tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9826237672877267982024-02-21T10:58:33.365-06:00the little cottage on the pond...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.comBlogger798125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-55713577744933725812018-08-09T06:59:00.000-05:002018-08-09T06:59:33.676-05:00Well, hello...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a while. Life got busy and I just didn't have the time to sit down and write on this blog. Lame excuse, I know, but there it is. <br />
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So much has changed here. Two of our kids are out and on their own, Anne is living in Austin and working as a hairstylist, David is in the Navy and in submariner school. Sara attends a day program that she loves and Hunter, the baby, started college at 16 after homeschooling for six years. I've worked, stayed home, worked and am now home again. Travis and I started our fitness journey a year and a half ago and together have lost over one hundred pounds. We are in the gym daily and at 50 years old have never felt better. <br />
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We are still in our tiny Tudor and just celebrated our five year house anniversary. This is probably the longest we have stayed in one place, and with the housing market in our area the way it is, we will probably stay put for a very long time! <br />
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I don't know why I felt the need to pop in and update here. I guess I just miss the format of blogging and the friends I had here. I'm still over on IG @thetinytudor for anyone who wants to follow my daily adventures. <br />
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Tricia<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-46022175198562329252016-01-06T15:25:00.003-06:002016-01-06T15:25:36.862-06:00Insta-blogger...<br />
These days you are more likely to find me over on Instagram as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thetinytudor/">the tiny tudor</a> rather than here on the blog. You can follow along on IG as I decorate, homeschool and cook for my little family and occasionally post pictures of our two spoiled doxies. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-25984675621662660562015-12-20T13:57:00.002-06:002015-12-20T13:57:48.673-06:00This & that...Hello. This little blog has been so ignored lately. These days it's so much easier for me to quick click on IG and go about my day. Time to sit and blog regularly is not fitting into my very busy schedule of working part time, homeschooling full time and taking care of our home. <br />
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Last month we visited NJ and NYC and had so much fun. The weather was unseasonably warm- so light jackets were all we needed. Spending time with family and friends was the perfect way to kick off the holidays.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millie...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter and Millie...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my neice's house...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister's dog, Millie...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subway...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St.Patricks Cathedral...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Central Park...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the 9/11 museum...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW7lITliBXcyar6TuuanC3D56KRyiBr50Up671cwZdvLMCrY5u-2krU1m6CjMlAk9pcs3FZifhduwC2g0oXDcEnclF9MYI8anP9I_Cs1aZHuhKPjehTDF47EMU3q5hoD1J_4phFQJ_tI/s1600/IMG_8760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW7lITliBXcyar6TuuanC3D56KRyiBr50Up671cwZdvLMCrY5u-2krU1m6CjMlAk9pcs3FZifhduwC2g0oXDcEnclF9MYI8anP9I_Cs1aZHuhKPjehTDF47EMU3q5hoD1J_4phFQJ_tI/s320/IMG_8760.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found great Aunt Clara's stone in the pauper's section...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVDIGbrN9q6U121HCvJbRgMzw3hJTsoV5YnF5j9-NoVr-Y1AC094KvUWLoL7akd18vOV-HDNeQelNnEV9Y_shUyqd8OAlsM9ffvDUq0VCihzyRUw6W1Iz6BqxZA-mgvsaLQVT36drEhQ/s1600/IMG_8797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVDIGbrN9q6U121HCvJbRgMzw3hJTsoV5YnF5j9-NoVr-Y1AC094KvUWLoL7akd18vOV-HDNeQelNnEV9Y_shUyqd8OAlsM9ffvDUq0VCihzyRUw6W1Iz6BqxZA-mgvsaLQVT36drEhQ/s320/IMG_8797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd never been to see my grandfather's headstone...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ-4N1pDSB0ZsdqRwFvnQDyADJRSIkMhzLbuWRVbdvSmHyn_8nHa1eC0YM3U5WhtdhEP4sn_EIblwfC35cKzIdkla-Q_RWadNe-RIeBoK-FMRB4dxEVHOs3gzZtMj18i-KpjzvvsPaa8/s1600/IMG_8808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ-4N1pDSB0ZsdqRwFvnQDyADJRSIkMhzLbuWRVbdvSmHyn_8nHa1eC0YM3U5WhtdhEP4sn_EIblwfC35cKzIdkla-Q_RWadNe-RIeBoK-FMRB4dxEVHOs3gzZtMj18i-KpjzvvsPaa8/s320/IMG_8808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">he rests in a beautiful Jewish cemetery...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00eyNDah_0CT6ql7qckVsDXAiQdU-RkeZmlylW0kabYnYDadRQD-vdqYaYxe7OiGaHC0br9zFp5rJRhUU9jliWLiM6NJp_MzC82KF1Pzsku5h-8q7pcNL4mUHn4jB8R0J_Tk7MUns6Ys/s1600/IMG_8812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00eyNDah_0CT6ql7qckVsDXAiQdU-RkeZmlylW0kabYnYDadRQD-vdqYaYxe7OiGaHC0br9zFp5rJRhUU9jliWLiM6NJp_MzC82KF1Pzsku5h-8q7pcNL4mUHn4jB8R0J_Tk7MUns6Ys/s320/IMG_8812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We toured the Eldridge St. Shul...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYHnwoiXAoXtDH0NcMdvktXENIDU7iXfyGCNmALAhbv1q0IiKaGr7bfMh8gCj9Y7_jt0SdPNMfNTxz_AbNFh7GfSyCs2N_6tpqJCgyyJnEMQvBW9i524ruMqwhe1PjCrm9sgoW0WBE1s/s1600/IMG_8864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYHnwoiXAoXtDH0NcMdvktXENIDU7iXfyGCNmALAhbv1q0IiKaGr7bfMh8gCj9Y7_jt0SdPNMfNTxz_AbNFh7GfSyCs2N_6tpqJCgyyJnEMQvBW9i524ruMqwhe1PjCrm9sgoW0WBE1s/s320/IMG_8864.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my sister and brother in law's garden center...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgGWSF6jlQCWx7cp8YP20ELW1jpk4PnjGlAC9kWCx2uK2UUyFxdn31frSaMCgg3322-Z-2KhCOxS0AMf2lpSuutX0FrmvdFWr3pItOqt88Gpo7GJEzplh4z-EuNICw1U0fT1LmWJQP6U/s1600/IMG_8883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgGWSF6jlQCWx7cp8YP20ELW1jpk4PnjGlAC9kWCx2uK2UUyFxdn31frSaMCgg3322-Z-2KhCOxS0AMf2lpSuutX0FrmvdFWr3pItOqt88Gpo7GJEzplh4z-EuNICw1U0fT1LmWJQP6U/s320/IMG_8883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best book I've read in such a long time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVb05ENSKlnK5K0Fxs09EbymE7WTwqiPvOyaLRpD-I_d4H_apPCzGQIu-P_04n1diFWkifKfb5-3QoemDbx-RR82WHUJvMT_Vy1DZ7iqiOdfGdQA0oIDm_SOnMmBWGc14UGsbTn19I6N4/s1600/IMG_8899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVb05ENSKlnK5K0Fxs09EbymE7WTwqiPvOyaLRpD-I_d4H_apPCzGQIu-P_04n1diFWkifKfb5-3QoemDbx-RR82WHUJvMT_Vy1DZ7iqiOdfGdQA0oIDm_SOnMmBWGc14UGsbTn19I6N4/s320/IMG_8899.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage sale find...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ttRzl8fYOUH4PQvg-vhyphenhyphenHKPvU0CiksXr8ZXQgHJRNfeI_GN5XDMQPr2iaOPpcp5B27Y0sbkU4crhHKC7wAT28hx8Jfqychfve27XOVyy53ZgVQe7TvX9FyN_BWOPa0EeuqONhbejmQU/s1600/IMG_8900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ttRzl8fYOUH4PQvg-vhyphenhyphenHKPvU0CiksXr8ZXQgHJRNfeI_GN5XDMQPr2iaOPpcp5B27Y0sbkU4crhHKC7wAT28hx8Jfqychfve27XOVyy53ZgVQe7TvX9FyN_BWOPa0EeuqONhbejmQU/s320/IMG_8900.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the 9/11 memorial...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgUjlahiuIKGNKGOivmhcqBs9N0hVXgd8Ivw5jr5Jm_HSl_iVnJmMJl8LR8BrF14686wIQGCJPWYY3q6KEnlfFZTPVJMMEsJfUeOP0VlsAg53dqaP3JMoUddw7Nnp0lmQW92qC9weg-g/s1600/IMG_8910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgUjlahiuIKGNKGOivmhcqBs9N0hVXgd8Ivw5jr5Jm_HSl_iVnJmMJl8LR8BrF14686wIQGCJPWYY3q6KEnlfFZTPVJMMEsJfUeOP0VlsAg53dqaP3JMoUddw7Nnp0lmQW92qC9weg-g/s320/IMG_8910.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another vintage sale find...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhTfqK2rmGoSsjRaCiT01F7I51Vz6PzI0IM0CETXcdeZsehRVa7LRwyexx9QjtIrqzIjv6Zv7_XaMed47pNwZ70yNMZkdr5EWBe1_7aiAqKAKv8jhWyQFADZ8r2_H7x1aggHOhRS1ZFM/s1600/IMG_8917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhTfqK2rmGoSsjRaCiT01F7I51Vz6PzI0IM0CETXcdeZsehRVa7LRwyexx9QjtIrqzIjv6Zv7_XaMed47pNwZ70yNMZkdr5EWBe1_7aiAqKAKv8jhWyQFADZ8r2_H7x1aggHOhRS1ZFM/s320/IMG_8917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best friend's mom always makes pizelles when I come up to visit...</td></tr>
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We came home and put the tree up...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGdtMq6o1atnDrFnQI81kxo07Etg5Kbr12vaYIr1XgkJgz68WV-nGQODHqHYDdHz0hn8yG1RXUAtyku-60eur-ren609gYlLpH6Oqy0sOfHndQ1dZ7c9svwRvbILx39K5COExqOND7VQ/s1600/IMG_8934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGdtMq6o1atnDrFnQI81kxo07Etg5Kbr12vaYIr1XgkJgz68WV-nGQODHqHYDdHz0hn8yG1RXUAtyku-60eur-ren609gYlLpH6Oqy0sOfHndQ1dZ7c9svwRvbILx39K5COExqOND7VQ/s320/IMG_8934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's nice to finally getting to do the traveling we planned on when making our move to downsize...<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-46962574502100222402015-10-10T12:04:00.001-05:002015-10-10T12:04:16.764-05:00Everything old...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My love of vintage things came from my dad. As a kid I loved to listen to my dad tell me stories about New York City in the 1930's and 40's, the places he and his brothers used to explore and the crazy things they used to do that we would never let our children do today. Things like riding the subways and jumping on to the back of trolly cars, stealing pies from the pie shops and selling fake raffle tickets to earn a little cash. My dad was a scrappy little hooligan, but with a heart of gold. </div>
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Dad loves to hold on to things, so I was surprised when he called me up saying that he wanted to sell some of his fishing reels. These reels were still in the original boxes, most never used, and were made in the 1940's. The biggest of the reels was a Penn 16/0 Senator reel. It was the same sized one that was used in the movie Jaws. I've never seen a reel that size!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ3X1xn6YHJ09xvzf19uwf7Qx30PVjIzRjPdI-IrqWrD_k1AR3_OxUybGB5lq8qXqd2FNLNnQvk0UN_FtehiWUEsytr15AoXuTYcV7bLJhOpGbJZf_N2E5wcGW-F2sArHnbLSMDafQ2o/s1600/IMG_7454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ3X1xn6YHJ09xvzf19uwf7Qx30PVjIzRjPdI-IrqWrD_k1AR3_OxUybGB5lq8qXqd2FNLNnQvk0UN_FtehiWUEsytr15AoXuTYcV7bLJhOpGbJZf_N2E5wcGW-F2sArHnbLSMDafQ2o/s400/IMG_7454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To sell it I had to take all of the line off the spool. One and a half miles worth of string- not even exaggerating...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkd3LwVhn-TLLezXq-K3ykTaIWhRL1fDt9gATC7gpGkZP85VrHpmLHDnUYo26a5K9XOOilfLbhGO-9ylKM4g194YocZpXf9SpPjQMWsalztFAla2JCweBIWeMSxdstrbWLvM-jPe2_W8/s1600/IMG_7455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkd3LwVhn-TLLezXq-K3ykTaIWhRL1fDt9gATC7gpGkZP85VrHpmLHDnUYo26a5K9XOOilfLbhGO-9ylKM4g194YocZpXf9SpPjQMWsalztFAla2JCweBIWeMSxdstrbWLvM-jPe2_W8/s400/IMG_7455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My boss is renovating her mother's townhome and this lovely piece was sitting on the back porch. It is a hard wood and from Oklahoma vintage 1890's. When she asked if I'd like to have it I jumped at the chance. It now sits on our little back atrium patio and holds all of my gardening supplies. I adore this little piece...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Uy5G7MppDy7jBbi1RiNX8sX52ExsEd5o7s_NeoLrREqkdRV0fuHlBTlifnB_JzpAVYQF7HEH-D01IVlTZU6kv7-hXcHQxbK2SDUMsH-wHPQ4JeMbYjq-a-g2ZW4WRSo2VaEpUFUp4Go/s1600/IMG_7508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Uy5G7MppDy7jBbi1RiNX8sX52ExsEd5o7s_NeoLrREqkdRV0fuHlBTlifnB_JzpAVYQF7HEH-D01IVlTZU6kv7-hXcHQxbK2SDUMsH-wHPQ4JeMbYjq-a-g2ZW4WRSo2VaEpUFUp4Go/s400/IMG_7508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFglOmTX-ZSRIodOilNX3l8DXJHRntUW7IrSbEAZTXqFKRCiJ5DwvEieeRy_LQ6qBxFwUS9xtkDvPfjNH6lwfkEXHmYk_eob-3L57-cA9ipPJ9Mnoq9btgMpwgUeYN1XbUgpj81t9mBY/s1600/IMG_7521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFglOmTX-ZSRIodOilNX3l8DXJHRntUW7IrSbEAZTXqFKRCiJ5DwvEieeRy_LQ6qBxFwUS9xtkDvPfjNH6lwfkEXHmYk_eob-3L57-cA9ipPJ9Mnoq9btgMpwgUeYN1XbUgpj81t9mBY/s400/IMG_7521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I get older I think more about the things I am thankful that my parents passed on to me. I love that I have such a deep appreciaton for the beauty of old things and that these pieces are used to create this little home that means so much to us. </div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-46649762754413449732015-10-09T07:48:00.000-05:002015-10-10T11:45:38.285-05:00Parrot Uncle Lighting...<br />
A while back I was contacted by a lighting company, <a href="http://www.parrotuncle.com/">Parrot Uncle</a>, to try out one of their lights. I visited their website and found a wall light that I loved the look of. A bit retro- and kind of Steampunk-ish...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOc6wDQ_iOKGDgh1MweTROMkNHS6fF7IqNc6jHlbelzTtEZvL6XJQnamg8VCWdMIz5TXL3w34h3o6vGaci8k_eODBQ4y4s3CzK-eRZLqIZCsu2BD-ICQQAu0NOib4vfcG9KanzKtlqMA/s1600/IMG_7465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOc6wDQ_iOKGDgh1MweTROMkNHS6fF7IqNc6jHlbelzTtEZvL6XJQnamg8VCWdMIz5TXL3w34h3o6vGaci8k_eODBQ4y4s3CzK-eRZLqIZCsu2BD-ICQQAu0NOib4vfcG9KanzKtlqMA/s320/IMG_7465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our little atrium area had a wall light since it was outside what was originally the back door of the townhouse. I had put a light up just as a "placeholder" of sorts until I found one I really liked. We bought an Edison bulb to use in it and I love the soft glow it puts off in the room...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWAZCyQrx8im7zIEnkGCt1ETBnLE4buaV1uakQKLdXDJv8lKn6YSFUncz52WKurtsdIf8ionhpZiyfD3KGzUZ_lgp3a_ke6Y5N8Lv7HMy-b7YdBi1eTtjhaBqAcJuYLtt0IwSBePYFjg/s1600/IMG_7740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWAZCyQrx8im7zIEnkGCt1ETBnLE4buaV1uakQKLdXDJv8lKn6YSFUncz52WKurtsdIf8ionhpZiyfD3KGzUZ_lgp3a_ke6Y5N8Lv7HMy-b7YdBi1eTtjhaBqAcJuYLtt0IwSBePYFjg/s400/IMG_7740.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Parrot Uncle also carries lovely <a href="http://www.parrotuncle.com/pendant-lighting.html">awesome wooden pendants</a> as well as <a href="http://www.parrotuncle.com/floor-lamps.html">Parrot Uncle modern floor lamps</a>. I love the wood pendant lights and if I'd had a need for one I would have chosen this....<br />
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Travis was great about putting our new light up and we love how it looks in our little atrium area...<br />
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If you are looking for affordable decorative lighting, Parrot Uncle has so many beautiful lights to chose from. <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" height="104" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" width="200" /></a><br />
*this post was sponsored and I received the light as reimbursement for my time, however- all opinions of the product are my own. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-44405159982549496452015-09-09T17:49:00.002-05:002015-09-09T17:49:22.629-05:00tiny Tudor history...One of my neighbors passed on some history about our town homes and it lead to me doing a bit of digging myself, and I found out that our home built as a part of the Gold Medallion Electric Home Campaign. You can read more about the history of that campaign <a href="http://www.dahp.wa.gov/live-better-electrically-the-gold-medallion-electric-home-campaign">here</a><br />
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Originally, our town house community was supposed to have 290 homes, but instead we are just a small community of 64 homes. The homes were showcased in a "Galaxy Home Tour" in 1966. They were built across from the Johnson Space Center as "homes of the future" and completely electric featuring all GE appliances. <br />
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Ronald Reagan, and his wife Nancy did several ads for the Gold Medallion homes and it was a huge ad and print campaign...<br />
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Most of the homes that were in the program featured a medallion that was placed outside of the door. Being the house history geek that I am I found one on ebay and ordered it. Yep- that is going to be mounted outside the door of our tiny Tudor. <br />
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I love to know the stories behind buildings and homes. Knowing the story behind our tiny Tudor just makes it that much more special...<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-40265749299179670552015-09-05T08:46:00.001-05:002015-09-05T08:46:20.611-05:00House plants...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago I decided to get rid of a few of my preserved boxwoods and instead plant some REAL plants for the house...</div>
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I am not a green thumb by any stretch of the imagination, but I figured if I had made my little sprig of outdoor basil do this...<br />
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Then maybe I could handle doing a bit of this...</div>
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The real trick is to basically ignore them. I give a small bit of water to each of the plants on Saturday along with the occasional sprinkle of plant food. That's it. Low maintanince, all though not as low as those preserved boxwood, but they are real and I like the more natural look. </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-44145756060640873032015-08-15T11:28:00.000-05:002015-08-15T11:28:55.562-05:00The watchman...I've always said that our son Hunter was an old soul. He sees the beauty in the smallest things, is the first to show appreciation, and just blows me away with his keen observations of the world. One thing he has always been drawn to is clocks and watches. When he was just six years old he asked us for a pocket watch. "One with a chain" was his request. He carried that pocket watch everywhere and loved to pull it out and check the time for anyone who asked. I guess his appreciation of time pieces must have come from me. Our entry way sports a vintage watchmakers cabinet and one of Travis' holiday gifts to me was a watchmaker's case that was brought over here from Germany. There is just something about the passing of time- how we spend it and how fleeting it is that fascinates me. <br />
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A few weeks ago I was contacted by <a href="http://www.woodwatches.com/#littlecottageonthepond">Jord</a> watch company to try out one of their lovely wood watches, and of course my first thought of who should have one was Hunter. He poured over the website and carefully selected his watch- the <a href="http://www.woodwatches.com/series/fieldcrest#7">Fieldcrest in black</a>.<br />
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We carefully measured his wrist (14 cm) and <a href="http://www.woodwatches.com/#littlecottageonthepond">Jord</a> sized it just perfectly for him. <br />
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Every day he asked if his special watch had come in the mail and I was so excited to call him last week to let him know it had arrived. He was in Dallas visiting cousins, but the minute he walked in the door he wanted to try it on. These photos were taken less than thirty minutes of him gettting home...<br />
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Working with <a href="http://www.woodwatches.com/#littlecottageonthepond">Jord</a> was a wonderful experience. The quality of the watch is just beautiful and Hunter proudly sporting his new timepiece. <br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=982623767287726798" id="woodwatches_com_widget" title="Wood Watch">Wood Watch</a>
<script src="//www.woodwatches.com/widget/littlecottageonthepond" type="text/javascript"></script>
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*this was a sponsered post, however all opinions and reviews are mine :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-15009487802325417562015-08-03T09:57:00.000-05:002015-08-03T09:57:32.549-05:00One Year Later...<div>
It's been one year since we moved into our tiny Tudor. I have always been in love with whatever house we've lived in, but I have to admit to this one being my very favorite. Maybe it's the smaller size, less upkeep, or centralized location, but it really is our best house yet. </div>
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A year ago we were picking out flooring, finishes, paint, appliances, cabinets, countertops and everything else that goes into a remodel. I'm happy to report that a year later we still love all of our choices. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wood floors, bathroom floors and interior doors...</td></tr>
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I love our open and light entryway. Yes, people walk by and look into the windows- some even wave, and that's okay by me. <br />
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Our tiny kitchen is the hardest working room in the house. I love to cook, so this room has seen a lot of meals over the past year. I get a lot of questions about our honed Cararra marble countertops and how they are holding up. They are showing signs of scratchign and etching and I adore them. This was precisely why I wanted marble, for the aged patina they will create over time. </div>
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Despite our lovely kitchen, we aquired The Big Green Egg and I am now an offiial Egg Head! We cook out a lot on our little patio area even though it's 1,000 degrees outside.</div>
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It's been really nice to have a proper dining room. Our kitchen was too tiny for an eat in area, and I really thought I'd miss that, but I don't. This is the homeschool area, eating area, bill paying area, game night area. It serves so many functions. </div>
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Our living room is well lived in. Evenings are spent watching our favorite shows, or just sitting around talking. I can't think of anything I'd change about this room...</div>
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I love that this neighborhood is small enough that the kid's friends can ride their bikes over and then take a short walk over to the local shops or frozen yogurt place...</div>
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Our little city was voted one of the most fun places to live. I couldn't agree more, but then I grew up here so I know I'm a bit biased. All I know is that there is no place like home. </div>
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Happy One Year Anniversary to our tiny Tudor!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-23943303887571608332015-07-31T09:35:00.001-05:002015-07-31T09:35:49.590-05:00The keeper of memories...When my parents bought their last house the previous owner had left a lot of personal things behind. They had passed away, and the children didn't want a lot of what had been left if it didn't have monetary value. A few of those items were the deceased diplomas. He was a very accomplished man- graduated from the Virginia Military Academy and a chemical engineering degree from Rice University aka The Harvard of the South. He went on to become the Vice President of Exxon. <br />
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I am now the keeper of these memories. The diplomas are beautiful with hand written signatures and printed on beautiful vellum and sheepskins...<br />
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I'm thinking of framing them. Sounds silly, I know, but they seem more like art to me than "just diplomas"....<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-76943133067884193332015-07-13T18:12:00.001-05:002015-07-13T18:12:28.042-05:00This and that...I have a confession to make- I don't really read blogs anymore. The days of waking up and logging in to check on my favorites have long since ended. What with working, homeschooling, and this strike nonsense, I just fell out of the habit. I'm pretty sure that not too many venture over here to read this blog either, but for some crazy reason I still feel compelled to post. I do like that I can post whenever I feel and not under some sense of schedule. <br />
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Travis finally got back to work last week. 156 days of work stoppage for basically nothing. We are just thankful that it's over and we are so ready to move on and get to the business of traveling. One of the first things we did was book our trip to Disney in January. The kids are so excited, even if they are on the grown up side, and I have to admit I am already dreaming about a day at Universal Studios. If you hear about a woman who disappeared on the Hogwart's Express- that will be me. <br />
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The patio/atrium is finished, and it truly is my happy place. I have never spent as much time outside as I have in this tiny space. We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this month so we bought ourselves The Big Green Egg. Oh-M-Gee. I have never tasted food as yummy as what we have cooked on this thing! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Father's day was spent at my parent's house with all the kids...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3na49moJFWPyqJCEnHDXpe4PX98naT47w9z1ccxWlnEp3NwzALBbYBf3JVU16OTUKFiXYbusYw2c9VzCs6ydK5rdglQgj-XswGgzdtSNYjNucnJXueSxHSp94C5n8bPlOL9szssHVqo/s1600/IMG_5666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3na49moJFWPyqJCEnHDXpe4PX98naT47w9z1ccxWlnEp3NwzALBbYBf3JVU16OTUKFiXYbusYw2c9VzCs6ydK5rdglQgj-XswGgzdtSNYjNucnJXueSxHSp94C5n8bPlOL9szssHVqo/s400/IMG_5666.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We took a quick day trip to Round Top...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKskd0Wkn27rXEZZqDJvHkoZGckrSKPB1d4MqUENWAanpG6M0o57si2RqnAowVeBUsGmhrrCzkNI234LTzFah5YoA8xwpSQ47O-waZTVL6L1vnUJlAidBS8Y4AXyvCYyimU4eBtldoXZo/s1600/IMG_5741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKskd0Wkn27rXEZZqDJvHkoZGckrSKPB1d4MqUENWAanpG6M0o57si2RqnAowVeBUsGmhrrCzkNI234LTzFah5YoA8xwpSQ47O-waZTVL6L1vnUJlAidBS8Y4AXyvCYyimU4eBtldoXZo/s400/IMG_5741.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Caught an Astros game...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Celebrated the 4th...</span></td></tr>
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We are all doing well and settling into our new normal routine. Life is good...<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-34474516622770321492015-06-13T16:12:00.001-05:002015-06-19T13:43:20.687-05:00Checking in...<br />
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Hello.<br />
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Things have been much better this month. Hunter is continuing to undergo testing, so at least we are a step closer to knowing what's going on with him. He's in good spirits about it all- even the upcoming colonoscopy/endoscopy. 14 year olds and their bathroom humor. <br />
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Travis is keeping busy, and yes- the strike is still going on. It's very close to ending, but he's not back at work yet. I'm not even going to get into the corrupt politics of what was going on with the union, but suffice to say it was really horrible. The emotional roller coaster Travis and our family has endured due to this unnecessary work stoppage was unforgivable. <br />
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I'm working part time still and absolutely love my job. I get to have creative freedom and I am teaching teachers, planning curriculum- all while still being able to homeschool our son. My dream job trifecta. <br />
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Travis finished up the atrium cover outside and is working on the decking. We replaced the old 1970's slider door with the double French door we had ordered before the strike. <br />
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This was my Pinterest inspiration picture for the shade cover and the decking...<br />
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Here is the finished shade cover...<br />
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Our little atrium is a closed in 10x? square. No ventilation, which in Texas means- small closed in hot box. Adding the shade structure and an outdoor fan will help a lot.<br />
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Travis stained the boards in the same Dark Walnut as the corbels in the front of our house...<br />
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Then it was time to prep the ground and build the supports for the decking...<br />
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Travis also transformed this old pallet into a vertical herb container for me. I gave it a coat of stain and then did a little hand lettering...<br />
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The lemon tree is doing very well. Someone on IG suggested that I feed it tomato food, and presto, Lemons galore!<br />
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These are words that I have kept close to my heart over the past few months. It helped to read them when things seemed really bleak...<br />
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Thanks for understanding my feeling the need to quit blogging. I still want to blog, but at my own pace and when I have something to share. Thank you also for all the lovely comments and messages- it meant more to me than you could have ever known. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-5331792002412100582015-04-25T10:08:00.000-05:002015-04-25T10:08:24.762-05:00The End...These past few months have been stressful to say the least, but in all of the stress I have also had some clarity of purpose. I've spent the past two years as a stay at home mom and I have thoroughly loved every moment of it, but somewhe<span style="background-color: white;">re in between fluffing the house, homeschooling, cooking and sign painting I knew that I needed something a bit more intellectually challenging. A part time position fell into my lap and has turned out to be a dream job for me. I'm doing what I always knew I was good at and I am making a purposeful difference at the same time. I'm also able to continue homeschooling Hunter- so win!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Over these months I have felt less and less inclined to blog. I think after so many years I am just not feeling it and honestly, I don't have much to say right now. I will continue to post various projects on Instagram, but for now my blogging will stop. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments and happy notes- it means a lot to me that so many of you would want to peek into my little world. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">The End...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Tricia </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-66288729765539685692015-04-05T08:30:00.003-05:002015-04-05T08:30:59.015-05:00Limbo...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are entering week 11 of the strike. This was not something we saw extending much past a month/month and a half. It's been stressful, but like every other storm we have weathered- we are making it. Negotiations continue, and we are hopeful that they will come to an agreement very soon. He should be hearing about an interview with another company next week- we are definately not going to be sitting around waiting for the next strike in four years...<br />
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In the meantime we have been working on small projects around the tiny tudor as well as contract jobs for some of my clients. Travis has been hard at work in his workshop...<br />
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The laundry room wall is tiled and we are calling this project finished...</div>
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Spring has made for a lovely courtyard garden...<br />
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As soon as the strike is called off we will have two weeks before Travis returns to work. I think we are going to take advantage of the time and go ahead and start revamping our atrium. French doors are going to be added to the atrium room leading to the little atrium outside, and we are still debating what to do in the atrium itself. Right now it's a half and half hot mess of tile and dying grass...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny story behind that rock- it's a POND. Yes, underneath there is a pond. </td></tr>
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I've started a new part time job. I really can't give the specifics out yet, but I am very excited about the possibilities this may have and the opportunity to combine my love of learning, children, organization, creativity, and design. I am giving it a test run for 2-3 weeks to see where it may go...<br />
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Thank you for all of your emails and messages about Hunter. We are waiting on the return of health insurance to run all the needed tests. Until then, he is busy with learning and just being a happy kid. <br />
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Have a great week...<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-24475338627820304012015-03-22T15:18:00.001-05:002015-03-22T15:18:37.016-05:00Around the tudor...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are entering week 8 of this bloody strike. Travis is going to test and hopefully interview with another company this week. Fingers crossed that something will happen, because Travis doesn't do idle time very well. In saying that he has not been idle at all since this whole thing started. Thankfully he has had a steady stream of small woodworking jobs. He is happiest in his workshop, so along with making a little money his mind is occupied. <br />
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The laundry room is finished except for the tile on the opposite wall above the sink and washer...<br />
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Travis is usually here in the garage working on something...<br />
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Hunter celebrated his 14th birthday...<br />
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It's amazing to me that just 13 years ago he looked like this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCK7S4Bw9QMX9Eu_sdPShmihA6wEIect5Bbny1LckinR3ixY3AIj2bRHa3NgppLFmyhx616Uoq9Y1JVOLSxzY4U16Mn1A9-zHoczQt-dBh_Pzzse9mkHt-Zma3u8UEr8WPBeqg30Surs/s1600/IMG_3122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCK7S4Bw9QMX9Eu_sdPShmihA6wEIect5Bbny1LckinR3ixY3AIj2bRHa3NgppLFmyhx616Uoq9Y1JVOLSxzY4U16Mn1A9-zHoczQt-dBh_Pzzse9mkHt-Zma3u8UEr8WPBeqg30Surs/s1600/IMG_3122.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">like father, like son...</td></tr>
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We have kept up with our traditional Tuesday night date night with these two...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HS5pPFQAUB21ampg73CKgQ69OPIp_5iAWgZuzNg93lZFIxfNlVmgR3mfAgylW2kPHhNiMoBsQ9Fsxdjd7UNvzGa-JMQNkmUNbu__AbyKq79lXUZFmbP6jCUSjzZI-3VmaLwjksAttZ4/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HS5pPFQAUB21ampg73CKgQ69OPIp_5iAWgZuzNg93lZFIxfNlVmgR3mfAgylW2kPHhNiMoBsQ9Fsxdjd7UNvzGa-JMQNkmUNbu__AbyKq79lXUZFmbP6jCUSjzZI-3VmaLwjksAttZ4/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf-AxM-Q2Rr5_A9WfimvbknKuhJGOxnWjaoPGstBfekEwofke93L9FqvgWP4wKohkoijqljlxcxX50MbJCg2MiiBgnRVJqPhCPPsBzQivAVPlwkUI4W6m2AYLdki-94PAGds7iyy2VGc/s1600/IMG_3313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf-AxM-Q2Rr5_A9WfimvbknKuhJGOxnWjaoPGstBfekEwofke93L9FqvgWP4wKohkoijqljlxcxX50MbJCg2MiiBgnRVJqPhCPPsBzQivAVPlwkUI4W6m2AYLdki-94PAGds7iyy2VGc/s1600/IMG_3313.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodeo and Blake Shelton</td></tr>
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We celebrated World Down Syndrome Day...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPowV6jbaSCLYnYBlrwsKiTwDrxpJfusJ1e5PVd8HEJIn-tfe9bJ_U4b3SVNggqp22KeISCNAI5vQ2jlQ_iEzeNQEKlU7i7yAHsqOqyUCgBrko1QdDe2_84uLsH8R6EV-mkTbuFhYqW0/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPowV6jbaSCLYnYBlrwsKiTwDrxpJfusJ1e5PVd8HEJIn-tfe9bJ_U4b3SVNggqp22KeISCNAI5vQ2jlQ_iEzeNQEKlU7i7yAHsqOqyUCgBrko1QdDe2_84uLsH8R6EV-mkTbuFhYqW0/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at our GHFEDS party...</td></tr>
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Created a new joke in the family about what it feels like to kiss my husband...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfZIxNLSAB_Dsbk5GP6OUew8oX8oufncT89ghDtMG3g1agz7jKK2q_EOPrrMu96OlVeQt2GVXd8WkC8H35yfru3qDxmM1HzuOaH-StR8QfVjvY2OCPXKQsAExC_zAPSG3u7nh2v1Dh_U/s1600/IMG_3130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfZIxNLSAB_Dsbk5GP6OUew8oX8oufncT89ghDtMG3g1agz7jKK2q_EOPrrMu96OlVeQt2GVXd8WkC8H35yfru3qDxmM1HzuOaH-StR8QfVjvY2OCPXKQsAExC_zAPSG3u7nh2v1Dh_U/s1600/IMG_3130.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wokka, wokka, wokka...<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Spring has sprung in Texas...</div>
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Back in February I was elected to our HOA board. I was elected as VP, so my neighbor gave me this comic...</div>
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Hopefully this next week will bring an end to the strike or a new opportunity for Travis. Good juju...<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-52219353529264250802015-03-21T10:54:00.002-05:002015-03-21T10:54:42.276-05:0021 things...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In honor of World Down Syndrome Day here are 21 things about Sara...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPuKqWE7ydBaZa_9pYSY5HN0dDG8ZXaBbCPufdjPrTOYcqKqtr3a34S61ZKuFK1l-3RQk7mxdv9PPlkcS1S3F1XlQ88BEL0Jl0OZloXQlktr192PtMdvFTVoXrJJjay_R3vmnUEb0OWE/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPuKqWE7ydBaZa_9pYSY5HN0dDG8ZXaBbCPufdjPrTOYcqKqtr3a34S61ZKuFK1l-3RQk7mxdv9PPlkcS1S3F1XlQ88BEL0Jl0OZloXQlktr192PtMdvFTVoXrJJjay_R3vmnUEb0OWE/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. 124 CD's. Sara loves music and listens/sings every day.<br />
2. 1 boyfriend. Sara loves William. He is her "hot tamale"...<br />
3. Sara has 1 sister and 2 brothers.<br />
4. 3 parents- Sara is very lucky to have a happy blended family.<br />
5. 5 grandparents.<br />
6. 86 signs painted this year for The Happy Soul Project.<br />
7. 168 books. ALL of them are her favourite.<br />
8. 2 dogs- Sara loves animals.<br />
9. 24 bottles of perfume- Sara collects fragrances. <br />
10. 64 strands of Mardi-Gras beads.<br />
11. 194 Special Olympics medals and ribbons. Sara competes in track, bowling and swimming.<br />
12. 288 cards- Sara keeps every single card she's been given and reads through them each week.<br />
13. 18 pairs of shoes- the girl loves a pretty sneaker.<br />
14. 2 times a week- "Tell me about the day I was born". It's her favourite story.<br />
15. 365- the number of days she tracks till her next birthday. It is her favourite day of the year.<br />
16. 2 times a day- "I love you" and "I love you more".<br />
17. 1 time a day- "Can I call William?"<br />
18. States visited- 9<br />
19. Number of swear words she uses- 2<br />
20. Number of years she spent in high school- 6<br />
21. Number of chromosomes Sara has- 47<br />
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Happy World Down Syndrome Day to Sara and everyone else out there who is lucky enough to be so much more than just a number!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-16563311862990249942015-03-10T13:06:00.002-05:002015-03-10T13:06:33.392-05:00Laundry room progress...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our tiny laundry room was on our list of things to complete before we moved in last August. You know what they say about the best laid plans, right? We had bought all of the materials, but with Travis on his turnaround schedule it just never happened.<br />
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This is week six of the USW strike, so in between picking up side jobs we decided to finish up the laundry room project. Here is where the room started...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U3dUU_nnqKyCd7_I_L1g7bR5u5znqwNBUdMVnbmYirCoOPysOO4YUu3aGPHPOo1-FVH5Ot35O9fFCKYvlMimY2Q3scPvMR5VRfNAoEWy7laAq9Pd875a5aIGmMuYN5L0nXwxB4xY290/s1600/IMG_6433.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U3dUU_nnqKyCd7_I_L1g7bR5u5znqwNBUdMVnbmYirCoOPysOO4YUu3aGPHPOo1-FVH5Ot35O9fFCKYvlMimY2Q3scPvMR5VRfNAoEWy7laAq9Pd875a5aIGmMuYN5L0nXwxB4xY290/s1600/IMG_6433.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure this was in a horror movie I once saw...</td></tr>
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Not gonna lie- I didn't even walk all the way into this room when we first looked at the town house. It was that gross. The cinderblock wall is the firewall between the units, and although I liked the pattern of it I knew we would cover it up as part of the renovation. There also used to be a door on the laundry room, something I wanted gone since I walk in and out of that room so many times a day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaTKc9Cg1mmefK6y_sOBqQ6sfy3tB0dFXFFP-9Al3Xezs48Cu9AxkZsLj-Jh3AEALgLJxXPeMce6OxShgIZAPb93FrDxnrAaNbkSxJl80iiheIrDAIuZaoHgOalGjVrTFvYUKu4d0w1g/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaTKc9Cg1mmefK6y_sOBqQ6sfy3tB0dFXFFP-9Al3Xezs48Cu9AxkZsLj-Jh3AEALgLJxXPeMce6OxShgIZAPb93FrDxnrAaNbkSxJl80iiheIrDAIuZaoHgOalGjVrTFvYUKu4d0w1g/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every home we have ever lived in and painted has this painted onto the wall first... #traditions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY94syDmu1GzSAUwFqlfJweyyAkot08WWnVX5M69QAg_UWrdfkvCjNpp0G4Hn_GiErxiKLfOz9RDzoNKMYR-BGsgBLQnAtLA_CcaPJzzK6DRvkcbb3riuEGQQnjlou4MMH3MW5LmBv6s/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdY94syDmu1GzSAUwFqlfJweyyAkot08WWnVX5M69QAg_UWrdfkvCjNpp0G4Hn_GiErxiKLfOz9RDzoNKMYR-BGsgBLQnAtLA_CcaPJzzK6DRvkcbb3riuEGQQnjlou4MMH3MW5LmBv6s/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">primed and ready to paint...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfcxV0gW48LdcKdC2aGbaYPOAvq5vN55MO4wuwud6fgeKwdUhyphenhyphenBp65_yeYrFPxEpKBjEukkry5oxVksp9U3oEIBmQPz6rQIWMVQBCozacfhsNcNQOC50STxqg2QxKcn7pvWP8dq2T9ZM/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfcxV0gW48LdcKdC2aGbaYPOAvq5vN55MO4wuwud6fgeKwdUhyphenhyphenBp65_yeYrFPxEpKBjEukkry5oxVksp9U3oEIBmQPz6rQIWMVQBCozacfhsNcNQOC50STxqg2QxKcn7pvWP8dq2T9ZM/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the tiny door under the dog's bed area that Travis built to access the dryer hook-up...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqOIF0vOzvBUM4M1ZeBMY1XmlXDpA0w_XaMvdd6JSuiNug5UwcL7LBj_BCWcZ3Z5yn_bBXCqYy9fYD7c8vjpYWygybp6fxLaIxjn-rDJgEDZ1gmQNP5nDa6y_8qxxT_YAlfQilmGi2eg/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqOIF0vOzvBUM4M1ZeBMY1XmlXDpA0w_XaMvdd6JSuiNug5UwcL7LBj_BCWcZ3Z5yn_bBXCqYy9fYD7c8vjpYWygybp6fxLaIxjn-rDJgEDZ1gmQNP5nDa6y_8qxxT_YAlfQilmGi2eg/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo6qbOp4SlD3VtGqPBM0W2omS612rxgCMrO0usYiPhEK20e58IUFnvPpu4PSgBwfhJ4cHWKvaXkbULx3aeneEuFu4jvXXfSCihqLuC8p_owaI01GgmHciY05gt79DAEMnfYzVq3EdMoI/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo6qbOp4SlD3VtGqPBM0W2omS612rxgCMrO0usYiPhEK20e58IUFnvPpu4PSgBwfhJ4cHWKvaXkbULx3aeneEuFu4jvXXfSCihqLuC8p_owaI01GgmHciY05gt79DAEMnfYzVq3EdMoI/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All painted up and ready for doors on the utility cabinet...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8NVsXv_UVEUZY6lCXuV08FhPcAtBNfpdeXuAXxCSChJ_MXRQk3rDYN2gnXOoQUp8f04wVlItQa2M3k54958scVGGxi990HmtFrcK2SCw1-InT9KhOKj7Um_tTcMg6uAriSnnsxqeb1o/s1600/IMG_3045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8NVsXv_UVEUZY6lCXuV08FhPcAtBNfpdeXuAXxCSChJ_MXRQk3rDYN2gnXOoQUp8f04wVlItQa2M3k54958scVGGxi990HmtFrcK2SCw1-InT9KhOKj7Um_tTcMg6uAriSnnsxqeb1o/s1600/IMG_3045.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights up...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sPe6753fwY5JqvRCxeQSL6_8wjWUMdi9tMtmTNz1KANqP3J9T_S0u0WpGtlDlbaVjyM1t8dneDFGoYtCu5uXhQ_0Za73u-H-0i6XC3CiLyVhOAN8qdMz-3T8V4eC8Wc2l6vsEfykGVU/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sPe6753fwY5JqvRCxeQSL6_8wjWUMdi9tMtmTNz1KANqP3J9T_S0u0WpGtlDlbaVjyM1t8dneDFGoYtCu5uXhQ_0Za73u-H-0i6XC3CiLyVhOAN8qdMz-3T8V4eC8Wc2l6vsEfykGVU/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utility cabinet organized...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q63IZDyJ8byVIV7Bq-5-WTQ0MNQGWiE48MFfLJER0kfTk541nkcaBfsW1mGvk6mjwTHX8DjPw1gmLR7oM1MVKSqxZouJSBQ1Ygu0wOVK4I7Fn5YzVzjEJXub9uuv0f5U864BbddfFxM/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q63IZDyJ8byVIV7Bq-5-WTQ0MNQGWiE48MFfLJER0kfTk541nkcaBfsW1mGvk6mjwTHX8DjPw1gmLR7oM1MVKSqxZouJSBQ1Ygu0wOVK4I7Fn5YzVzjEJXub9uuv0f5U864BbddfFxM/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the washer/sink area will get subway tiles all the way to the ceiling...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV8o6XXJyy4w_t7ZyFQUNr6yGMuHgl0FWOFg4ZlYvk-3WSn6Y6kKEA5GDW_vP80FnSfNgFPyKFbzoeJAbCNbmBxmWw7kQp8TBMMuYCyzMdacJu2lWTFMJ055Vc_Zc13vWf9creh-zNNQ/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV8o6XXJyy4w_t7ZyFQUNr6yGMuHgl0FWOFg4ZlYvk-3WSn6Y6kKEA5GDW_vP80FnSfNgFPyKFbzoeJAbCNbmBxmWw7kQp8TBMMuYCyzMdacJu2lWTFMJ055Vc_Zc13vWf9creh-zNNQ/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I knew I wanted to skirt the sink, but I wasn't sure what material to use. Buffalo check won out on IG...</td></tr>
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This morning I gave Jack and Violet baths in the new sink. It's deep and perfect for doggy bathing, but we really need to get that backsplash up!</div>
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Travis is going to build the utility cabinet doors today, and then all that is left is to put up the tile. I'm so happy with how organized, light and bright this laundry space is. A few people have asked why our washer and dryer were split up, and the answer is that orignially this room was outside the back door of the town home and the original owner closed it in. What they didn't do was figure a way to re-route the dryer vent so when we purchased the house it vented INTO the house instead of outside. In order to properly vent the dryer it had to be moved to the other side of the room. So that is why they are split up, which I'm kind of liking. Having the sink right next to the washer makes more sense to me anyways ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-66971739362798319722015-03-07T11:31:00.000-06:002015-03-07T11:31:48.088-06:00Keeping busy...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This strike time has been interesting to say the least. I have been given a glimpse into what life may look like when Travis retires, and all I can say is that we are going to need a Reader's Digest sized calender and a clock. We go to bed when we are tired and wake up when the light comes into our room each morning. We yawn, kiss good morning and then inevitably one of us asks the other what day/date it is. It's very surreal not living on a real work schedule. It's also weird not keeping track of what time it is as the day goes on. We eat when we are hungry, not when our "lunch" time is, and the result is that we have both lost weight. <br />
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Travis and I are keeping busy with a steady stream of handyman and woodworking projects. I do the design consult/painting and then Travis does his woodworking magic. It's not our usual paycheck, but it's enough for us to get by. We are very lucky to have some skills to fall back on, not everyone affected by this strike can say the same. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4QKo3-L_4Mial-OIR0IDf9T2eJsoFWGjeuNKWnpwMFdD96E5jwmDxIW-T-3_Uaxmt8Jm2j34v-jhpRYpU_HNiEucZgyiSHhFWVFWUbDAgK51TH_cN-UH9HLVkIj9jNE1q04LKRV2VrA/s1600/IMG_2779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4QKo3-L_4Mial-OIR0IDf9T2eJsoFWGjeuNKWnpwMFdD96E5jwmDxIW-T-3_Uaxmt8Jm2j34v-jhpRYpU_HNiEucZgyiSHhFWVFWUbDAgK51TH_cN-UH9HLVkIj9jNE1q04LKRV2VrA/s1600/IMG_2779.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of our neighbor's kitchens- they had a HUGE microwave over the stove, but wanted a shelf for spices...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRJYcNWebRWXL10a3sDjqKpt3xVKxALPg4a3NtQO-TsTx1-N-zzqsPfEpfgaKpwRGRhvxlQD_28tSL6uhEIVw42aEOuMCcuFWf3eLnJmMsJoK_YeNfCdFrdmdwmKVkHbPjpNzgJZCVfM/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRJYcNWebRWXL10a3sDjqKpt3xVKxALPg4a3NtQO-TsTx1-N-zzqsPfEpfgaKpwRGRhvxlQD_28tSL6uhEIVw42aEOuMCcuFWf3eLnJmMsJoK_YeNfCdFrdmdwmKVkHbPjpNzgJZCVfM/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted this piece for a client in ASCP Coco...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLJnKwMhGCxWD0SODwAfuyfljDeUC04vpgWDThi04D5iXBWnwgA8Mly3rNtyN7F_Rv8lQKt1xxpR7PMawSrMtLLRf5VmnISewOv67IAGwHuOB4ByTZsDPGDkwshhX07DNeG_ankbK6so/s1600/IMG_2916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLJnKwMhGCxWD0SODwAfuyfljDeUC04vpgWDThi04D5iXBWnwgA8Mly3rNtyN7F_Rv8lQKt1xxpR7PMawSrMtLLRf5VmnISewOv67IAGwHuOB4ByTZsDPGDkwshhX07DNeG_ankbK6so/s1600/IMG_2916.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Client piece painted in ASCP Paris Grey and Graphite...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VF78XNQDEe2H4Hrq1Ujs_XYFbJYNCCUXmR_ZMpnncOP6tyYmuS8UADGmLDYt41-Cm9aBoY2s6ARWclWENmjKBpiVHAO88sOrQTECmajNlsnpk42qkeYsfeuX_LT3gnTEH8M5IMgIXhQ/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VF78XNQDEe2H4Hrq1Ujs_XYFbJYNCCUXmR_ZMpnncOP6tyYmuS8UADGmLDYt41-Cm9aBoY2s6ARWclWENmjKBpiVHAO88sOrQTECmajNlsnpk42qkeYsfeuX_LT3gnTEH8M5IMgIXhQ/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stair rails in ASCP Graphite- I love these painted!</td></tr>
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Travis is also working on our laundry room build. He finished up all of the trim this morning, so now it's time to pooky, sand and paint...<br />
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It is nice having Travis around to work on math with Hunter. He is neck deep into fractions and Travis is using his woodworking projects to let Hunter use his fraction knowledge in a real life way...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdtNdZ2MgTOZL8CAOCiEcHTgBqBKBsMkvkr3BehtOvV6FHsaTFY5FKjyPcEGlHlNgsmFBfkhX7GE3da7tcfZLEYu0CCy2biPCGd_OOoQ6DiD56T2Odo7yQp_-XKRuu549IV-9LtmYdOA/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdtNdZ2MgTOZL8CAOCiEcHTgBqBKBsMkvkr3BehtOvV6FHsaTFY5FKjyPcEGlHlNgsmFBfkhX7GE3da7tcfZLEYu0CCy2biPCGd_OOoQ6DiD56T2Odo7yQp_-XKRuu549IV-9LtmYdOA/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We live in home improvement stores...</td></tr>
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Hunter is doing okay- if he's worried about his upcoming GI tests he doesn't let on. He will turn 14 next Thursday and I keep thinking that at any moment he will outgrow the "I love you mom"'s and the "Your the best mom ever"'s, but he's not. This guy is such a love bug...<br />
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Gets it from his dad...<br />
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Yes, that is a five week strike beard. I am married to a mountain man. Or a Yeti...<br />
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This is one of his best friends, Dustin. Also sporting the strike beard...<br />
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My older sister, Beverly, and her husband Mike came down from NJ to visit. They brought their 7 month old puppy, Millie. I fell in love with that dog on my last trip to NJ. She is such a sweet heart...<br />
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We also had a lengthy discussion about the science behind this dress...<br />
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I'm kidding. We all pretty much agreed it was ugly.<br />
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SO proud of our Anne, she was hired on by a high end salon and is headed to State Cosmetology competition at the end of the month. Goal driven and very passionate about what she does...<br />
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So that has been our past few weeks. Staying busy and trying to stay positive. It is so true about the "when it rains it pours" saying. My bank account was hacked into and Travis' truck is having issues- but we are going to be okay. The sun is going to peek out soon and we will be better for it. <br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-20887782965588482102015-02-27T14:22:00.001-06:002015-02-27T14:22:34.684-06:00Diagnosis...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday we finally were able to get Hunter in to see a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. I've asked his pediatrician for years about his weight, or lack of it, but was always told that I was little therefore my kid was too. <br />
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Last year I switched pediatricians and the first thing she said to Hunter when she walked in was, "Whoa- you are one skinny kid"- she saw it right away. The first thing she did was send us to see a dietician/nutritionist. All of that checked out, so the next step was the GI doc which took three months to get into. I knew in the back of my mind what the diagnosis would be, but seeing it in black and white took my breath away...<br />
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Failure to thrive.<br />
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He is 4'10 and weighs in at 67#. The doctor suspects that his stomach does not empty as fast as it should. A large breakfast for him can hold him over until the next morning. We saw for years that breakfast was his best meal of the day, but the rest of the day he barely touched anything to eat. When he was in public school he was on high doses of ADHD and anxiety meds- all which have weight loss as a side effect. For years we wrote off his low weight to that, but now that he's been home and off meds for almost two years we are still not seeing any weight gain.<br />
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He will be going in to have a nuclear gastric emptying test performed, followed by a endoscopy/colonscopy. Not only am I complete wreck at knowing there is something wrong with my son, it is further compounded by the fact that we were dropped from our medical insurance when the strike went into effect. Hunter being the good natured kid that he is said that maybe they'd find money coming out his wazoo. I love that boy. <br />
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When it rains it pours, right? But the sun has to peek out at some point...<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-80501767686967194962015-02-16T08:52:00.002-06:002015-02-16T08:52:53.192-06:00Laundry room progress...Since Travis has this chunk of time off due to the strike we decided to go ahead and finish out the laundry room. This is a budget friendly redo and we didn't end up using some of the materials we had originally wanted. The sink we were searching for never materialized, so we are going with a standard plastic utility sink, but we will frame it out and skirt it and I'm sure it will turn out just fine. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6N17yYljAC2rTy1llVZ_35xwuQncQZ1V-dFxeTMVmyxlmv2Z2O7NgP484gmcYDArkApdx1aH2FrnHINqPpSQG8LuymAJ61alPrXGKjoboDPiUsuEoVcyixYEzdlBALySymlEho5dQU8/s1600/IMG_1522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6N17yYljAC2rTy1llVZ_35xwuQncQZ1V-dFxeTMVmyxlmv2Z2O7NgP484gmcYDArkApdx1aH2FrnHINqPpSQG8LuymAJ61alPrXGKjoboDPiUsuEoVcyixYEzdlBALySymlEho5dQU8/s1600/IMG_1522.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this was the sink we ordered from rejuvination.com but it was just too shallow. They have the most amazing customer service though, and took it back with no hassle!</td></tr>
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We started out with some planked wood...<br />
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The original walls were cinderblock. This is the fire wall between the town homes, it has a subway-ish look to it, but I wanted something a little cleaner looking. We decided to plank this wall along with the ceiling...<br />
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This is the ceiling planked. There will be three small light fixtures in this room- one over the dryer and two over the washer/sink area. <br />
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Travis used 2x3's studs to create a base for the planks to attach to. <br />
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The planks are up, but a trim piece will be needed at the top to hide the not so straight wall. Older home walls, heck even newer home walls, are just never straight!<br />
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Yesterday he worked on the dryer side of the room. To the left will be the utility closet, similar to the one we built in our last laundry room...<br />
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To the right of the cabinet is the dryer. We had to split up the washer and dryer because orignially the dryer was vented into the house. Yes, INTO the house. The only way to correctly run the vent to the outside was up and onto the flat roof over the garage. This meant moving the dryer to the opposite wall. <br />
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I ended up selecting some lights from Barn Light Electric. I've got several of their lights and they are my go to for style, function and price point. At $30 a light <a href="http://www.barnlightelectric.com/discount-lighting/outdoor-farm-lights/warehouse-ceiling-flush-mount-light.html">this</a> was a good choice...<br />
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The walls and cabinet will be painted out in SW White Duck with SW Iron Ore on the table tops over the washer and dryer. <span style="text-align: center;">Originally we were going to have the large slab of soapstone cut for this space, but given the strike and not wanting to spend extra money, we are just going to go with wood. This can be changed later if we want to. </span><br />
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So there you have it. This little laundry room will always be known as the room the strike of 2015 built ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-46459751471701426372015-02-15T14:01:00.002-06:002015-02-15T16:58:06.284-06:00The nose knows...Every once in a while I receive an email or IG comment asking me questions about our renovations, or where I found an item for the house. This week I got an email asking me something a little more personal. I'm an open book kind of person, and although I don't put it all on the blog I am always willing to share how I came to be who I am if asked. <br />
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"Laura" emailed me a question about piercing my nose. I love that she is thouroughly thinking the decision through. I'm a little more of a "eh, let's do this!" without thinking kind of girl. She asked some great questions, so I thought I'd share them with you.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Tricia,</span><br />
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Was reading another blog and came across your comment,<strong><em> "...I'm 45, quit my teaching job, pierced my nose and I paint with our oldest daughter who has Down Syndrome." </em></strong>Hope you don't mind writing you. I found your blog, and love your dedication to family and homeschooling! </div>
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As I read your blog, I noticed you have a pierced nose and I just keep dreaming about one. You're one step ahead having gone ahead and done yours. Wherever I see your face and your nose stud, its just perfect in your nose and makes your face truly light up. Admit to a little envy. I love it. </div>
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For me, getting my nose pierced has been on my bucket list since college and now is # 1 as one of those " Things to do before 40. Also, I'm preoccupied with getting a nose piercing:) Am I crazy? </div>
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I've put having my nose on the back burner since college (FUNNY STORY AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST). I've always thought of as a tiny bit of self-expression, a smidgen of rebellion, and a sprinkle of hope that I’ll ...have a bit of freedom and independence that I so crave. Recently, I've had this dream with a sparkly stud in my nose. Unfortunately, when I woke up, it wasn't there! I've been trying to get up the nerve to do it. Have to admit that seeing your pretty face, and cute, small nose stud has provided a sense of inspiration and realism to my quest. Am not sure what has spurned my dream nor strong desire to have it done. </div>
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I don't know if you had this problem., but I keep obsessing about getting a nose piercing and keep promising myself to just get it done. However, I keep searching for reasons that an almost 40 something woman should get her nose pierced facing this dilemma, but still wanting to feel sexy and attractive to my husband. I've always really liked the idea of a small nose stud, but I never did it because I'm was afraid what others might think..</div>
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Wonder if maybe I'm a bit too old to just be getting my nose pierced. I'm 39. I know people my age who have them, but they've had them quite a while. I kept going through the tough question, <strong><em>"...am I too old?" </em></strong>Would this look like a mid-life crisis thing [?] I keep seeing others in their late 40's, 50's and even one women with all grey hair, cut short who must have been 60+.</div>
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Am searching for some advice when you had your nose pierced. I suspect you faced all these questions, so I hope you won't mind me asking:</div>
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What was the <strong><em>" tipping point " </em></strong>that made you finally go ahead and do it unlike me constantly obsessing about it?</div>
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<em>Was there an event or person who influenced you to go ahead and have it done or " I had it done because____"</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Well Laura, there is a story behind the nose piercing. There are a couple of reasons I did it, but have not shared much here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">A few years ago I quit teaching public school. It was an easy decision for me because after five years of struggling to conform and fit in, it was apparent that my way of thinking and teaching was never going to fit the mainstream school system. I believe that instead of taking a child and identifying his/her deficits, we should identify their strengths and build on that. Public schools like to figure out what you suck at and then jam it down your throat until you not only suck at something, but you despise it as well. I saw it first hand with my own children, and then from the inside as a teacher. When I finally quit and pulled our youngest out to homeschool it felt liberating, and also like I'd survived a near death experience. Trying to fit in and changing who I was took a toll on me. A few years of therapy and the freedom to be creative and teach the way I knew it needed to be done fixed that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">During the time that I was teaching our youngest daughter was going through some problems of her own. I'm not going to go completely into what her issues were here, because it's her story to tell, but I will say that it was a very scary couple of years for us and I was so worried we were going to lose her. While she was in therapy the therapist suggested that we do some mom/daughter bonding activities. Anne suggested piercings. I was thinking pedicures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">At the piercing studio I kept looking at all the pictures of piercings and tried to imagine what would be "appropriate" for a forty something woman. Whose to say what that is exactly, but I had always admired nose piercings and thought that if I just put a teensy stud in then it would be hardly noticeable. Anne held my hand as the piercer marked and pierced my nose. It hurt, but not in a pass out from the pain kind of way. Afterwards it felt like something was in my nose, but now I forget that the screw stud is even there. </span></div>
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Why did I do it? Well, for a few reasons. </div>
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1. Because I could. I was no longer expected to look a certain way for anyone other than myself.</div>
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2. It was a cool bonding experience with my daughter. I held her hand, she held mine- and it's cool that we got to experience that together. It was one of the first steps to mending our relationship. </div>
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3. I felt that it was an expression of my artistic/non-conformist side. I don't fit the mold and I am very okay with that. </div>
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4. If not now, when? So what if I'm in my 40's? It's my nose and I may rock this piercing right into my 70's. </div>
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Did it hurt and how long have you had your nose pierced?</div>
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Yep, it hurt, but only for a little bit. It felt like a shot really, and then nothing. </div>
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Did you have it done with a needle or one of those newer piercing instrument that looks like a gun? Your placement is perfect on your nose.</div>
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The pierced used a needle. He marked it and had a good eye for placement. Go to someone reputable whose work you have seen firsthand. </div>
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How did you decide left or right?</div>
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I chose the right side because I sleep on my left side. I knew I would not wear a hoop, so I didn't want to be rubbing my face on my pillow and wake up missing the screw stud. I don't take it off much, it makes me squeamish to mess with it, lol!<br />
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How did you find a piercer?</div>
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I went to a local piercer who has a very good reputation. Anne had several of her piercings done there and the guy was very nice.<br />
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Did they numb your nose?</div>
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Nope. And they don't do that as a rule. Part of the experience of tattoos and piercings is the pain. I'm not a fan of pain and this one didn't hurt much.<br />
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How did you chose the size of your nose stud (yours looks great)?</div>
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I literally went with the tiniest nose stud I could find. Anne jokes that it is a "diamond flake".<br />
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Was your husband supportive of your decision?</div>
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Absolutely- and he is very honest with me. I'd love to actually get a nose job one day and he always tells me no. Piercings and tats are okay in our family. (but apparently me having a smaller nose isn't!)<br />
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Was it worth it?</div>
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Yes.<br />
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Would you do it again?</div>
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Yes, I would.<br />
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My 87 year old dad told me it was a phase and I'd outgrow it. No one else really commented on it. I didn't make a big deal out of it so they didn't either.<br />
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How did you feel and are you still happy with the decision?</div>
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At first I felt a bit self conscious about it, because I just wasn't used to seeing anything on the side of my nose. The starter stud looked HUGE to me, but once I was able to put a smaller one in I hardly notice it now. <br />
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Ever thought of wearing a nose ring vs. stud?</div>
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I'm not a fan of the nose ring. It looks so pirate like to me. I love the nose studs and have admired them since I was a little girl. I'm not a big jewelry person, so the tiny stud fits me.<br />
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Seeing how cute your look with your nose pierced, have you inspired other women to get their noses pierced too?</div>
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Laura, if you pierce yours then yes. Other than that I don't think any of my friends have run out to pierce anything!<br />
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Am I crazy at almost 40 wanting my nose pierced?</div>
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This wasn't my first body piercing. I had my belly button and eyebrow pierced when I was in my 20's. In high school I was that punk rock girl with the pierced lip. Whose to say what age is okay for what type of self expression? I like my little nose piercing- it fits me and my personality. I really don't give a flip what someone else thinks of it, so in short, no you are not crazy.<br />
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Tricia, You seem to have mastered the difficulties and suspect your are still loving your nose stud. Am really wanting of a nose ring, but will settle for a teeny, tiny, diamond stud to feel special and pretty and feminine.</div>
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Thanks in advance for any help.</div>
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Laura</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R86uN0GTl7I-z1e4zOAsIzHpEal_6jEc0QdXgGx9_osTnWz06V4MJvd2TXDgsMPtztDruNaxM0s4hins2u7jxcBnF7i2_IKRlCYjrpUVXZSWZKqLSXUV_mwkJYTaSECdaKBgj1hbAkI/s1600/IMG_6357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R86uN0GTl7I-z1e4zOAsIzHpEal_6jEc0QdXgGx9_osTnWz06V4MJvd2TXDgsMPtztDruNaxM0s4hins2u7jxcBnF7i2_IKRlCYjrpUVXZSWZKqLSXUV_mwkJYTaSECdaKBgj1hbAkI/s1600/IMG_6357.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So tiny you can hardly see it ; )</td></tr>
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I hope that answered your questions, and I really hope you just jump in and do it! How we dress, wear our hair, the jewelry we choose- all of that is an expression of who we are. Be true to YOU and don't worry about what the rest of the flock are doing. Chances are they are all looking at you wishing they could be a little more expressive ;)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-2662594356448356572015-02-08T15:05:00.001-06:002015-02-08T15:05:59.659-06:00Strike...My husband's company is on strike. You may have heard a bit about it in the news. We got the call last Saturday at midnight. I'm not going to lie- it's been stressful and my head is a bit foggy. <br />
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We have spent the week staying busy- me with homeschooling and Travis has been playing handyman for one of my dear friends. This woman was so sweet to message me on FB and ask if Travis wanted to earn a little extra money. Honestly, I value the fact that his hands and mind are busy over any money he could earn right now. He is pretty emotional about all of this, and strangely enough I am playing the part of the calm one. (don't ask me how!)<br />
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<b>I just checked my comments a while ago and someone, anonymously of course, was kind enough to point out that I had misspelled a word in my last post. Thank you for that. I think it's good to remind myself that I'm not perfect, because I'm not. (i before e, except after c!) </b><br />
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Travis has been working his shift on the picket line, and we both participated in our first rally yesterday. I gotta tell you, I was never in a sorority or group in college, but this feeling of solidarity and rooting for something bigger than yourself? Well, that was just plain cool. <br />
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I've had a week to put in the books. A few "friends" spouted off their opinions of unions to me (which really, fine- have an opinion, just don't voice it to the girl whose husband is out of work due to a strike!), we do not have health insurance right now which means I will probably get the worst sinus infection of my life (kidding, sort of), and I have receieved a few hate comments on various social media sites. Nothing like kicking someone when they are down, right? <br />
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But it's all good. On the flip side, the week also brought me laughter with one of my best friends when I really needed it, a part time job offer for me that would be flexible and still allow me to homeschool, lazy mornings with my husband and conversation over coffee, and so many supportive and lovely messages from IG and FB friends.<br />
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We may go ahead and start our laundry room build- may as well get a few to-do's knocked off the list since Travis is home. Do me a favor- go out today and build someone up- we have enough tearing down going on right now. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-92200960965350854902015-01-28T15:46:00.000-06:002015-01-28T15:55:04.663-06:00Pear Tree Greetings Giveaway...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sara has started the tradition of giving out personalized Valentine's cards to her friends. She loves choosing the photo(s) and the layout, along with the wording and deciding who will recieve them. One of Sara's personality traits that I adore is her blatant honesty. She will always offer a hug or an I love you, and you never have to wonder where you stand with her. Sara will tell you her favourite holiday is Christmas, but Valentine's Day is a serious contender for first place. It's the one day of the year that speaks Sara's complete love language- words of affirmation, touch and gifts of appreciation. <br />
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This year we were contacted by Pear Tree Greetings to choose some cards for Sara and then host a giveaway for our readers. We looked through all of the card options and decided to use their <a href="http://www.peartreegreetings.com/Valentines-Day-Cards/Valentines-Day-Photo-Cards/index.cat?&sSource=BO&kw=VDAY&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=BO&utm_campaign=VDAY">Valentine's Day Photo Cards</a>. <br />
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Sara knew that this year she wanted to include a picture of her and William aka 'hot tamale' as well as a photo of herself. So we went with these...<br />
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Then we looked through the various designs and settled on the <a href="http://www.peartreegreetings.com/Valentines-Day-Cards/Classroom-Valentines/index.cat?&sSource=BO&kw=VDAY&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=BO&utm_campaign=VDAY">Kid's Valentine's Photo Cards</a> Photo Paper Happy Heart Day. Sara loved that she could add her name along with some x's and o's...<br />
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Sara's favourite Valentine memory is the first Valentine's Day that her and William celebrated as boyfriend and girlfriend. She walked in and he was standing there holding balloons and flowers along with a very large box of chocolates. I know his parents well, and I can honestly say they raised that boy right! Sara was so over the moon about it and had so much fun telling everyone that approached the table that <i>he</i> was <i>hers.</i> They have been dating now for two years, and they are hands down one of the cutest couples I've ever known. Not that I am biased or anything, but when your daughter is born and you are given the laundry list of things they will never do and then by golly they DO those things- well, you celebrate it. Big.<br />
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Leave a comment and tell me your favourite Valentine memory and Sara and I will choose a winner to receive a $25 credit to <a href="http://www.peartreegreetings.com/Valentines-Day-Cards/index.cat">Pear Tree Greetings</a> to pick out your own Valentine's cards! We will choose a winner by February 1st. Good Luck...<br />
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xoxo,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-28834387691737958852015-01-21T14:29:00.000-06:002015-01-21T14:29:06.469-06:00Shaggy Dog Eats- a giveaway...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A very good friend of mine has written a fabulous cookbook for dog treats. We have had so much fun over the holidays baking treats for Jack & Violet, and they have given every recipe so far a resounding two paws up!</div>
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Our last homeschool book club book was A Dog's Purpose, so the kids got together and along with book club discussion we made treats for our furry friends...</div>
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Today I am giving away a copy of Christy's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shaggy-Dog-Eats-Christy-Bright/dp/0990985601/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421871914&sr=8-1&keywords=shaggy+dog+eats">Shaggy Dog Eats</a> Just leave me a comment telling me about your dog and what he/she means to you. Sara will be choosing a winner on Friday- and I will ship your book out to you pronto! <br />
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Good Luck!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801153457160483490noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982623767287726798.post-83078416105658968552015-01-13T08:18:00.000-06:002015-01-13T11:12:44.216-06:00Wall mounted Kraft paper holder...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Because of the way our kitchen is designed, and the fact that we don't have a freezer, I am at the grocery store every day to every other day. It's a lifestyle change, and working from home makes this easy for me to do. I am a list maker by nature, but this kitchen has turned me into a bit of a list monster! I was constantly searching for my grocer post it notes or list that I had started, put down, and forgot where I put it. <br />
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The solution was to put a wall mounted kraft paper holder on the wall next to the kitchen. At least that was the solution until I started pricing them! I found one company that offered one, but at $240 plus $60 to ship, um, no. So we decided to build one ourselves, and by "us" I mean Travis. I pointed a lot and cheered him on ;)<br />
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We started out with a few things from the hardware store, including this roll of painter's paper found for $3.98, a fraction of the cost of Kraft paper...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF19xtgQkYVXu4IVIy9yK6FE8QIw9-M9GDQ56J3WTDr_V4D8BD8909JKiQXHFbPp6DNEqFbpk0JCwvYPw8vWtaMK6Pa7zplhButRFpATGZJfe1bC5ur0tcFkm20badEWgD10XiirmQwWo/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF19xtgQkYVXu4IVIy9yK6FE8QIw9-M9GDQ56J3WTDr_V4D8BD8909JKiQXHFbPp6DNEqFbpk0JCwvYPw8vWtaMK6Pa7zplhButRFpATGZJfe1bC5ur0tcFkm20badEWgD10XiirmQwWo/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's thinner than traditional Kraft paper, but it was perfect for this project and the cost can't be beat.<br />
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Travis began by cutting the board backing. Since it is mounted on the wall and I will be using a sharpie, I didn't want bleed through onto the wall....<br />
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He then took small square pieces and used the skill saw to cut out a slide in and holder notch for the dowel that will hold the paper roll....</div>
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Here you can see how he designed the dowel to slide in and sit inside the L shape. Once the side square pieces were glued and nailed to the backer board, he placed another piece of wood to create the top of the board...<br />
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So the finished construction looked like this...<br />
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Then he painted the entire piece in Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams. This is the same colour as our interior doors and I just love it's smoky black with a touch of grey...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpjy7LgqpywmPC98B-q1v03F9nbiptHK1-gX_-qJ7vPzsAWzFzcmGG6NM7wWxx5sUwwAdCkYE4qIpCep_LiOYfRQChpLVvEmkWQJDziPxy9n5WBSqcABLBDKIJ8-iWb8M-UXmH4DicJ4/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpjy7LgqpywmPC98B-q1v03F9nbiptHK1-gX_-qJ7vPzsAWzFzcmGG6NM7wWxx5sUwwAdCkYE4qIpCep_LiOYfRQChpLVvEmkWQJDziPxy9n5WBSqcABLBDKIJ8-iWb8M-UXmH4DicJ4/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Travis used four anchor bolts to attach it to the wall...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvdzR8o4fWRSThNa6aq0_hb5w68oJQd224-ec7Z0BCNLz-LMY9lmIqLytb3liD8fZjFcCVbIY_T79Q8YWq9QMiMT6dpn-aqe_PrhlzqlO1tBN0Rlm4R-RD0zGgCL4wr5WTFm1CuMrBwI/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvdzR8o4fWRSThNa6aq0_hb5w68oJQd224-ec7Z0BCNLz-LMY9lmIqLytb3liD8fZjFcCVbIY_T79Q8YWq9QMiMT6dpn-aqe_PrhlzqlO1tBN0Rlm4R-RD0zGgCL4wr5WTFm1CuMrBwI/s1600/IMG_1631.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the bottom of the board he attached a strip of metal to hold the paper down at the bottom...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMk2BlTrrftblS6ZSD2bnyfnvYhNgAonX834Cmd6mqhjZQs43Ostc0pmSndKRE5IeqdOrDDsbFv8yeWEyZR7d54zMTHAafEnsrpA3Jr41oZeeV2A36UzCY4UOlEh-_aT0kOpWu5lCgcA/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMk2BlTrrftblS6ZSD2bnyfnvYhNgAonX834Cmd6mqhjZQs43Ostc0pmSndKRE5IeqdOrDDsbFv8yeWEyZR7d54zMTHAafEnsrpA3Jr41oZeeV2A36UzCY4UOlEh-_aT0kOpWu5lCgcA/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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We screwed an eye hook into the board and attached a string to hold the sharpie marker. And VIOLA! our wall mounted Kraft paper holder was completed for just $40 in material. A much better alternative to the inspiration piece priced at $240...<br />
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We used our first list just yesterday at the store. Sara goes with me to shop and reads out the list. Because the paper (and writing) were much bigger it was so much easier for her to use the list. Win-win in my book!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/111/22FDC1EA7FC0F9F5471DB893D13BDF8D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
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