A gathering at a local park, releasing balloons in the memory of a loved one
Click over to I ♥ Faces for more balloon pictures!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Balloons
A gathering at a local park, releasing balloons in the memory of a loved oneClick over to I ♥ Faces for more balloon pictures!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
it's baaaaaaack
The dizzies are back. Not as bad but enough to cause me to lurch around like a drunk person. Maybe I'll go trick or treating as an alcoholic tonight. Ok, not funny. It's also not funny that in 3 hours people will start to arrive for the
This makes my antisocial personality cringe. And instead of cleaning up or perhaps installing towel bars and a door on the yet to be finished downstairs guest bathroom which guests will in fact be using tonight, I am watching clips of really old horror movies on You Tube. They just don't make them like they did in the 80's
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The out takes and the re takes
Annual Christmas card photo possibilities
The hub was literally rolling his eyes when I commanded him to "pull over here" on the side of the road. He has learned to just go with my whims (it's faster and there is less nagging).
Me: "Little Sister why aren't you smiling?"
Little Sister: "I'm acting bored like Big Sister"
Me: "well, can you try a different look?"
Me: "ok, try putting your hands down"
Me: "what are you doing?"
Big Sister: "we're being homeless people"
There are many out takes. Enlarge to enjoy.
Now for the keepers
1
2
3
4
If you have an opinion on which photo is your #1 pick then please vote below. If you vote I promise to add you to my Christmas card list.
The hub was literally rolling his eyes when I commanded him to "pull over here" on the side of the road. He has learned to just go with my whims (it's faster and there is less nagging).
Me: "Little Sister why aren't you smiling?"
Little Sister: "I'm acting bored like Big Sister"
Me: "well, can you try a different look?"
Me: "ok, try putting your hands down"
Me: "what are you doing?"
Big Sister: "we're being homeless people"
There are many out takes. Enlarge to enjoy.
Now for the keepers
1
2
3
4
If you have an opinion on which photo is your #1 pick then please vote below. If you vote I promise to add you to my Christmas card list.Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Children of the Corn
We headed out to a local farm to pick out our pumpkins. Yes, leaving it a little late this year. Usually by this time, the hub has all the pumpkins carved and the fireworks purchased (just itching to light them off).
I wanted to get a nice family photo but my family was having none of it. I snapped a few of the girls though, ones to include in our Christmas card. I will post those sometime this week after I choose a few favorites.
Little Sister is EXACTLY like her father in that she hates shopping, no matter what it is for. It took her exactly 0.3 seconds to pick out her pumpkin and then she was off to play on the equipment outside. I didn't even have time to snap more than one photo of her pumpkin quest.
Big Sister was a lot more accommodating and let me take LOTS of photos.
Who knew that spending a lovely fall afternoon with one's family on what should be an enjoyable outing would involve so such drama and so many tears. Yes, tears. By the end of the hour both girls had cried several times and daddy's nerves were frazzled and momma may have been shouting. Big Sister seems to have entered the hormone zone and she was a little bundle of bad attitude and sass.
Nice attitude, I'm surprised she's not giving me the finger
Little Sister was crying because she wanted to sit with Daddy but couldn't climb up. Then she was crying because she was sitting with Daddy and she wanted to get down.
I haven't seen the movie since I was a teenager but it made a lasting impression -large corn fields freak me out just a little bit. Enlarge the photo and tell me those creepy stalks aren't hiding horrific creepy children with pitchforks and "he who walks behind the rows"
and is it just me, or does Big Sister's smile look a little demonic? Thanks Stephen King, you really know how to scare a girl.
PS. we were the only people at this farm, out in the middle of nowhere. After we paid for our pumpkins the cashier disappeared and we were all alone. Very very alone with all that corn.
I wanted to get a nice family photo but my family was having none of it. I snapped a few of the girls though, ones to include in our Christmas card. I will post those sometime this week after I choose a few favorites.
Little Sister is EXACTLY like her father in that she hates shopping, no matter what it is for. It took her exactly 0.3 seconds to pick out her pumpkin and then she was off to play on the equipment outside. I didn't even have time to snap more than one photo of her pumpkin quest.
Big Sister was a lot more accommodating and let me take LOTS of photos.
Who knew that spending a lovely fall afternoon with one's family on what should be an enjoyable outing would involve so such drama and so many tears. Yes, tears. By the end of the hour both girls had cried several times and daddy's nerves were frazzled and momma may have been shouting. Big Sister seems to have entered the hormone zone and she was a little bundle of bad attitude and sass.
Nice attitude, I'm surprised she's not giving me the finger
Little Sister was crying because she wanted to sit with Daddy but couldn't climb up. Then she was crying because she was sitting with Daddy and she wanted to get down.
I haven't seen the movie since I was a teenager but it made a lasting impression -large corn fields freak me out just a little bit. Enlarge the photo and tell me those creepy stalks aren't hiding horrific creepy children with pitchforks and "he who walks behind the rows"
and is it just me, or does Big Sister's smile look a little demonic? Thanks Stephen King, you really know how to scare a girl.
PS. we were the only people at this farm, out in the middle of nowhere. After we paid for our pumpkins the cashier disappeared and we were all alone. Very very alone with all that corn.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Puke fest 2009
I've had a pretty rough couple of weeks. I suffer from occasional bouts of vertigo (dizziness) which may or may not have something to do with my 7 year history of pulsatile tinnitus. I've been poked and prodded, I've had CT scans and MRIs and ultrasounds. I've had hearing tests and eye exams. I've tried every medication that 3 GPs and 2 ENTs have recommended. I've tried a registered massage therapist, I've tried a chiropractor. I've had surgery. No one has ever been able to cure me or even give a formal diagnosis. My dentist is optimistic that he can fix this and that it has something to do with a misaligned jaw/temporal mandibular joint and some screwed up facial muscles. I really really hope he is onto something because some days I want to jump off a bridge. Last week was one of those days.
I knew the MOMENT my old friend vertigo was back. I was fast asleep in my bed, at 3:11am I rolled over and WHAM it hit me. The only way I can describe it is like being really hung over, really really really really hung over. It's the bed spins x 1000, minus the night before party. If you have never been hung over then imagine yourself rolling down a hill really fast, only you can't stop it and you can't control it. The dizziness is insane and the accompanying nausea is unbelievable.
Even if I stayed really still and didn't move my head from side to side, the nausea was constant. If I actually moved my head even just 5 degrees then the spinning would begin, immediately followed by the puking. I spent a full 7 days in bed, 3 of those I slept 16 - 20 hours/day. Couldn't sit upright, couldn't read, couldn't be on the computer, couldn't watch TV. Survived on Popsicles and dry toast, the only things I could keep down.
By day 4, God and I came to an agreement. He agreed to let me live and in return I have to give up all junky foods forever. This suits me just fine since just the thought of crappola (or watching a food commercial) gives me the dry heaves. I know from experience that this too will pass and I will have to make good on my promise.
I vow to start eating healthier the very moment I can hold down regular solid foods. Please feel free to remind me of this next week when I am craving a cheeseburger and fries. For now it's saltines and lime juice.
The photo wall project has been neglected but I hope to get it finished up very soon. The paint a frame factory is officially closed. I never want to paint another thing ever again. Ya, right. I hope it will be worth the effort (I tend to dislike many of my finished projects).
I am converting all my favorites photos to black and white for display in all those black frames on that wall. It's a huge job. I have too many favorites.
Like this
this
this
and this.
Is it tacky to display 900 photos of your children on one wall?
Speaking of my children, they have been pretty self sufficient during my recent puke fest. The hub was working so Big Sister made Little Sister dinner every night, entertained her, helped her get ready for bed, read to her and tucked her in. Very proud of Big Sister. She truly is a great Big Sister.
Here is that cousin. She is also a Big Sister and a great helper. Want to know why she is smiling so big?
Because she is providing a much needed beverage to her poor overworked momma.
Well, I must go. I feel 100% better and it is a lovely lovely day to not be puking.
I knew the MOMENT my old friend vertigo was back. I was fast asleep in my bed, at 3:11am I rolled over and WHAM it hit me. The only way I can describe it is like being really hung over, really really really really hung over. It's the bed spins x 1000, minus the night before party. If you have never been hung over then imagine yourself rolling down a hill really fast, only you can't stop it and you can't control it. The dizziness is insane and the accompanying nausea is unbelievable.
Even if I stayed really still and didn't move my head from side to side, the nausea was constant. If I actually moved my head even just 5 degrees then the spinning would begin, immediately followed by the puking. I spent a full 7 days in bed, 3 of those I slept 16 - 20 hours/day. Couldn't sit upright, couldn't read, couldn't be on the computer, couldn't watch TV. Survived on Popsicles and dry toast, the only things I could keep down.
By day 4, God and I came to an agreement. He agreed to let me live and in return I have to give up all junky foods forever. This suits me just fine since just the thought of crappola (or watching a food commercial) gives me the dry heaves. I know from experience that this too will pass and I will have to make good on my promise.
I vow to start eating healthier the very moment I can hold down regular solid foods. Please feel free to remind me of this next week when I am craving a cheeseburger and fries. For now it's saltines and lime juice.
The photo wall project has been neglected but I hope to get it finished up very soon. The paint a frame factory is officially closed. I never want to paint another thing ever again. Ya, right. I hope it will be worth the effort (I tend to dislike many of my finished projects).
I am converting all my favorites photos to black and white for display in all those black frames on that wall. It's a huge job. I have too many favorites.
Like this
this
this
and this.
Is it tacky to display 900 photos of your children on one wall?Speaking of my children, they have been pretty self sufficient during my recent puke fest. The hub was working so Big Sister made Little Sister dinner every night, entertained her, helped her get ready for bed, read to her and tucked her in. Very proud of Big Sister. She truly is a great Big Sister.
telling 'knock knock' jokes to their cousin
really really bad/made-up knock knock jokes
Here is that cousin. She is also a Big Sister and a great helper. Want to know why she is smiling so big?
Because she is providing a much needed beverage to her poor overworked momma.
Well, I must go. I feel 100% better and it is a lovely lovely day to not be puking.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Photo heavy update
As you know, I haven't been posting here much. Every so often I go through phases where I get tired of blogging and debate deleting the whole thing. Then my sister confirms that she likes keeping up with her nieces lives this way and urges me to continue (reciprocation would be nice hint hint. Perhaps a few photos hint hint).
The girls are happily settled into the school routine. Big Sister just came back from a three day camping fieldtrip with her class. They were learning about survival, being Earth-friendly, First Nations history and a sense of community. Big Sister breezed through the course since she lives this on a daily basis thanks to Daddy's influence. He is both Native and wild, I mean, loves the wild.
"Down by the water". That statement freaks me out. Not only can I NOT visualize the girls when they are playing survivor but they are too darn close to the water. One day my sister who lives 700 km away will look out her window and see my girls floating past her house on a log tied raft (or a dug out canoe if the hub is involved).
My itsy bitsy teeny tiny baby (in my mind only) has adjusted to three day a week/full day kindergarten beautifully. She LOVES to go. She wishes she could go everyday. She now thinks daycare is beneath her. I had no doubts that she would do well since she is slightly on the extroverted side.
Her teacher reports that she keeps them all entertained. I hope that's a good thing. (Is that a good thing?) Somehow I don't think that's a good thing.
Case in point, I standing at the top of a ladder (installing manly wallpaper in my man's closet) when Little Sister wandered into the room. She craned her neck up at me, grinned and broke into this song: "I like BIG butts and I cannot lie you other guys can't deny. I LIKE BIG BUTTS". The song came accompanied by some bootylicious choreography. Yes, she knows how to work the room. Thanks, Shrek.
I have been enjoying my new work schedule, perhaps a little too much. You see, I get long stretches of days off in a row (8 to be exact). One would think that I would be completing many home improvements on those long stretches of days off. One would be wrong. The house is a complete disaster. My mentality, eh, if I don't do it today there is always tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes people.
I've been too busy doing online puzzles to worry about the paint a frame factory I have going on in my kitchen, including every horizontal surface where children would normally eat nutritious meals and complete homework. "Sorry kids, no dinner tonight, momma is kicking some jigsaw butt"
Just look at my time! In case you can't see it, my time: 3 minutes 49 seconds. Average time for non-slackers who complete projects and feed their offspring: 11 minutes 51 seconds. Oh ya baby. Oh ya!
The girls are happily settled into the school routine. Big Sister just came back from a three day camping fieldtrip with her class. They were learning about survival, being Earth-friendly, First Nations history and a sense of community. Big Sister breezed through the course since she lives this on a daily basis thanks to Daddy's influence. He is both Native and wild, I mean, loves the wild.
He and his survivalist disciples aka daughters have been building lean-tos and shelters all over our back 40. I wonder when the teepee will go up. Yes, he has plans to erect one down by the water.
shelter #1
shelter #2
"Down by the water". That statement freaks me out. Not only can I NOT visualize the girls when they are playing survivor but they are too darn close to the water. One day my sister who lives 700 km away will look out her window and see my girls floating past her house on a log tied raft (or a dug out canoe if the hub is involved).
My itsy bitsy teeny tiny baby (in my mind only) has adjusted to three day a week/full day kindergarten beautifully. She LOVES to go. She wishes she could go everyday. She now thinks daycare is beneath her. I had no doubts that she would do well since she is slightly on the extroverted side.
Her teacher reports that she keeps them all entertained. I hope that's a good thing. (Is that a good thing?) Somehow I don't think that's a good thing.
Case in point, I standing at the top of a ladder (installing manly wallpaper in my man's closet) when Little Sister wandered into the room. She craned her neck up at me, grinned and broke into this song: "I like BIG butts and I cannot lie you other guys can't deny. I LIKE BIG BUTTS". The song came accompanied by some bootylicious choreography. Yes, she knows how to work the room. Thanks, Shrek.I have been enjoying my new work schedule, perhaps a little too much. You see, I get long stretches of days off in a row (8 to be exact). One would think that I would be completing many home improvements on those long stretches of days off. One would be wrong. The house is a complete disaster. My mentality, eh, if I don't do it today there is always tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes people.
I've been too busy doing online puzzles to worry about the paint a frame factory I have going on in my kitchen, including every horizontal surface where children would normally eat nutritious meals and complete homework. "Sorry kids, no dinner tonight, momma is kicking some jigsaw butt"
Just look at my time! In case you can't see it, my time: 3 minutes 49 seconds. Average time for non-slackers who complete projects and feed their offspring: 11 minutes 51 seconds. Oh ya baby. Oh ya!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Manly wallpaper
I have eight glorious days off work this set. Have I mentioned yet how much I love my new (new) rotation? I LOVE IT!
I am hoping to finish up most of the 1/2 done projects I have going on. I really should be priming the stair treads today since no one else is home to walk all over them but gasp, I'm a little tired of painting. I have decided to paint them until I can figure out how to finish them (in the least expensive manner possible).
I am in the midst of selecting and printing out family photos for the staircase wall. It's been a fun process and I can't wait to have it completed. I am however getting really, really tired of painting frames. I am tempted to forgo all the mismatched frames in my possession and go and buy all new matching black ones.
I finished the Hub's closet before he got home from his trip to the big city. He wasn't surprised as unbeknownst to me, Little Sister squealed. He telephoned, she answered and when he asked where I was, LS remarked, "she's painting your closet. Oh and throwing stuff away". Traitor!
Before
Okay, so maybe not manly but I really like it (and that's what is most important)
And the best part - I spent just $5. That was for a gallon of mistinted paint that just so happens to match my favorite ethereal blue in the adjoining bathroom and my closet. Everything else is leftover from other projects.
Good thing I chucked a bunch of his clothes since he went shopping in the big city and came home with bags of new stuff. He doesn't pay much attention to the 1 in, 1 out rule. Now I'm just waiting for wooden hangers to go on sale.
I am hoping to finish up most of the 1/2 done projects I have going on. I really should be priming the stair treads today since no one else is home to walk all over them but gasp, I'm a little tired of painting. I have decided to paint them until I can figure out how to finish them (in the least expensive manner possible).
I am in the midst of selecting and printing out family photos for the staircase wall. It's been a fun process and I can't wait to have it completed. I am however getting really, really tired of painting frames. I am tempted to forgo all the mismatched frames in my possession and go and buy all new matching black ones.
I finished the Hub's closet before he got home from his trip to the big city. He wasn't surprised as unbeknownst to me, Little Sister squealed. He telephoned, she answered and when he asked where I was, LS remarked, "she's painting your closet. Oh and throwing stuff away". Traitor!
Before
Just a typical run-of-the-mill closet
After
Not bigger, just better organized
(and color coordinated)
(and color coordinated)
With manly wallpaper. Is there such a thing?
Okay, so maybe not manly but I really like it (and that's what is most important)
And the best part - I spent just $5. That was for a gallon of mistinted paint that just so happens to match my favorite ethereal blue in the adjoining bathroom and my closet. Everything else is leftover from other projects.
Good thing I chucked a bunch of his clothes since he went shopping in the big city and came home with bags of new stuff. He doesn't pay much attention to the 1 in, 1 out rule. Now I'm just waiting for wooden hangers to go on sale.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
it's it's a painting blitz
We did a trial run on the bus this morning. Yes, that is Daddy getting out right behind her. Poor overprotected kid. She is SO excited about taking the bus to/from daycare on the days that the hub and I both work. I took the bus every single year from K -12 (bought my 1st car in college) and HATED it. Go figure
We have been experiencing phenomenal weather. The mornings are a little frosty but by noon it's shorts and t-shirt warm. Already I have adjusted to all this new found alone time, I am headed outside to soak up some paint fumes because ...
my photowall staircase is ready for the photos. I am painting all the frames 'grand piano' black for cohesiveness. It's going to look fabulous against the blue paper. I still haven't figured out what to do about the stair treads. Go expensive with oak nosing/hardwood treads or slap on some good ol'paint and call it done.
When that project is all done I can start on this.
My OOPS! Wanted a picture rail at the top of the stairway, installed it, decided I hated it, removed it, along with parts of the drywall.
We have been experiencing phenomenal weather. The mornings are a little frosty but by noon it's shorts and t-shirt warm. Already I have adjusted to all this new found alone time, I am headed outside to soak up some paint fumes because ...
my photowall staircase is ready for the photos. I am painting all the frames 'grand piano' black for cohesiveness. It's going to look fabulous against the blue paper. I still haven't figured out what to do about the stair treads. Go expensive with oak nosing/hardwood treads or slap on some good ol'paint and call it done.
When that project is all done I can start on this.
My OOPS! Wanted a picture rail at the top of the stairway, installed it, decided I hated it, removed it, along with parts of the drywall.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Beadboard Wallpaper
My favorite place in the whole house is the little alcove just outside my bedroom door. I have debated moving out the desk and bringing in bookshelves and a comfy reading chair but in the end, I love my rolltop too much.
I wanted to make this space stand out from the rest of the tan walls and my heart was set on beadboard paneling. Priced at $40/sheet x 3 this was more than I wanted to spend, not to mention would require more effort than this one woman show was willing to put forth.
Then I happened upon a blog post about beadboard wallpaper. Yup, paper. I was sold on the $25/roll price tag and ease of installation. Oh, did I say ease? Ya, not so much. For two solid days I wrestled with those NOT prepasted panels from an English company only to walk into WMart and discover they sold this product PREPASTED. It was cheaper and of course no shipping wait.
I am not sure how this stuff will hold up to busy family life as it seems a bit fragile/easily scratched & dented but oh my, how it looks like real paneling. It however, feels a bit like styrofoam.
I tried my hardest to install crown molding, following these super simple instructions. It just wasn't happening so super dad to the rescue.
Why oh why does crown make me so happy? Incredibly stupid happy!
There was half a roll of the paper left over so I plastered it onto the breakfast bar.
Finishes it nicely. And now I am wandering all over the house, beadboard paper in hand trying to decide where to install it next. I am leaning towards the laundry room ceiling. A cottage ceiling would make my heart sing.
To see what other bloggers have done with this product, link to the BB wallpaper party at
I wanted to make this space stand out from the rest of the tan walls and my heart was set on beadboard paneling. Priced at $40/sheet x 3 this was more than I wanted to spend, not to mention would require more effort than this one woman show was willing to put forth.
Then I happened upon a blog post about beadboard wallpaper. Yup, paper. I was sold on the $25/roll price tag and ease of installation. Oh, did I say ease? Ya, not so much. For two solid days I wrestled with those NOT prepasted panels from an English company only to walk into WMart and discover they sold this product PREPASTED. It was cheaper and of course no shipping wait.
I am not sure how this stuff will hold up to busy family life as it seems a bit fragile/easily scratched & dented but oh my, how it looks like real paneling. It however, feels a bit like styrofoam.
I tried my hardest to install crown molding, following these super simple instructions. It just wasn't happening so super dad to the rescue.
Why oh why does crown make me so happy? Incredibly stupid happy!
There was half a roll of the paper left over so I plastered it onto the breakfast bar.
Finishes it nicely. And now I am wandering all over the house, beadboard paper in hand trying to decide where to install it next. I am leaning towards the laundry room ceiling. A cottage ceiling would make my heart sing.
To see what other bloggers have done with this product, link to the BB wallpaper party at
Friday, September 18, 2009
Heirloom Party
My small builder's boring house is not one conducive to displaying vignettes of fabulous antiques. I wish I had the room. I wish that I had the antiques.
Years ago my mother bought an old broken down roll top desk from a family friend who estimated that it was about 100 years old. It sat decaying in her garage until I spotted it and gave it my best efforts at restoration. This was my first attempt at any type of furniture refinishing but I figured that I could not do any harm since it was in such rough shape. Too bad I didn't think to take any before photos.
It sits in an alcove leading to the master bedroom. It is my favorite place to sit and talk on the phone, browse magazines and drink tea.
I wish I knew it's history -who sat here before me, handwriting letters and filing correspondence. I wonder if it was used in an office or a private residence.
The teacup is one of a set belonging to my great grandmother (who was born in 1899). My grandfather and I had many tea parties using these cups. Sometimes my girls and I do the same.
I haven't finished staining the rolltop. It's been on my to-do list for the last 12 years. It's highly unlikely to get finished anytime this decade.
The chair was one that sat in my grandparent's kitchen for my entire childhood. It too needed a little TLC. Stained to match the desk color. Both my children learned to walk by pushing this chair around the house. Big Sister used to get it wedged behind the bathroom door and would get so mad. As a toddler, Little Sister used to stand on it to
reach the phone,dialing people at random
Last year my SIL gifted my youngest daughter with her 35+ year old Disneyland charm bracelet. It is in immaculate condition, even the charms have retained their painted accents.
Little Sister loves to wear it, though I safety pin it to her shirt sleeve for safekeeping.
I am participating in Emmacallsmemama heirloom party. Click to see other heirloom posts.
Years ago my mother bought an old broken down roll top desk from a family friend who estimated that it was about 100 years old. It sat decaying in her garage until I spotted it and gave it my best efforts at restoration. This was my first attempt at any type of furniture refinishing but I figured that I could not do any harm since it was in such rough shape. Too bad I didn't think to take any before photos.
It sits in an alcove leading to the master bedroom. It is my favorite place to sit and talk on the phone, browse magazines and drink tea.
I wish I knew it's history -who sat here before me, handwriting letters and filing correspondence. I wonder if it was used in an office or a private residence.
The teacup is one of a set belonging to my great grandmother (who was born in 1899). My grandfather and I had many tea parties using these cups. Sometimes my girls and I do the same.
I haven't finished staining the rolltop. It's been on my to-do list for the last 12 years. It's highly unlikely to get finished anytime this decade.
The chair was one that sat in my grandparent's kitchen for my entire childhood. It too needed a little TLC. Stained to match the desk color. Both my children learned to walk by pushing this chair around the house. Big Sister used to get it wedged behind the bathroom door and would get so mad. As a toddler, Little Sister used to stand on it to
reach the phone,dialing people at random
Last year my SIL gifted my youngest daughter with her 35+ year old Disneyland charm bracelet. It is in immaculate condition, even the charms have retained their painted accents.
Little Sister loves to wear it, though I safety pin it to her shirt sleeve for safekeeping.
I am participating in Emmacallsmemama heirloom party. Click to see other heirloom posts.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
whatever
My 4 year old came home from kindergarten with some new skillz. Only 6 hours into her official school education and already she "knows some sign language."
Nice huh? Good to see that my tax dollars are paying for such a fantastic education. Guess that's what happens when you let babies on the playground with know-it-all 12 year olds. I guess it could be worse, she could be flipping the bird. Maybe that will be tomorrow's lesson.
And just for the record, Big Sister wants everyone to know that "loser" also indicates the health check symbol. Thank you nutritional education class. Mighty hard working tax dollars, indeed!
what
ever
major
loser
Nice huh? Good to see that my tax dollars are paying for such a fantastic education. Guess that's what happens when you let babies on the playground with know-it-all 12 year olds. I guess it could be worse, she could be flipping the bird. Maybe that will be tomorrow's lesson.
And just for the record, Big Sister wants everyone to know that "loser" also indicates the health check symbol. Thank you nutritional education class. Mighty hard working tax dollars, indeed!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
she's off
...and running!
I was hoping to keep this one with me for a little while longer but her four year old self is more than ready for the scholastic world. I have no doubts that she will do well, it's just that suddenly she seems so little.
I honestly don't remember how I felt on Big Sister's first day of kindergarten, I think it must have been a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Today I just feel sad. From this day forward, I will no longer be her entire world.
I am very glad that she has Big Sister at the same school to look out for her, although more often than not, it is the other way around. Little Sister is rough & tumble and doesn't take crap from anyone.
We knew that she would be in a split class. What we didn't know was that it would be a kindergarten/grade one/grade two split. I'm not fond of this plan but am willing to give it a try since there are only 11 kids in the entire class. She will attend full days alternating, two and three days per week. I was half joking with the hub that she will be reading by her 5th birthday at Christmas.
Ya, that whole reading thing. It kinda comes as a double edged sword; on one side it opens up a whole new universe and on the other it sucks for momma because I can no longer tell her that the McDonalds sign reads CLOSED, that the TV guide reads NO KIDS SHOWS ON TODAY and that I-C-E- C-R-E-A-M actually means that I am asking Daddy if he can go buy me some spinach salad.
What shall I do with all this new free time? Finish some of the dozens of home improvement projects that I currently have half finished? Nah, I'll start a NEW project - a complete over haul of the hub's closet.
It's long overdue and since he is out of town, I get to do it without his interference. What? You say your ghastly white (girlish) shorts are missing? Hmm, I haven't seen them. Your blue fleece vest with the HUGE logo. Can't say I know where it is. The cheap & ugly black sandals. Not a clue. I'm off to don paint clothes and break out the power tools. Off and running.
I was hoping to keep this one with me for a little while longer but her four year old self is more than ready for the scholastic world. I have no doubts that she will do well, it's just that suddenly she seems so little.
I honestly don't remember how I felt on Big Sister's first day of kindergarten, I think it must have been a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Today I just feel sad. From this day forward, I will no longer be her entire world.
I am very glad that she has Big Sister at the same school to look out for her, although more often than not, it is the other way around. Little Sister is rough & tumble and doesn't take crap from anyone.
We knew that she would be in a split class. What we didn't know was that it would be a kindergarten/grade one/grade two split. I'm not fond of this plan but am willing to give it a try since there are only 11 kids in the entire class. She will attend full days alternating, two and three days per week. I was half joking with the hub that she will be reading by her 5th birthday at Christmas.
Ya, that whole reading thing. It kinda comes as a double edged sword; on one side it opens up a whole new universe and on the other it sucks for momma because I can no longer tell her that the McDonalds sign reads CLOSED, that the TV guide reads NO KIDS SHOWS ON TODAY and that I-C-E- C-R-E-A-M actually means that I am asking Daddy if he can go buy me some spinach salad.
What shall I do with all this new free time? Finish some of the dozens of home improvement projects that I currently have half finished? Nah, I'll start a NEW project - a complete over haul of the hub's closet.
It's long overdue and since he is out of town, I get to do it without his interference. What? You say your ghastly white (girlish) shorts are missing? Hmm, I haven't seen them. Your blue fleece vest with the HUGE logo. Can't say I know where it is. The cheap & ugly black sandals. Not a clue. I'm off to don paint clothes and break out the power tools. Off and running.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bedside table in miniature
For some time now I have been searching for an antique bedside table for Little Sister's room. She has been using an Ikea tray table that has gotten pretty beat up and doesn't hold much.
I was hoping for a sweet little vintage piece, distressed in white with drawers for all her treasures to be hidden away and some baskets to store favorite books and toys.
Try as I might, scouring nearby second hand stores, antique stores and anyone on Craigslist willing to ship to the middle of nowhere Canada, I have been unable to locate such an item.
As I was cruising through WMart recently, on the hunt for back to school shoes, I walked right by this really ugly brown fake wood piece. It was exactly what I had been looking for and at only $80 that miniature table came home with me. After assembly, I sanded down as much of the fake brown finish as I dared and painted it bright white.
I screwed petite ball castors onto it's feet and bought dainty wicker baskets for the shelf.
I will replace the drawer pulls with small crystal knobs once I find some. I had plans to distress it to make it look really old but I figure that my children will do a much better job of it simply by using it.
Looks like it has always belonged here under the little glass shelf, stuffed full of Little Sister's most special treasures.
I am participating in Metamorphosis Monday. Click to see other projects
I was hoping for a sweet little vintage piece, distressed in white with drawers for all her treasures to be hidden away and some baskets to store favorite books and toys.
Try as I might, scouring nearby second hand stores, antique stores and anyone on Craigslist willing to ship to the middle of nowhere Canada, I have been unable to locate such an item.
As I was cruising through WMart recently, on the hunt for back to school shoes, I walked right by this really ugly brown fake wood piece. It was exactly what I had been looking for and at only $80 that miniature table came home with me. After assembly, I sanded down as much of the fake brown finish as I dared and painted it bright white.
I screwed petite ball castors onto it's feet and bought dainty wicker baskets for the shelf.
I will replace the drawer pulls with small crystal knobs once I find some. I had plans to distress it to make it look really old but I figure that my children will do a much better job of it simply by using it.
Looks like it has always belonged here under the little glass shelf, stuffed full of Little Sister's most special treasures.
I am participating in Metamorphosis Monday. Click to see other projects
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Yearbook
The hub is out of town for the week and that means that the girls and I are still lazing around in our pajamas eating Doritos for breakfast/lunch and wasting too much time
Yearbooking Ourselves
I believe this could be an exact copy of my actual grad year photo. Ya gotta love that big hair
And what my offspring would look like as my 1980's BFFs
Big Sister
Little Sister
This is me masquerading as my mother. Scary thought
I have decided that I don't make a bad looking guy.
Look everyone, it's Farmer Ted. (aka the geek from 16 Candles)
Did you know that I was a member of the chess club, 1976?
and on the cheer squad 1958
me & my peeps, 1984. Only in 1984, I think we called each other scrags
Big Sister wanted to play cosmetology student with my face. I have always known that my nose is big, I just never realized it was THIS BIG! Do you think the camera adds 10lbs rule applies to noses?
I think Big Sister has me sporting Reece Witherspoon's hairstyle, only in the current shade of my actual hair (minus the greys). That patch of red on my right cheek is pillow marks (yes, STILL laying in bed)
You too can get yourself a Hollywood style makeover, click this post's title for the link. I'd love to see some of your fabulous photos.
Yearbooking Ourselves
I believe this could be an exact copy of my actual grad year photo. Ya gotta love that big hair
And what my offspring would look like as my 1980's BFFs
Big Sister
Little Sister
This is me masquerading as my mother. Scary thought
I have decided that I don't make a bad looking guy.
Look everyone, it's Farmer Ted. (aka the geek from 16 Candles)
Did you know that I was a member of the chess club, 1976?
and on the cheer squad 1958
me & my peeps, 1984. Only in 1984, I think we called each other scrags
Big Sister wanted to play cosmetology student with my face. I have always known that my nose is big, I just never realized it was THIS BIG! Do you think the camera adds 10lbs rule applies to noses?
I think Big Sister has me sporting Reece Witherspoon's hairstyle, only in the current shade of my actual hair (minus the greys). That patch of red on my right cheek is pillow marks (yes, STILL laying in bed)You too can get yourself a Hollywood style makeover, click this post's title for the link. I'd love to see some of your fabulous photos.
Friday, September 04, 2009
attention deficit disorder: home reno type
My laundry room is about 90% finished and that can only mean one thing -time to start another project. I like to have several things going all at once, that way I never get bored or ever finish a single thing.
As per usual, my timing is brilliant. Out of town company are due to arrive any minute and I have just started to rip out carpet and strip wallpaper. Maybe if I wait an hour, myguests workers will have arrived.
In my defense, the carpet really is grotty and it really needs to go NOW. Whomever (that would be me) picked out cream carpet for a stairwell OBVIOUSLY didn't have children. Small children that like to take strawberry jam on toast (that slides off the plate) down those stairs or husbands that pack 100 - 200 bags of wood pellets in from the garage to the furnace in the basement WITH HIS WORKBOOTS ON in the middle of winter.
And well, if the carpet is going, I may as well take down the wallpaper since it is really ugly all matched. U.G.L.Y. You ain't got no alibi. It's ugly
The dudes who installed this carpet deserve gold stars. There must 1001 nails and staples in EVERY SINGLE TREAD. I have been pulling them out with a pair of pliers and a hammer. Check back with me next Thursday, I should just be pulling out the last of the staples then.
As per usual, my timing is brilliant. Out of town company are due to arrive any minute and I have just started to rip out carpet and strip wallpaper. Maybe if I wait an hour, my
In my defense, the carpet really is grotty and it really needs to go NOW. Whomever (that would be me) picked out cream carpet for a stairwell OBVIOUSLY didn't have children. Small children that like to take strawberry jam on toast (that slides off the plate) down those stairs or husbands that pack 100 - 200 bags of wood pellets in from the garage to the furnace in the basement WITH HIS WORKBOOTS ON in the middle of winter.
And well, if the carpet is going, I may as well take down the wallpaper since it 
The dudes who installed this carpet deserve gold stars. There must 1001 nails and staples in EVERY SINGLE TREAD. I have been pulling them out with a pair of pliers and a hammer. Check back with me next Thursday, I should just be pulling out the last of the staples then.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
chalkboard. love it or leave it
I have always wanted to paint a wall in my house with black chalkboard paint. With that being said, I have been too chicken to do an entire wall and instead settled on the newly trimmed up laundry room cupboards.
Half way into the project I decided that I didn't love it. In fact, I didn't even LIKE it. I continued on, telling myself to wait for the finished effect. The paint was not yet dry when I decided that I hated it and then resigned myself to sanding down the doors (on my next set of days off) and starting over. Sigh...
I've been living with them for a week now and they may be growing on me. I'd sure love a second third fourth opinion.
>Do you like the black chalkboard painted laundry room doors?
Half way into the project I decided that I didn't love it. In fact, I didn't even LIKE it. I continued on, telling myself to wait for the finished effect. The paint was not yet dry when I decided that I hated it and then resigned myself to sanding down the doors (on my next set of days off) and starting over. Sigh...
I've been living with them for a week now and they may be growing on me. I'd sure love a second third fourth opinion.
>Do you like the black chalkboard painted laundry room doors?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
content
It's been a long road full of pot holes but I can finally say without a doubt that I am content
There have been times when I have wanted to walk away from this relationship. We have very different opinions and ideas and definition of clean and tidy. At the end of every day, I am still very thankful that he became part of my life.
Another child is not in the cards for us despite our yearning for one. It is out of our hands. We have made peace with it. Our daughters are at ages where life has become easier again. I don't think I want to start over now with sleepless nights and diapers.
The girls are happy and healthy and oh so much fun, despite their hourly squabbles. Life is not dull. Nor is it quiet or clean and tidy. That's ok. I can have a silent show home when they are grown.
So often I have browsed through home decor magazines and wished for a larger kitchen with professional appliances, a huge en suite bath with garden tub and a formal dining room. My house is neither large nor fancy. It is filled only with special objects that have meaning in our lives. We use every single square inch every day. It is a house that I love, full of love.
My weight is more than I want it to be. It's a work in progress. I can work on it. I will work on it one day.
Life is good. I am content.
There have been times when I have wanted to walk away from this relationship. We have very different opinions and ideas and definition of clean and tidy. At the end of every day, I am still very thankful that he became part of my life.
Another child is not in the cards for us despite our yearning for one. It is out of our hands. We have made peace with it. Our daughters are at ages where life has become easier again. I don't think I want to start over now with sleepless nights and diapers.
The girls are happy and healthy and oh so much fun, despite their hourly squabbles. Life is not dull. Nor is it quiet or clean and tidy. That's ok. I can have a silent show home when they are grown.
So often I have browsed through home decor magazines and wished for a larger kitchen with professional appliances, a huge en suite bath with garden tub and a formal dining room. My house is neither large nor fancy. It is filled only with special objects that have meaning in our lives. We use every single square inch every day. It is a house that I love, full of love.
My weight is more than I want it to be. It's a work in progress. I can work on it. I will work on it one day.Life is good. I am content.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Deals
I am the absolute last person you would ever want to take to a garage sale. I prefer to sit and wait in the car, or better yet, simply drive right by and remark, "yup, a whole lotta junk"
Well, all that has changed. I have been so inspired by everyone's projects and/or deals of the century that I was determined to find myself some "treasures"
The girls and I spent a lovely Saturday morning driving around and looking at other people's junk. Yup it was a lot of junk. Can't say as my mind has completely changed but I did manage to find a couple of things worth buying. A local photographer was selling all her sample albums and frames. I scored an Art Leather album and inserts for $10. These things normally retail for upwards of $200, I know because years ago I bought one for my wedding photos.
The frame will be receiving a few coats of mat black paint $2
On the way home we stopped in at my favorite discount chain, Liquidation World. I am on a first name basis with all the staff. I am a VERY good customer. Found these glass vases for $5. There is a third one but it has a chip in the top (thus the discounted price). Sure I will find something to use them for.
Best deal of the day: Corning Ware bowls $3 each. These things are huge and HEAVY. I have no idea why they were so cheap. There is not a thing wrong with them. Great for whipping up weekend pancakes.
And because I was on a roll I decided to stop at a local Goodwill. Found just the right sized basket to sit next to the sink and hold cleaning stuff ) $0.50
This fugly frame will also receive some paint love $6 (I plan to ditch the print. I only wanted the frame). I have a photo wall project I hope to execute soon.
A beautiful shiny old brass lamp. Soon to be a beautiful newly spray painted lamp. $4
A very sweet metal container that I sprayed blue and distressed. It holds the lotions and potions that I use on a daily basis $2
Anyone else found any great buys lately?
Check here
and here
Bloggeritaville
Well, all that has changed. I have been so inspired by everyone's projects and/or deals of the century that I was determined to find myself some "treasures"
The girls and I spent a lovely Saturday morning driving around and looking at other people's junk. Yup it was a lot of junk. Can't say as my mind has completely changed but I did manage to find a couple of things worth buying. A local photographer was selling all her sample albums and frames. I scored an Art Leather album and inserts for $10. These things normally retail for upwards of $200, I know because years ago I bought one for my wedding photos.
The frame will be receiving a few coats of mat black paint $2
On the way home we stopped in at my favorite discount chain, Liquidation World. I am on a first name basis with all the staff. I am a VERY good customer. Found these glass vases for $5. There is a third one but it has a chip in the top (thus the discounted price). Sure I will find something to use them for.
Best deal of the day: Corning Ware bowls $3 each. These things are huge and HEAVY. I have no idea why they were so cheap. There is not a thing wrong with them. Great for whipping up weekend pancakes.
And because I was on a roll I decided to stop at a local Goodwill. Found just the right sized basket to sit next to the sink and hold cleaning stuff ) $0.50
This fugly frame will also receive some paint love $6 (I plan to ditch the print. I only wanted the frame). I have a photo wall project I hope to execute soon.
A beautiful shiny old brass lamp. Soon to be a beautiful newly spray painted lamp. $4
A very sweet metal container that I sprayed blue and distressed. It holds the lotions and potions that I use on a daily basis $2
Anyone else found any great buys lately?Check here
and here
Bloggeritaville
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hooked on
-glass storage containers
I am a very visual person and I think that everyday items just look better when displayed in unique glass bottles. Some things obviously require labels (the hub poured baking soda in his coffee).
It can't get much better than glass bottles with pretty labels. It almost makes cleaning fun -almost.
Some time ago I switched from commercial cleaning and personal products to those I make myself or buy natural.
Distilled water scented with essential oils that I use when ironing. I spray my houseplants with it too.
Crafting supplies.
My first attempt at homemade soap. It doesn't look so great but it smells heavenly. I will work on presentation with the next batch.
I am participating in "Hooked On Fridays"at Hooked on Houses. Click to see what others are hooked on
I am a very visual person and I think that everyday items just look better when displayed in unique glass bottles. Some things obviously require labels (the hub poured baking soda in his coffee).
It can't get much better than glass bottles with pretty labels. It almost makes cleaning fun -almost.
Some time ago I switched from commercial cleaning and personal products to those I make myself or buy natural.
Distilled water scented with essential oils that I use when ironing. I spray my houseplants with it too.
Crafting supplies.
My first attempt at homemade soap. It doesn't look so great but it smells heavenly. I will work on presentation with the next batch.
I am participating in "Hooked On Fridays"at Hooked on Houses. Click to see what others are hooked on
Thursday, August 20, 2009
art on the cheap-o
I needed something to hang in the dining room after I took down the decorative plates and it couldn't cost the moon since I am prone to changing it out
dollar store frames $8 each. Painted flat black with leftover latex paint. The frames are not real wood and the gold finish highlighted that fact.
photoshopped "puffballs" from my backyard.
Pages from a magazine against white mats from the dollar store $2 each. The picture on the right was smaller than the mat opening so I inserted some cream cardstock behind it. I actually like the look. I may crop the other photo and do the same.
There you have it, original art for ten bucks each. I won't feel bad when I change it out with the season
To see other great projects
dollar store frames $8 each. Painted flat black with leftover latex paint. The frames are not real wood and the gold finish highlighted that fact.
photoshopped "puffballs" from my backyard.
Pages from a magazine against white mats from the dollar store $2 each. The picture on the right was smaller than the mat opening so I inserted some cream cardstock behind it. I actually like the look. I may crop the other photo and do the same.
There you have it, original art for ten bucks each. I won't feel bad when I change it out with the season
To see other great projects
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