My Favorite Room

My two oldest (should it be older or oldest when using "two"? anyway...) girls share a room. I must say that I LOVE this room! It is definitely the room with the most sweat equity. My husband put up the wainscoating and I made all bedding and the window treatment. I found the chair at the manufacturer's outlet.





The beds and dresser/mirror were mine when I was a little girl and we bought the chest at an estate sale when we first got married (it was yellow when we bought it). I decided to paint them all black and I think it turned out rather nicely. The lamp was bought at Target (on clearance) and the lamp shade was just a plain white lamp shade until I got my glue gun out. Oh, the nester would be so proud. I just repainted the room on Tuesday night. We originally did this room a couple of years ago and I was just never quite happy with the paint color I choose. So finally, I've found the right color. I'm in the process of re-finishing a night stand which they so desperately need between their beds, but other than that I'm pretty satisfied with how things turned out. I love it!

Busy Little Bee

I've been oh so busy with a couple of projects so I haven't had much time to post. I will however, have multiple pictures over the next couple of days, so just be patient with me and I promise you'll love the end result. (at least I hope you will)

A Harsh Realization

Yesterday, I took my two oldest girls to the dentist. I usually have them seen by the same person and I go back with them. The girls get to decide who goes first (usually my youngest). Well, the dentist office called me the day before the appointment and asked me if I could come a little earlier. I said sure. I always love to get the first appointments and get my day started. I asked if the girls appointments would be back to back. They told me that actually the girls could be seen at the same time and it would get me out quicker. I thought for a moment and then realized that my four year old would probably be fine going by herself and I would just go in the room with my six year old (she has a fear of lying down in the dentist chair). So, we got to the dentist office and they called my four year old back. She walked down that hall like she had done it a thousand times. What a big girl, I thought to myself. Then, the nice little dental assistant came to get my oldest. I got up to go with her and she gave me a hug and said, "bye, mom". What? Is this really happening? Well, I went with it. I told the assistant that she would probably do better if they let her sit up and that she had never let them "polish" her teeth before, but she could give it a try. Well, there I sat in the dentist office...all alone. Well, I should clarify that my 20 month old was in a stroller right beside me, but she was eating cheerios and not requiring much attention. I just sat there. What do I do? So, I picked up a magazine and read it. Wow. I actually read an article, undisturbed in piece and quiet. Now to part two of the story. We then headed to Target. (My home away from home) As I was passing by the school supplies and backpacks, it hit me. My six year old would need school supplies. She would need a backpack. I was going to have to buy this stuff soon. Tears filled my eyes as I realized my babies are quickly growing up. There truly is no turning back.

Blessings Abound

I have a dear friend who, for the sake of my sanity in typing this, we will call Margaret. Well, Margaret and I have known each other for about 8 years now. We met at church when she was pregnant with her first child. We became really good friends about 6 years ago when we both found out we were pregnant with our second child. Actually, she found out she was pregnant a couple of months after I did, but I think that was one of the things that started the unique bond that we have. Neither one of us had planned to be pregnant at the same time, it just sorta worked out that way. We had so much fun when those two were babies. We took pictures of them together and plan to use those pics at their rehearsal dinner. Only kidding people...we're not that delusional. So, those kiddos became older and we both were ready to have another baby. Again, not planning to be intentionally pregnant at the same time, but what do you know. That's just how it worked. Only this time, she found out she was pregnant a couple of weeks before I did. So, here we are both pregnant with number three. Here is a recap, folks. Our first children are 1 year and 2 weeks apart. Our second children, 2 months apart. Our third children, 2 weeks apart. We had joked that our next children would have to be 2 days apart. Well, when she called me a couple of months ago to tell me she was expecting number four, I quickly informed her that our next children would not be even close to 2 days apart. Don't get me wrong. I would love to have another child, but we all know it takes two and right now, only one of us is ready. Back to the story. So, last night, I was at a Pampered Chef party and we were discussing Margaret being pregnant. The girl who was having the party is a mutual friend of Margaret and I. So, with our pregnancy history, the natural question came up of whether or not I would have another one. I told them that I had decided I was going to wait and see how Margaret did with the transition from 3 to 4. And that I was also going to wait and see how Margaret's body held up at our age with pregnancy #4. Well, I got the news today that she will not be able to tell me that what it's like to go from 3 to 4 because...are you ready for this...drum roll please...she's having TWINS!!!!! When she gave me the news, I laughed my head off. You see, she has always wanted twins. Only, I think she would've preferred them on pregnancy #1 thru #3. I am so giddy with excitement I just can't hardly stand it. I am so happy for them. And they are all so excited as well. And maybe a little shocked. Her mom said, "twins don't run in our family". My response..."they do now"! How exciting...did I say that already? Although, now my chances of having a fourth have been drastically reduced...what if that happens to us???? I do believe my husband would pass out at the very thought. Congratulations, Margaret. Can't wait to meet "the twins"!

As I was saying...

My third child is a handful. Hence the reason we have just returned from the doctor's office where she received a staple in the back of her head to close a wound. Ihave do idea what happened and didn't even realize she had cut her head until I saw drops of blood (i know...disgusting) on the floor. I mean, I knew she had gotten hurt earlier in the morning, but upon initial inspection, I saw nothing to be alarmed about. I began to investigate my oldest child, who had also taken a slight spill that morning, but there was nothing there. Then I saw more drops of blood...please bare with me...and I traced them back to my youngest. My first thought was, "she's fine. nothing to worry about." My conscience told me to at least call the phone nurse and see what she said. I knew that "if" it needed to be closed up, it would probably only take a stitch or two (at the most). It was small, but a little deep. So, I called and they said that I should bring her in because of the risk of infection near the brain...gasp! I hadn't thought of that. So, instead of a relaxing day at home, we had an eventful and exciting trip to the doctor's office. She was none too happy about having THOSE PEOPLE look at her boo boo. By the time it was all said and done, we were both sweating profusely. The strength of a 20 month old can be quite impressive. They do staples on the head instead of stitches because it's easier and less traumatic. Thanks goodness THAT was less traumatic. I couldn't have handled anything more. Not without restraints and at least two more arms. All is well because all are napping. Just a sneak peak into my day. Don't you just want to be me?

A Sista without Sistas

So do I have you wondering what in the world I am medicated with? Well, I just thought I'd let you know a little bit about myself. My youngest child is quite the handful. I never understood why the "babies" of every family are always just that...babies! I always assummed that it was because their parents just gave up on parenting or got sorta slack about it. Now (in my wiser years...haha), I have realized that it's not always the parents fault. You see, I have a little "spit-fire" on my hands. Don't get me wrong, she is sweet as sugar and I love her absolutely to pieces, but she is constantly on the go. I have done nothing different with her and yet, she is soooo not like her sisters. She is just "the baby" and gets all the attention. Which brings me back to my original point...the babies. You see, I am that baby of the family. Not only am I am the baby, but I am the only girl. Yes...I would dare to say I was a little spoiled. To add to all of that, I was the baby by ALOT of years. My brothers were 17, 13, and 9 (almost 10) when I was born. I had LOTS of attention. Anyway, with three brothers I never really understood what it was like to have a sister. (which is why I was so glad when I found out my second was also a girl) While I don't have a sister, a have four awesome sister-in-laws. Two of them are on my side and two on my husband's side. I am forever grateful for the relationships I have with each one of them. Each relationship is genuine and unique. I call each one of them for different reasons. It's so refreshing to have these relationships and to make it even more interesting, there is only one of us who has a sister of their own. It's as if the Lord said, "see these women, they don't have sisters (except for one), let's put them all together and show them what it's like to have a sister." That's probably why I get along with all of them so well. We don't have a real sister to complain to about the "sister-in-law". I love my brothers dearly, but they don't care that I want to paint my guest bathroom for the umteenth time just because I'm not quite happy with the color. They don't care that I prepared a meal only to have it turn out sub par. It's nice to have another girl to talk to about these things. So, while I don't have a sista, I am eternally grateful for the relationships I have with these four fabulous girls. (I like to call us girls...it makes us seem younger)

Speaking of Parties

I am in the process of planning a recipe shower for my nephew's new bride. Which also means I am in my own little heaven. I just have all these thoughts running through my head of things I want to do and food I'd like to fix. I'm just so excited. I am also making a special gift for the bride and groom and I can't wait to tell you more about it. However, to keep it a surprise, I must wait until after the shower. You see, my sister-in-law (his mother), reads my blog and I'd hate to ruin the surprise for her. I think she will love it as well. Who knows...she may even want one for herself. Well, I'm off to my party planning world. I'll be a little busy these next couple of weeks, so I'll only be posting when I get a chance. Let's hope my creativity goes into overdrive!

Now That's a Party

Generally, I would consider myself capable of throwing a pretty good party. By that, I mean that I usually think of all the little details and personal touches that let people know that I put ALOT of thought into the party and I tried my best to make them feel welcome.
Well, this past weekend, my four year old attended a party for one of her little friends. I could tell when I arrived that this mother was in a league of her own when it came to creativity. I believe she works in the "arts" in some way. Well, this was a cowboy party, so my daughter was dressed in her denim skirt, bandana, and cowgirl hat (we didn't have any boots to wear...she's outgrown them). As soon as she walked into the back yard, she was handed a vest. Not just any vest. This was a handmade vest that each child received with a sherriff's badge attached. Then to the left, was her very own toy pony. At first glance, I thought this was a store bought toy. Then I realized, upon close examination, that these ponies were handmade. It was incredible. I didn't ask, but I'm sure this little boy's mom made them. There were also cowboy/girl hats for each child. My daughter told me when I picked her up that she had played rattle snake round-up (with balloon snakes) and they even hit "this thing" with a stick and candy came out. The goodie bad contained things like a deck of "cowboy" cards. When my daughter opened it, she said, "I thought his mommy said there was just junk in this bag. This isn't junk, this stuff is great." In the mind of my four year old, this party was a HIT! And although I hate to admit it, I think I have been put to shame in all my parties by this oh so talented mom. I guess I'll just have to learn from the best. After all, this party topped it for creativity...a job well done!

Aaahhhh

Girls in bed, yard work done, house clean, brownies in the oven and now I can breathe. I have a terrible cold and just want to curl up in my big chair, eat my brownies...triple chunk brownies that is..., and relax. So that is what I'm about to do. However, I have been song tagged. Apparently, I'm supposed to song tag 7 other people, but I'm gonna skip that part because I haven't figured out how to link in a pretty way. So, in keeping with the first part of being tagged I will tell you my 7 favorite songs (in no particular order):

• Redeemer...Nicole c. Mullin
• Homesick...Mercy Me
• Imagine...Mercy Me (I know it's a little overplayed, but great song)
• Cinderella...Steven Curtis Chapman
  
• How Beautiful...Twila Paris
• Amazing Grace
• Our God is An Awesome God...forgot who sings this, but I'll explain in another blog why I like this song.

That's a little about me and my current favorite songs. Now I'm off to the "big chair" as we like to call it, to eat my brownies. Yum!

True Friendship

My four year old and her dear friend from preschool have been communicating this summer through snail mail. It is just the absolute cutest thing. They LOVE getting a letter. Don't we all. I mean, I look for something other than a bill when the mail comes. Would you open a bill first or something from a friend? Anyway, back to my original point. It is so refreshing to see the genuine friendship that these two girls have. They aren't friends because of something the other has to offer. They aren't friends simply because they are both quite adorable (so...I may be a little bias). They are friends because they enjoy each others company and they send each other letters because it's who they think of when they color a pretty picture. The other day, my daughter opened her "card" and it had a little shell in it. (I'm not quite sure if her mom knows she put it in there or not) You should have seen her face light up when she saw it. It was like she had received the best gift. So it got me thinkin' about friendships and what they mean. Are your friends genuine friends or are they friends because it's convenient to them? Are your friends people you can count on? Can you be yourself around your friends and not worry about what they are going to think of you? You see, I think a friend is someone you can let in your house when it's a mess and they don't even see that your house is a mess because they are really there to see you. I don't mean dirty...I mean messy. Dirty is a completely different story. Anyway, they completely understand that your house is a mess not because you've been sitting on your rear all day, but because you are simply trying to keep your head above water. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE a perfectly straight house and I do my best to keep it that way. It's just not possible every hour of ever day to keep a house in mint condition. I used to be the type of person that walked into a friend's house and looked at the mess. I don't notice messes as much as I use to and I hope that means I'm becoming a better friend. I should also say that if I am having "company", my house WILL be as neat and clean as possible. However, if you are a drop by friend...there are no promises! And if you are someone who overlooks a mess of mine, then thank you for being such a GREAT friend.

Home Sweet Home

Oh, it is so good to be home. I always have such a good time on vacation, but I love coming home and getting back to normal. As always, our girls loved the beach. It was the first time our youngest had been since she learned how to walk. The first day, she wouldn't even get close to the water. Day two rolled around and we couldn't keep her out of it.

Look closely at the picture. Do I have three daughters? Yes. Is one missing? Look closer. Yes, that is my daughter's foot on top of her sister's head (under the water). It didn't matter how many waves knocked her down, she'd just run straight back into the water.

We spent our mornings on the beach, our afternoons taking naps, and our evenings conducting our very own bowling tournaments. What wonderful memories we are making. That's what family vacations are all about. Oh, and for the record, I won a couple of the tournaments. The competitive nature in me just had to throw that out there!

Vacation or Not?

Last Friday morning, I left the house at 6 a.m. to head on an 11 hour trek to my nephews wedding. We returned 2 days later to head back on the road for a weeks vacation. By the time we arrived at the beach, I had been in the car for a total of 25 hours over three days. I was exhausted. This "vacation" is much needed! My niece has recently purchased a Wii! My whole family...included my parents...are addicted. What a way to spend a vacation.

Trials and Tribulations of Tarnish

I started a project yesterday and was so excited as I was beginning to see the results. Here is exhibit A:

Antique Dining Room Set(before the project)

This was basically given to me by my aunt (it was originally her mother-in-law's). Family secret...there was quite a major incident involving a little bit of fire and a whole lot of smoke when we were having it delivered to our house. I'll leave the details out to protect the privacy of those involved. As I was saying, because of this major incident, we HAD to have to furniture refinished. When they brought it in our house, I was amazed at the wonderful job they had done. However, I noticed that the handles were quite different. They were shiny and I mean SHINY brass handles. So, I politely said to the guy, "do ya'll" (a little southern rhetoric) "have the original handles that were on the set?" He politely responded, "these are the original handles." "Oh", I replied. You see, they were polite enough to polish the nice brass handles for me to make them all shiny instead of leaving them tarnished. Well, it sorta ruined the look for me. I loved the way it looked when my aunt had it all those years and to me, it just didn't look like the same furniture. So, I did a little "googling" to see how I could tarnish the brass. Most people said use liver of sulfur. I just didn't have the time to go out and buy that. So I decided to live with it...for a year. Then, when I got the silver set (you know...the one from yesterday's post which I'm sure you read), I came home and put it on my buffet. It made the SHINY handles stick out like a sore thumb. Hence, the inspiration for my project.

Isn't it amazing what a little ammonia will do!

And...After the Project

As I was finishing up the project, I noticed that the little round disc that attached the handles to the furniture weren't really tarnishing that well. I think my little "discovery" indicated that this particular part of the hardware wasn't really brass. So, what's a girl to do? I headed to my local hardware store and purchased a little spray paint and viola! It wasn't my first choice, but I really had no other options short of attaching the beautifully tarnished handles with ugly green disc. Oh, well, I guess that's what I get for not being patient enough to let nature take it's course and tarnish in it's own sweet time.

Backyard Bargains

This is the inspiration for my little project today.

It is a silver set I found at a yard sale down the street from my mom's house. Only, I didn't pay a dime for it. Amazing? Yes...I think so. I had admired the set at the yard sale and told the lady it would look beautiful on my buffet. She agreed and offered to drop the price a little. I still wasn't quite sure I wanted to pay that much for it, so I told her I might be back...I needed to think about it. Well, I decided I didn't really NEED it and never went back.








I did, however find this table that I couldn't live without.











A week or so later, my mom's doorbell rang and who do you think it was? It was the yard sale lady. My mom had never met her before the yard sale, so she was surprised to see her at the door with a box. She told my mom that she wanted me to have it. She said I needed it on my buffet. So sweet. Needless to say, I was delighted. I'll post later about the project. That is another story in and of itself. Maybe this will give you ALL (haha) something to look forward to.