tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81894514980663081032024-03-04T20:24:16.667-08:00Life's little PerksAngiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-42775518959177225592011-09-28T17:39:00.000-07:002011-09-28T17:39:24.381-07:00Hardware HeadachesWhen we moved into our house over 5 years ago, we fell in love with all the little architectural details stashed away inside. Sure, there was a TON of work to do. And yes, we were probably way in over are heads...but we were two crazy-in-love kids, who thought they could take on the world!!<br />
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We soon figured out that there was more to home ownership than just adding a coat of paint to the walls, and sitting back to enjoy your work. There were expenses. MAJOR expenses! Things needed fixed and updated. Problems had to be dealt with (all at once), and sacrifices had to be made. We soon learned what our priorities were, and that some "dream projects" were just not in the cards.<br />
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It was at this point that the "shiny new home" bubble popped. We realized that in order to maintain our 1920's home, we were going to have to pour more than just money into it. We need to sacrifice some blood, sweat, and tears too!<br />
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This mainly meant, that if we wanted a project done in the house, it was going to be up to us (and not a contractor) to do it. For me, I've always loved projects...for my husband...well lets say he likes funding MY projects and leave it at that!! And since we are extremely <strike>frugal</strike> cheap home owners, we save every penny we have for BIG projects.<br />
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Which leads me to the point of this post (about time, I know). <br />
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I came across this article on line about fixing up your doors hardware. It was mainly a whole how-to on stripping paint off old knobs and hinges. Let me tell you, the "Hallelujah" chorus was going off in my head as soon as I read it. And this is why:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIjVarq8Mosvzg8EIUS0qFCNUhX7sca733BcPVgN_fOQVFWEAhjHNaRpNMWwmuDzCORwFijj-HJK_gp74PZYa97DoxWOJM9WD1XDH7jObXg5owEPhyphenhyphennnU1EG06K6IrdhXw1KXSzagnvY/s1600/door+hinge.aspx" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIjVarq8Mosvzg8EIUS0qFCNUhX7sca733BcPVgN_fOQVFWEAhjHNaRpNMWwmuDzCORwFijj-HJK_gp74PZYa97DoxWOJM9WD1XDH7jObXg5owEPhyphenhyphennnU1EG06K6IrdhXw1KXSzagnvY/s400/door+hinge.aspx" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{Sorry about the bad picture quality, but you get the idea.}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pretty much every single door knob, lock, and hinge in our house is coated in multiple layers of sloppy paint. And before I go off on a tangent about bad-home-owners who are to lazy to remove hardware before painting; lets just say that I was not looking forward to replacing everything. Especially since it was all original (including the glass knobs), and I wasn't sure how much I'd have to pay...let alone if I'd be able to find any.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So the article sparked a fire in me, and I said whattheheck, and gave it a try. So here's what I did (Side note: this was probably the easiest, and most environmentally friendly project you could ever ask for!!):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li>I started off by removing all the hardware, and lining them in the bottom of an old crock pot. Note: you do NOT want to use your nice crock pot, because it will not be fit for food afterward. If you don't have one, I recommend looking at garage sales!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OUhyYEs6K8r8NOAMcYClbYf2pnud-MDOBTxFRtZ1O-8xe3LXkR1wT_gdl0YpHf6IdoaDBaebVStJ397j5sxzyxEc2_br2AMBzPsmhuY-uoACwJb5kJtBqRTEIHiF4rA7C_QnXmDDrkQ/s1600/IMAG0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OUhyYEs6K8r8NOAMcYClbYf2pnud-MDOBTxFRtZ1O-8xe3LXkR1wT_gdl0YpHf6IdoaDBaebVStJ397j5sxzyxEc2_br2AMBzPsmhuY-uoACwJb5kJtBqRTEIHiF4rA7C_QnXmDDrkQ/s400/IMAG0500.jpg" width="238" /> </a> </div><ul><li>Next pour a layer of water in the crock pot, making sure that it more than covers the hinges. Try leaving at least an inch of water above the hardware, because in this case it's better to have more then less.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTyA0SXPl-U7LJKqBPvp7-7UAxpOoawNhxc8Td912E-Qefe3sX3vFp6r4aNSOMaM8x6O3l6Auh1Cu2v9VVsSrhY01X2AN6j46m2ISj9KtLw-MiD_jbAjDNDlHHbqoTPPOuDqjHlt3kYg/s1600/IMAG0501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTyA0SXPl-U7LJKqBPvp7-7UAxpOoawNhxc8Td912E-Qefe3sX3vFp6r4aNSOMaM8x6O3l6Auh1Cu2v9VVsSrhY01X2AN6j46m2ISj9KtLw-MiD_jbAjDNDlHHbqoTPPOuDqjHlt3kYg/s400/IMAG0501.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><ul><li> Next pour in at least 3-4 Tbs. laundry detergent in with the water. Sounds odd, I know, but trust me it works!! And it leaves your house smelling really good in the process (which = no strong chemical smell!!).</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK7LZ07Y-06DbrYruB4UOUhMR8_3pUkW-vljbo8zzH2zcGZP0h7A6bDAj-Ud0bpZX6hojW9DZyOpRN7DDKu1UP35DwY1dKx-Ix2PuOKIrSv4PH9QY2kY92qqCYpR9v_BlueCyhHtnJ6s/s1600/IMAG0502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK7LZ07Y-06DbrYruB4UOUhMR8_3pUkW-vljbo8zzH2zcGZP0h7A6bDAj-Ud0bpZX6hojW9DZyOpRN7DDKu1UP35DwY1dKx-Ix2PuOKIrSv4PH9QY2kY92qqCYpR9v_BlueCyhHtnJ6s/s400/IMAG0502.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><ul><li> The only thing left to do is put on the lid, set it to low, and leave it be. This will take at least a day, but sometimes it takes 2, which is why you want extra water, cause eventually some will evaporate.<br />
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<li> You'll know it's done when the paint brushes off easily with your fingers (preferably protected in rubber gloves!). Note: Some paint might be a little more stubborn, which might require a hard-bristled, plastic brush...not metal, it will scrape off the plating. But hopefully when all is said and done it will look like this:</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskQjZlxKhekGuV5rLRwff9hKV2A8q0KFUiMhiBbwC0HYcAoAHuDYH5n0AQBP21VC1WKjXOGm7WSKYgYyioJQfrxgg6JSWfKI9RFXfiojIOthA4DIlP4HJo-7rUypx-kCIWk3illyD2lI/s1600/IMAG0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskQjZlxKhekGuV5rLRwff9hKV2A8q0KFUiMhiBbwC0HYcAoAHuDYH5n0AQBP21VC1WKjXOGm7WSKYgYyioJQfrxgg6JSWfKI9RFXfiojIOthA4DIlP4HJo-7rUypx-kCIWk3illyD2lI/s400/IMAG0503.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><ul><li> I finished everything off with a mild metal cleaner, which brought everything back to their original shine. And the Hubs fitted it all back onto our newly stripped and painted door!!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33schqyj_qcfOK5-RzN0UGhQXpFF_wk-US9MVr-ESZH4XRJ69oqgR8VvOZjSjJqqKhry6YB6jcHy1MkfakQ9zjX9lD-nGr5gltXydit8rhkMHcL4ukOFHtCsR4rYFzr6XKUbpiE4wB9E/s1600/IMAG0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33schqyj_qcfOK5-RzN0UGhQXpFF_wk-US9MVr-ESZH4XRJ69oqgR8VvOZjSjJqqKhry6YB6jcHy1MkfakQ9zjX9lD-nGr5gltXydit8rhkMHcL4ukOFHtCsR4rYFzr6XKUbpiE4wB9E/s400/IMAG0504.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
Some extra notes for anyone doing this at home:<br />
<ol><li>Be sure to dispose of all leftover water and paint scrapings through a chemical disposal company. Do NOT throw this down your drain, especially if it might contain lead paint. </li>
<li>If you have glass knobs, do NOT put them in the crock pot. I have no idea if it will be able to handle the heat. If they need cleaned, boil equal parts white vinegar and water in a pan. Using rudder gloves and an old wash cloth; dip the cloth in water and press against the painted areas for a few minutes. This should softer the paint up enough to scrub off.</li>
</ol>And that's it!! Pretty easy, huh!?! I love that I didn't have to use expensive/scary chemical strippers...and that I had everything I needed at home! Woo Hoo!!<br />
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I'll try to do a follow up post on how we stripped all the doors; which was a much longer and more intense project. Heck, I'm still working on some of the doors :( But in the end, I guess it's worth it!Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-28201782043982160582011-09-23T16:18:00.000-07:002011-09-23T16:18:35.612-07:00Fett FetishI don't care how crazy that title sounds, it was too good to pass up!<br />
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So anyway, in my last post, I told you about an early Christmas gift I was working on. Before I show you the goods (at which point you'll understand the title), I'm gonna give you a little peak into my brain...scary!!<br />
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First of all, you should know, I hate keeping surprises! Specifically from the Hubs!! Call me pathetic, but I love sharing my day with him when he gets home. So if I work on a project, he's the first to know...and the first to shower me with "praises" ('cause you know I can't get enough of that!!). Usually, this makes for a fun catch up on each others day.<br />
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But since I was working on one of his Christmas gifts, I had to keep quiet. Well, obviously that didn't work! In my defense, I thought this project would take a lot longer than a few hours...and that I'd be working on it for weeks and weeks before it was show-ready. So when I finished up, I couldn't keep my excitement to myself.<br />
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Ironically, this makes me the exact opposite of my sister. It's not uncommon for her family to open up Christmas gifts weeks before, 'cause she can't stand the suspense of waiting on her presents...Well, I apparently can't help showing a gift off. And it's true, I generally get more excited about gift giving than receiving.<br />
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So when Casey got home, I kept my mouth shut for a total of 20 min. before I had to spill the beans. I should note, that I'm good at keeping secrets...just not surprises when it involves the Hubs! Also, Casey actually did try to keep the surprise for me, by saying he could wait till Christmas. But before you think him all "noble", it was mainly to drive me crazy!!<br />
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Anyway, enough suspense! Here's what I did:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhTM1mH8iJqs_m9iLFs_v-jTPML-FzNteMFxkx8tUC6ZzHCh2XQhohDJ5tXOwHOhkkKmH5sT1ZBEi7TGS_JozgNmYOWTw1fXpRYS3NzHs6T9NQkUUea4WBmSLXZeUbGxUEBJs2zUiFFk/s1600/IMAG0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhTM1mH8iJqs_m9iLFs_v-jTPML-FzNteMFxkx8tUC6ZzHCh2XQhohDJ5tXOwHOhkkKmH5sT1ZBEi7TGS_JozgNmYOWTw1fXpRYS3NzHs6T9NQkUUea4WBmSLXZeUbGxUEBJs2zUiFFk/s640/IMAG0543.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{In case you're like my mom and older sister...this is Boba Fett from the Star Wars Saga...hence the title}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And before you think my talents crazy-good, let me tell you it's not. I by no means could do this on my own. After finding a few images online, I set about re-creating them. If your wondering, mine's the less pretty one on the right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlHvm2GyazFzQ_L6cMpMKpUDFcxkP6IpEV5mFujAPmFXQAqoUf3toaJgmoSdfK4OXctGSn_Sy4f5Irl4LvNTUOOJ1M4S9tfjIZYTsaT0rQw8ECit5GtIUV11Vuqi_ntwXrDLa2_QRSMA/s1600/IMAG0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlHvm2GyazFzQ_L6cMpMKpUDFcxkP6IpEV5mFujAPmFXQAqoUf3toaJgmoSdfK4OXctGSn_Sy4f5Irl4LvNTUOOJ1M4S9tfjIZYTsaT0rQw8ECit5GtIUV11Vuqi_ntwXrDLa2_QRSMA/s400/IMAG0541.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't usually care for copying, but since I don't plan on selling this, and I by no means could have done it on my own...I'm gonna let it slide. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So why Boba Fett? To put it simply, the Hubs is a huge Fett fan! And when I was collecting art for our office (stuff to represent both of us...all of which I'll reveal in a later post), he expressed the desire to have a Fett painting, but only if I did it...talk about pressure!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So after some research and a few hours of water-color-magic...I was left with a fairly nice representation! I was a little nervous, having not spent a lot of time with water colors, and not knowing how it would look once water was added. I was on pens and needles for a bit there! But it all came out really well, and I'm pleased with the result!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TkMAnteTrzhrhgOJixDK3sLnBhDaRKLQhwOfxZTqCgjcu3WIW9DeXrUlrwzEZUievov3HJ7u6yEwKenqfSTFjCoOKTeeD7UX5mgOoSxtH68hSd7sqnBQ6vjeH25sXEIhoi-rssEMwZA/s1600/IMAG0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TkMAnteTrzhrhgOJixDK3sLnBhDaRKLQhwOfxZTqCgjcu3WIW9DeXrUlrwzEZUievov3HJ7u6yEwKenqfSTFjCoOKTeeD7UX5mgOoSxtH68hSd7sqnBQ6vjeH25sXEIhoi-rssEMwZA/s400/IMAG0537.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> It still needs to be cut down, signed, and framed...so I'll be sure to fill you in on all the latest updates. And in case you're wondering, Case loved it!! Mission accomplished!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-53017954064598819772011-09-20T10:39:00.000-07:002011-09-20T10:39:28.892-07:00Un-blogging LifeOtherwise known as "a pathetic attempt at a catch-up"...boo!<br />
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SO....lets just say its been a while since my last post, and leave it at that. Actually, the Hubs thought I should put that we've been "otherwise entertained" and couldn't make it to the computer....but I'm classier than that (or at least I was before revealing his idea of a joke!). The truth is, life got BUSY. That, and our computer and I had a war of wills. Long story short, it won quite a few battles, but I'm gonna win this war!!!<br />
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Anyhoo, I've been "blog planning" for a while now, in an attempt to structure-ize this little page into something good, and I think I've come up with a plan. <br />
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I started this blog as a journal of sorts. A way to express all my emotions as Casey went off to Basic. It worked out really well, and I began to venture even further in my blogging topics. It then morphed into a catch-up on both me and Casey's life, since I was constantly bombarded with "Casey questions" whenever I left the house. Just FYI: I hated the "How are you doing?" and "He'll be home in no time!" comments.<br />
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Eventually, I started adding in all my DIY projects and Home Repair updates. Mostly to show Casey what I was up to while he was gone, but more to just take pride in a job well done!! It became a major "love affair" in my life, and I haven't been able to quit it since Casey's been home (how taboo!)! <br />
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Along the way, family events, random happenstances, and stupid-no-point posts found their way onto this page. Heck, I was bored with a few of those posts!<br />
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So looking back, I've realized it's a bit crazy and chaotic. Nothing really ties in smoothly together. And for a MAJOR neat freak, this bothers me. Yep, I'm the gal who likes everything nice and uniform....including this little page! So I'm making some major changes, and organizing out this bad boy!!<br />
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First of all, my page is mainly going to revolve around a few points:<br />
<ul><li>Art- mainly my own attempts</li>
<li>Home Repairs- this house has a long way to go before it's perfect :)</li>
<li>DIY projects- 'cause I like a new hobby/challenge!</li>
</ul><br />
But I plan on also adding in filler posts about:<br />
<ul><li>Family life-you can't have a Home Repair Blog with out showing how it's used as a home!</li>
<li>Outreach projects and faith based posts- 'cause I'm building up those "treasures" in my heavenly home!! It's a stretch, but it's going in!</li>
<li>Meals and Recipe- cause when I'm not demo-ing, I'm cooking!! </li>
</ul> I'm working on a Room-Breakdown post for each room in our house, to really show you where we're going, and where we've been. Along with some catch-up posts of my latest projects. I'm also gonna try to add in some meals and recipes too. In case you're wondering, I've never added these, cause I always thought the pictures turned out bad (another thing to work on I guess!). So hopefully that's worth staying tuned in for.<br />
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As for my next post, I've got an early Christmas gift to show you, and it has to do with the art we're putting up in our office! Speaking of my next post, my goal is to post at least 2 a week, but if I've got enough topics, I'll try to do more...pacing myself is key!<br />
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So that's the format...lets see how this works!Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-79120221427167890012011-06-14T13:30:00.000-07:002011-06-14T13:30:48.914-07:001 + 1 = 2Well it's official, the Hubby has been home now for nearly 2 weeks...and we haven't killed each other yet!! Hooray! <br />
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Actually, we've adjusted back into "married life" pretty smoothly. Other than a few night of bed-hogging and snoring on Casey's behalf, my sanctuary has pretty much gone unharmed! And miracle upon miracle, I'm not even bothered by the piles of clothes on his side of the bed...or the extra nick-knacks and gadgets he brought home with him. Having him home out weighs all the extra clutter. (This probably has a lot to do with my whole house being ONE BIG MESS, because of garage sale items, remodeling and everything else...so one more pile really isn't going to phase me).<br />
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We didn't have much time for a reunion. Casey came home Thursday, and had to head into work on Friday...then he worked all weekend (drill weekend)...then had another full week of work, before finally getting a day off. Of course, I woke him up early on Saturday for the Farmer's Market and some remodel work around the house...so he didn't get much of a day off till Sunday (Sorry, Babe!!). But he's been a great sport about it.<br />
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But you're probably wondering what's new with Casey. Here are a few things I've noticed since he's been home:<br />
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-He's much more willing to help me out with home projects!! In the past, I had to practically twist his arm to do anything (other then demo...he's always up for that!).<br />
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-He's insanely picky about his attire. So much so that we went and bought him a new suit this weekend.<br />
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-He's gotten HUGE!! Most of his clothes doesn't fit (hence the new suit)...and from now on I will refer to him as Thor!<br />
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-He still has his sarcastic-teasing-goofy personalty!<br />
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-He's more responsible and on top of things. Actually, I should say that he's upped his responsibility level, cause he's always been very reliable.<br />
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-He's extremely thoughtful, loving, and kind something I've missed this last year apart.<br />
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Those are it for now! I'll try to keep you updated on any new <strike>Casey</strike>THOR-quirks that pop up!!<br />
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I'll be back in the next few days to share some of the house projects I've been working on, so stay tuned!!Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-56179972521711826392011-05-25T12:20:00.000-07:002011-05-25T12:20:26.981-07:00A year ago...<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A lot has changed in the last year. I've grown, Casey's grown, and now he's almost home! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As you might have guessed, today marks the 1 year anniversary of Casey's enlistment into the Air Force. I'm SO incredibly proud of him and all that he has accomplished in the last year. And although it's been a very difficult year, I'm amazed at how wonderful and fulfilling God has made it.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Being apart hasn't been easy, but God has provided us both with refuge and comfort. I know now why he put this path before us. To teach us. To guide us. And to show us how to trust Him. It's been hard, but SO SO worth it!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And now that it's coming to a close, I can't help but be excited for where God is leading us next. Casey will be home in 8 days, and a new chapter in our lives will begin...and I'll be able to put my "living alone" days behind me (at least for a little while!).</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, BABE!</b> </span></span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-61720806080195324802011-05-19T09:02:00.000-07:002011-05-19T09:02:26.296-07:002 weeks...<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's how long I have until the hubby is home!! Just 14 more days until I can see him again. 14 days till I can hold him. That's also only 2 more weeks of keeping my emotions in check. 'Cause if you're wondering how I'm feeling...it's pretty much calm, reserved, and numb. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I pretty much shut myself off to deep emotions when Casey is gone, it's a defense mechanism, and it's necessary. Since day 1, God has guarded my heart against all extreme emotions, and I don't think I could have made it otherwise. Even when we first said goodbye at the terminal, it felt like I was watching myself walk away from him...and that God had stepped in to take my place, emotionally. I don't recall making any decisions, one moment we were saying goodbye, and the next moment I was watching myself walk away. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's the same for Casey, whenever he has to leave me, he shuts off his emotions too...we call it military mode, but it's pretty much the same thing. He morphs into Airmen Perkins, who is all about the mission...not emotions. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">All this low-emotion stuff might sound cold and heartless, but it's become crucial to my post-Casey survival. Otherwise, I would be crying myself to sleep every night, wondering how I could possibly go on...and I don't need that! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Don't get me wrong though, I am <b>extremely excited</b> to have my husband home. I miss him, and love him, and can't wait to hold him (nothing could remove those feelings). It's been hard and lonely without him here to comfort me and cheer me up. I'm more than ready to have him home (heck, I'm down-right ecstatic), I'm just not allowing myself to get my hopes to high...just to find out he has to stay another week (which is totally possible with the military).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And I've found that instead of dealing with the onslaught of new emotions, I've been throwing myself into home repairs...desperate to finish things in time for Casey to be home. It helps me process things a little more clearly, for example:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Once I get this work done=Casey will be home!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-I'll have two rooms completely finished in the house= and Casey will be home!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-The yard is coming together=Casey will be home to enjoy it!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's like I'm working towards a goal. Like all the repairs I do, bring him home faster. That's nonsense I know, but that's how my brain is choosing to process it! So I'll humor myself a little longer, and finish up those projects, in hopes that it will fill my time till he gets here.</span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-54935311589589987032011-05-18T12:19:00.000-07:002011-05-18T12:19:08.015-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbSDWH_Uq-EO0wyxmXet9p1E70MjQOl1cGjDHBoMNTr4lNXbq7AHI5VSL7TfFDtiMaU-jC4hRTg-_n3v9LJJaZc8MTg7XTwGzjGSBLTBKloMrNDyQhyphenhyphenn6kMgGqQ9hyjOyvXKGJRu2O_A/s1600/Garage+Sale+for+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbSDWH_Uq-EO0wyxmXet9p1E70MjQOl1cGjDHBoMNTr4lNXbq7AHI5VSL7TfFDtiMaU-jC4hRTg-_n3v9LJJaZc8MTg7XTwGzjGSBLTBKloMrNDyQhyphenhyphenn6kMgGqQ9hyjOyvXKGJRu2O_A/s400/Garage+Sale+for+God.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you know me, you know I HATE working a garage sale. It probably has something to do with sitting out in the hot sun for hours on end, and never making any money. So I usually just donate stuff to goodwill. But God has been laying a burden on my heart to serve the less fortunate, and it seems like a garage sale might be the best way!!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So a few weeks back, I brought up the idea of a yard-sale-as-a-service-project to my Girls Bible Study...and miracle beyond miracle, they all LOVED the idea!! Woo Hoo for not doing this on my own!! We've dubbed it "Garage Sale for God"!! The dates have already been set (June 16-18 to coincide with our local Delano District Garage Sale), and the location (My friend's house). So all that's left is to start purging all of our junk!! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you're interested in helping, please message me, or check out our event on facebook. My hope is to raise at least $300-$600 (how awesome would it be, if we could raise even more!?!). <b>ALL</b> proceeds will be used to further God's kingdom (either through a charity donation or a pay-it-forward type event). That's right, we aren't making a penny off it...we want to give that money to someone who could really use it!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, if you're interested in contributing, we would love the help or donation!! It's always exciting to see God take an idea, and change it into an awesome way to serve others and himself. And that's what we're praying for this event. So if you can't contribute, or help, please consider praying!!</span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-83449904786888461772011-05-05T11:41:00.000-07:002011-05-05T11:41:59.362-07:00It's ALIVE!!!<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Or at least, that's what the "Dr. Frankenstein commentary" in my head is saying! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ23tK7yY3Ocip3xk5GBDEQICQGm9ACayzUYm2oP1_-bDPfuqHLqiXh089CosuNP6CVwz5IHxNkYPX307ccSMkn_35-V8fmn2WktkZ9P0LEbOBZ32J7iCwXD0kAXfrLIb00CgCC3XfEI/s1600/IMAG0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ23tK7yY3Ocip3xk5GBDEQICQGm9ACayzUYm2oP1_-bDPfuqHLqiXh089CosuNP6CVwz5IHxNkYPX307ccSMkn_35-V8fmn2WktkZ9P0LEbOBZ32J7iCwXD0kAXfrLIb00CgCC3XfEI/s640/IMAG0401.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You see, I have the absolute latest blooming Irises in the world. They like to take their sweet time and grow and grow and GROW until they're HUGE!! I kid you not, the blooms can easily get 3 ft. tall!! So they usually don't make their appearance until late Spring, but they stick around for quite a while into Summer (which most Irises don't do). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Seeing those first few blooms pop up gets me really excited, and I tend to spend more time outdoors (or at least looking out back!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have two varieties of Iris in my garden, a deep purple and a bright white. The purple Irises have been there the longest and have become extremely well established. They were a gift from my Mother-in-law a few years after we moved into our house (and were the first flowers I ever grew...AWWW!) The white ones came from my sister's yard when they re-did a flower bed. So if you're keeping count that's a whole flower bed for free!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And although the white ones have some growing to do still, they too are taking off nicely! When I added the white Irises, I knew there was a chance that the two breeds might eventually merge and create a hybrid (way way way on down the line). I didn't have very high hopes, because I had been told that it was pretty rare.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, low and behold, the first flowers to shoot up and bloom this year was a hybrid!!!!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHIc95oVEq-9IAEHscymXTNEh6g6XG4NtyB3FPpC5FA2pjZ1DggDiUQhTM6e26G8flW9-462kK6LsYfMrLmNHS0pwTnB2YblIBk76ur8zlpwEJTv5ms6R-o1B9uFLf887ik1A43u_j78/s1600/IMAG0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHIc95oVEq-9IAEHscymXTNEh6g6XG4NtyB3FPpC5FA2pjZ1DggDiUQhTM6e26G8flW9-462kK6LsYfMrLmNHS0pwTnB2YblIBk76ur8zlpwEJTv5ms6R-o1B9uFLf887ik1A43u_j78/s640/IMAG0402.jpg" width="382" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Isn't it gorgeous!! I mean WOW!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's right, my two breeds bedded down, got their mac on, and created this beautiful little hybrid baby!! Take that statistics!!! Point: God!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-18272143476185396442011-05-02T08:23:00.000-07:002011-05-02T08:23:49.979-07:00Family Ties<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At some point or another, we all hit an epiphany in home decorating. It might be to try new colors, or take a chance on a bizarre piece of furniture, or to just go green. As for me, my light-bulb moment has been staring me in the face for years (I'm just slow and didn't catch on quickly). And once it hit me, there was no way to go back to my old way of decorating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But enough of the round-the-bush talk, here's what I mean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was walking around my house the other day (taking inventory of what STILL needed to be done), when I started noticing my "favorite" things in my home. Overwhelmingly, the scale was always tipped towards a hand made item...or a hand-me-down. I'd never really noticed it before, but the more I thought about it, the more special each of those items became. Just like taking pride in the <strike>hard labor</strike> work we put in the house, these items had special meaning to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And yes, I am a huge sentimentalist when it comes to family history. I love the steamer trunk that belonged to my great-grandmother (Colton calls it his "special grandmother's"!!), the set of books that Casey's great-grandfather once owned, or the side table my Dad built...these items are the ones worth keeping and passing on to the next generation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Which all ties into my latest decorating project:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO1qsAfYhi_4Y_3v0Ap8mLJ_xC1QG_b3zzY1AOTd7fRTOAzTVJK9-U_HiX774UVvGBKtzWYFrni1PKTAw9-HE6ZhCO1cBiMBO2BhXySLMjOBaI0_iI2YhwhEn7H4m48QE8zUrJ5-JAbs/s1600/IMAG0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO1qsAfYhi_4Y_3v0Ap8mLJ_xC1QG_b3zzY1AOTd7fRTOAzTVJK9-U_HiX774UVvGBKtzWYFrni1PKTAw9-HE6ZhCO1cBiMBO2BhXySLMjOBaI0_iI2YhwhEn7H4m48QE8zUrJ5-JAbs/s640/IMAG0392.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> If you remember (from some previous post), I had found these forgotten prints in my office when I was doing some Spring-purging a few weeks back. They were part of a coloring book set (pictured below), and had once belonged to Casey's grandmother.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmecBysLFCcbjkt2q8ReuKV-aTi0DSRitYIJwl0ZfBkXQCt33Eg8jQ_qEw9mt6xiqAgqTkEVYxLYPvqFNNHYK0FBqEnMIyctTpiNxVmyoFqAO55_oRW3V4DuKROF2OVOx6HihSJ9p2dw/s1600/IMAG0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmecBysLFCcbjkt2q8ReuKV-aTi0DSRitYIJwl0ZfBkXQCt33Eg8jQ_qEw9mt6xiqAgqTkEVYxLYPvqFNNHYK0FBqEnMIyctTpiNxVmyoFqAO55_oRW3V4DuKROF2OVOx6HihSJ9p2dw/s640/IMAG0254.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I never got to meet Casey's grandmother, but I've heard enough stories about her to be drawn towards her. She was an artist (like me), as well as a art teacher at the school I would eventually attend (small-world side note: some of my parent's friends actually had her for a teacher). And although Casey doesn't remember a lot about her, he always talks about her with the greatest affection...which makes me love her that much more!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So it was a huge honor to be gifted, not only with these prints, but one of her paintings as well(which will eventually get framed in the office...more on that at a later date).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Getting back on topic, I knew I wanted to showcase these adorable prints...and so, after some planning and a new set of frames, I finally found the perfect place for them, in my bathroom:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxgAOFAwm5nKcIzSm9xAGGPJ5u_BToczg6Z6UltIKJGBXvqzXPOaZa4wVEmCWJoGFaogVQ8VmydWUAOV8FGdYFchuiJy7ofC86WtI-pIvgct5dBW1DTIs3iDGl-wYlTFDfHY9ZOQplxg/s1600/IMAG0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxgAOFAwm5nKcIzSm9xAGGPJ5u_BToczg6Z6UltIKJGBXvqzXPOaZa4wVEmCWJoGFaogVQ8VmydWUAOV8FGdYFchuiJy7ofC86WtI-pIvgct5dBW1DTIs3iDGl-wYlTFDfHY9ZOQplxg/s640/IMAG0391.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I love taking a bath now, and glancing over to see this beautiful arrangement. It totally makes my day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And if your wondering how this-whole-shebang changed my decorating style; it helped me to realize that hand made items and hand-me-downs are going to be my new go-to's. I don't think I'll ever want to go back to store bought decorations again!</span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-53977934175204777482011-04-29T10:39:00.000-07:002011-04-29T10:39:52.143-07:00The 4-1-1 on my painting<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As promised, I'm taking time today to show you how I created my pretty pretty painting! Pictured here: </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG46Ytn4JMWTpS301YpuSmerjofC6aKyG6Fb_KVTQ1ClUbCJu5FKQI8UnC-dKezujeYa8MBzwYG_84zZI6NG5sP-jur-TyXtl_UVBeGzu2GeYNewu47lvkZmMQ2MfDwHCAVo8kj0AM-nk/s1600/IMAG0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG46Ytn4JMWTpS301YpuSmerjofC6aKyG6Fb_KVTQ1ClUbCJu5FKQI8UnC-dKezujeYa8MBzwYG_84zZI6NG5sP-jur-TyXtl_UVBeGzu2GeYNewu47lvkZmMQ2MfDwHCAVo8kj0AM-nk/s640/IMAG0375.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Unlike conventional paintings, I prefer to use wood canvasses instead of cloth. This is all just sheer preference. I like the sturdiness of wood, and the way it adds more depth to the finished product, but if you like canvas...go for it. The only problem with using wood is, you usually have to build your own canvas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's where my Dad, and his mad wood working skills come in. After a few hours, a few dozen nails, some wood glue, and sand paper; we turned my 8' x 4' sheet of plywood into these:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-VElwe_KAdlccjql_4o7-d0v7_yMLmgDIXGsqJ2ul3HGdmDFQ4Hy6Ua4rR90iGC1IoynP5f_LqQHGRsSDLniv7C8soyYEWAMSMR2uP7JpA-c13OT9L6TahoZzvPiIzTGxpvEzEC7YoY/s1600/IMAG0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-VElwe_KAdlccjql_4o7-d0v7_yMLmgDIXGsqJ2ul3HGdmDFQ4Hy6Ua4rR90iGC1IoynP5f_LqQHGRsSDLniv7C8soyYEWAMSMR2uP7JpA-c13OT9L6TahoZzvPiIzTGxpvEzEC7YoY/s400/IMAG0302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Three pretty framed canvasses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">From there, I primed all the wood, so that it wouldn't soak up my acrylic paint when I started. I used Kilz, but I think they also have a high-end painting primer you can use...if you want to fork out the extra cash.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I always try to have a plan of what I want to accomplish before starting. This was my jumping off point:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiAg0jwcghhuCDDkJL4XDcPWeqz1jh_dreFQMRVQn893rh5_xIB5UMXhzQRfZQT8fU0F2PAo8aq4wnYT6K03y_UCemx91_kj5Lhyphenhyphenk-QDfxRJoBqPAvx877pYaQ70REMOrWZuYqhkDsko/s1600/IMAG0324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiAg0jwcghhuCDDkJL4XDcPWeqz1jh_dreFQMRVQn893rh5_xIB5UMXhzQRfZQT8fU0F2PAo8aq4wnYT6K03y_UCemx91_kj5Lhyphenhyphenk-QDfxRJoBqPAvx877pYaQ70REMOrWZuYqhkDsko/s400/IMAG0324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So once the primer had dried for a few days, I got down to work. And instead of explaining it all in detail, I'll just show you each step:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step 1. The top: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJGMDnhZWQThfGKafQsAy_QocjMiPfLSK4Q5xwi7E0t6DafLJNScH8ZPUaGnlFz97pSTKW9HG9JvheEVXkZasKtfPvOAHeEUS5iFpONAtKGB0XZxuOtAdmunU3eh7H-RMP4HfCwvVa9o/s1600/IMAG0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJGMDnhZWQThfGKafQsAy_QocjMiPfLSK4Q5xwi7E0t6DafLJNScH8ZPUaGnlFz97pSTKW9HG9JvheEVXkZasKtfPvOAHeEUS5iFpONAtKGB0XZxuOtAdmunU3eh7H-RMP4HfCwvVa9o/s400/IMAG0357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobMT5S75zYv6qzFQr5kZWrEfhuG9vy0qHdVmyJus6kjaFPhvsj7GXpzjLLAuoXjHTpqBK1OjMYqHjEWvLAt5z2h_wurTzOwZiEvXrrLJ5atnVla20bEwn33qvN5XcXk1aNNPJI9ZPqC4/s1600/IMAG0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobMT5S75zYv6qzFQr5kZWrEfhuG9vy0qHdVmyJus6kjaFPhvsj7GXpzjLLAuoXjHTpqBK1OjMYqHjEWvLAt5z2h_wurTzOwZiEvXrrLJ5atnVla20bEwn33qvN5XcXk1aNNPJI9ZPqC4/s400/IMAG0358.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step 2. Base coat on Bottom:</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoVZUAkCh84mDoEbQKKoiPcz_iLj6ii1h8cYp5R87wOOH0Xv8SzterPCyPt_m0dBAyNO9UrZQdLANwZkZLaPR-XiHSqkMwoIPxytmn00L-n5jRoqnwrR475pfV98IrfAhpYFJEJtQ0RY/s1600/IMAG0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoVZUAkCh84mDoEbQKKoiPcz_iLj6ii1h8cYp5R87wOOH0Xv8SzterPCyPt_m0dBAyNO9UrZQdLANwZkZLaPR-XiHSqkMwoIPxytmn00L-n5jRoqnwrR475pfV98IrfAhpYFJEJtQ0RY/s400/IMAG0359.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step 3. Add grass and splashes of greens and blues:</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step 4. Pulling in the orange, red, and yellow tones:</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvqLNd9FQV7YZSsJT_bRjtBfwWNOfhK3e0KhyeGELbyVsPQBscqCLnw9PSoWxz7NVCXc6ElSOpBFa0GU92G_nq6Fq0aDzWNZa5rVjjy4MotR8o-K8iuFJzNKxgAdbzJUgYtgzOPtuw7k/s1600/IMAG0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvqLNd9FQV7YZSsJT_bRjtBfwWNOfhK3e0KhyeGELbyVsPQBscqCLnw9PSoWxz7NVCXc6ElSOpBFa0GU92G_nq6Fq0aDzWNZa5rVjjy4MotR8o-K8iuFJzNKxgAdbzJUgYtgzOPtuw7k/s400/IMAG0362.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Step 5. Adding the landscaping and final touches:</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q2aaFE_m3sU7XTVzVLoGvvTS7v4t3928nxdRzovovSLJm-76S0yCUJ-BOgcGXEM_7LtzlNelnMECZHKZ7E0LFyVKdoZiy0Ic-l4Mf55QnkocHSIFWLjIZjAFEUxV4fnyxjsJG1F_1Kg/s1600/IMAG0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q2aaFE_m3sU7XTVzVLoGvvTS7v4t3928nxdRzovovSLJm-76S0yCUJ-BOgcGXEM_7LtzlNelnMECZHKZ7E0LFyVKdoZiy0Ic-l4Mf55QnkocHSIFWLjIZjAFEUxV4fnyxjsJG1F_1Kg/s400/IMAG0364.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It took me about 2 days total to finish it, mainly because I wanted to let all the layers dry properly between application. And then once I painted the edges, I wanted it all to dry another 24 hours before hanging it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Which, thanks to my Dad again...it is now hanging perfectly level on the wall!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My goal is to incorporate all the colors in the painting into my house. I already have the red and blue tones throughout, so now I'm going to pull in all my accents with the green, yellow, and oranges. </span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25zpZ4jd5nmBv6lB9D4ehfIw6m_Mea83-U_t-0VxolXMZIytArKUw60V16dIsezC8z8O5fn4A92ci30w3QSpl67oKFuuZnsENn_M3OqhcPJ-in38t80BpR9fSOYV0tdhBo1GPXc7zfE0/s1600/IMAG0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25zpZ4jd5nmBv6lB9D4ehfIw6m_Mea83-U_t-0VxolXMZIytArKUw60V16dIsezC8z8O5fn4A92ci30w3QSpl67oKFuuZnsENn_M3OqhcPJ-in38t80BpR9fSOYV0tdhBo1GPXc7zfE0/s400/IMAG0370.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's hoping it doesn't end up looking like a clown decorated it (cross your fingers)!!!</span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-21246251510419461952011-04-28T10:50:00.000-07:002011-04-28T10:50:40.743-07:00Tackling those projects!!<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've been making a huge attempt this year to be more pro-active with our home repairs. Casey and I have "lived" (I use that term loosely, since Case has been gone for most of the last year) in our house 5 years come June. And although we've made huge strides in some areas (like painting most the rooms, and remodeling the bath...which still needs trim btw), we've been pretty lazy in other areas. I'd like to blame it all on Casey (who prefers demo over clean up), or our general lack of money in the past...but I'm not without fault too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My biggest problem is I'm a "BIG" dreamer, and half the stuff I want to do with the house is WAY out of our means, ability, and budget...so I tend to fester over what-might-have-been, and forget about what-needs-done-now!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So my unspoken goal of late is to get a load of stuff done before Casey gets home. Most of it is cosmetic work, but with any old home, that means a lot more than simply putting down a fresh coat of paint. It involves sanding, patching, scraping, caulking, mudding, and a whole slew of other processes that make you want to pull your hair out. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Usually all these steps would annoy me to no end, but lately I've been taking great joy in it all. I see it as just one more way God has made me self-sufficient this last year. For example: instead of waiting for Casey to get home to move the VERY heavy ladder for me (like I did in the past), I now find myself tackling that ladder daily...constantly moving it from room to room!!! GO me!!! And every step I take to improving my home, is one more step I can take pride in.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So plan on seeing an armful more of posts dedicated to my latest endeavors.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And just 'cause I hate to leave you empty handed, here are some pics of my latest completed project:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you remember, I posted a while back about wanting to re-do the arrangement above my living room sofa. Here is what it looked like before (with blue tape marking the future art work):</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRItfzqMrObPXuwhbERHZPf1k9KMuNemfRVwqxX2nw4tdYmMvsZfOypofzUtgBqnWlLJDGCbneSFH117AvrxpQX4W6CKJ8R1bVpN5kPo1pj0hklIR4pvOVd7_Bt9dcd1sRsBz1rwAgQc/s1600/painter%2527s+tape+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRItfzqMrObPXuwhbERHZPf1k9KMuNemfRVwqxX2nw4tdYmMvsZfOypofzUtgBqnWlLJDGCbneSFH117AvrxpQX4W6CKJ8R1bVpN5kPo1pj0hklIR4pvOVd7_Bt9dcd1sRsBz1rwAgQc/s640/painter%2527s+tape+3.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And here is what it looks like now:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oXHOWo40d7e-5C3AC-wd-AFRuxRX-ERrCCH0hZDzrtZAHHjEglYDtZjj-__3EdymSsaNsTnQXcXf5yqdga3IflO-Cxur_1JOezfyLxEQPLU_X6mMeAy-rRBs4lBqSqH7GsIJlCZnDCk/s1600/IMAG0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oXHOWo40d7e-5C3AC-wd-AFRuxRX-ERrCCH0hZDzrtZAHHjEglYDtZjj-__3EdymSsaNsTnQXcXf5yqdga3IflO-Cxur_1JOezfyLxEQPLU_X6mMeAy-rRBs4lBqSqH7GsIJlCZnDCk/s640/IMAG0375.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pretty awesome, huh!?! I'll post later on the whole painting process, and how I took it from start to finish, so keep an eye out for that.</span> </div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And what about you?? What new projects have you "tackled" lately?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-16215831585694155872011-04-26T12:17:00.000-07:002011-04-26T12:17:44.953-07:00"Sew" Happy<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...and the pun's just keep on coming! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In case you haven't been keeping tabs on me, I posted a while back about trying my hand at curtain making. Since I made two pillows (pretty successfully), I wanted to take it up a notch for my next sewing project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So my first task was to make curtains for my sister's kitchen. Since "the mom's" are both excellent teachers when it comes to sewing; I asked Jacque (Casey's Mom) to walk me through the whole process. I wasn't quite sure how to line curtains, and she did a great job of helping me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gx0LsqziGYSYyp6q6g3xe3rwBAwh8-r9Zn5NUY_H0pbvv9NZ0cMyP5pqtWl9xi9oxzojXZilkc-5I_zKZxR6WkkzG9ZeZknBJgI3vmyQPoxhOcOB6fRtWVm05UCBsPZAsvqv-fjcLEU/s1600/IMAG0291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gx0LsqziGYSYyp6q6g3xe3rwBAwh8-r9Zn5NUY_H0pbvv9NZ0cMyP5pqtWl9xi9oxzojXZilkc-5I_zKZxR6WkkzG9ZeZknBJgI3vmyQPoxhOcOB6fRtWVm05UCBsPZAsvqv-fjcLEU/s400/IMAG0291.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sorry about the bad lighting...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbulKbVXYBdICcfAA04MgOwndHQayBoAdJ4Kpsl8VQVP4TQ7OzqXGJXHEua4_8T-nsY0Xk_Ma4wUDkbY_wQRvVWhRF2IjsTf-_Xx0jPvV6T8ZwlrGvm1TxuzgIAeqp-ix9r2FD-kGttM/s1600/IMAG0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbulKbVXYBdICcfAA04MgOwndHQayBoAdJ4Kpsl8VQVP4TQ7OzqXGJXHEua4_8T-nsY0Xk_Ma4wUDkbY_wQRvVWhRF2IjsTf-_Xx0jPvV6T8ZwlrGvm1TxuzgIAeqp-ix9r2FD-kGttM/s400/IMAG0295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">These next one's are my favorites:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">**Insert Micheal Jackson Reference** <i>I always feel like... </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQm7iD-vcqpnAbHmbjtaqjYhVIzOk2upV5SZhhLFrnODKvi1E5G-1EDFigGFB3unsLlAsGFZ_CZpL1BkAIM73MQDbEkZB7FbGrIf8c3hyphenhypheneNwWQRH8_JcLGqf-8y_sjxPyotDIScAgMFw/s1600/IMAG0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQm7iD-vcqpnAbHmbjtaqjYhVIzOk2upV5SZhhLFrnODKvi1E5G-1EDFigGFB3unsLlAsGFZ_CZpL1BkAIM73MQDbEkZB7FbGrIf8c3hyphenhypheneNwWQRH8_JcLGqf-8y_sjxPyotDIScAgMFw/s400/IMAG0292.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...somebody's watchin' me...</span></i> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2FgsIbYr4upXfmUKMK1nrGQ9r7Nyn0bOekthj1zHfUhI1wII6s4SXieBU9f3GzkXSQcd7zFPWswXrSymnZe9TWFClsbu8DjMn0Pj7MoqC0_pFW6nOC7LDiuAW7soSzbudrbMvbY14Po/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2FgsIbYr4upXfmUKMK1nrGQ9r7Nyn0bOekthj1zHfUhI1wII6s4SXieBU9f3GzkXSQcd7zFPWswXrSymnZe9TWFClsbu8DjMn0Pj7MoqC0_pFW6nOC7LDiuAW7soSzbudrbMvbY14Po/s400/IMAG0293.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...oh-OH-oh</span></i> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQMejzbAxlgH2V-EiahuDb5TyDuhc0AbQMl-bHk5_DrEdMIo4w_8RpCBeN2Kutztcfq73ma55Ftq2ikbpj8VLY0uGXezlUpMUdPAer9QZ84FWMjLOE-ZHB-TuYLoxOXZU13agQEX6c1o/s1600/IMAG0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQMejzbAxlgH2V-EiahuDb5TyDuhc0AbQMl-bHk5_DrEdMIo4w_8RpCBeN2Kutztcfq73ma55Ftq2ikbpj8VLY0uGXezlUpMUdPAer9QZ84FWMjLOE-ZHB-TuYLoxOXZU13agQEX6c1o/s400/IMAG0294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">HAHA!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyways...I finished up Meg's curtains, got them hung up, and she LOVES them...YAY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So my next task was to do some of the same curtains for my bedroom. I'll tell you now, it about killed me. I wanted 8 1/2 foot long curtains (so they would pool a little on the ground), but I never realized how hard it would be to make...otherwise I would have enlisted help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The time and effort it took to lay out the curtains, iron them, pin them, press them, re-press them, and sew them was crazy (7 hours in case your wondering). And most of that time was spent crawling around on the floor, making sure everything was straight, flat, and even (ouch!!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But it was well worth it, and I had some gorgeous curtains to show for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLp_h7Gj_hGCeWghLFopoPv1B1lFsjJg9T8x54VBy4jOHu7j3j5X84ZMu9CjUtQowvAO8OhoV0xA9_OhefixNoBDzt7skvNgEQZWpWMOgrzmvcMr5fKvhyRToJgmxqfOzh7OJsFkwnjqA/s1600/IMAG0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLp_h7Gj_hGCeWghLFopoPv1B1lFsjJg9T8x54VBy4jOHu7j3j5X84ZMu9CjUtQowvAO8OhoV0xA9_OhefixNoBDzt7skvNgEQZWpWMOgrzmvcMr5fKvhyRToJgmxqfOzh7OJsFkwnjqA/s400/IMAG0306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Again, sorry about the bad lighting...</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hung them high and wide on the windows. And I found a really great deal on the curtain rod ($20 for a 10 footer at Hobby Lobby...score!).</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In case you're wondering about the top, I ended up sewing a stiff liner in it (to get them to hang that way), and then hung them from tabs on the back (by far the most difficult part)</span>. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I can't really complain though, they turned out great. And they really help lighten up the bedroom. I have more plans for our room this summer, but for now I'm happy with my small handmade updates!! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-85788857284844159192011-04-22T13:36:00.000-07:002011-04-22T13:36:43.890-07:00N'awlins<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For all of us non-Southerners...that's New Orleans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since Biloxi is only about an hours drive from the "Big Easy", we decided to take a day trip to see some of the sights. Admittedly, we had no idea where we were going, or what there really was to see. We wanted to go to the French Quarters, see the famous above ground cemeteries, and maybe do a plantation tour...but didn't really have an itinerary for the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I will tell you this, if you ever visit the French Quarters...NEVER, and I mean NEVER go anywhere near Mardi Gras. You will regret it. We went at the end of March...which was about 20 days after Fat Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras)...and it was still packed (at least around the main square).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Not only that, but it smelled (Hence Casey's stinky-face picture...not really he was just being a goof!). I'm serious though, it reeked of vomit, pee, booze, and Lord only knows what else. The sidewalks were all slippery from constantly being hosed down, and it gave the whole place a feel of uncleanliness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That being said, I cringe whenever I'm in a dirty place...so the whole experience was not so bueno. I felt like if I sat in the wrong place I'd catch an STD...ewwww. And I wore flip flops...out of all the icky, rotten luck. So I can't really say I enjoyed the whole trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But, before you discredit this post all together, I will tell you it wasn't all that bad. We found the most amazing candy shop. Which boasted the best pralines in town, but I was more interested in their homemade peanut butter cups...YUM!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D9ph6O9-Smjg9UDReN_XhuczjKnZKICW32VPvYz298x9fAAS2B7tW1mSVppmj7Jt6yv8aCVPqTQdX2UP6c3Z6yArwVYau2lu80YRHtteDdo_i2vMjSbhAZGq0HVY5pTNRZ3JrgbHqHs/s1600/IMAG0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D9ph6O9-Smjg9UDReN_XhuczjKnZKICW32VPvYz298x9fAAS2B7tW1mSVppmj7Jt6yv8aCVPqTQdX2UP6c3Z6yArwVYau2lu80YRHtteDdo_i2vMjSbhAZGq0HVY5pTNRZ3JrgbHqHs/s400/IMAG0204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">... and a really yummy open air restaurant. Here's Casey eating his Muffelata...and a picture of my AMAZING red beans and rice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...We also visited the local Cathedral with it's nice garden square, surrounded by local artists showing off their wares. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So we strolled around town, saw some interesting sights, and some not-so-nice sights (Bourbon Street boasts plenty of nude-y club pictures...'nough said</span>). <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And after a few hours of wondering, we decided we'd seen enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some beads left over from Mardi Gras:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Any other day, and I might have been up for more, but Saturday was my last full day with Casey...and I wasn't really interested in spending that time with him as tourists. So we headed back to base, and made the most of our time together. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was still a good day trip...just not the best timing. </span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-31366442002921422502011-04-21T08:34:00.000-07:002011-04-21T08:34:22.446-07:00Biloxi Trip: Part 2<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After spending a few days with Casey, enjoying the beach, and sight-seeing; my parents headed off. I had a few days alone with Casey, before his parents joined up with us. And so, while Casey was in school, the parents and I headed out to do more sight-seeing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of the first places we hit up was the Beaurivage Gardens in Alabama. 60+ acres of beautiful lush landscaping. The gardens used to be a private residence, and there was a house tour, as well as garden strolls and ferry rides. We decided to forgo the ferry ride, but definitely wanted to see the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was AWESOME, but a bit pricey ($20 for garden access and house tour...per person). And they didn't have a military discount...which generally annoys me. But, I can't deny, I was seriously impressed with the magnitude of it all. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here are a few pictures of the house. It was HUGE!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We weren't allowed to take pictures of the inside, so this courtyard was the closest we could get.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And here are pics from all the gardens:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The English garden:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And the Oriental garden:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And ALL the AZALEAS!!! They were everywhere!!!</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And honestly, when I WAS with Case, I wasn't thinking about taking pictures. He does make an appearance later on in the trip, and I'll be sure to post as many of those pictures as I can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Also, I don't have all the pictures my Mom took, so I'm skipping over a few of the attractions we went to (like the light house, pier, and Beauvoir)</span>. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hopefully I'll be able to add those pictures later. For now, here are pictures from our (me and the parents) trip to Fort Gaines:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwPrnQ1mbf7S-_YUKCbHRDWnVWrH5w7BLZcqgzUeZbZR4xyfUzU9LTxrIGcAzKBjmJ3lxhbEnVrqPqAKNOpsMX77NzJgd0YYziLWfD7O2hm70JRThS16Aa6pxrmHn8Z9tiyCMdi0Ixmo/s1600/IMAG0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwPrnQ1mbf7S-_YUKCbHRDWnVWrH5w7BLZcqgzUeZbZR4xyfUzU9LTxrIGcAzKBjmJ3lxhbEnVrqPqAKNOpsMX77NzJgd0YYziLWfD7O2hm70JRThS16Aa6pxrmHn8Z9tiyCMdi0Ixmo/s400/IMAG0107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The Fort was located on Dauphin Island (Dad kept calling it Dolphin Island) of the coast of Alabama. It's also where the phrase: "Damn the torpedoes...full speed ahead" came from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here are Mom and Dad at the entrance to the Fort: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And inside: </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And me on one of the look out points:</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Fort had tunnels and bunkers carved out below each of the look out points for easy access under fire, and to also hold extra ammunition:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Me looking SUPER pasty, thanks to the camera flash:</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's Mom on top of one of the VERY slippery sets of spiral stairs going into the underground bunker. Let me just say, this wouldn't exactly be the safest place to bring a child.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some views of the ocean:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some Indoor shots:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUpHhjNM37JkB-eKejrAJVscYz17W7Xuia8NasC_i5n04Z92HSpngrr8OuBF5ZvinkH5EW-2A6d1uytWs3FelwrPfnam0R92-JHp7MaMxoF1LmrxqHKLw6Wul3c3y6_iJkg1uQhl_-e0/s1600/IMAG0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUpHhjNM37JkB-eKejrAJVscYz17W7Xuia8NasC_i5n04Z92HSpngrr8OuBF5ZvinkH5EW-2A6d1uytWs3FelwrPfnam0R92-JHp7MaMxoF1LmrxqHKLw6Wul3c3y6_iJkg1uQhl_-e0/s400/IMAG0137.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And last, but not least, my absolute favorite part of the Fort...HA:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixap39ve1_z5yYIuxtLHrJJ60VJPbiutcg2jNObxi_jhm2o3tw7K3uYHIuafBcECsCw70SlFZsIcH25s48ZNbpyDp_OVy13VwDgUjM-v4PmRFCrjIE8SVBgaFjNCLCl2qbYRnMXqgR3VM/s1600/IMAG0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixap39ve1_z5yYIuxtLHrJJ60VJPbiutcg2jNObxi_jhm2o3tw7K3uYHIuafBcECsCw70SlFZsIcH25s48ZNbpyDp_OVy13VwDgUjM-v4PmRFCrjIE8SVBgaFjNCLCl2qbYRnMXqgR3VM/s400/IMAG0134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mom was too chicken to get in the picture with us, but I did get this one silly shot with her on the way home:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOkPEmtAX1vfzX_bUAZvgJ9GZU3aqwnbvbRWgPgUib1uh-jBSpoVpsyJIEZJ-_EKqbUa7y37OfopbMg3aj5FPBbZPm-dZ_z2yUOp9mWBFgaybqhf0RjHQ9eqjp6u5fMtvMOdRPk9vwaE/s1600/IMAG0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOkPEmtAX1vfzX_bUAZvgJ9GZU3aqwnbvbRWgPgUib1uh-jBSpoVpsyJIEZJ-_EKqbUa7y37OfopbMg3aj5FPBbZPm-dZ_z2yUOp9mWBFgaybqhf0RjHQ9eqjp6u5fMtvMOdRPk9vwaE/s400/IMAG0140.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So that's it for today. I'll try to hunt down all of my Mom's pictures this weekend, and maybe fill in some of the gaps. </span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-28408083351608284602011-04-15T14:08:00.000-07:002011-04-15T14:08:20.167-07:00More pics of the nephews!<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So I know many of you out there have been waiting and waiting to see pictures from my visit with Casey (let's be honest, it's probably the only reason you check out my blog!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...But your gonna have to wait just a teensy-weensy bit longer. I still have yet to figure out this whole hook-up-your-phone-to-the-computer-thing. Boo! But Casey has promised me to walk me through the whole process tonight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Honestly, I'm relieved. Ever since we got new "high-tech" phones, I've been taking pictures like crazy...and I have no where to put them. So soon, very soon, you'll be seeing it all!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As for today, I'm taking this time to brag about my little guys. They are growing up so fast, and being the best Aunt in the world, I take a load of pics. Here are my new favorites: </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWIFmDl2Z1TVRkWqFdW5be_Y6Pw74oKehUMSxsHBkeCrINZ-CZp-qLvOtGplRb_3znkGVjPocM-d9SisHKDtoPaTDk6yRvZFf1CGYYq3JKoSmVUQPTpZnk502cg6KsYcRX_dpY_1mmJU/s1600/Maddox+and+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWIFmDl2Z1TVRkWqFdW5be_Y6Pw74oKehUMSxsHBkeCrINZ-CZp-qLvOtGplRb_3znkGVjPocM-d9SisHKDtoPaTDk6yRvZFf1CGYYq3JKoSmVUQPTpZnk502cg6KsYcRX_dpY_1mmJU/s640/Maddox+and+Dad.jpg" width="380" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maddox is nearly 9 months old...and the stinkin'-cutest baby alive. I mean, just look at all that adorableness and chub...just melts my heart. He also LOVES to snuggle and hug!! Not only that, but he is the HAPPIEST baby I have ever met, he smiles at everyone...and constantly giggles...too cute. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dad was rubbing his belly like this on Saturday, and telling us all how us girls used to stretch out, just like Maddie, when he did it to us as babies...I guess some traits just keep going on from generation to generation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And in case your wondering, he's crawling all over the place, and has been for at least the last month...and before that he <strike>scooted</strike> lunged his way across the floor to whatever he wanted! He's able to pull himself up on things and walk around the edges, but he hasn't yet taken that first step. We think that will probably happen within the next few months. SO, a lot of exciting things going on!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQj179CBcGDyN7A3ZG-w99JlGt3kIAPd7l-nt3wtVZnF6sNTlZKuAiv6FWM8Kru8ZCNP6LmL6FHiXvVOSlM6sSU76WCWeNK0Ixj8acZo-TRcYvMqf1jYpjgCmVD3xwu3Snhjgy-teDLs/s1600/Colton+in+Motion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQj179CBcGDyN7A3ZG-w99JlGt3kIAPd7l-nt3wtVZnF6sNTlZKuAiv6FWM8Kru8ZCNP6LmL6FHiXvVOSlM6sSU76WCWeNK0Ixj8acZo-TRcYvMqf1jYpjgCmVD3xwu3Snhjgy-teDLs/s640/Colton+in+Motion.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This little guy, on the other hand, is ALL movement (pictured here doing his happy dance!). He is filled with energy and excitement. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uLuQZCVg47XumJrB2mWixej8jXEcMnE5GFA2q61Drs6eVBZBHnPtHS2nYP2-c0WzlXVa50rco7f55qsO2UnTdLNG8bDDWWScW_4kue9RwksII2PjsiJcybj-s61IRuBK5ZLi8XImBiI/s1600/Colton+in+Motion+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uLuQZCVg47XumJrB2mWixej8jXEcMnE5GFA2q61Drs6eVBZBHnPtHS2nYP2-c0WzlXVa50rco7f55qsO2UnTdLNG8bDDWWScW_4kue9RwksII2PjsiJcybj-s61IRuBK5ZLi8XImBiI/s640/Colton+in+Motion+2.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is seriously the best picture I could get of him...he doesn't like to hold still! He loves being outside, and LOVES riding on the tractor with Granddad. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's doing great in daycare, and is extremely smart. He also loves puzzle's and has pretty much outgrown all the ones we've given him. He's about to turn 3 1/2 in May, and Meagan and Jeff can't wait for him to start school (he loves to learn). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This summer will be a great time for me to take him to the zoo, and have sleepovers. And Colton seriously CAN"T WAIT until Casey is home! He LOVES his Uncle Casey!! </span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-23565595540082809132011-04-13T08:30:00.000-07:002011-04-13T08:30:08.905-07:00I've been "sitting on" this post for a while<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ha! You'll get my pun-of-a-title in a second! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Good afternoon friends, fans, and family (notice how I put fans in there...as if I have any!). I have another fun project post for you today, and its been one I've put off posting for a month. I sometimes get caught up in all my projects, that I tend to forget to post about them on time. But today I'm going to try and rectify that. So here goes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had this ugly chair (sorry about the bad picture quality):</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoeRTaqH7POLmO1F8qZ39S-RszTZPhYCUY8W0ZVB49dSgJoV-AyZ1FVpcr0r4aSwJwh29cMh0HaBVAPuP2xe4B5oboCBIw47rjpR6fZ5Rk6obNhzug1AfMYw6DUUGwb8KohwOKwTgnXc/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoeRTaqH7POLmO1F8qZ39S-RszTZPhYCUY8W0ZVB49dSgJoV-AyZ1FVpcr0r4aSwJwh29cMh0HaBVAPuP2xe4B5oboCBIw47rjpR6fZ5Rk6obNhzug1AfMYw6DUUGwb8KohwOKwTgnXc/s400/7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Actually, Casey thought it was awesome...especially since he refinished the wood seat. But to me, it was still UGGGGLYYY! So last month, in a fit of inspiration I decided to spray paint it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I started off by taping all the wood off and covering it with plastic:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZJGDbigHo3Bx1Hu7NejB4IDMCDwMHSmN4kvsvGwBDbpMdMfBvbmNJtLVyEA8Wj358dV4kOkm65iFwrS6siuniLu8F_W4hINHjqxswqx0_xWNBvj4Beno0V1JfVAETnoHg2MvrnLdovQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZJGDbigHo3Bx1Hu7NejB4IDMCDwMHSmN4kvsvGwBDbpMdMfBvbmNJtLVyEA8Wj358dV4kOkm65iFwrS6siuniLu8F_W4hINHjqxswqx0_xWNBvj4Beno0V1JfVAETnoHg2MvrnLdovQ/s400/8.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Then I found a nice spot in the backyard to spray paint away. I wanted a fun color, and since I'm trying to pull in more orange accents in my house, I decided to go bold...and I mean <b>BOLD</b></span>. <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here was the result:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FadhKmINQu60MHxTWOOZwVI3Fh7S_KNzLUT21egSnzaO1S-xkYc8yK1RD5Q536TifamwOr3OqjSKeY_wPwd5JkHzVdrTKiEhm9WIpPmlyzvAyUxDoq3pgYm_YUQSwu40ge_luq6uIlg/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FadhKmINQu60MHxTWOOZwVI3Fh7S_KNzLUT21egSnzaO1S-xkYc8yK1RD5Q536TifamwOr3OqjSKeY_wPwd5JkHzVdrTKiEhm9WIpPmlyzvAyUxDoq3pgYm_YUQSwu40ge_luq6uIlg/s400/6.jpg" width="238" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was at this point that I was stuck with a dilemma, I wasn't super psyched about an all-over color...it didn't feel right in my house (or for my style). So I started sanding it down, and giving it some weathered touches. This was the result:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qi6HEN5cDGEGtpD_SjKwYmKW55o0n6UDQvKMsPrZ0c9_pINqm4wDMDmzWoikM1Rbz4a5ho7p0wqo2_ysHIhHfKoI0b6F0r06B6pn7hvYW67hfIaF5p9-Xs14kIkghj_IIhbQMribZMY/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qi6HEN5cDGEGtpD_SjKwYmKW55o0n6UDQvKMsPrZ0c9_pINqm4wDMDmzWoikM1Rbz4a5ho7p0wqo2_ysHIhHfKoI0b6F0r06B6pn7hvYW67hfIaF5p9-Xs14kIkghj_IIhbQMribZMY/s400/4.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Can you see the difference? Now it has more character and mass appeal (at least in my opinion...which incidentally is the only one that counts!!). Here are a few more shots close up:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYIRyW_7QY0uYtx6T2JRRttyao-Z3W5M0Qfyy3CSAOU9gSYlGOoECDSl2Bc4RYfoD5ZawwRxui7SFtZZIsncj6bZ9Y8Hod8Ftwhti_3vI6U_D-zcjeaRsEiHWy57jY6zOFp6cELlqoug/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYIRyW_7QY0uYtx6T2JRRttyao-Z3W5M0Qfyy3CSAOU9gSYlGOoECDSl2Bc4RYfoD5ZawwRxui7SFtZZIsncj6bZ9Y8Hod8Ftwhti_3vI6U_D-zcjeaRsEiHWy57jY6zOFp6cELlqoug/s400/2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWldljMbqInhUO5znYct-wovA9BkkLFkNpa-Or09XMeAwArvQiyLMqdwzuX6_ot072o_uTtyXTIhB8Yc_V0VboFtiAzhvUdl6MLX0Wf2APmPoAycITqxVS3bc4WfOd9N22l2qW3yb33U/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWldljMbqInhUO5znYct-wovA9BkkLFkNpa-Or09XMeAwArvQiyLMqdwzuX6_ot072o_uTtyXTIhB8Yc_V0VboFtiAzhvUdl6MLX0Wf2APmPoAycITqxVS3bc4WfOd9N22l2qW3yb33U/s400/1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguMMNjvrqdbmwxjoMUttAD6gH3E0IhNo8GF0iI37qcwAWnike8J-2d4nMwMaqX0QLYkIKPmdJJ3VqU6JeuTmtwIlxHmBa6heYvn859ipXLhlPAs-PCHSYikayfERxGsJI8nL31SwkXsw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguMMNjvrqdbmwxjoMUttAD6gH3E0IhNo8GF0iI37qcwAWnike8J-2d4nMwMaqX0QLYkIKPmdJJ3VqU6JeuTmtwIlxHmBa6heYvn859ipXLhlPAs-PCHSYikayfERxGsJI8nL31SwkXsw/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So there you have it, a nice, pretty re-purposed chair!! And it only cost me a can of spray paint!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Eventually, the chair will make it's way upstairs to be an office chair...once I get everything else put together in said office. Speaking of which, my Dad put the finishing touches on my bookshelves this last week (way to go, DAD), so all I have to do is paint them, and they'll be ready to use!! WAHOOO!!</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-54101982803874277832011-04-08T09:50:00.000-07:002011-04-08T09:50:10.958-07:00A Matter of Prayer<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I'm sure many of you are aware, the government-powers-that-be are looking over the budget. To most American's this doesn't really mean much, nor will it really affect you. But for the thousands of American Military Families out there, it might mean huge set-backs.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The fact of the matter is, if the budget isn't figured out soon, Military personnel and other government employees won't be getting paid.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> From what I understand, National Parks could be closed. Government aided facilities could be put on hold (like clinics and agriculture). And even the annual Cherry Blossom Parade in DC will be canceled. Not that that really affects us here in Kansas, but it does give you a better understanding of the severity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This also might mean that Casey's instructors at school don't show up. You see, the majority of teachers there are ex-military, meaning they get paid hourly...and if they aren't getting paid...they won't be showing up. This in itself will set off a whole slew of problems, because frankly, there aren't enough Military instructors to cover all the classes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We of course, don't know what the outcome might be, but there is a huge possibility Casey might get sent home until the budget is figured. And although I'd love to see him again, him coming home now will only delay things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And even though Casey is on salary, his paycheck might be delayed too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I don't wish for this post to be a bash at the government, or to even point fingers...But what I do want it to be is a plea. A plea to pray. Not only for us, but for all the families that depend on the government for income. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Please pray that the budget might be resolved quickly, and painlessly. Pray that God would move mountains to get the budget back in order. Pray for the families that live paycheck to paycheck...and are depending on that money to come in. Pray that egos are taken out of the equation when the voting takes place. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And pray that God might be able to move through this situation to further his kingdom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thank you so much for your constant diligence towards Casey and me. We appreciate all the love and prayers you send our way. Know that God hears every one of them, and that you do make a huge difference. </span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-72260135223566086232011-04-07T11:59:00.000-07:002011-04-07T11:59:28.879-07:00Spring Purging<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I take my Spring cleaning seriously. In this house, it's a must. But more to the point, I love it!!! Especially when all is said and done, and the house is sparkling. But there is more to Spring cleaning than vacuuming and dusting. There is also quite a bit of purging too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You see, I've never been extremely nostalgic about holding on to useless junk. I love family heirlooms, grade-school art, and the general sentimental stuff... but when it comes to extra junk, I usually get rid of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You won't find old clothes that don't fit in my closet (even if I'm hoping they eventually will), and you won't find extra decorations in storage either. I don't have extra picture frames sitting around. And the closest I come to collecting is a stash of mason jars I use for flower vases in the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More to the point, I hate hoarding. I can't stand disorder. And I refuse to leave a load of pointless junk behind for my loved ones to sift through when I die (not that I plan on dieing any time soon!). Ironically, I think my mom is the exact opposite, I'm constantly asking her why she holds on to all her nick-knacks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So yesterday, I sat down and started going through stuff. I started out in the bedroom; reorganizing the dresser and closet, and getting rid of old clothes along the way. I discovered my husband had at least 15 old work shirts from his previous job, and 7 pairs of jeans (all with holes in them)...yes, he's a hoarder in my opinion. So I pulled all his old clothes out too, and have a pile for him to go through when he gets home in May!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After the bedroom, I headed upstairs to the office. It's a mess right now cause we're in the process of building new bookshelves up there. So everything has been relocated to the floor (cue me pulling my hair out).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But after some major purging, I finally got my work station in order:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vhM7lLCqpCm3hJfOZ6HyQ8C-kCH1H7hbbimMJDZA2UZMOk6H_whNljB34PajgrNuJf3zmGcnucV_sd3_N7PXQZHIn7soiUdXuKBlWoBOMOin7Dba6c1SKtK6fyMVGEKa-e1H_rRETOQ/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vhM7lLCqpCm3hJfOZ6HyQ8C-kCH1H7hbbimMJDZA2UZMOk6H_whNljB34PajgrNuJf3zmGcnucV_sd3_N7PXQZHIn7soiUdXuKBlWoBOMOin7Dba6c1SKtK6fyMVGEKa-e1H_rRETOQ/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Now all my pens, paper, and supplies are within easy reach, but still organized!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My next project upstairs is to tackle this mess (I can't believe I'm showing you this...it goes against the grain):</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdUICYOtuKMV6EPs-p3daYcItsKcY3vBNZb-sA_FvoPZ1kKKZ-H5Oh3_DXAEfPOOe_M7tJ3nD4E1v66UbyIdxeDkgT3hhMFeDE1dDJa7WdVkgNzoD1CVInQWCX_jBQZAvgmr6jTwXcbY/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdUICYOtuKMV6EPs-p3daYcItsKcY3vBNZb-sA_FvoPZ1kKKZ-H5Oh3_DXAEfPOOe_M7tJ3nD4E1v66UbyIdxeDkgT3hhMFeDE1dDJa7WdVkgNzoD1CVInQWCX_jBQZAvgmr6jTwXcbY/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I'm putting the finishing touches on the bookshelves tomorrow, so hopefully this pile won't be here much longer. But no worrries, I have myself a little helper:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlbem3HiDNU85BNspZnfNP2exuhx_kWoC341kRiNCEWr2OfShErhfci8ftv6JBi0BkcOYwB-1uD_n6RpllunygOrazb02MCabgqJ1uruXFXZceS7lb2A3EVAU5XKZt-m493CuTgnmbzE/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlbem3HiDNU85BNspZnfNP2exuhx_kWoC341kRiNCEWr2OfShErhfci8ftv6JBi0BkcOYwB-1uD_n6RpllunygOrazb02MCabgqJ1uruXFXZceS7lb2A3EVAU5XKZt-m493CuTgnmbzE/s400/14.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Ain't she cute...and in desperate need of a hair cut (another thing on my Spring cleaning list)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And in case you are wondering, I do hold on to some things. Like these two books (one is actually a coloring book that used to belong to Casey's grandmother):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsjZ5DHSwSoyZC71rsgp1Tac4kINCRSbMyANtTXvCHj3WgHMbqhATzK7jJdsOwsea_TSjHOZfI31MIJG0_E95Q4r4p1_HWSJONwZaV9cbHcKnmHoxslSUIFDX6LCr-kN43DbUPEsp3QU/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsjZ5DHSwSoyZC71rsgp1Tac4kINCRSbMyANtTXvCHj3WgHMbqhATzK7jJdsOwsea_TSjHOZfI31MIJG0_E95Q4r4p1_HWSJONwZaV9cbHcKnmHoxslSUIFDX6LCr-kN43DbUPEsp3QU/s400/10.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3229AwoL0EqNICi34PvfERGfeIUZPB9fx6wRaqNJF8E7ZnJTz1LUg780SfX_erEKxBW4y5nhV9EkkvyuhNhiKKDUixUlh-w360MJdjJTlXT7Ec17-g7opI0DG21g8dQOfN7NsQRoz0w/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3229AwoL0EqNICi34PvfERGfeIUZPB9fx6wRaqNJF8E7ZnJTz1LUg780SfX_erEKxBW4y5nhV9EkkvyuhNhiKKDUixUlh-w360MJdjJTlXT7Ec17-g7opI0DG21g8dQOfN7NsQRoz0w/s400/4.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> They're filled with all these really graphic and cool old time prints. Here are a few of my favorites:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65rUE2WlA3xU1zd3oO6v_G858vH3qWfnLIdqNcEe0e6F8asAFbj7phnlZXIAvhR12jpHdvDi9_Qr-dFBV4RuVp1_0ilQHPNh6AajX_wg0MgJIPU1NecQDY1RgDu-yuUhvKK1H_6khN58/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65rUE2WlA3xU1zd3oO6v_G858vH3qWfnLIdqNcEe0e6F8asAFbj7phnlZXIAvhR12jpHdvDi9_Qr-dFBV4RuVp1_0ilQHPNh6AajX_wg0MgJIPU1NecQDY1RgDu-yuUhvKK1H_6khN58/s320/3.jpg" width="191" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGeJtIHc-3DE9XJaYlY0dwuIoN3RruSOinfDk7TuWNMJTkQ4zyoDBdKlWfV3D3nzxJUDvUnjNSfz_f-rJ9I_dISXimW5LkLoJYK9sJ8MNQtswvASbCMrxgN9JSXqTWHgXbqNQi1wsnco/s320/1.jpg" width="191" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMDBbO3pSO0TGvmynwWGkybXZgEofedhkhobHbPTVvc8BoKNcAG4vy9UW0mssNpISqRC7ujwusVhjgSm_Vc7TW8MVEJc2CiulQKTJlp67TF6u2JKkPtqXL3PGI0oAngzwZ_xwZwEPT-8/s320/9.jpg" width="191" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI59Zt6DOL4YGk8JnWLUsvWe1fkQX3wpMuLyGMvivsc_X1aRPWj0FtpzdOr0wbmvr46G_9QKd4dHMx5P5T_sXk_YvvZydOPvDUdjr-I22Eli-wgWm-IRB9Ox0Ut0XaRYuesAwxMK7IHs/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFI59Zt6DOL4YGk8JnWLUsvWe1fkQX3wpMuLyGMvivsc_X1aRPWj0FtpzdOr0wbmvr46G_9QKd4dHMx5P5T_sXk_YvvZydOPvDUdjr-I22Eli-wgWm-IRB9Ox0Ut0XaRYuesAwxMK7IHs/s320/6.jpg" width="191" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm planning on hanging some of the floor plan prints in the office. And as for the posters, I think I found a great place for them in the bathroom:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM8z3iWZrJ-rlQm3gk8UwFug6rglFx4mklc_ykBxFohMLJ8UXBBQEsz7xuWaDMChpnfU00KNo0RVdKFpzc9seglYgyD2F0Trr4Cq4JabcOgJG0UNNFDLRTGrsLObBsrc1-n-ir-E90TQ/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM8z3iWZrJ-rlQm3gk8UwFug6rglFx4mklc_ykBxFohMLJ8UXBBQEsz7xuWaDMChpnfU00KNo0RVdKFpzc9seglYgyD2F0Trr4Cq4JabcOgJG0UNNFDLRTGrsLObBsrc1-n-ir-E90TQ/s400/15.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just need to have them all framed, and sealed really really well, so no moisture gets in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So there you have it. A day in the life of me. Plan on more updates on other Spring cleaning projects from around my house...and most likely my Sister's house...and my Mom's house! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And while we're on the subject of Spring cleaning, what do you do around your house to freshen things up?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-75641050846937002062011-04-05T13:21:00.000-07:002011-04-05T13:21:32.937-07:00Go Figure<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With all the new pillows going in the bedroom, I've been trying to keep an eye out for curtain fabric. I planned on making the curtains myself...1. 'Cause it will give me a project. 2. 'Cause it's generally cheaper. and 3. 'Cause Standard Curtains won't fit my windows. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's a lot of " 'Causes" for me!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had been planning on a taupe, linen fabric, but wasn't really set on anything. The biggest problem I've been facing is to find something that ties in with my bedding, walls, and accents...without being heavy or dark. I really wanted something breezy looking. Not to mention washable and low maintenance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So keep that back-story in mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fast forward to today, and out I went to hit up a few local fabric stores. The main purpose for the trip was to find fabric for my sisters, Meagan's, kitchen. Her birthday is tomorrow, and she wants some curtains in her kitchen (since it faces the street)...and since I'm always up for a new project, I jumped at the opportunity!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was keeping an eye out for me too, but the main point was Meagan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The first place I looked (and coincidentally only place I went) was a local shop in Delano called "Material Girls Quilt Shoppe".</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh9MH1a1qWt7CBiJLgh7o-kEZAeqvVdlIZAsAbx496A4aW0mA_xajd2lj7O3TbeVYRFBUKkLAGg1ZMRrCdfdjvbu4ATLJR4M4kDQP0ROAYc2yNL7M4O3PiEjR4pW0bizmF7cLAngbmWA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh9MH1a1qWt7CBiJLgh7o-kEZAeqvVdlIZAsAbx496A4aW0mA_xajd2lj7O3TbeVYRFBUKkLAGg1ZMRrCdfdjvbu4ATLJR4M4kDQP0ROAYc2yNL7M4O3PiEjR4pW0bizmF7cLAngbmWA/s400/6.jpg" width="375" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wow, was it awesome!! I usually don't care for quilt shops, especially when they only carry crappy out-dated bolts. But "Material Girls" has a huge selection of trendy cottons and prints...LOVE!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And since Meg wanted something washable, cotton seemed like the best bet...hence the quilting shop!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I ended up finding this print for her:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoL009aJ4FyZCvtHFyD4mEOQPYVP2gt7TuL6-xSAAO3gtgvaZlB1RYxX3CcNcusBjrAsGH_atFW5t60pzsZqo2d0nqHtPST_jcmx7hFxA1KAQ6foaeGuakPUsZeVcqYiKSQfDVO45Yek/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoL009aJ4FyZCvtHFyD4mEOQPYVP2gt7TuL6-xSAAO3gtgvaZlB1RYxX3CcNcusBjrAsGH_atFW5t60pzsZqo2d0nqHtPST_jcmx7hFxA1KAQ6foaeGuakPUsZeVcqYiKSQfDVO45Yek/s400/5.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was a perfect match for her walls and furniture in the adjoining living room. Plus it would help lighten up her kitchen, with all the wood cabinets...score!! So I bought a few yards, and headed off to do some other errands.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When I got home, I started looking at Meg's fabric a little more closely. It looked awfully good next to my beddings. And it had all the right colors in it too. Hmmm.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQStFsfj7XiCcchOzmusCkz4MIU1YkCAfkFdQHpbbsOjTnY6JH1gBud7Ie8Feaqh0FKUoZ2Z2-rmYv9btX3Trx8rcbBE_-6Sg5LApmTbGN7syjk9HEBkBgTyPT08qi-G6y8kF4McJZTQI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQStFsfj7XiCcchOzmusCkz4MIU1YkCAfkFdQHpbbsOjTnY6JH1gBud7Ie8Feaqh0FKUoZ2Z2-rmYv9btX3Trx8rcbBE_-6Sg5LApmTbGN7syjk9HEBkBgTyPT08qi-G6y8kF4McJZTQI/s400/1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So this is what happened next:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYn9fhQgCA0PM1iEmZ6_mxkOf1lW_xN9rvKQglDBDeEHBE0-Trm0zVsnp85EB7ykZKNRvrI0yM7rUDzChz3qJCpZhj5DUoDzK85SNxg4MelVnikaIm4J87mKC4RTRx8YXxhoa4OLB6y0/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYn9fhQgCA0PM1iEmZ6_mxkOf1lW_xN9rvKQglDBDeEHBE0-Trm0zVsnp85EB7ykZKNRvrI0yM7rUDzChz3qJCpZhj5DUoDzK85SNxg4MelVnikaIm4J87mKC4RTRx8YXxhoa4OLB6y0/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwjABqStfXk851hrzMFSQcXR_ofhmSyA4twHRt6wd1dj6gp4V78o_4pR7q5nGl-HiespsFTMy6JcoGuAfBjyICC0nyC2g_LLhBvO415EpawoZvW8PxGK3dN3RNmGzeiUJ5esaAGf35Uc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwjABqStfXk851hrzMFSQcXR_ofhmSyA4twHRt6wd1dj6gp4V78o_4pR7q5nGl-HiespsFTMy6JcoGuAfBjyICC0nyC2g_LLhBvO415EpawoZvW8PxGK3dN3RNmGzeiUJ5esaAGf35Uc/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yep, pretty sure I just found the fabric for my bedroom too...go figure. Now I'm going to have to make another trek out to the fabric store...and pray that they have 6 more yards left...please, please, please let them have 6 more yards. </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-77377426974978050022011-04-04T13:04:00.000-07:002011-04-04T13:04:45.335-07:00Project: Pillow 2<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Spring has officially come!! WooHoo!! This is my favorite time of year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Time to clean out the flower beds, throw open the windows, and get going on all my new projects...and with an old house like mine, there are ALWAYS new projects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've got a ton of new stuff to share with you, but I'm gonna try to spread it out some (sorry if you were hoping to read a 10 page post). I've started working out in my yard already, so hopefully I'll have some progress to show on that front soon. As well as some indoor updates too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But for today, I wanted to share my latest pillow creation with you (pictured here with my smaller pillow). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz-Z-B27tkQwx3NnE8uBmfSMg2lEU6Po3uTaCqnG7BPFLFmfR8ZxEhAEecrMevZq78oHZZzfmaiEKS6skpQwlrYoyhk4q5fiGFovlmxejVFoGAHPNwfSKfks7mRPBgFSZocTHlxM9HyM/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz-Z-B27tkQwx3NnE8uBmfSMg2lEU6Po3uTaCqnG7BPFLFmfR8ZxEhAEecrMevZq78oHZZzfmaiEKS6skpQwlrYoyhk4q5fiGFovlmxejVFoGAHPNwfSKfks7mRPBgFSZocTHlxM9HyM/s400/finished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This pillow was much more straight forward. The only big task was the needle point work. It seemed to take forever, but I'm not complaining...in fact, I really liked it. For about a week, I made a habit of sitting down for 30 minutes or so, and stitching out another row until I was all done. Here is a visual breakdown of that process:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR2TlPhnv663Vbs1A6TaRxHiGlcMdb3HNRAbQT5ySJxTpPNViQpF18a0zLZtrNBLy65zF-3TUVh5kYUbNhn6J7b-4MuwFC07_hg0gawAy0DMA4UaWhmOlWM85m5VGj1ps78fJF6smF3s/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR2TlPhnv663Vbs1A6TaRxHiGlcMdb3HNRAbQT5ySJxTpPNViQpF18a0zLZtrNBLy65zF-3TUVh5kYUbNhn6J7b-4MuwFC07_hg0gawAy0DMA4UaWhmOlWM85m5VGj1ps78fJF6smF3s/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I started out by roughly tracing my design on the fabric with a white colored pencil. Then I got to work stitching...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1OaSZCHyNh-pa9Nd9pFGvklt6DByUiVqlp1MZ80XvltueVN-Wan7p2NUIbHE7lsKEd2QyOXAOo9cfvRgK0WXgK9-w9bAivyclOPqZUGzQOegHNUKJlZxAtpPO7uM_GSs69xae_AEJhQ/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1OaSZCHyNh-pa9Nd9pFGvklt6DByUiVqlp1MZ80XvltueVN-Wan7p2NUIbHE7lsKEd2QyOXAOo9cfvRgK0WXgK9-w9bAivyclOPqZUGzQOegHNUKJlZxAtpPO7uM_GSs69xae_AEJhQ/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And stitching...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEmUDoPDmlCNcsJDA141LYYU6lnu-gK3vbRKKAHydIi30QmsOCOrUwibvc4XYxx4UZTgbD8Im6ugMglGnbeMS1Wb4J29WOKYEH9bZ-eyj1FNK3coOnIkLA3EEXLghx1R_iJ5Th7FlgKg/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEmUDoPDmlCNcsJDA141LYYU6lnu-gK3vbRKKAHydIi30QmsOCOrUwibvc4XYxx4UZTgbD8Im6ugMglGnbeMS1Wb4J29WOKYEH9bZ-eyj1FNK3coOnIkLA3EEXLghx1R_iJ5Th7FlgKg/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And stitching...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7zT0eGqm0N34SjStzowzc0PtOw1P8EbKe0mR_1G72Iw5ren_UiI1MdAP9A3_RsfjX5psBTOIZO_VCKVIlQSDSx3Iub-j7UAxnwFwSvgqeVyc1dFWSCzZ5kiEdUqCM2aRith-hrgoWlc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7zT0eGqm0N34SjStzowzc0PtOw1P8EbKe0mR_1G72Iw5ren_UiI1MdAP9A3_RsfjX5psBTOIZO_VCKVIlQSDSx3Iub-j7UAxnwFwSvgqeVyc1dFWSCzZ5kiEdUqCM2aRith-hrgoWlc/s400/2.jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aGBQF_GWc2l2GD-J6YthpEssQHMXgtDHIM1Z7ZHPApdyZhIOKelk8CXNhonptnnbiv2HWNDXt_bS4fXTznngZ6Zwqqvi9Ajp8oqB0fIaIP1R7z4GVqGNp8W3EF_VBSX0MWhf8fwdOOo/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aGBQF_GWc2l2GD-J6YthpEssQHMXgtDHIM1Z7ZHPApdyZhIOKelk8CXNhonptnnbiv2HWNDXt_bS4fXTznngZ6Zwqqvi9Ajp8oqB0fIaIP1R7z4GVqGNp8W3EF_VBSX0MWhf8fwdOOo/s400/7.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And here it was ready to be all sown up( I tucked the loose ends under for the picture).</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokaH5_Iz_F1pcdASePZQuCcwrptTd1NlHp_euGe2VnZHZriWygt19SE4CxCFpfPw8Om5u7vczq23eI-9qqxsg8EwL_kwHDmaYSYebwtcW-9luiLj5j_YfJpaxWXiBp2-2UTy1cCCez1Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGUybfXOSI0HZ0uaKt9fAs32gfX0MJA41cW4BNmXiC4_nt9RbTpp67qx-QHC9AFcrLPbOR4iy61mjCRG3LvvHjuHjA3v_f3zNb7w5Sk3EfQP9xmNfxi-ChqNmQ5xGND8H1bOZro1P5xE/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGUybfXOSI0HZ0uaKt9fAs32gfX0MJA41cW4BNmXiC4_nt9RbTpp67qx-QHC9AFcrLPbOR4iy61mjCRG3LvvHjuHjA3v_f3zNb7w5Sk3EfQP9xmNfxi-ChqNmQ5xGND8H1bOZro1P5xE/s400/6.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The bedroom still has a few more tweaks before it's finished, and by then, I'll probably re-do it all over again! But for the time being, I'm pretty smitten with my new pillows!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrKd4tN_q3smdiBatmz-8JgAzK7IVGyA49D1C429y9NWb3wwCyEDuWzho6pBeUJegf5pfkrCgDgpABIl9LgUBgiLFS3Z8zng4-2Pz-N4kieZRMDEHefAEKyUI37TUeRhi8GVxSQLoC9c/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrKd4tN_q3smdiBatmz-8JgAzK7IVGyA49D1C429y9NWb3wwCyEDuWzho6pBeUJegf5pfkrCgDgpABIl9LgUBgiLFS3Z8zng4-2Pz-N4kieZRMDEHefAEKyUI37TUeRhi8GVxSQLoC9c/s640/10.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-2525845206054954672011-04-01T08:50:00.000-07:002011-04-01T08:50:12.008-07:00Casey: Transformed!!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Be honest, the Title totally caught your eye!!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I told you yesterday how Casey has been beefing up, but I thought a visual would be better. I'm so jealous of people who can easily mold their bodies into what they want...and Casey has always had it easy. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Doesn't that make you sick...</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It sure as heck ticks me off!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyways, here is Casey at his BMT Graduation: </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PwhZsgw2UT0AJiBDBc5haVNCWWv3N4LYPpeqlkxDlL28Q98NpNSauUnTfQD_LlWVEQODJr1KPOABWAeyGTfyAD7YJ_YIjVMWoLlB5_hK3dxqyqJ7o6ryjYDVkFFujii9CdNStnAi4-E/s1600/Casey+BMT+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PwhZsgw2UT0AJiBDBc5haVNCWWv3N4LYPpeqlkxDlL28Q98NpNSauUnTfQD_LlWVEQODJr1KPOABWAeyGTfyAD7YJ_YIjVMWoLlB5_hK3dxqyqJ7o6ryjYDVkFFujii9CdNStnAi4-E/s640/Casey+BMT+pic.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He lost a ton of weight at Basic, and got down to 160 lbs. And all that weight consisted of long lean muscles, there wasn't an ounce of fat on him (cue me being jealous)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fast Forward 5 months, and this is Casey now:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmMw9mEQTo-lLdH0-NG2W_u-CFavSdSKF5JaPBt5jGGmTl4NWEhZvGhbXlNWWnjx1ZxasYRaDjZ2dri0qXDabIFozYwaK_p0uf6PlZA3bDHEJDi68ZPtYvpxRwQ5t2zCEZLhanIX3EZk/s1600/Casey+at+New+Orleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmMw9mEQTo-lLdH0-NG2W_u-CFavSdSKF5JaPBt5jGGmTl4NWEhZvGhbXlNWWnjx1ZxasYRaDjZ2dri0qXDabIFozYwaK_p0uf6PlZA3bDHEJDi68ZPtYvpxRwQ5t2zCEZLhanIX3EZk/s640/Casey+at+New+Orleans.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Can you tell the difference!?!...particularly in his arms, chest, and neck...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">WOW...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Come to MAMA, hot stuff!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He's now up to 200 lbs., and let me tell you, it is all muscle. Seriously, he's rock hard!! And he's not even done yet. He's still trying to get washboard abs before he comes home (insert me doing the "happy dance")!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">All that to say, I should probably up my game, and try to be a little more fit too before he gets home...sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh, and on a completely unrelated note, today is me and Casey's 13 year anniversary (dating)!! That's right, the hubs actually asked me out on April Fools Day...classy!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We were practically babies!! Casey at 13, was short, shy, quiet, and had a dorky bowl cut, the total opposite of what he is now. And I at 12, was bossy, attention seeking, and a bit of a tease...haven't really changed much actually!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyways, Happy Anniversary, Babe!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-3594039229728834092011-03-31T08:24:00.000-07:002011-03-31T08:24:18.537-07:00I'm Back!!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But then, your probably wondering where the heck I went!! Well, this last week, I went down to visit the Hubby in Mississippi! WooHoo!!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I would have mentioned it earlier, but I'm extremely paranoid about telling people I'm going to be out of town...and my house will be empty...and an easy target for a robbery. So I just skipped out without informing the whole blog-o-sphere of my plans.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was an awesome trip, minus the 14 hr drive there and back. Yep, we drove...I know, crazy! But plane tickets are extremely too overpriced. SO we (me and the parents) trekked all the way down there, driving through the night both ways.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'll be posting pictures later throughout the week, but haven't quite figured out how to transfer them easily from my phone to my computer (Casey HELP). For now, here is a peak at Casey and Me from last week:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL58C6VoFnTwhNiKT0cScjUS_CAJ7aNkK5cXRmFKx71KimY0Ss_mddLlnGKOBvuQuHEH4JuhpLo8siNzZQwHNTxNE-7tdFSWmC5rAdtYuqbMd3lAiuaIK2uKHHdScUCJGy-CRNP-y26SY/s1600/New+Orleans+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL58C6VoFnTwhNiKT0cScjUS_CAJ7aNkK5cXRmFKx71KimY0Ss_mddLlnGKOBvuQuHEH4JuhpLo8siNzZQwHNTxNE-7tdFSWmC5rAdtYuqbMd3lAiuaIK2uKHHdScUCJGy-CRNP-y26SY/s640/New+Orleans+1.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As for Casey, he is doing great. He's starting to bulk up (not in the fat-chubby way, but in the holy-crap-that's-a-lot-of-muscles way)! He's got a huge group of friends down there, and from what I saw, they all seem great. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Obviously, Case is ready to be home, but he's committed to his assignment. The biggest annoyance for him is class. He gets bored easily in it. He's always been a fast learner, so waiting for everyone else to catch on is frustrating. We only have a few more weeks though, then he'll be done!!</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Leaving sucked!! There's no way around that, but I'm trying to stay optimistic for the future. April is almost here, and then May, and then he's home!! I can do this, I can do this, I can do this (I feel like the little engine that could)!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'll post more later, so stay tuned for more pictures...</span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-26595808629767337612011-03-15T14:47:00.000-07:002011-03-15T14:47:47.373-07:00A Lesson in TapingFor a while now I've been planning for some art above my sofa. Right now the room feels drab and boring. It needs some major punch of color. <br />
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So yesterday I decided to tape off where I wanted the art to go. And am I glad I did! I had originally planned on doing the paintings this size (sorry about the existing wall art, I'm not gonna take it down till I'm ready to patch the holes, and hang the new stuff):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DyUO1d57jQsccfjsB-P8PZzhWEKJSw1XB8Kzp6ttYWy5O4IbqkphhAe2lGkLgC6DMrIMXr3Y1uyfmeJi2sd6fQvR_f_GC1Qd6975fbZJp_ITZCXWF_Zag47Suahq3dHZyWgDaYDthZk/s1600/painter%2527s+tape+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DyUO1d57jQsccfjsB-P8PZzhWEKJSw1XB8Kzp6ttYWy5O4IbqkphhAe2lGkLgC6DMrIMXr3Y1uyfmeJi2sd6fQvR_f_GC1Qd6975fbZJp_ITZCXWF_Zag47Suahq3dHZyWgDaYDthZk/s640/painter%2527s+tape+1.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br />
But after looking at it for a while, it felt too small. I want something with high impact, to counter all the minimalism in my walls and sofa. Also, I didn't like how the space above the paintings was practically the same size as the paintings themselves (about 3 ft each). So I made it bigger:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aSuHpsQKqzgZf9key4VFqSLo9Qlq9EYgVc7HkfANedaGyGmLA46SvHcx1vB4RYEx59o7HHW3LLA9qT1lMMau9GgCVUQnMoxHhFgky1bDj_gn90bTlvPnKuYpN4KxHjJjQR8MWQHpVWM/s1600/painter%2527s+tape+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aSuHpsQKqzgZf9key4VFqSLo9Qlq9EYgVc7HkfANedaGyGmLA46SvHcx1vB4RYEx59o7HHW3LLA9qT1lMMau9GgCVUQnMoxHhFgky1bDj_gn90bTlvPnKuYpN4KxHjJjQR8MWQHpVWM/s640/painter%2527s+tape+2.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br />
Much better!! But it still needed tweaking:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRRsofGhZ0NTL1E2PqbVRChlLrd7zdkB28o7lPnFfoAPsjkNdjQ5sB2a5SXIqE8vfX3J2ADnHffw4BmnnnVjERl7VVJW4spxZOqvrO5wIvJPqYZEUChkp1fB3fDhkyOCAmJO3EWuL1J0/s1600/painter%2527s+tape+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRRsofGhZ0NTL1E2PqbVRChlLrd7zdkB28o7lPnFfoAPsjkNdjQ5sB2a5SXIqE8vfX3J2ADnHffw4BmnnnVjERl7VVJW4spxZOqvrO5wIvJPqYZEUChkp1fB3fDhkyOCAmJO3EWuL1J0/s640/painter%2527s+tape+3.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br />
The narrower spacing feels more pulled together (pun totally intended!). And so now I finally have the dimensions for my painting...or I should say paintings. Add on top of that a gift card to Lowe's from my Sister for my birthday (I'm one happy lady). Now I just need to head to the store for wood, and get crackin' on my project.<br />
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Oh, and I'm still working on my second pillow. I finally got it all pinned up where I want it. Photo's soon to follow.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189451498066308103.post-7886307351116333902011-03-14T12:41:00.000-07:002011-03-14T12:41:05.123-07:00Project: Pillow<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is anyone else out there a hobby enthusiast? </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Where you can't help yourself from trying new things?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well that's me in a nut shell. Especially if it has to do with the home. I love learning new hobbies (painting, remodeling, you name it), but I'm a bit of a stickler. Cause I have to become a "master" at anything I try (hence my "craptastic" old renderings post). I don't like being an amateur at anything I do, but I do know my limitations.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So a few weeks ago, amidst a lull in work, I decided I would try my hand at sewing. More specifically, at sewing pillows. I had been looking for new throw pillows for a couple rooms in the house, and since I'm not willing to spend $20-30 on just one pillow (let alone $100 for a room of pillows), the idea arose for me to do them myself.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So on an especial dull day, I headed to the local fabric store to peruse the isles (Casey's learned that when I say I'm going to go look...I mean come back with armfuls of goodies). Fabric stores can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don't know exactly what you want. But I came prepared. Earlier in the week I had scribbled down some pillow designs I really liked. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBlWpNtLhZgcTysCis30Y_T2Lbk_K4DmzQn-pA1RRfCeMoJQDDvdg_uCeEqhkeQPUHFee8snPJJrkqwA6P0dCgqT-0xiHmUWoZkTLYupDf3VHvraT6e4j4PC584iXK1K-xLXVVVxVFtU/s1600/pillow+paper+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBlWpNtLhZgcTysCis30Y_T2Lbk_K4DmzQn-pA1RRfCeMoJQDDvdg_uCeEqhkeQPUHFee8snPJJrkqwA6P0dCgqT-0xiHmUWoZkTLYupDf3VHvraT6e4j4PC584iXK1K-xLXVVVxVFtU/s320/pillow+paper+copy.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I soon found all the fabric I would need to start my new project!! And headed home to plan it out. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When it comes to sewing, I turn to the "moms". Both are amazing!! Casey's mom used to work at Hancock Fabrics, and pretty much knows everything about sewing there is to know. And my mom seriously knows her way around a sewing machine...and is a great teacher. So they both helped me with this little project of mine.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But enough about the how, here is my first finished pillow:</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NdsY4FeXdx31dZjnAN62AD4dcOaR2MpvX_YL_l6lSuQmKLEOUGUY8y36lhQ4To-wpDpGFV82i6jgMbyD05YNKqDpQ4VOHQm2t_qidPskv28ZSGa1C8URgXlNYXUzEob7Eg4jDUVFRhA/s1600/Small+Pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NdsY4FeXdx31dZjnAN62AD4dcOaR2MpvX_YL_l6lSuQmKLEOUGUY8y36lhQ4To-wpDpGFV82i6jgMbyD05YNKqDpQ4VOHQm2t_qidPskv28ZSGa1C8URgXlNYXUzEob7Eg4jDUVFRhA/s320/Small+Pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Isn't it cuuuuttte!! I'm so excited about it! And let me tell ya, it took me a long time to finish. My mom helped me with <strike>some major parts</strike> all of this project. She pretty much walked me through the whole process. Including how to pull the fabric to get it to scrunch up. Part of the sewing was really intimidating, so mom helped with that too. And there was more than once that I had to rip out a row of stitching, and re-do it or let mom (like I said, I know my limitations).</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAioEWPGjfi2KglPmfbL9OJkl5N1zK5W38FvIDYgdBwwZhWvQK_arf-lZo-SAKCFwmSTVAfAIWXMO2jP6WNDrAzCOVKKJ5gnIn_OjJ889hh-nDXTLcEhxVH9ntsOVm7TRTK8wUii3ZsGo/s1600/Close+up+on+small+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAioEWPGjfi2KglPmfbL9OJkl5N1zK5W38FvIDYgdBwwZhWvQK_arf-lZo-SAKCFwmSTVAfAIWXMO2jP6WNDrAzCOVKKJ5gnIn_OjJ889hh-nDXTLcEhxVH9ntsOVm7TRTK8wUii3ZsGo/s320/Close+up+on+small+pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But it was also very fun, and very rewarding! It's like putting a jigsaw puzzle together, but you have to first cut all the pieces, and sew, and re-sew, and sew some more!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP138fhG72BcqPVAya9-ymFSfkUBQPUUUyIcZeyxTWu6v2iC1hmAS-SoZI8N44cE_J5Io2YNgrPXj1slahkKF3KMy_e_cOobMu640CUmAEy0NN65slAO5DUEWc5rLIDpW15ibtzvEtEMI/s1600/Pillow+Forms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP138fhG72BcqPVAya9-ymFSfkUBQPUUUyIcZeyxTWu6v2iC1hmAS-SoZI8N44cE_J5Io2YNgrPXj1slahkKF3KMy_e_cOobMu640CUmAEy0NN65slAO5DUEWc5rLIDpW15ibtzvEtEMI/s320/Pillow+Forms.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In case your wondering, I used a pillow form for this pillow. I'm lousy at stuffing pillows, and these two were 50% off at the fabric store!!! I also put a fold over flap in the back, for easy cleaning and washing.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1ylnixyp3IPXrBQQ4qctH3mx_mAOhqmfzw6OVPp_H7I8E2zosH7RDE7DIQ-Sr2Ap3ccTCwisaRnNQAqFEk8edHC1hyoAwQyzA_PmuwZZcz_lWc99H5DDVWg7zG_oTOgjcyjjC01WO0U/s1600/back+of+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1ylnixyp3IPXrBQQ4qctH3mx_mAOhqmfzw6OVPp_H7I8E2zosH7RDE7DIQ-Sr2Ap3ccTCwisaRnNQAqFEk8edHC1hyoAwQyzA_PmuwZZcz_lWc99H5DDVWg7zG_oTOgjcyjjC01WO0U/s320/back+of+pillow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And since I had some fabric left over, I made some linen napkins too. Here they are, with some of my "working station" (aka: mom's island) shots:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg70FqoJyUOdnbT6A8AGABf_hKpMrRoayuFW0whE1egfU-Vji9Y6ChI5xaOFGjIp56eAQiQdTMvgF5-lqEdJyFLKgE5SJB07v8wgEINo0eItkvbR2j_vprYYl9nHQp-QUp1zLsRLvFDg/s1600/Napkins+Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg70FqoJyUOdnbT6A8AGABf_hKpMrRoayuFW0whE1egfU-Vji9Y6ChI5xaOFGjIp56eAQiQdTMvgF5-lqEdJyFLKgE5SJB07v8wgEINo0eItkvbR2j_vprYYl9nHQp-QUp1zLsRLvFDg/s320/Napkins+Finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFD58J089Wn_D_QTgAjTxdX9U8rWgUTzF4vJxi0mSK1hx-JwxpmYiHgDV1fGNLTL0o2MUvE8C5w6jVBkzBzI1q0BiiuqTNu6o9vBPJgoJVTvPXwOE28fF-2QxDfmCT0vHWUXomjPSSVQA/s1600/Ironing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFD58J089Wn_D_QTgAjTxdX9U8rWgUTzF4vJxi0mSK1hx-JwxpmYiHgDV1fGNLTL0o2MUvE8C5w6jVBkzBzI1q0BiiuqTNu6o9vBPJgoJVTvPXwOE28fF-2QxDfmCT0vHWUXomjPSSVQA/s320/Ironing.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is a close up on one of the corners. You can't tell, but they were giving us some trouble sewing with all the double folded fabric.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTnkisOOh1NljzamYL4yav1O7izut-KGRgIS7rUGnURcyDwPNZqeTmgCT7KwS0G-h41eTWkVAl4SiF27Uiazvc8oaSotww8VHQhKljGgG4-DElz3S6lsA1_BVdn0PdLX4xHHIc7D47zc/s1600/Napkins+close+up+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTnkisOOh1NljzamYL4yav1O7izut-KGRgIS7rUGnURcyDwPNZqeTmgCT7KwS0G-h41eTWkVAl4SiF27Uiazvc8oaSotww8VHQhKljGgG4-DElz3S6lsA1_BVdn0PdLX4xHHIc7D47zc/s320/Napkins+close+up+corner.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I still have one more big pillow to finish in the next few days...once I can get back to mom's sewing machine. But for now, I couldn't be happier with my little starter pillow!!</span>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06588648720514377098noreply@blogger.com0