Top Ten of 2008

I must give credit to my friend Carly for this idea, (and I guess Letterman) but I loved her Christmas letter of top tens so here is the J & C version! Please read:

10. Job cuts in Asheville! Followed by a month plus of hard labor- remodeling, and a sold house, after only 2 showings, with back up offers to boot!!!

9. New callings/responsibilities at church -

2nd counselor in Young Women and
2nd counselor in Young Men and Scout Master! Yikes!

8. Trip to Charleston, South Carolina on the fly! Great food, interesting history, and fabulous architecture! So much fun not having a job for a while.

7. New camera! Seeing the world in a whole new way! Lets go take a million pictures!

6. Moving to Texas, meeting new wonderful people! (And still missing Asheville friends like crazy)

5. Moving up from our puny 1000 square feet to 2200 yeah for room to breathe I guess it's true everything is bigger in Texas.

4. Our 2008 song of the year "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait LOVE IT!!! WATCH THE VIDEO PLEASE- you have got to hear this song! Lucky I'm in love with my Best Friend!

3. Blogging our year away! And joining Facebook (Cheesy- I know) But so nice to find and keep in touch with some old friends!

2. Finishing our adoption application and getting approved to adopt!

1. And to quote Fiddler on the Roof- "Miracle of miracles"

WE ARE PREGNANT!
Being 11 weeks pregnant,

sick as a dog and happier than a clam! FINALLY!!!!!

Thank you Father in Heaven for such a blessed year, and all the miracles too!

Here is to the year 2009!

Artsy-Phartsy

Lately, Justin and I have been having a great time making art.

It seems we have a never ending supply of wall in this house. Also, before we moved here, I decided that if it is going on our wall, it is going to be either a picture of us (or family) and or made or taken by us.

I just don't feel like I need other peoples art on my walls. Okay, if you want to give me a Franz Kline painting I WILL most definitely put it on my wall. I just thought of one other exception - Rescue of the Lost Lamb by Minerva Teichert I am planning on getting this someday. But, this way everything has a meaning, or a very special memory attached to it.

Here are some of our most recent projects.

Justin painted this for his mother. She loves lighthouses. It is Bald Head Island lighthouse. It turned out really nicely.

This isn't exactly painted but I love it. In high school I collected clothes that were from the 60's and 70's (yes I still have them all). One such jewel, was a pair of psychedelic bell bottom pants. Somehow the pants were either too short, tight or what not, so I altered them into a skirt and cut off the bottom and have been saving the fabric for years.

It turns out that the fabric has a lot of the colors I am using around my house, only in more jewel tones, but it works. So, I thought it would be fun to stretch it on a canvas. Then I mod-pogged the heck out of it so that it has brush marks that go with the overall shapes of the different colors, so It sorta looks like a painting. I really like it- it will totally be awesome in our nursery.

Last, but not least, this baby took days to finish. I got the idea from the pottery barn catalog and a restaurant in Asheville that displays and sells local art. We got a huge sheet of wood form a neighbor and so I had Justin cut a 3.5' foot x 3.5' sq piece which I painted black. Then I cut out about 2 thousand little 1" x1" squares of misc. paper.

Actually a funny story about cutting them out. My friend went out of town to visit her parents and left her older boys 3 and 5 at home, so I watched them for two days. The first day I brought a book. Ha! Ha! it turns out it is impossible to read with two boys under the age of five running around all day. So, the second day I brought some paper and a scrapbook cutter, that I thought for sure had a blade and not a scoring knife on it. I was wrong it only had the scoring attachment on it. So, I scored all the pages and then hand ripped every last square.

When that was all done, I glued them all to the black board then mog-pogged. (This was my first time buying mog-pog, I guess it is kind-of addicting) So here you go-

Chirstmas Eve Tradition

We would like to wish you all a

Merry Christmas!

Here are some photos from our annual
Christmas Eve Candle Light Pizza Dinner!

$4.00 update

Well here is a random project. I could not stand the way my oven looked. It is black, white, black white- like it can't make up it's mind about what color to be.

So I did what I could with some spray paint, and I like it much better, (I couldn't do the top because of the heat, so we will just have to live with that for now). What so you think?

For the love of food...

I made this sandwich a while ago, but I have been meaning to share it with the world. It was nothing extraordinarily gourmet but still, lets all share a moment of silence for a work of art.

Here's what we did, you will need:

A loaf of good crusty Sourdough bread

An Avocado (we usually just slice these up, but with the crusty bread, it just tended to be squished out that way, so we mashed it up with a bit of salt)

Tomato, sliced

Deli Sliced Turkey

Spinach

Craisens

Provolone (I am sorta boring when it comes to cheese, I am sure you could do something much more exciting)

Mayo

Lemon dressing- (I didn't measure so sorry) About even parts of Olive oil and Lemon Juice, add a little water, Salt, pepper and minced garlic. Mix together. Toss with the spinach (if there is extra spinach, it is great as a small side salad.)

Simply stack them all together and ta-da! A great sandwich. Since the bread was tough to cut through, you may want to cut it in half. Use toothpick to hold everything in place as you cut it, the smaller pieces will help you keep it all together better as you eat it. We served it with a really crisp sweet apple and some kettle cooked salt and vinegar (if you can find Mrs. Vickies those are the best).

Enjoy!

Six Randoms

Okay I just got tagged, so I am going to answer it, six random things. (I just found an old friends blog today. Love that!, too fun. She named her most recent tag blog "Tagnabit", so clever, I really wanted to copy it, I resisted, but still thought it should be shared.)

So Katie this is for you! (Sorry if you can't get on, it's a private blog).

1. My house is FINALLY clean! So- I have been sick for about a week plus. This means that the Christmas decorations were pulled out of the closet and left all over the living room floor- for days, and days, and days.

I went to the doctor and he gave me a prescription that seems to be helping, although yesterday that was not the case. My dear friend Emily decided to have mercy on me. She came over to my house yesterday and decorated BOTH of my Christmas trees and vacuumed. What a woman, what a friend! Here are the pictures, she did a Silver and Gold Tree that is downstairs and a red tree up stairs. The whole time, I just literally sat there and watched.



I love the little crystal stars, in the silver and gold tree those were my mothers parents.






I also have to explain the pine cone flowers. I love these my Great Grandparents made these. I have no idea how, but they are so charming and I love how sentimental they make me feel. There is just something so wonderful about the kinship I feel for my parents, grandparents and on and on. To know that my mother is like my grandmother, and that I am like my mother- what could be more wonderful than that? I hope that someday I am my mother! It gets me crying every time- in a good way. I love it!



2. I have been bullied into putting up Christmas lights. I didn't want to be the neighborhood Scrooge, and in a 'burb I seem to be feeling some PEER pressure, in a least a little sense. We did nothing for Halloween, I felt a little bad. A few tenacious little trick or treaters actually commented. So, I thought I would do something for Christmas, granted even it is WAY simplified, but so pretty and dignified! I love it- simple candles in the windows.



3. I just ate a bit-o-honey that I found in Justin's drawer when I went to grab the camera. (it was from Halloween- he's a candy hider, not a candy eater).

4. Soapbox- This may be old news, but is anyone else as disgusted as I am about what happened in that Walmart in Manhattan the day after Thanksgiving? If you haven't heard a man was trampled to death when a mob broke through the door just to go shopping.

When Justin read the news to me, I started to cry, it was SO upsetting. Are we as a people so concerned about shopping that we would think it is okay to break into a store to get what we want? And then not notice the fact that a person is under your feet in your mad attempts to get the next techy gizmo for 5 dollars less?

I was so sick and saddened that I for one will promise to never join the throng the day after thanksgiving. I am just sad that this is what Christmas has turned into. I actually am planning to practice what my friend Katie told me in college (the same friend who tagged me) But her plans were and I hope still are to give three gifts for Christmas, like the wise men. One gift you need, one you want and something meaningful.

Hope that wasn't too depressing! I will try not to depress you again
5. I love watching Martha Stewart. Yes, I admit it. The woman is a force. I realize that she doesn't come up with half of it, but at least lately she has been giving more and more credit to others for their ideas lately. I think that prison was a good thing for her. I like it too when she jokes about it.

But anyway, I just love the ideas. I love the recipes. I like learning new techniques for cooking and I love the crafts. I just like looking for inspiration. and there is plenty to go around. I love the art of making a house a home and this is probably a good time to spread that vision. On that same subject, one of my favorite books is "Shelter for the Spirit" by Victoria Moran. If you want to read a good book check it out!

6. I would like to say that I am really thankful for all the time I have with Justin. I am happy that my husband and I get along so well. This long wait for an extension of our family has been hard, but also good, I have finally reached that point of reference.

Justin and I know each other so well. We can finish each others sentences. We make up songs together- and we make up the same thing simultaneously- no kidding! We have secret love signs for each other. And special greetings when he comes home. I would not trade my time with him for anything. He is just such a good guy and so caring.

For example, I woke up this morning to the dishwasher unloaded and the hand washables washed. Who could ask for more? But that is the great part- there is so much more I could mention... But I will just say this. Thank you Justin for being my husband. Thank you for being my confidant, my counselor, my sous-chef, a great listener, a fabulous builder, such a cutie! Thank you for being my BEST friend.

Only being able to spend eternity with you could make me more happy than I am now!

Kitty say what?

I just got this awesome email from my dad. I think that I must share it. I am changing it ( and adding pictures of our pets) to reflect our family a little bit, but otherwise it is very fitting.

Excerpt's from Buddy's Journal

8:00 am -

Dry Cat food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am -

A drink from the bathroom faucet! My favorite thing!

9:40 am -

A nap on Mommy and Daddy's bed! My favorite thing!

10:30 am -

Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm -

Nap Again! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm -

Chased kitty! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm -

Chased my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm -

Nap Again fabulous! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm -

Dinner, dry cat food! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm -

Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm -

Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpt's from Kitty's Diary-

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomited on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Jerks.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

My so called brother Bu-D doesn't seem to get my drift. Even hissing and spitting right in his face doesn't dissuade him.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously not all there.

The Bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.........

House Doctors

When Justin and I move into a house we usually take our time on projects, especially major projects. Mostly, we don't like spending more money than we have, but we also just feel our way onto projects. Meaning - before we get into the house I will draw a detailed furniture layout and storage plan, (and no I'm not kidding) We put those things where I planned them, and then spend the next few months moving them around, till we find the problem areas.

I am a big "form follows function", type of girl. This used to drive my college professors NUTS! They would be telling me to experiment and make it artistic and all that stuff blah, blah, blah. (I did love my teachers though) BUT, in my mind I am thinking "There is no place to store your shoes in that house" or "If I was having a dinner party, there MUST be a guest half bath that doesn't function as a private bathroom, so they can't see my ..uhem.. ointment" OR "That I simple could not store any food in that tiny kitchen, they must have a pantry." I am just far to logical- I could never work with Frank Gehry, although I love and admire his work!!


I started drawing house plans when I was about 8. I used to draw my dream room, both floor plans and elevations. I remember one clubhouse in particular ( couldn't find the plans, or I would have shared them) The storage plans were very detailed. I drew elevations of drawers for colored pencils, another for crayons, and third for paper, (all labeled) and of course I would need a cubbie for the stapler and tape dispenser, and there would need to be doors covering all these cubbies, cuz who wants to see the mess. In fact, I just have to show you two of my favorite floor plans that I drew as a kid.

My 10 yr old self's Dream Room

You'll notice the little labeled boxes for all my important things. Also, over my desk, the special balloon with a stuffed bunny rabbit in it, that was a party favor at Danielle Frank's B-day party and it made quite an impression! A smiling sink, because everyone needs one of those. It seems I would have be sleeping on a board, but at least I have a few pillows and a wall mounted T.V.(I was probably watching Full House)... You get the point.

A Tree House Plan

I actually dreamt about this, and "had to put it down on paper" the next morning. This is a composite of elevations, floor plans, roof plans and a perspective. Man, what talent! I was really tempted to frame this and put it up at senior exhibit as my humble beginnings, back in the day, but I don't think the department head would have been as impressed!




Ah, reminiscing is so,.. FUN.

But, on with the blog...


So our first main project is the Laundry Room/ Pantry. I all of a sudden feel like such an adult, I have an actual pantry. I am a bit of an obsessive food storage shopper- and I like my pantry to look like a grocery store. I need to have a minimum amount of the regular items I use, ( I hate last minute grocery store runs) The cans must be lined up and in logical order... Wait, maybe I have obsessive compulsive disorder?*** But never you mind! If you need to borrow brown sugar, of course I have it, and I know exactly where it is!

There was a lot of wasted space in our laundry room. I cannot stand having wasted storage space, truly one of my biggest pet peeves. Now you should be beginning to understand my need for order. We have a local Habitat for Humanity Restore. I LUFF IT! I get great deals and feel like I am helping those in need because the proceeds go to local building projects and I am recycling.

So far the project has been under 150.00 and we've done a ton! But we are not done yet. This is a "mid-project" post.


The first problem is the door. It opens into the Laundry room, and must be closed in order to get to the washing machine, directly behind the door. Just frustrating!! Also, we are in and out all day, so I would rather just not have the door. But of course there are occasions that I would like to hide the room. The obvious choice is a pocket door. I love these things. You can gain about 10 square feet when you get rid of the door this way. (oh by the way, I am thinking of doing a post call "Where's Buddy" instead of Waldo, he is almost always in the picture "helping out", look for him)

This is an ALL Justin project. I found the cabinets and he did all the work. But I will be taking it from here, so I will do my part too. Here he is removing the door and it's casings.

The man behind the curtain.

This is our easy out for putting in a pocket door. (Keep in mind, this is not a bearing wall.) We take out the most hidden side, stick in the pocket structure thing, then screw it all back in place and voila! We even reuse the original drywall. All in about 2-3 hours.

We removed the single shelf, then we reused it on the other side of the room.

Here is is almost put in place on the other side, a free shelf!! I love reusing things!Here are the cabinets I got at the Restore. The two 42" inch high ones where $38.00 for both and the doors are the same style as my kitchen cabinets next door! AWESOME! The full height, three door unit was $25.00, and we have doors for this as well, but I threw away the disgusting hardware, and will be getting new stuff. Lastly for now, Justin made four adjustable shelves that can hold laundry detergent and cat food in pretty containers. The whole thing will be painted white and we are wrapping crown molding around the top to make it look like one solid unit.

To be continued...

Thankfulness

Happy (late) Thanksgiving

I hope all of you had a great time on thanksgiving day, enjoying family, friends, or at least a day off!

Justin and I headed over to our friend's Matt and Emily's, for a great dinner, we made a few things, including my first Lemon Meringue Pie (my Momma's recipe, the very best ever)! Justin made some Beautiful Rolls, he was trying to channel our friend's the Howell's in North Carolina, but we don't have their recipe so we just used his mother's recipe.

And of course Justin wanted to dress up, to surprise the kids. Then when I jumped on board and actually made him put lipstick on his face he wasn't quite as excited, but I had fun!

At dinner we mentioned three things that we are thankful for so I will try to do the same in no particular order:

First, I am thankful for my family! My sweet husband is the best ever! Such a fun, caring loving man! I adore my parents, both Justin's and mine! Such wonderful people! Of course all of my brothers and sisters, and their adorable children, life would be empty without you!

___

Second, That Justin and I were so taken care of in all our recent changes! We never needed for anything and have been blessed immensely, and are happier than we have ever been. I have never had so much fun in my life, as right now staying home. I make a healthy dinner every night and work on project after project and have been dusting off a few of my dream ambitions, (writing a book-who knows when it will get done, I need to give myself a few due dates)

____

Third, for my Father in Heaven, and the plan that he has for us!

Seal of Approval

F.Y.I.

Justin and I are finally finished with the process and are approved to adopt. We still have a little work to do to get our online profile up and running, But I thought I'd let everyone know, that we are looking for our baby!


If you hear of any young women who are pregnant and considering adoption, feel free to give them our blog and our email address. That way they can find out a little about us, and contact us if they feel comfortable. And, for any young mother looking at this blog, whether you pick us or not, I want you to know that what you are doing is the most supremely kind, and selfless act that one human can give to another. Your child will be the blessing that we (and many others) have waited for all our lives!


I am planning on sending out an email with more details that, (fingers crossed), my friends can email to their friends and family. Because "word of mouth" is the best way to get the info out there! Love y'all!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Life in the 'burbs...

I finally found the pictures of the house, that we took when we first walked through. I thought I would put them up first, so these are the BEFORES! There are definitely more to come of the house as it is now, but give me a few days, (or weeks knowing me)

EXTERIOR

Justin and I like to joke that suburbs look like you live in a garage. "Hi, welcome to my garage, I mean, home!" And here we are living in one of those garages. We are going to have to do some major work to take the attention off the huge necessary monstrosity attached to the very front of our house!

ENTRY & LIVING ROOM

The entry space isn't to bad, I do love the open staircase, although I am going to have Justin make some really nice newel posts, and I need a really cool console table. The living room had a light that hung about 4 feet off the floor, was huge, always in your face and covered with spider webs!

KITCHEN & PANTRY

Here is the kitchen, it looks into the living room, and is connected to the dining room. (basically one huge communal space!) I am excited to rip out the tile! I can't stand it. And, we found out that they laid it on top of the old vinyl, so we can rip it out even easier, then stain the concrete floors!

MASTER SUITE

This is the room where the entire family lived!

To each his own.

BACKYARD

Here you can see where the cooler IS still leaking, the staining it has caused, and the attempt to landscape. Free brick pavers to move around, and reuse, sounds good to me!

SECOND FLOOR:

FAMILY ROOM

This is a great huge space! AND, it's private, so if it is a mess, no one has to know! We now have a whole LOT of wall space, but I really want to only put up our own art and photagraphy. I think it would mean so much more and be much more fun! We'll see what we do!

The Cream?

There is a great walk in closet off of the family room, with room for all that family room type stuff. I LUV closets!

UPSTAIRS BEDROOMS

They all basically look the same,about 11' x 11' with awesome walk in closets!

UPSTAIRS BATH

Boring? Yes, but hey, it's a bathroom, with nothing really ugly!