girls requested McDonald's. Still not being able to drive, and Allison feeling like Queen of the Jeep, she drove me to McDonald's. She had so much fun being the one to place the order. Ha!
She's my big girl!
I was arranging my laundry room, getting ready for the oh so coveted new dryer to finally arrive, when I wound up with a boo boo. I had an open box full of picture frames laying next to some cabinets in there. One of the frames in that box was torn apart and the glass was sticking out over the side. I swiped my leg right next to it and literally sliced it open. I had no idea the damage I had done, so continued to walk across the house to my bedroom. I seriously thought I had just scraped it. It was starting to sting a little, so I sat down and looked at it, realizing I was going to need stitches. It still didn't look as bad as it really was. It looked deep enough for stitches, but didn't realize the tissue I saw was actually the inside of my leg. YUCK!
I'll spare you what I saw, but here's what it looked like after the stitches:
I know....EWWWW!!
My washer is red. My dryer is burgundy! All this waiting and this is what I get! Doesn't even come close to matching, of course. With everything I went through to get it, it's staying. I don't care. Maybe I'll get another one to match one day, but not this day. REALLY?? I'm just too exhausted to care.
With me not being able to really move around, I couldn't exactly stay in the kitchen to cook lunch, so the girls requested McDonald's. Still not being able to drive, and Allison feeling like Queen of the Jeep, she drove me to McDonald's. She had so much fun being the one to place the order. Ha!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Tribute to Oliver
I want to have a garden this year, so the girls and I headed to the feed store yesterday. Of course, the ducklings and chicks are for sale right now and the girls fell in love. Emily wound up with a little chick. Morgan and Allison shared a duckling. They named the duckling, Oliver. I quite like that name.
Have you ever seen the movie "Fly Away Home"? That's Oliver and Allison.
Oliver followed Allison around all day yesterday. Everywhere she went.
Last night, she put him in his box in her room. Somehow he got up on her bed in the middle of the night. Allison woke up with tears this morning because she had found him under her. :'( She was so upset, not only that she had caused his death, but that she knew he must have suffered.
Sweet little guy. Poor Allison.
I bought two more this morning. So far, they just aren't quite the same. We will see how it goes. I also bought a cage so Angel won't get them.
Have you ever seen the movie "Fly Away Home"? That's Oliver and Allison.
Oliver followed Allison around all day yesterday. Everywhere she went.
Last night, she put him in his box in her room. Somehow he got up on her bed in the middle of the night. Allison woke up with tears this morning because she had found him under her. :'( She was so upset, not only that she had caused his death, but that she knew he must have suffered.
Sweet little guy. Poor Allison.
I bought two more this morning. So far, they just aren't quite the same. We will see how it goes. I also bought a cage so Angel won't get them.
A.D.D.?
I've always known I've had it. Even though I've never been diagnosed. Maybe I'm just a slacker. Maybe I just simply wear too many hats. Whatever it is, I'm fed up. I truly find myself to be a great person, because I know my heart. BUT, if I were to look at myself from another's point of view, I don't think I'd like myself too much. I'm a promise breaker, unreliable, and a hypocrite.
Strong words? Maybe. Maybe not. How many times does one have to lie to be considered a liar? How many times does one have to steal to be considered a thief? My thoughts on that? Once.
Promise breaker: For one, I hardly ever keep my plans. When plans are made, such as lunch with a friend, I always seem to allow something to come up and take the place of it. I can look forward to it from the time it's planned until the day of, but then when it comes to the exact time, I either don't want to do it, or something has gotten in the way. A lot of times, it's completely out of my hands, but there have been times, I just didn't feel like it. Why?
Unreliable: If you ask me to be there for you in your time of need, you can bet I will be! I am a true friend. BUT, I'm the worst when it comes to getting pumped about something, while getting others pumped as well and then not even thinking about it beyond that point, not saving money for it, if it's an expensive thing, etc. I fail. Why?
Hypocrite: I'd rather not name any names, but there have been a couple people in my life who have been extremely difficult people. Honestly, I think I've dealt with mental issues from them. Either way, the way I have seen them doing things, especially with their spouses or children, makes me cringe. I just want to shake them and wake them, making them realize just what they have. I've even told Clayton how much they make me a better person because I don't want to be anything like them. I am. At least I have been. Ok, I'll admit, not on a daily basis, but still, how many times does one have to...... I'm guilty. Why?
I realize no one is perfect and I know I'm extremely far from it. Extremely! I'm not asking for perfection. I'm asking for the eyes to see myself, the ears to hear myself, the mouth that remains shut when need be, and the strength to do it all at once.
My ramblings.
Strong words? Maybe. Maybe not. How many times does one have to lie to be considered a liar? How many times does one have to steal to be considered a thief? My thoughts on that? Once.
Promise breaker: For one, I hardly ever keep my plans. When plans are made, such as lunch with a friend, I always seem to allow something to come up and take the place of it. I can look forward to it from the time it's planned until the day of, but then when it comes to the exact time, I either don't want to do it, or something has gotten in the way. A lot of times, it's completely out of my hands, but there have been times, I just didn't feel like it. Why?
Unreliable: If you ask me to be there for you in your time of need, you can bet I will be! I am a true friend. BUT, I'm the worst when it comes to getting pumped about something, while getting others pumped as well and then not even thinking about it beyond that point, not saving money for it, if it's an expensive thing, etc. I fail. Why?
Hypocrite: I'd rather not name any names, but there have been a couple people in my life who have been extremely difficult people. Honestly, I think I've dealt with mental issues from them. Either way, the way I have seen them doing things, especially with their spouses or children, makes me cringe. I just want to shake them and wake them, making them realize just what they have. I've even told Clayton how much they make me a better person because I don't want to be anything like them. I am. At least I have been. Ok, I'll admit, not on a daily basis, but still, how many times does one have to...... I'm guilty. Why?
I realize no one is perfect and I know I'm extremely far from it. Extremely! I'm not asking for perfection. I'm asking for the eyes to see myself, the ears to hear myself, the mouth that remains shut when need be, and the strength to do it all at once.
My ramblings.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My First Vlog
I couldn't get it to upload straight from my computer, so had to upload it from YouTube. I don't really like that unless I can figure out how to make it private. If anyone knows, please let me know.
Be kind. This is a first.
Be kind. This is a first.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sometimes, you just have to...
Last night, I made a list of everything I could bring to mind that needed to be done today. I'm sure there were loads more I didn't think of, and ones too specific to list.
This is what we accomplished:
Even Angel wanted to learn with us:
Spring has sprung!!
We did manage to get Cameron too. But not before unsuccessfully begging his older brothers to bring him. ;)
This is what we accomplished:
Even Angel wanted to learn with us:
Spring has sprung!!
We did manage to get Cameron too. But not before unsuccessfully begging his older brothers to bring him. ;)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
New Projects At Hand
I may have finished all the other projects I've mentioned on here. Maybe I didn't. Ok, it's very highly unlikely.
As I'm sure I have mentioned before, my dining room is big. It's also empty. I have a decent sized dining table that opens up to seat 12 or more. Right now, and most of the time, it sits 6-8. It takes up a lot of room, but just not enough. Thank you, Jesus, for my big dining room! I've had mostly small ones in the past and complained the entire time. Now that I have one I can work with, I won't complain. I'm sure you know by now, if you have read any of my posts, that I also have a fireplace in there. I love it, but it could use an update. That update will come. One day.
All the walls in my kitchen, dining, living room, and hall all run together. That leaves me with little choice in choosing paint color. So, when I painted my living room with the color I HAD to have, I was forced to do all the other rooms the same color. No, you say? I wasn't? Yes I was. The color I chose is very difficult to coordinate. I even tried to get a darker shade of it for other walls, and that didn't even work. The only color that looks great with it is red. I wasn't going to paint this dining room red. I refused. First of all, because the walls are still paneling. I once painted a bedroom of mine with paneling walls, red, and it looked good from afar, but not when you were actually in the room. It looked cheesy. Also, if you have ever painted with red, even with having red based primer, you don't want to do a large room. Trust me on this one. It's too much work!
So, I got a new toy the other day. I got an ipod touch. Yes, I'm in with the times now and do understand the hype. On it, I found a home decorating app. I can choose colors I want on the walls. I've tried it at other places online but never had a picture so easily accessible as the ipod. So, fiddling around with it, I decided to see what the wall where the fireplace is, would look like being an accent wall painted in red. Um, yes. It looked faboo. Nice and warm and with the fireplace, cozy. So, I'm thinking that'll do. I can paint the rest of the walls a neutral color that will tie in together with the red and the color I have in the living room. Tada! Yeah, I can see it now...buying another can of paint that will sit under my carport with the rest of the gallon gang because it didn't work.
I also have a major problem with window treatments. I feel confident enough to pat myself on the back when it comes to interior decorating, but windows give me fits every time. The bedrooms are the only rooms in this house with lots of windows. My dining room and kitchen together are fairly large for just two rooms and all they have are the window above the kitchen sink and double patio doors in my dining room. Oh, and two light fixtures to brighten both rooms. They try, but they just can't do the work. My patio doors are Pella, which have the blinds inside the glass. Neat idea, but terrible when it comes to wanting to decorate. For me anyway.
I FINALLY found something that suits me for window treatments for the patio doors. Yes, I did. Drum roll please....
I love this style! Mine won't be these colors, but definitely the design. No doubt. I want to add drapes, but not sure yet. Under it will hide the screen to the overhead projector we use for school. See, now that's SMART.
I also have my desk in my dining room. I can not like it. I'm not one to enjoy looking at a computer as part of my decor. Clayton built a computer armoire for me a few years ago, but it was finished in oak. I can not like oak. I loved it at the time, but times change...as often as my styles. So, I painted it a chocolate brown. It was pretty, even though Clayton cringed at the thought of me painting oak. I know. I know. I painted it again to match another decorating change I had. This time, I painted it black. Partially. It's been hiding in my craft room since. I do believe it's time to pull it out and completely strip it. This time, I'm going to stain it in an ebony stain, which matches all my furniture in these main rooms of my house. The thought of all that work makes me cringe. I think it'll be much, much better than the desk (which was a temporary thing that has become permanent for over a year now. Such an eyesore.
Oh, and just for kicks, and to add more pictures to this entirely too long blog, I have to share with you something I bought myself at Hobby Lobby the other day. I have no idea where I'm going to put it yet, but there are many places to choose from.
Shhhh, pay no mind to the dustbunnies. They are still sleeping. They've been dormant for a while now.
I don't know when I'll start this little project. I'd like to this week, but I'm so far behind on things around here, including schooling with the girls. Education is much more important than having a dining room as an eyesore. Then again, can I really concentrate on teaching when I teach in this distracing dining room? Priorities, priorities. Inny Minnie Miny Moe....
As I'm sure I have mentioned before, my dining room is big. It's also empty. I have a decent sized dining table that opens up to seat 12 or more. Right now, and most of the time, it sits 6-8. It takes up a lot of room, but just not enough. Thank you, Jesus, for my big dining room! I've had mostly small ones in the past and complained the entire time. Now that I have one I can work with, I won't complain. I'm sure you know by now, if you have read any of my posts, that I also have a fireplace in there. I love it, but it could use an update. That update will come. One day.
All the walls in my kitchen, dining, living room, and hall all run together. That leaves me with little choice in choosing paint color. So, when I painted my living room with the color I HAD to have, I was forced to do all the other rooms the same color. No, you say? I wasn't? Yes I was. The color I chose is very difficult to coordinate. I even tried to get a darker shade of it for other walls, and that didn't even work. The only color that looks great with it is red. I wasn't going to paint this dining room red. I refused. First of all, because the walls are still paneling. I once painted a bedroom of mine with paneling walls, red, and it looked good from afar, but not when you were actually in the room. It looked cheesy. Also, if you have ever painted with red, even with having red based primer, you don't want to do a large room. Trust me on this one. It's too much work!
So, I got a new toy the other day. I got an ipod touch. Yes, I'm in with the times now and do understand the hype. On it, I found a home decorating app. I can choose colors I want on the walls. I've tried it at other places online but never had a picture so easily accessible as the ipod. So, fiddling around with it, I decided to see what the wall where the fireplace is, would look like being an accent wall painted in red. Um, yes. It looked faboo. Nice and warm and with the fireplace, cozy. So, I'm thinking that'll do. I can paint the rest of the walls a neutral color that will tie in together with the red and the color I have in the living room. Tada! Yeah, I can see it now...buying another can of paint that will sit under my carport with the rest of the gallon gang because it didn't work.
I also have a major problem with window treatments. I feel confident enough to pat myself on the back when it comes to interior decorating, but windows give me fits every time. The bedrooms are the only rooms in this house with lots of windows. My dining room and kitchen together are fairly large for just two rooms and all they have are the window above the kitchen sink and double patio doors in my dining room. Oh, and two light fixtures to brighten both rooms. They try, but they just can't do the work. My patio doors are Pella, which have the blinds inside the glass. Neat idea, but terrible when it comes to wanting to decorate. For me anyway.
I FINALLY found something that suits me for window treatments for the patio doors. Yes, I did. Drum roll please....
I love this style! Mine won't be these colors, but definitely the design. No doubt. I want to add drapes, but not sure yet. Under it will hide the screen to the overhead projector we use for school. See, now that's SMART.
I also have my desk in my dining room. I can not like it. I'm not one to enjoy looking at a computer as part of my decor. Clayton built a computer armoire for me a few years ago, but it was finished in oak. I can not like oak. I loved it at the time, but times change...as often as my styles. So, I painted it a chocolate brown. It was pretty, even though Clayton cringed at the thought of me painting oak. I know. I know. I painted it again to match another decorating change I had. This time, I painted it black. Partially. It's been hiding in my craft room since. I do believe it's time to pull it out and completely strip it. This time, I'm going to stain it in an ebony stain, which matches all my furniture in these main rooms of my house. The thought of all that work makes me cringe. I think it'll be much, much better than the desk (which was a temporary thing that has become permanent for over a year now. Such an eyesore.
Oh, and just for kicks, and to add more pictures to this entirely too long blog, I have to share with you something I bought myself at Hobby Lobby the other day. I have no idea where I'm going to put it yet, but there are many places to choose from.
Shhhh, pay no mind to the dustbunnies. They are still sleeping. They've been dormant for a while now.
I don't know when I'll start this little project. I'd like to this week, but I'm so far behind on things around here, including schooling with the girls. Education is much more important than having a dining room as an eyesore. Then again, can I really concentrate on teaching when I teach in this distracing dining room? Priorities, priorities. Inny Minnie Miny Moe....
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Time With Family
We just celebrated Morgan's 18th birthday this weekend. It was such a joy to be around all her family. It always is. This family is truly an ideal one. The type of family who loves unconditionally, shows no favorites, and are there in the time of need for each and every member. I was legally divorced out of it 15 years ago, but they will always be considered family to me. Each and every one of them hold a special place in my heart and I love them dearly.
Morgan's party was a success. We got started a little late, but it didn't matter. It lasted for hours and we were able to get videos and pictures that I know Morgan will always cherish. Her gifts were spectacular; each of them fitting Morgan and her personality perfectly. Aunt Iris had Aunt Debbie make Morgan a scrapbook out of pictures she had of her when she was little. As soon as I saw it, I shed tears. A little embarrassing, now that I think about it, but I can't help it. I miss those big blue eyes and perfect blonde hair. Along with her gifts, she collected $200 in cash. She also received some beautiful jewelry I'll be borrowing in the near future. ;)
Aunt Debs, Sandra, and I worked on setting everything up the day before the party, but the next day is when all the real work was in order. There was help from everyone, but the most help came from Aunt Connie, Uncle Carl, and Aunt Debbie. Aunt Connie tried her hand at making fruit bouquets and did an AWESOME job, to say the least.
I have to give Uncle Carl the credit for the pirouettes added in there. I didn't know he had it in him. Nice touch! Aunt Connie, thank you sooooo much for all you did! You are truly wonderful! I just wanted you guys to come down for the party, and you went above and beyond the call of duty. I love you!
Morgan's party was a success. We got started a little late, but it didn't matter. It lasted for hours and we were able to get videos and pictures that I know Morgan will always cherish. Her gifts were spectacular; each of them fitting Morgan and her personality perfectly. Aunt Iris had Aunt Debbie make Morgan a scrapbook out of pictures she had of her when she was little. As soon as I saw it, I shed tears. A little embarrassing, now that I think about it, but I can't help it. I miss those big blue eyes and perfect blonde hair. Along with her gifts, she collected $200 in cash. She also received some beautiful jewelry I'll be borrowing in the near future. ;)
Aunt Debs, Sandra, and I worked on setting everything up the day before the party, but the next day is when all the real work was in order. There was help from everyone, but the most help came from Aunt Connie, Uncle Carl, and Aunt Debbie. Aunt Connie tried her hand at making fruit bouquets and did an AWESOME job, to say the least.
I didn't get very many pictures, and I don't know why! My mind was just scattered, I guess, but there were others who got pictures too, which I can't wait to see. Allison captured this on video, which makes me laugh everytime I see it.
Emily met Uncle Carl a few years ago. At that time, he had bounced her on his knee and sang a song to her. She has never forgotten it or him and looked forward to seeing him again at the party. Even though he seemed to have forgotten the lyrics, Aunt Connie stepped in and reminded him. Emily got what she was looking forward to and I got it on video.
I think she tired him out. Uncle Carl keeps everything fun.
Let's not forget Uncle Dudley. He's just as fun, but he is more on the mischievous side. As we were cleaning up, I heard him giggling as he was handing out helium balloons to any takers. After Valentine's Day this year, my kids have already had enough helium in their lungs to last them until adulthood. That didn't stop them from resisting his dares.
Let's not forget Uncle Dudley. He's just as fun, but he is more on the mischievous side. As we were cleaning up, I heard him giggling as he was handing out helium balloons to any takers. After Valentine's Day this year, my kids have already had enough helium in their lungs to last them until adulthood. That didn't stop them from resisting his dares.
I thoroughly enjoyed the party and visiting with the family. This family brings out the best in a person and I'm so grateful I'm still considered part of it.
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