tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44599384415518563782024-02-21T03:12:56.264-06:00A Bushel and A PeckMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-81598067924216060762013-10-18T15:45:00.001-05:002013-10-18T15:45:29.887-05:00She's Healed with Her SaviorIt's been a week ~ one that I don't wish to re-live. My mom was ushered into heaven on Monday evening and greeted by her Savior. Her fight here was finished. My dad, brothers, and I were by her side. I celebrate her life, fight, and the fact that she is now healed walking on streets of gold. Please continue to pray for my family ~ thank you.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-17417615916850229122013-07-24T23:02:00.002-05:002013-07-24T23:02:23.081-05:00Not Such a Good Time in My LifeTo all my loyal followers ~ Please hang in there and keep following. I'm in the middle of a family crisis and I don't know exactly when it will be over. My mother is dying from brain cancer and all of my free time is dedicated to being with her and helping my father care for her at home. She's been in a battle with this terrible disease for the last 11 years. I've been dealing with all this since March ~ so for now, my blog is in a state of hibernation. If you have a free moment, could you send a prayer or two up for her? <br />
<br />
Thanks so muchMichelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-18355913523021566312013-03-01T10:23:00.000-06:002013-03-01T10:23:50.798-06:00Welcome to the World ~ Decker Tate!Just had to share that one of my best friends welcomed a<span id="goog_304116557"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_304116558"></span> baby boy into their family this week. Decker Tate arrived safely and will be going home today! Congratulations <a href="http://considerit-alljoy.blogspot.com/">Hayley</a> ~ he's a keeper for sure!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-42765793732397295132012-12-17T22:44:00.002-06:002012-12-17T22:45:06.991-06:00In Memory of Those Lives Lost on 12/14/12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhod7tJgRtBD0yzeMoJduXRpbxbjlL1mydZQ6IrO2r4erKlp9cOwSYLr03NKfO5yBe2Qx1cN4XT10tXHVkMHb_wQZ8UZk2rAdVIST0F4z11HzzZa8eIcnq06CyXBHvmMdgI60JNLQN-V54/s1600/day+of+silence+button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhod7tJgRtBD0yzeMoJduXRpbxbjlL1mydZQ6IrO2r4erKlp9cOwSYLr03NKfO5yBe2Qx1cN4XT10tXHVkMHb_wQZ8UZk2rAdVIST0F4z11HzzZa8eIcnq06CyXBHvmMdgI60JNLQN-V54/s320/day+of+silence+button.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-72844177961013699742012-11-16T09:06:00.002-06:002012-11-16T09:06:35.746-06:00I was featured on Stop, Look, & Link!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk5gvWy38UwPBpeEB_VZziaPpYgJf4IbO_eqctaZrNicMyHDuTRsUK7MoRpId1s66sah9j5qi0I4_5rDqdyAfCQ-98mVeYr5g5Rl79PbiikqggY0HT5OQbZz86JRpaLSHw4ji7b0VsrAq/s1600/featured+link+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk5gvWy38UwPBpeEB_VZziaPpYgJf4IbO_eqctaZrNicMyHDuTRsUK7MoRpId1s66sah9j5qi0I4_5rDqdyAfCQ-98mVeYr5g5Rl79PbiikqggY0HT5OQbZz86JRpaLSHw4ji7b0VsrAq/s1600/featured+link+button.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So excited ~ it's my first feature on a link party!!! <br />
<br />
Hop on over to <a href="http://allthingshomie.blogspot.com/2012/11/stop-look-link-party-11-and-features.html">All Things Homie: Stop, Look, & Link</a> ~ check out the projects that are linked up and/or link up your own! There are some amazing things that are shared each week.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-12627055125483612342012-11-07T11:01:00.000-06:002012-11-08T12:47:34.719-06:00Reveal!Election over ~ not even going into how I feel about the outcome. I'm just going to go on with the makeover reveal. If you remember this is what I was working on ~<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGOoKbi343lUOnbWltlVHRVS3UYPh5NRvRGx6WKMoJgRJzIZcFOQ1fOhyphenhyphenZSVkadwx54c4RjefZg7lwJQcSS4nuRqr4m7RwR9zfR_bATRVViKh8UH8DaDpwsNxu_oM8QfkDygA6rrcF3j1/s1600/DSCF0001-011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGOoKbi343lUOnbWltlVHRVS3UYPh5NRvRGx6WKMoJgRJzIZcFOQ1fOhyphenhyphenZSVkadwx54c4RjefZg7lwJQcSS4nuRqr4m7RwR9zfR_bATRVViKh8UH8DaDpwsNxu_oM8QfkDygA6rrcF3j1/s320/DSCF0001-011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Something that I have wanted to use and upcycle for a long time, but just couldn't figure out how. That is until I discovered that it was the perfect size for something that I needed to organize. So out came the spray paint and ta da! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2-_QZ-ZfBKr757Eno7bXaMtiCY9dfKGlIt3gMzdmlDMxx2aHRrdGyM3be6GpqV0rL9TQV3ST0awO8hmKlmcGIY4Q8FVEIakQY76pDe9dwf3gzoaxF0DOfnigIq_S-hZT7eJ7GLZrtbzH/s1600/DSCF0002-007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2-_QZ-ZfBKr757Eno7bXaMtiCY9dfKGlIt3gMzdmlDMxx2aHRrdGyM3be6GpqV0rL9TQV3ST0awO8hmKlmcGIY4Q8FVEIakQY76pDe9dwf3gzoaxF0DOfnigIq_S-hZT7eJ7GLZrtbzH/s320/DSCF0002-007.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A whole new piece of furniture! I really cannot believe how a can of spray paint changed this. It has went from something that I couldn't stand to look at into something that looks like it costs a nice chunk of change. And it fits in this spot perfectly!<br />
<br />
So what am I using it for ~ to organize these that the kids are always using.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdeaH2aj8T-eGU5JoZL7FS9GSyPJGatkPJ52E7yJreqdN1Hjj0taMOCTDLRMRevTmA7fbmWsfdDJ9ZFKoUp5JwqHhQnoqxL1sIKxV3izAkxd2-k4uXak_c4ZCTyAEho0AD-xJtNHr4PrY/s1600/DSCF0003-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdeaH2aj8T-eGU5JoZL7FS9GSyPJGatkPJ52E7yJreqdN1Hjj0taMOCTDLRMRevTmA7fbmWsfdDJ9ZFKoUp5JwqHhQnoqxL1sIKxV3izAkxd2-k4uXak_c4ZCTyAEho0AD-xJtNHr4PrY/s320/DSCF0003-004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Their DVD collection. I've tried keeping it in the entertainment center, in baskets ~ just about anything. However, it always ends up all over the house, empty cases, DVDs in the wrong cases, etc., etc. We are a big movie family and it seems like someone is always watching a DVD. They needed to be easily accessible, but I wanted them to look decent as well. This shelf has saved the day!<br />
<br />
Next week I'm going to try and get back on the Makeover Monday and Finish Friday schedule again. Already working on Mondays project ~ just hoping it will be done by Friday :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Linking Up With ~<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/11/transformation-thursday-no-177.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theshabbychiccottage%2FQsxK+%28The+Shabby+Creek+Cottage%29">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2012/11/162nd-penny-pinching-party.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thethriftyhome%2FazGy+%28*The+Thrifty+Home%29">The Thrifty Home</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://allthingshomie.blogspot.com/2012/11/stop-look-link-party-9-and-features.html">All Things Homie</a>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-57438324461604316772012-11-01T17:38:00.001-05:002012-11-01T17:38:25.188-05:00Makeover mania!So many makeovers to share......so little time to blog! I've got a few spare moments right now and wanted to share the latest project. This is a shelf that was left in one of the homes we have purchased.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGOoKbi343lUOnbWltlVHRVS3UYPh5NRvRGx6WKMoJgRJzIZcFOQ1fOhyphenhyphenZSVkadwx54c4RjefZg7lwJQcSS4nuRqr4m7RwR9zfR_bATRVViKh8UH8DaDpwsNxu_oM8QfkDygA6rrcF3j1/s1600/DSCF0001-011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGOoKbi343lUOnbWltlVHRVS3UYPh5NRvRGx6WKMoJgRJzIZcFOQ1fOhyphenhyphenZSVkadwx54c4RjefZg7lwJQcSS4nuRqr4m7RwR9zfR_bATRVViKh8UH8DaDpwsNxu_oM8QfkDygA6rrcF3j1/s320/DSCF0001-011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I never knew exactly what to do with it ~ it was quite ugly, but sturdy and had lots of decorating space. It's been in many spots since, but it's never looked right anywhere.<br />
<br />
With downsizing into this home, I considered selling it because I just wasn't happy with way it looked. However, I discovered that it is perfect for a specific item that needs a home. The color, or lack of, needed lots of work. So, out came the spray paint again and it's a whole new piece!<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that it will be ready to share tomorrow ~ so you will have to come back to see!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-41390934744297277252012-10-19T14:13:00.000-05:002012-10-19T14:16:28.563-05:00Basement updateIs anyone else wondering where this fall is going?? I can't believe that October is half over. Maybe it's because we spent the first week of October in DISNEY WORLD! It was a great trip ~ our 4th with our kids. We went to celebrate DD 10th birthday (we went last December to celebrate DS 12th). It probably was our most relaxed trip there, no overscheduling this time. Everyone got to do what they wanted, we met some rare characters, and enjoyed Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party (even though it rained). The kids even had their make-up homework done before we left.<br />
<br />
Now it's back to the real world. Before any vacation we take, I always have the main living areas of our home clean, fresh sheets on the beds, all laundry done, etc. It's so nice to come home to a clean home. The basement, however, is a different story. Try as I have, our basements have never been 100% completely organized ~ clean, yes, but cluttered. This new home is no different. It probably hasn't helped that we had to move right after I had surgery and couldn't lift/do stairs for 12 weeks +. Then summer hit and we were at the pool every day possible. Check out my first post about the basement <a href="http://abushelandapeck-frugalfanny.blogspot.com/2012_05_26_archive.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I've been picking at it off and on, trying to purge and re-organize. But I knew that I was going to have to dedicate some serious time to getting thru everything. I've been selling quite a bit of stuff on facebook and my piles are slowly dwindling down. This is what it looked like at the beginning of this week ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5UeVYz4bDPqRyFmcUYRT4nmDwYVnhVvv_pk5kSQBmJRIndhEFdm3S_0zCRivQYzPEgzzfH2V1CvnE6eitAYefoIQZZMRkw6DGTY-lbK9uC1yZ6XgIdDCSxB_CWjbuacP0mx_N15OHVpn/s1600/DSCF0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5UeVYz4bDPqRyFmcUYRT4nmDwYVnhVvv_pk5kSQBmJRIndhEFdm3S_0zCRivQYzPEgzzfH2V1CvnE6eitAYefoIQZZMRkw6DGTY-lbK9uC1yZ6XgIdDCSxB_CWjbuacP0mx_N15OHVpn/s320/DSCF0016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvEhAgSJK2ZfO35WCuUv6jXan0us8z2ixE2Nq5YqbX50maAVdnVipmG7v6J-rADRtOwsb8i_fFrXvCn9f2ANsmE_0veGdPBSroZncqr8J3A0rvj7O1_j6iy6th2qILp2sdrtTXrIVbKtb/s1600/DSCF0017-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvEhAgSJK2ZfO35WCuUv6jXan0us8z2ixE2Nq5YqbX50maAVdnVipmG7v6J-rADRtOwsb8i_fFrXvCn9f2ANsmE_0veGdPBSroZncqr8J3A0rvj7O1_j6iy6th2qILp2sdrtTXrIVbKtb/s320/DSCF0017-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See ~ I told you there was a treadmill in this room!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA_TsRmK_fXnF2XX3SLen3UHGnRArDyVrHAFwMQwaQ8EzFDOA-MzLEqXbkNK_MALR6wK2B7edSU4_o39er4mg9DEXhDN08m9QGfbLS6DHd-jmwHehKWAcYUQ67PMPkLOib1n5oR93xNFb/s1600/DSCF0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA_TsRmK_fXnF2XX3SLen3UHGnRArDyVrHAFwMQwaQ8EzFDOA-MzLEqXbkNK_MALR6wK2B7edSU4_o39er4mg9DEXhDN08m9QGfbLS6DHd-jmwHehKWAcYUQ67PMPkLOib1n5oR93xNFb/s320/DSCF0018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Since the main level is still spic-and-span and it's been rainy the last couple of days, I figured there's no time like the present to tear into it again. Yesterday, I didn't get much accomplished ~ I blame it on pinterest (anyone else hooked on that?). But today, I had the energy and started in again. <br />
<br />
Four hours later, I have emerged unharmed and in one piece. Things are looking better, still not great, but better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob8-GVM2uhrb26Fo_8CVeFoeA3dpMfvwu3G_vA7c5bxOQUQi8hGRjgyWSg9kWPz1rjQZXXql0mYGmqo5c62gJXrE2J9XIBm06oK3e9CK1CmcQtOW9GGGn2qeAJL-cWMaw3topPpf_ncEc/s1600/DSCF0001-009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob8-GVM2uhrb26Fo_8CVeFoeA3dpMfvwu3G_vA7c5bxOQUQi8hGRjgyWSg9kWPz1rjQZXXql0mYGmqo5c62gJXrE2J9XIBm06oK3e9CK1CmcQtOW9GGGn2qeAJL-cWMaw3topPpf_ncEc/s320/DSCF0001-009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hoei3XDGG7ceSUh4i5KAhsu6ELKJfnaqLZ4l1sp9iUCEWf0UURXTRWJcx0diBbnEaxuiInJxUxYUVmlKhPKwnqp9z2t7i4FCfNdME2X36z-suWNiIwptX4o-fcn_s48s1VRHan8UOqLb/s1600/DSCF0002-006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hoei3XDGG7ceSUh4i5KAhsu6ELKJfnaqLZ4l1sp9iUCEWf0UURXTRWJcx0diBbnEaxuiInJxUxYUVmlKhPKwnqp9z2t7i4FCfNdME2X36z-suWNiIwptX4o-fcn_s48s1VRHan8UOqLb/s320/DSCF0002-006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More boxes emptied!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now I have to work thru a new pile upstairs though. I knew if I didn't haul unwanted things upstairs, they wouldn't find their way into new homes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkE4hIz3Odqa0szJZTirbbSIg1Xt73MTYFAZIKoKKgeArZFXwo9kf9AZfk2ETNMMxlUsYBbWAsDH68pDDhsbw5rAZqFk75NYdrANIPIvqEjFYsacvpcgRnTCRAeA7SErISJhCsrmxaqjq/s1600/DSCF0001-010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkE4hIz3Odqa0szJZTirbbSIg1Xt73MTYFAZIKoKKgeArZFXwo9kf9AZfk2ETNMMxlUsYBbWAsDH68pDDhsbw5rAZqFk75NYdrANIPIvqEjFYsacvpcgRnTCRAeA7SErISJhCsrmxaqjq/s320/DSCF0001-010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So guess what I'm doing the rest of the day and tomorrow. I'm hoping that lots more will sell on facebook and to take a trip to Goodwill :)<br />
<br />
Be watching for my next makeover ~ I've got a few to share!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-11517152428230220352012-10-16T14:53:00.000-05:002012-10-24T15:54:29.752-05:00Makeover Reveal!Just wanted to pop in and share the results of my "makeover of a makeover". It turned out so much better than I imagined and I am thanking my lucky stars that this shelf didn't sell on facebook!<br />
<br />
If you remember, this is what it looked like before the first makeover ~<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvvolb35rX_FENwIH9NYFOvkkRunbziO9eqhPBmDJMqX5iHW84ZhVyxIyOLuMJ_SZST54UFv3hYqDH2dLXdTHf0mT5mcSKLLJhl_liifyt6cK6mPgLlz6QNTdG74IgtH3pT16r3-aG6U8/s1600/DSCF0001-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvvolb35rX_FENwIH9NYFOvkkRunbziO9eqhPBmDJMqX5iHW84ZhVyxIyOLuMJ_SZST54UFv3hYqDH2dLXdTHf0mT5mcSKLLJhl_liifyt6cK6mPgLlz6QNTdG74IgtH3pT16r3-aG6U8/s320/DSCF0001-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So very lovely, I know ~ it's hard to believe that I changed it :) However, it didn't scream Americana and really didn't fit in with my prim decor at the time. This is what it looked like after the first makeover ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion6ka3q3CHafBq9tfcMKkapeYABlXqlA9Ext0ZqfeT7Ox8v4WqGvprGjE6bSJ6ywQVX7qBT6wBJdaDuiQTibW9i9qEIheoIARYmuLJ2dfOxcwWziu5dHxV30kXLN7bPwUxknJKK2bslEg/s1600/DSCF0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion6ka3q3CHafBq9tfcMKkapeYABlXqlA9Ext0ZqfeT7Ox8v4WqGvprGjE6bSJ6ywQVX7qBT6wBJdaDuiQTibW9i9qEIheoIARYmuLJ2dfOxcwWziu5dHxV30kXLN7bPwUxknJKK2bslEg/s320/DSCF0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7F323_Tk9vBZVTH_yOPC-5y1DGMt3eSyCztss9YZnbc3G7VcJiEgRfws7j7wuZy8BVHjs0LZWB2PMEvOgeRQwJ0O-DtSTkurOFYOHvpqz4s73qFeToZ-oZxSbC5uPmd_CxSYHmBRH78R/s1600/DSCF0001-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7F323_Tk9vBZVTH_yOPC-5y1DGMt3eSyCztss9YZnbc3G7VcJiEgRfws7j7wuZy8BVHjs0LZWB2PMEvOgeRQwJ0O-DtSTkurOFYOHvpqz4s73qFeToZ-oZxSbC5uPmd_CxSYHmBRH78R/s320/DSCF0001-2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now that we have moved into a smaller home with a different feel to it, I've had to tweak my decor. My colors lean more towards black and colonial red now ~ so this shelf really had no home. I listed it for sale and even at $5.00 no one was interested. The poor thing looked like it was headed back to Goodwill when I had a brilliant idea. Another paint job and a little work with the hammer and ~ TA DA! ~ a whole new shelf, again ~<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Z5bUWmyp3udUQvPqxitpSPGbJ1VMeVxpVQSHzjZRN-zXrEOMws63MFsuCaqm2qVy1K7mbjp-HKOZ2Oak0OHyMXA74lPzadTADcE_5cDNEAEEtXHlEeenZxo9zSaxoFhR96tltQO-Jm3/s320/DSCF0007.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Add a few treasures from our trip to Disney World 2 weeks ago, and it's all set for Halloween~<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV9e__0W7T_KLMlHky7j6NsXKpAuN5J_oPAtIL_-K8xObMSvUsKyglt5xYQ5k6aL8wGskYf5o3A0ShlA-Pyreai9ZAB5kZMNkYlHoLcp0BsxtsYlTPuit7jwGczdcy33xPL3rinyugO0I/s1600/DSCF0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV9e__0W7T_KLMlHky7j6NsXKpAuN5J_oPAtIL_-K8xObMSvUsKyglt5xYQ5k6aL8wGskYf5o3A0ShlA-Pyreai9ZAB5kZMNkYlHoLcp0BsxtsYlTPuit7jwGczdcy33xPL3rinyugO0I/s320/DSCF0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Got to love a can of spray paint, don't you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Linking up with ~<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/2012/10/its-hodgepodge-friday-201241.html">It's A Hodgepodge Life</a></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.vwbblog.com/2012/10/talent-tuesday-way-cool-linky-party_15.html">Vintage Wanna Bee</a></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/10/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_19.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sixsistersstuff%2FTUsn+%28Six+Sisters%27+Stuff%29">Six Sisters' Stuff</a></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2012/10/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no136.html">Coastal Charm</a></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2012/10/160th-penny-pinching-party.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thethriftyhome%2FazGy+%28*The+Thrifty+Home%29">The Thrifty Home</a></span></em>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-38670622327574331502012-10-12T17:38:00.000-05:002012-10-12T17:38:51.204-05:00A "New" Makeover!I'm Back!!<br />
<br />
Let's get right to the makeover ~ Remember this gorgeous shelf I rescued from Goodwill ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvvolb35rX_FENwIH9NYFOvkkRunbziO9eqhPBmDJMqX5iHW84ZhVyxIyOLuMJ_SZST54UFv3hYqDH2dLXdTHf0mT5mcSKLLJhl_liifyt6cK6mPgLlz6QNTdG74IgtH3pT16r3-aG6U8/s1600/DSCF0001-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvvolb35rX_FENwIH9NYFOvkkRunbziO9eqhPBmDJMqX5iHW84ZhVyxIyOLuMJ_SZST54UFv3hYqDH2dLXdTHf0mT5mcSKLLJhl_liifyt6cK6mPgLlz6QNTdG74IgtH3pT16r3-aG6U8/s320/DSCF0001-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I upcycled it to look like this back when we were living in our acreage ~<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion6ka3q3CHafBq9tfcMKkapeYABlXqlA9Ext0ZqfeT7Ox8v4WqGvprGjE6bSJ6ywQVX7qBT6wBJdaDuiQTibW9i9qEIheoIARYmuLJ2dfOxcwWziu5dHxV30kXLN7bPwUxknJKK2bslEg/s1600/DSCF0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion6ka3q3CHafBq9tfcMKkapeYABlXqlA9Ext0ZqfeT7Ox8v4WqGvprGjE6bSJ6ywQVX7qBT6wBJdaDuiQTibW9i9qEIheoIARYmuLJ2dfOxcwWziu5dHxV30kXLN7bPwUxknJKK2bslEg/s320/DSCF0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As much as I loved how this makeover turned out, it just isn't fitting in the new home decor as much as I would like. So I've tried to sell it on facebook, but even at $5.00 no one has bit. It has been sitting in the Goodwill donation pile in the basement for awhile, but it's been rescued once again to have a new life. <br />
<br />
The paint is drying, and I'm patiently waiting.....Can't wait to share the "new" makeover with you!<br />
Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-85171551318024719652012-09-12T13:41:00.001-05:002012-09-12T13:41:05.801-05:00Look Out!! Makeovers Coming Your Way!!So ~ it's been a long 6.5 months since my surgery and my energy is finally making it's come back. With it, my need to get the spray paint out again has returned! Today I dug a can or two out of the basement (which I haven't touched yet) and started in on a couple makeovers. Nothing too big, but has it felt good to be outside re-vamping again. <br />
<br />
Because we've moved into a home that's half the size of our acreage, I haven't purchased anything new. In fact, I've been purging as fast as I can! So for these new makeovers, they will be items that I already have ~ just tweeking them to fit in this home's decor more.<br />
<br />
Now that the kiddos are back in school and I have the energy, I'm going to really tear into the basement. My goal is to have it completely purged and organized by Christmas. So be watching for updates on that as well!<br />
<br />
At some point in time, I would like to share photos of our new home too. I'm still not entirely happy with how I have things arranged, but hoping that with the makeovers in progress I can get things in their right homes.<br />
<br />
So many things I'm hoping to get posted......now if the motivation will just stick around :)Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-63535165836964923652012-07-26T11:45:00.001-05:002012-07-26T11:45:48.237-05:00A Little Disney Trivia!A little more Disney fun! <br />
With the heat wave we've been experiencing (100+ for the last week or so), I've been spending a lot of time on Disney boards researching for our next trip! The kids have been at the pool almost everyday and are so tan. I must admit that I've been spending time there as well and am quite pleased with my glow :)<br />
Once again I thought I would share something that is found in the Magic Kingdom with you today.<br />
<br />
Today's interesting fact is ~<br />
<img height="623" id="il_fi" src="http://simplygoofie.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/goofy-130.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="492" /><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you know that there is a statue of Goofy that says "Well, howdy!" every 30 seconds in the Magic Kingdom? He's located on a bench in front of Tony's Town Square Restaurant. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
We certainly didn't, but he's on our list of "finds" for next trip. Apparently Goofy has been "on vacation" from this spot for the last few years, but has recently returned to greet guests again.Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-13512247560641483412012-07-10T16:40:00.000-05:002012-07-10T16:50:11.445-05:00Scensty Warmer Make-OverSo ~ I've been told that it's been way too long since I've posted anything. This summer has been crazy busy and I just haven't had the time or inspiration to post. However, due to some prodding (thanks Hayley), I will share my Scentsy warmer make-over.<br />
<br />
This was the first warmer I purchased back when we were living on our acreage. The color of the star matched perfectly with our master bath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4mx7fCE1faazDkeBUFZcnnZKtQztNusWGYByVlH-FmK7MeQqtXhy_P50jMSp7RdtMYxGQp-upvA1upVul7u8jwphKe9CPiC0jhZUZONG4u9Zeo5SVU9GdFFbU3zM-cQgARQTGkmECQEv/s1600/DSCF0001-007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4mx7fCE1faazDkeBUFZcnnZKtQztNusWGYByVlH-FmK7MeQqtXhy_P50jMSp7RdtMYxGQp-upvA1upVul7u8jwphKe9CPiC0jhZUZONG4u9Zeo5SVU9GdFFbU3zM-cQgARQTGkmECQEv/s320/DSCF0001-007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not so much with the color in our new home. I thought it was destined to a tote in the basement or to be sold. Then I remembered a blog post that I read last year about spray painting a warmer. I decided to give it a try ~ what was the worst that could happen, right? Ruin a $35.00 warmer, that's what! But, I didn't want it to sit unused. <br />
<br />
So I went in search of some high temp spray paint ~ which I found at Menards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1RHPcN-I8IrmBQiiy4cGaZBeZWeBISqRXkr7-imZksCDc16YoZCw0idE9zkgo_sD2YVvNlj8rhlw1BRRjEcynvli4mlmpyN6BDXCGvstJ5D4aDyGHvDXPcHzLHOlYgJ8lR1C-zrtYVVn/s1600/DSCF0002-005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1RHPcN-I8IrmBQiiy4cGaZBeZWeBISqRXkr7-imZksCDc16YoZCw0idE9zkgo_sD2YVvNlj8rhlw1BRRjEcynvli4mlmpyN6BDXCGvstJ5D4aDyGHvDXPcHzLHOlYgJ8lR1C-zrtYVVn/s320/DSCF0002-005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Took it outside and ended up giving it 3 coats. I was worried that it wouldn't stick because the warmer is smooth and shiny, but it didn't have a problem.<br />
<br />
After it completely cooled, I plugged it in and let it warm. Couldn't believe it ~ no bubbling, cracking, flaking ~ nothing! <br />
<br />
So, now I have an all new, one-of-a-kind, Scentsy warmer! I'm sure that painting it voids the warranty, but I could care less about that. It fits in anywhere in the house now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdENzFWj5RXqRxTy_20B2k35KflsN9IskG-zW3bd80sGiQ7Z4AIHMa3YXiUgpVMz6OA29jFnWIEyqD5nM1204NpgbawG5sXlFq0sYoMQZIaYpJGcSk82PQckjb0a9QW7r2ru3J2usNRyjc/s1600/DSCF0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdENzFWj5RXqRxTy_20B2k35KflsN9IskG-zW3bd80sGiQ7Z4AIHMa3YXiUgpVMz6OA29jFnWIEyqD5nM1204NpgbawG5sXlFq0sYoMQZIaYpJGcSk82PQckjb0a9QW7r2ru3J2usNRyjc/s320/DSCF0042.JPG" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm really loving the black. It turned out so well that I tried painting a wall plug-in Scensty warmer that I will post about later.<br />
<br />
Update ~ the basement has sat untouched since my post about it. The kids started summer vacation and my free time went out the window. I'm planning on tearing into as soon as school starts with the goal of having it completely de-cluttered by Halloween :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/2012/07/twice-owned-tuesday.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKKPPhPHogYrVtTfSxwbLQH10JS9JcnvheoFrvowNrI2zNaCE56XH8kloq5kVy0PI0EAjpFgaPVvwUc4pOBuppPtll_5OEjjDqGKymYCmYayupRRgpCmJuM05dzhFeNxyfh7N7w5Vy1DU/s1600/twice+owned+tuesday.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-50979932379647734722012-06-06T11:08:00.002-05:002012-06-06T11:08:23.487-05:00A Little Disney Trivia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I thought that I would start posting a little Disney trivia every week. The kiddos have been spending a lot of time lately researching interesting facts about Disney World. I think they are in withdrawal ~ we went to the World twice last year ~ once in May and once in December. The next trip probably won't be until 2013 sometime, so they are trying to get their fix somehow :)</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="480" id="il_fi" src="http://www.freecomputerwallpapers.net/download/lady_and_the_tramp_wallpaper-320x480.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you know that Lady and the Tramp have put their paw prints in the sidewalk in front of Tony's Town Square Restaurant?</span> </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-17998" height="228" src="http://www.wdwfanzone.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/footprints-goldhaber-300x228.jpg" title="footprints" width="300" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm embarassed to admit that during our 3 family trips, we've never even walked in front of Tony's , let alone looked for the paw prints. However, they have been added to our "find" list for the next trip!</span>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-70168502854027236612012-05-29T20:14:00.000-05:002012-05-31T09:56:54.880-05:00It's another MAKEOVER!Apparently the bug has bitten me lately ~ I have paint all over my hands to prove it! So last week (or maybe it's been 2 already), I gave this mirror an updated look ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-8Cx5o1aBN66ndu9flEKoE1OYhPFNso-f4NANU_slmmgaiQ_r_ZNNb6b8qgLWtSxZDI9oLQVUONpn9Tguug_yI9277XNCa913eFR39wZ8a0ZW7fWGO-91CVlU2XlwdmQT6HPgAUxKHZx/s1600/DSCF0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-8Cx5o1aBN66ndu9flEKoE1OYhPFNso-f4NANU_slmmgaiQ_r_ZNNb6b8qgLWtSxZDI9oLQVUONpn9Tguug_yI9277XNCa913eFR39wZ8a0ZW7fWGO-91CVlU2XlwdmQT6HPgAUxKHZx/s320/DSCF0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nice enough, but kinda boring and didn't fit in with my color scheme anymore.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcanS3DViAmROGG9OGR3SHkwRoSymHYyP2-Mi_0HwJtFNjYBCBAvCG1G5P7pcEqb0aLX2kRJykg0YSF1TMjvTdEAoxy0M5iM3iWjw9pjfxmypqrvQzu6wvYBV26BnCcOU5Wihv199emx-/s1600/DSCF0001-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcanS3DViAmROGG9OGR3SHkwRoSymHYyP2-Mi_0HwJtFNjYBCBAvCG1G5P7pcEqb0aLX2kRJykg0YSF1TMjvTdEAoxy0M5iM3iWjw9pjfxmypqrvQzu6wvYBV26BnCcOU5Wihv199emx-/s320/DSCF0001-002.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Much better!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the time, I had it displayed like this ~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo7_Gl3tmdP3RwrFsn8hQDeS_4Z7nzrghvunPYXEkviApN1_oZcweMTY4hOtnNY4OxpFk8vOXBAf-QwGVW7uWYIibRCZdTjJopTyykvH7Qvb4qM1KyZxFIWqZAs2Pzed5dUoOoTB_H5e9/s1600/DSCF0001-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo7_Gl3tmdP3RwrFsn8hQDeS_4Z7nzrghvunPYXEkviApN1_oZcweMTY4hOtnNY4OxpFk8vOXBAf-QwGVW7uWYIibRCZdTjJopTyykvH7Qvb4qM1KyZxFIWqZAs2Pzed5dUoOoTB_H5e9/s320/DSCF0001-003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was okay, but I wasn't really happy with it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I knew that I wouldn't be leaving here for long. It just didn't pop. However, I decided that it would be fine there until I could figure out what wall to hang it on. DH was a trooper and held that mirror up to every wall in the house (some twice), but it just didn't look right anywhere. I was about to give up and accept the fact that this would be it's home until I was organizing the basement. Two little treasures appeared that gave me a <em>brilliant </em>idea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What were those treasures you ask? Well, here they are ~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7ibqbZjIjKVor0344q-rJMedDd_4hyg1MHOwc4pBv1GwRWdaOVeoM6hpshjjznmHg2IRka5L8UuzgdiUe4Fs7nWmJlKfPRtdhj2CQv2v8oBMt5mIKU9Oj4-Q4RR6yzRYA6Vq5bL_iprO/s1600/DSCF0002-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7ibqbZjIjKVor0344q-rJMedDd_4hyg1MHOwc4pBv1GwRWdaOVeoM6hpshjjznmHg2IRka5L8UuzgdiUe4Fs7nWmJlKfPRtdhj2CQv2v8oBMt5mIKU9Oj4-Q4RR6yzRYA6Vq5bL_iprO/s320/DSCF0002-004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two plain barn stars! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The idea came to mind and I was just hoping that I could make it work. The first thing that needed to be done was a coat of black paint.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPukthyB5G29g36tuYVDqwKbioCRiXO18SrfARoDCsiA93M9qG5JPuI0tw-vT2Bqqwa6wCY-8Kczm-c234WvJsoZus9BxrvHve6Lsk3rVYpoSmfrVAbJi4W5B62Vmm2QQ1xz3ZbP7sKxO0/s1600/DSCF0003-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPukthyB5G29g36tuYVDqwKbioCRiXO18SrfARoDCsiA93M9qG5JPuI0tw-vT2Bqqwa6wCY-8Kczm-c234WvJsoZus9BxrvHve6Lsk3rVYpoSmfrVAbJi4W5B62Vmm2QQ1xz3ZbP7sKxO0/s320/DSCF0003-002.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On their way!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The excitement was building. They still needed a little something. How about these? ~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3MZnAYszZSj77CHTYU2g5clU15IykbAzqpFmTtIYGrkTcL0G7jIjJ4Si77ZU72hQqp0FeZO_b01xpXnCzAQNPvLaTVZYnpAsm-afjHerTkmNzVqrpJUIukEGktdhOH0lsy237zl_NuQ9/s1600/DSCF0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3MZnAYszZSj77CHTYU2g5clU15IykbAzqpFmTtIYGrkTcL0G7jIjJ4Si77ZU72hQqp0FeZO_b01xpXnCzAQNPvLaTVZYnpAsm-afjHerTkmNzVqrpJUIukEGktdhOH0lsy237zl_NuQ9/s320/DSCF0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
DH and my first initials</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Black on black wasn't going to work, so out came the colonial red spray paint. Add a little glue and some time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu39SgeFnMQFhXXPJif8WPwJ_F7k7AipPF1bNuOsrO7f6ZtzNjkJSdbQz1FtUCu8LkZdCncPbKTAd8jsJUlGYbYyMV7z57JH25k7SRVnkLRbom-5Ju08nwNfC6Xw8MtAIf9a-2HO_u1TDU/s1600/DSCF0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu39SgeFnMQFhXXPJif8WPwJ_F7k7AipPF1bNuOsrO7f6ZtzNjkJSdbQz1FtUCu8LkZdCncPbKTAd8jsJUlGYbYyMV7z57JH25k7SRVnkLRbom-5Ju08nwNfC6Xw8MtAIf9a-2HO_u1TDU/s320/DSCF0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv6tf4p-hZxN0FlM18MghfJ2qgyU-fqjQend2J0CMxY1DNYRB3v_2ia2CaszE5DQTW0SkDLs4BNhFvphypQG_2nK1E0uchxH8itYGam3rSkzibpCq4B1-cDkuaBKhzF5Si14xSFHF-yy0/s1600/DSCF0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXv6tf4p-hZxN0FlM18MghfJ2qgyU-fqjQend2J0CMxY1DNYRB3v_2ia2CaszE5DQTW0SkDLs4BNhFvphypQG_2nK1E0uchxH8itYGam3rSkzibpCq4B1-cDkuaBKhzF5Si14xSFHF-yy0/s320/DSCF0005.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Custom monogram barn stars!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The arrangement needed something to finish it off. How about something significant from our lives? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQ636KkEPETmNUWPbEJU2hG6ddECfdagscelHkB-AKwXEhPKtukMxQCXzUijlwqrwMAt19p9I6Vo84XWiHcn1CGh53bxS4i5fFAp5LkEFhnrgy0l-EM0wmNxvzSv1X-6MSWK9UOnw2kE_/s320/DSCF0005.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The year we were married ~ almost 15 years ago!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Put it all together and this is what you get ~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwFXVHhdotOXlA5d3dO-i6958PlpUAEAtAmtFGgEqnVe99ZZ-w6Bd4NcwCs5eGrLvH_eqXWrJ9ZMHFIQyiahrmAodnc-zhtVYV3m8Ki_t5JGwVYZenlWfA4JtTcoOdUwPz7KkdcBxeC7e/s320/DSCF0006.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Perfect!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! Personalized and one of a kind! It was worth digging into the basement for this!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/05/show-me-what-ya-got-76.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: blogspot/lUkHL (Not JUST A Housewife)"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3681" height="125" src="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/linkypartybutton-1.jpg" title="linkypartybutton-1" width="125" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/2012/05/twice-owned-tuesday-party_29.html"><img alt="HOG" src="http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv204/bonniejane03/HOUSEOFGRACEBUTTON-1-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" closure_uid_oi8ka3="5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pcynXiW-3Cx_AWPhlXcs8elgxWpgONlIp6wkt033P4ce0AqUHlUSJFBELLTRcby7O1rgoJCMtT8-B2my7l4UhjVE6y9sUnNTNj-SYDGVxTpeyi9RrR_UYK9rsXqBY6teYs1H2PF9kl8/s320/wgw+button.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Frugal Girls" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt258/frugalgirls/ChicandCraftyFrugalGirls.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/05/transformation-thursday-no-154.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: theshabbychiccottage/QsxK (The Shabby Creek Cottage)"><img alt="shabby creek cottage" border="0" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb119/tightwadtips/SCCTTBadge.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/2012/05/its-hodgepodge-friday-201220.html"><img src="http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz222/baileytouchton/client%20blogs/gay%20vaughn/hodgepodge-friday2.png" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4812186467_7c4547652c_o.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/05/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_18.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sixsistersstuff%2FTUsn+%28Six+Sisters%27+Stuff%29"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/05/whatever-goes-wednesday-118.html"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-43224132922576785572012-05-26T22:59:00.001-05:002012-05-26T23:00:07.389-05:00Beware of the Basement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqG5tYovWLGg7dH5yeb6LvXFLQrPZ8q1kx2On2lyobXDfg-uJu9tUt4uGItXkfHETc5Bxbr9dr6uvvUWiMZMOURSZwnpUDmRYVFrhoJ7fu9OL9MBCrMi2mHzGjyn0EaxzNr_hgAkTFioq/s1600/DSCF0005-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqG5tYovWLGg7dH5yeb6LvXFLQrPZ8q1kx2On2lyobXDfg-uJu9tUt4uGItXkfHETc5Bxbr9dr6uvvUWiMZMOURSZwnpUDmRYVFrhoJ7fu9OL9MBCrMi2mHzGjyn0EaxzNr_hgAkTFioq/s320/DSCF0005-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our basement has been hit by a tornado! Okay ~ maybe not. Maybe it was just a bunch of guys in charge of unloading a moving truck and having no idea how to organize according to labels. I'm beyond thankful to our wonderful friends that helped us move while I was recovering from surgery. However, guys just don't get how to move. These are photos of what our basement looked like today at 6pm. Almost all of the boxes have been unpacked, but everything is scattered all over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRP0JRa_dzX1NSiYc6vCW1GPDeQhhGhNEm_KxMx59bxW8PTcuv16ywThsB-ZQCWJHhYib0MABMWFq66TFwb9MhZTiSxasBuf46m7ZH0L-VrlMa17bhWwxrMmaCcAKHUyiOlh2l6G4CaR3/s1600/DSCF0006-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRP0JRa_dzX1NSiYc6vCW1GPDeQhhGhNEm_KxMx59bxW8PTcuv16ywThsB-ZQCWJHhYib0MABMWFq66TFwb9MhZTiSxasBuf46m7ZH0L-VrlMa17bhWwxrMmaCcAKHUyiOlh2l6G4CaR3/s320/DSCF0006-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The treadmill is hiding somewhere in this photo ~ not really sure where though :) There was no rhyme or reason to where they put anything. Holiday totes are with toy totes, school supply totes are with gift wrapping totes. UGH! I like things in their places at all times, so this has been driving nuts since I've been able to go down the stairs again. Plus, trying to get the upstairs decorated and pulled together has been challenging to say the least.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4iU_qoi82tn5tPal3Ofr2qar70YTSBNtzAi0FBT_BsJwMn9N7fFvO1XN68RzTlJ8gff6iLYQRNCt7HG8gLZbcpiWzlZ2Gg6uQ8tp5ahBuuO9QcuI-4ZIp37C4uA2dLPsGYLkrinUPldv/s1600/DSCF0007-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4iU_qoi82tn5tPal3Ofr2qar70YTSBNtzAi0FBT_BsJwMn9N7fFvO1XN68RzTlJ8gff6iLYQRNCt7HG8gLZbcpiWzlZ2Gg6uQ8tp5ahBuuO9QcuI-4ZIp37C4uA2dLPsGYLkrinUPldv/s320/DSCF0007-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
I wasn't planning on tackling it today ~ the pool opened and I had planned to spend the day soaking in some much needed sun. However, DH went for a motorcycle trip with a friend and DD went camping with a friend. That left DS and me alone (which never happens). So, we decided to have some bonding time ~ we went out for lunch, hit a new bookstore, and then (oh how I love this kid) we spent 2 hours leisurely strolling thru an antiques mall. I didn't have any luck, but he found a Jurassic Park movie book that he didn't have. I did pick up 2 new Disney books at the bookstore though ~ one with Disney World trivia and one about the hidden Mickeys. DS found the original The Lost World in hardcover.<br />
<br />
We got back home late this afternoon and talked about heading over to the pool, but decided it wasn't quite warm enough. So I browsed thru a few of my favorite blogs and started a quick makeover while he dove into the new books. <br />
<br />
Since it was so quiet, I headed to the basement. No time like the present, I figured. It's 5 hours later and I'm just emerging. I've emptied the last few boxes and have separated everything into categories. There's a good size pile for Goodwill and a pile that I'm going to try and sell. I can already tell that I pushed my body's limit too far and will pay for it tomorrow :( I just got on such a roll, I didn't want to quit! But, as I turned off the lights, I felt much better and the basement looks much more open.<br />
<br />
No after photos yet ~ still want to organize more. Maybe tomorrow I'll share a photo of the Goodwill pile at least ~ that's if I can make it down and back up the stairs :)Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-70190995312504962132012-05-24T22:18:00.000-05:002012-05-24T22:18:49.635-05:00Summer is officially here!I'm sitting here<strike> stalking </strike>surfing thru some of my favorite blogs, listening to the sounds of 3 sleeping in the living room. We have a tradition that on the last day of school the kids get to stay up as late as they can watching movies. Well, here it is 10 pm and they are both zonked (as is DH)! I think this is the earliest they have ever caved. I, on the other hand, am wide awake and so thought that I would do a quick post.<br />
<br />
This summer is going to be our busiest yet. Softball practices and games, swim team practices and meets, dance camps, hitting the pool (probably every day now that we live across the street), sleepovers, day trips, county fairs and the state fair ~ it's going to be full! I'm hoping to do a few makeovers, if I can find the time ~ not a lot, as we don't have the room for much, but I can't seem to get them out of my system :)<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to do at least 1 post a week ~ before and after shots of our home, some Disney tips. Maybe even include cleaning out the basement. We had move so fast that DH and some friends had to do all the packing. They also did all the moving and unloading without any direction from me as to where anything went ~ I was pretty much confined to the recliner and unable to move. Needless to say, the basement looks like a war zone. I have been able to get down there and unpack most of the boxes. All the <strike>junk </strike>treasures have been put on the shelving that's down there. I've been trying to sort thru things ~ Goodwill should send me a huge thank you this year ;) Some stuff has been sold. But there is still so much down there that I just need to get thru. My goal is to spend a minimum of 1 hour per day down there ~ we'll see how that goes once things get into full summer schedule next week.<br />
<br />
Keep checking for new posts ~ you'll never know what you're going to find in them!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-74399703802765936492012-05-18T08:47:00.000-05:002012-05-23T11:16:27.208-05:00Finish Friday! And a little Disney savings idea!It's Friday! Both kids are on their way to field trips today and there's only 3.5 days before summer vacation starts. They can't wait for the pool to open ~ we moved to a home that is directly across from the pool :) For the last week, it's been driving them nuts to watch it being filled and all the prep work that's been taking place. I was a bit disgusted when it was first filled ~ the water was totally brown! Now it's finally looking crystal clear and very inviting (especially since the temps have been in the 80s).<br />
<br />
The makeover is completed ~ it felt so good to get that spray paint out again! I'm more than pleased with how it looks.<br />
<br />
Remember what it looked like before ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-8Cx5o1aBN66ndu9flEKoE1OYhPFNso-f4NANU_slmmgaiQ_r_ZNNb6b8qgLWtSxZDI9oLQVUONpn9Tguug_yI9277XNCa913eFR39wZ8a0ZW7fWGO-91CVlU2XlwdmQT6HPgAUxKHZx/s1600/DSCF0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-8Cx5o1aBN66ndu9flEKoE1OYhPFNso-f4NANU_slmmgaiQ_r_ZNNb6b8qgLWtSxZDI9oLQVUONpn9Tguug_yI9277XNCa913eFR39wZ8a0ZW7fWGO-91CVlU2XlwdmQT6HPgAUxKHZx/s320/DSCF0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a nice navy blue mirror ~ quite plain and boring. Plus it didn't fit in with the new home's decor. So I used some creativity and turned it into this ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcanS3DViAmROGG9OGR3SHkwRoSymHYyP2-Mi_0HwJtFNjYBCBAvCG1G5P7pcEqb0aLX2kRJykg0YSF1TMjvTdEAoxy0M5iM3iWjw9pjfxmypqrvQzu6wvYBV26BnCcOU5Wihv199emx-/s1600/DSCF0001-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcanS3DViAmROGG9OGR3SHkwRoSymHYyP2-Mi_0HwJtFNjYBCBAvCG1G5P7pcEqb0aLX2kRJykg0YSF1TMjvTdEAoxy0M5iM3iWjw9pjfxmypqrvQzu6wvYBV26BnCcOU5Wihv199emx-/s320/DSCF0001-002.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
Add some <em>colonial red</em> spray paint and a black metal G ~ it's a whole new piece! It adds such a nice pop of color and goes so well with everything. I almost (although I can't believe I'm admitting it) donated it to Goodwill when we were moving because I didn't think I could use it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis265fJr515MG2jWwG7__AtgqaPDTnH_u859JRZ_5CaCyo0voDP_0d6UVgob5gxL2ppgoO_46dl0eI5t9joP1XFFtcRxghGwRALvGWJu_D0T44hjYyBfRA9hAmMiNP00wFxGQPNhzPYA-/s1600/DSCF0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis265fJr515MG2jWwG7__AtgqaPDTnH_u859JRZ_5CaCyo0voDP_0d6UVgob5gxL2ppgoO_46dl0eI5t9joP1XFFtcRxghGwRALvGWJu_D0T44hjYyBfRA9hAmMiNP00wFxGQPNhzPYA-/s320/DSCF0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's how I have it displayed for the time ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo7_Gl3tmdP3RwrFsn8hQDeS_4Z7nzrghvunPYXEkviApN1_oZcweMTY4hOtnNY4OxpFk8vOXBAf-QwGVW7uWYIibRCZdTjJopTyykvH7Qvb4qM1KyZxFIWqZAs2Pzed5dUoOoTB_H5e9/s1600/DSCF0001-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo7_Gl3tmdP3RwrFsn8hQDeS_4Z7nzrghvunPYXEkviApN1_oZcweMTY4hOtnNY4OxpFk8vOXBAf-QwGVW7uWYIibRCZdTjJopTyykvH7Qvb4qM1KyZxFIWqZAs2Pzed5dUoOoTB_H5e9/s320/DSCF0001-003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's sitting on top of the entertainment center in the family room along with our Disney savings jars. One for me, one for DH, one for DS, one for DD, one for gas, and one for food. That's an idea I snagged from pinterest :) The kids are allowed to put whatever money they want into the jars (money from birthdays, Christmas, etc.). They can then use the money for their souvenirs ~ we usually buy their special one (or in other words, the expensive one).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnI5A2uFBnKG-N78Nu3hUHSdt4A9ugTkQybjM-FZavcnd_l3SjNcXOYa66RN7Sv145CLLlFn6Fl7DkRDpueqW8y8H8eHZhww6HoXBt6rmT6IqFtF57iYhZV8ULS-jyrEP19CYYYMRwJ0_/s1600/DSCF0001-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnI5A2uFBnKG-N78Nu3hUHSdt4A9ugTkQybjM-FZavcnd_l3SjNcXOYa66RN7Sv145CLLlFn6Fl7DkRDpueqW8y8H8eHZhww6HoXBt6rmT6IqFtF57iYhZV8ULS-jyrEP19CYYYMRwJ0_/s320/DSCF0001-004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We give them opportunities to earn Disney dollars through different things ~ chores, trying new foods (for our picky eater), when we "catch" them doing nice things for each other/us, etc. DH and I "earn" our money from each other too. We have decided not to buy cards or gifts for each other, but instead put that money in one of the other 4 jars. Any spare changes goes in as well.<br />
<br />
We just started doing this after we settled in to our new home, so there's not a lot of money in them yet. Although DD did empty my change jar into hers and DS :) So they have a little start. But, since we probably won't be heading back to the World for a year, there's plenty of time to fill 'em up!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/2012/05/its-hodgepodge-friday-201220.html"><img src="http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz222/baileytouchton/client%20blogs/gay%20vaughn/hodgepodge-friday2.png" /></a><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nv-craftenvy.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4812186467_7c4547652c_o.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/05/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_18.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sixsistersstuff%2FTUsn+%28Six+Sisters%27+Stuff%29"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" /></a><br />
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/2012/05/chic-and-crafty-party-517.html"><img alt="The Frugal Girls" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt258/frugalgirls/ChicandCraftyFrugalGirls.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/05/whatever-goes-wednesday-118.html"><img border="0" closure_uid_oi8ka3="5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pcynXiW-3Cx_AWPhlXcs8elgxWpgONlIp6wkt033P4ce0AqUHlUSJFBELLTRcby7O1rgoJCMtT8-B2my7l4UhjVE6y9sUnNTNj-SYDGVxTpeyi9RrR_UYK9rsXqBY6teYs1H2PF9kl8/s320/wgw+button.jpg" /></a></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-21576378090914931752012-05-15T14:03:00.000-05:002012-05-15T14:03:40.132-05:00A Makeover!!!!Most of the boxes are unpacked ~ a lot has found it's way to Goodwill. However, there are still a few makeovers to be found :) <br />
<br />
When we purchased this home, it needed a LOT of updating. The good news was we had time to do it ~ the acreage had not sold so we didn't have to move yet. The old wool carpet was pulled out, the stuck-on tile was chiseled out, new paint in every room, new light fixtures hung. <br />
<br />
I decided to go a different way in decorating this home. While I still like the prim look, it just doesn't "fit" in this house. So I went with a color called <em>cork </em>for all the walls, ceilings, and woodwork. Yes ~ we painted the ceilings and workwood all the same color as the walls. We cut our living space in half and felt that by painting everything the same color, it would open the space up and give more of a flow to the house. Loving it! <br />
<br />
I'm using black for most of the accessories with just a hint of red here and there. I took my inspiration from a pip berry garland that I have. So I've been busy painting picture frames and anything else that I have displayed black ~ mostly gloss. I didn't think I would like the shine of gloss, but it is giving everything a nice finish. <br />
<br />
Because I don't have as much display room, I've been downsizing and downsizing all my "pretties". Plus with everything that happened during my surgery, I have found myself <em>craving</em> anything with a connection to our family ~ photos, artwork, etc. Everything that I had out at the acreage just doesn't seem to matter to me anymore. As I've been unpacking them, I don't want to display them and just want to get rid of them. I have always loved displaying DS and DD artwork, but now that's about all I have on the walls besides photos. There is just something about doing this that makes our home so cozy!<br />
<br />
I came across a window frame mirror that I have had for years in one of the boxes and an idea came to me on how I could incorporate it into our home. It was a glossy navy blue and needed some updating. <br />
<br />
Here's the before ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-8Cx5o1aBN66ndu9flEKoE1OYhPFNso-f4NANU_slmmgaiQ_r_ZNNb6b8qgLWtSxZDI9oLQVUONpn9Tguug_yI9277XNCa913eFR39wZ8a0ZW7fWGO-91CVlU2XlwdmQT6HPgAUxKHZx/s1600/DSCF0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-8Cx5o1aBN66ndu9flEKoE1OYhPFNso-f4NANU_slmmgaiQ_r_ZNNb6b8qgLWtSxZDI9oLQVUONpn9Tguug_yI9277XNCa913eFR39wZ8a0ZW7fWGO-91CVlU2XlwdmQT6HPgAUxKHZx/s320/DSCF0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left">
It's painted, now I'm just waiting for it to dry to finish it up. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to post the finished project!</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-76644860944429759102012-05-09T17:12:00.003-05:002012-05-09T17:12:31.702-05:00The Last 11 WeeksWhere to start? 11 weeks ago ~ Feb. 20 to be exact, I went in for a scheduled hysterectomy. It was a Da Vinci (robotic) which was to take about 2 hours. I would stay overnight, go home, and be back to normal in about 2 weeks.<br />
<br />
Well ~ my dr. was about 90% done with about 15 minutes to go when something seriously went wrong. The assisting dr. hit and cut my inferior vena cava. In a matter of seconds, it went from routine to life-threatening. My dr. basically put his finger in the cut and waited until the general surgeon could get in the OR. Thankfully, the best general surgeon was there and within a few more seconds, he had the vein sutured up. My dr.'s nurse told me when I was back in a week later to have the staples removed that the room went from having 4-5 people in to being jammed packed.<br />
<br />
I ended up in the ICU for 2.5 days and in the hospital for 6, had to have 7 units of blood transfused, and instead of 4 small incisions, came home with those 4 plus a vertical abdominal incision that is about 9 inches long, all held together with staples. I also had 30 pounds of fluid weight from all the ivs and transfusions. To say I was sore would be an understatement.<br />
<br />
Two weeks after surgery, I began running a temperature of 102.5 and knew something was wrong. I ended up having a CT scan. It showed that everything appeared to look good and that the vein was healing properly. So my dr. diagnosed it as an infection somewhere and I found myself back in the hospital ~ thankfully just overnight ~ to pump antibiotics into my system. Went back home and was on meds for 7 days.<br />
<br />
In the middle of all this, we accepted an offer on our acreage and moved! A bit crazy? I blame it on my pain meds, DH doesn't know what to blame it on :)<br />
<br />
Both drs. told me that had I been older or not in good health, I won't have made it. I still get a little emotional when I think about that. I can't put into words how my heart feels knowing God was there holding me and guiding their hands to save me. The pain is getting less every day and I'm learning to live with the scar. I have good days and bad days ~ but am so thankful to still be here.<br />
<br />
So, please forgive the lapse in posts ~ I'm going to try to get back at it again. I've got lots to share about Disney and a whole house full of new rooms to decorate!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-76274896835036720602012-02-14T00:46:00.000-06:002012-05-15T14:04:00.812-05:00Change of Direction!First, I want to thank all my followers that have not dropped me. It's been awhile since my last post ~ I've wanted to sit and write, but inspiration hasn't. The prim makeovers were fun, but I have too many and have, in fact, started to downsize my collection. Dusting all those prims is not so much fun :( I've kept all the family heirlooms and just a few of my favorites ~ otherwise the rest have moved on to be loved by someone else.<br />
<br />
That's not the only change I've made. After months of prayer and thought, we resigned as Sunday School teachers. It was a tough decision, but we do feel it was the right thing to do. Our hearts were not in a good place and that wasn't fair to the kids. It's been nice to attend adult class and have our souls fed and re-fueled.<br />
<br />
So, for the next change! Now that the prim makeovers are in the past, I need a new focus for my blog. What a better time to share another love of mine. It started a little over 3 years. The kids were at a perfect age, DH and I had been discussing it for about a year when the postcard arrived in the mail. A deal so great that even he couldn't pass it up! That was the beginning of our love for a certain mouse :)<br />
<br />
I invite you to join me on this journey as I share our adventures, tips, secrets, and fun in a land where dreams really do come true!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJImBnveAicc6VgvyA-D_aPe4Kj5pOz869vBZ54kozTFQnY7IE53UDDAn2ruY4V90i4K4J6hIIcETXoum2Mwrve5QM7bWQPITpW87Bz5NtVMrqnuNXpeW98gv4ywA6KHUEVjBMs8jC1KMI/s1600/mickey-mouse.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJImBnveAicc6VgvyA-D_aPe4Kj5pOz869vBZ54kozTFQnY7IE53UDDAn2ruY4V90i4K4J6hIIcETXoum2Mwrve5QM7bWQPITpW87Bz5NtVMrqnuNXpeW98gv4ywA6KHUEVjBMs8jC1KMI/s320/mickey-mouse.gif" width="225" /></a></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-72894663599891687132011-11-02T11:15:00.000-05:002011-11-02T11:15:09.657-05:00Life Moves Along Too Quickly!Halloween has come and gone ~ Thanksgiving will be upon us before we blink!<br />
<br />
I haven't posted in some time due to many factors. Sick kids, busy schedules, Jack being diagnosed with brain cancer and trying to help the family anyway I can, etc., etc.<br />
<br />
During this time, I've been de-cluttering the basement ~ again ~ and have made the decision to end my makeovers. I just have too much stuff! The stuff is beginning to take over my life and I don't like it. There are so many other things that I want to fill my life with. So, if I lose some of my followers, that's okay. I plan on posting about life stuff now ~ prayer requests, kids, how the Lord is working in my life, friends, etc.<br />
<br />
I want to thank those that will stay with me through this change. I appreciate all the comments that have been left and did have fun with the makeovers. It's just time to move on!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-5170352760155410082011-09-27T22:55:00.000-05:002011-09-27T22:55:30.011-05:002 Sick Kiddos = No Makeover This WeekJust a quick post ~ both kiddos are down with bronchitis. I was hoping it was a bad case of allergies, but turns out to be worse. Started meds today, hoping that DH and I don't catch it!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-73177035847281415382011-09-24T17:59:00.003-05:002011-09-24T18:01:28.674-05:00Goodwill Goodie Finish Friday .....er... Saturday :)Somehow yesterday got away from me and I didn't get my post up! I traveled up north to have lunch with DH and stopped on the way home to do a little shopping. The kiddos are trying to decide what to be for Halloween ~ actually DS is debating whether he is too old this year, you know, he's in middle school now :) DD, at the moment, has picked Angelica from the Pirates of the Caribbean 4. I think that it might have something to do with the fact that she met "her" at Disney World in May. First she was all about being Rapunzel (she also met her), then quickly decided that it had to be Angelica. Luckily, I have found a costume in her size ~ not thrilled about buying a pre-made costume as I grew up having my mom make all our costumes. But I have tried to put one together at Goodwill and haven't had much luck. Plus GW seems to keep raising their prices, so by the time I would get all the necessary pieces, the costume would actually be the cheaper way to go. If DS decides that he isn't too old, he's going as Captain Jack Sparrow. No luck on finding a costume in his size. Boys end at size 10-12 and then jumped to an adult size large. So I'm searching for pieces. I've found a hat, wig with beads and all, and a shirt. His may not be as "authentic" as her, but I'm trying!<br />
<br />
The weather took a turn for the cool, but it sounds like next week we could be back into the high 70s, low 80s. Oh how I love fall!<br />
<br />
Onto this week's makeover! If you remember from <a href="http://abushelandapeck-frugalfanny.blogspot.com/2011/09/goodwill-goodie-makeover-monday.html">Monday's post</a>, this is what I upcycled (I guess that's the proper term to be using!) ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL7-KB72hzVvmtIlqG20TocaaH2n_EGgwqoDdCABCasoQESSXE6pGMSnqYtm7F_8c_z-bgAtpB5-cqPky_7vKHgQaWsX4P6D5rnTVLqL6r82PPj3St1sCJm6MMtHx72iIsBTYyiF2MrhB/s1600/DSCF0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL7-KB72hzVvmtIlqG20TocaaH2n_EGgwqoDdCABCasoQESSXE6pGMSnqYtm7F_8c_z-bgAtpB5-cqPky_7vKHgQaWsX4P6D5rnTVLqL6r82PPj3St1sCJm6MMtHx72iIsBTYyiF2MrhB/s320/DSCF0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Quite a few bloggers that I follow have done these and I was so happy when I finally found one. So many possibilities! I love decor like this ~ you can move it from place to place and re-purpose it without much work!<br />
<br />
Here's what it looks like now ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiqT2tLQvoBiGKcA_ALWDun1JKS_dYcgg_H9QWNYG1Jg2Sr0h3h2jz21r2oETfbSuKhl6WZ15sUgENrIlhM8fYY7EWf8D96_EXdqvLSpXkwAm2ni-UwqHNMo5KptFyJh_66ZhXbxNtdIs/s1600/DSCF0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiqT2tLQvoBiGKcA_ALWDun1JKS_dYcgg_H9QWNYG1Jg2Sr0h3h2jz21r2oETfbSuKhl6WZ15sUgENrIlhM8fYY7EWf8D96_EXdqvLSpXkwAm2ni-UwqHNMo5KptFyJh_66ZhXbxNtdIs/s320/DSCF0014.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And add a few finishing touches for fall and you have ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEzOzfvaGSchoPSxCogjVcJZxDwkdhA6U1AYi1UeZp6ZcLjhzq0By8T_Ada0f9kK0gGvcD5NkjufbXnbeDBe9yPJMEzHQ3NCnRURe6u-L6p_Nzz_CknfyU5Pu7DT67TZf1bqjN0HmHyEf/s1600/DSCF0015-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEzOzfvaGSchoPSxCogjVcJZxDwkdhA6U1AYi1UeZp6ZcLjhzq0By8T_Ada0f9kK0gGvcD5NkjufbXnbeDBe9yPJMEzHQ3NCnRURe6u-L6p_Nzz_CknfyU5Pu7DT67TZf1bqjN0HmHyEf/s320/DSCF0015-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6uyFc4MPW1LY8Q-W3iykjii3i5aTg8hInxZIT4m1qwXvf9u9OMRNL2_LT60QZWRPfC3h0yTHxDMpR10yPQCu7CpLHIFQjzhs3y-K918dT5smY7CZKJWXb_fb50oq537QEasjzgHJiolx/s1600/DSCF0016-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6uyFc4MPW1LY8Q-W3iykjii3i5aTg8hInxZIT4m1qwXvf9u9OMRNL2_LT60QZWRPfC3h0yTHxDMpR10yPQCu7CpLHIFQjzhs3y-K918dT5smY7CZKJWXb_fb50oq537QEasjzgHJiolx/s320/DSCF0016-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMuRoRfc91xrRT1JaiVw2X_eWhtcj9waA12SjJRYtBuEO2DU2GL5PHIZCsNK7uj9CFRrjJpg0dEUGCU4zdZg7_seuAz-7ONZlkBf2vz4estSnywWoe-6mYzozf-EpqwcTP_JQg5WA8Fpm/s1600/DSCF0015-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMuRoRfc91xrRT1JaiVw2X_eWhtcj9waA12SjJRYtBuEO2DU2GL5PHIZCsNK7uj9CFRrjJpg0dEUGCU4zdZg7_seuAz-7ONZlkBf2vz4estSnywWoe-6mYzozf-EpqwcTP_JQg5WA8Fpm/s320/DSCF0015-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb_hHcA872k6CCsEMc96QQF0sLVqUtlc4loxbx3oWluqbTuHzZsc0SdiXpgSBjwmowTw8Vv7C22uQXyMy3efJpXOOph0-VgJk50_XU72qvvLOygh8OXO8su19IiFLv3krpDag4BTF8S3D/s1600/DSCF0016-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb_hHcA872k6CCsEMc96QQF0sLVqUtlc4loxbx3oWluqbTuHzZsc0SdiXpgSBjwmowTw8Vv7C22uQXyMy3efJpXOOph0-VgJk50_XU72qvvLOygh8OXO8su19IiFLv3krpDag4BTF8S3D/s320/DSCF0016-2.JPG" width="316" /></a></div><br />
Never knew you could transform a cheese plate into a piece of versatile decor, did you?!? <br />
<br />
Not sure what will be up next on Monday ~ have to take a look around and see what I feel needs some new life breathed into it! Leave a comment and be sure to visit again on Monday!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4459938441551856378.post-36163628773771142462011-09-19T11:51:00.000-05:002011-09-19T11:51:41.298-05:00Goodwill Goodie Makeover MondayHow can September be half over already??? We have been experiencing great fall weather lately ~ it was in the 90s last Monday and then dropped into the 70s. Mornings have been a bit chilly, but I'll take it. Even though I love the hot temps of sun, fall is my absolute favorite time of the year ~ the smells of harvest hanging in the air, the vibrant colors of the trees, delicious aromas coming from the kitchen, the cozy glow of candles. It's also when I seem to have the most energy to de-clutter and get those makeovers done. <br />
<br />
Today I'm heading back into my pile of goodies. I have seen a lot of these type of makeovers and couldn't ever seem to find one to try. However, over the summer I snagged one. So this week, I'll be working on this ~<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL7-KB72hzVvmtIlqG20TocaaH2n_EGgwqoDdCABCasoQESSXE6pGMSnqYtm7F_8c_z-bgAtpB5-cqPky_7vKHgQaWsX4P6D5rnTVLqL6r82PPj3St1sCJm6MMtHx72iIsBTYyiF2MrhB/s1600/DSCF0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL7-KB72hzVvmtIlqG20TocaaH2n_EGgwqoDdCABCasoQESSXE6pGMSnqYtm7F_8c_z-bgAtpB5-cqPky_7vKHgQaWsX4P6D5rnTVLqL6r82PPj3St1sCJm6MMtHx72iIsBTYyiF2MrhB/s320/DSCF0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Not only am I going to be getting back to that pile, I'm getting back on the treadmill (finally!). I thought that once school started, I would be able to get back into <em>my</em> rountines. It seems like something has always come up to keep the treadmill on the to-do list. But, today is the day. So I'm off to get the running shoes on! I'll leave you with the latest update on my buddy Jack ~<br />
<br />
<em><div class="Section1"> <em><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">(Sunday) No specific update tonight. Jack is resting soundly. His shunt is performing just as it should. They are currently trying to wean him off of the blood pressure regulating medication that he has been receiving since the surgery to remove his tumor. If they can do that, then he can move out of the PICU and down to the standard Ped's floor. (But between you and me, we're in no hurry to leave the PICU - - the kids here receive excellent one-on-one care, and seeing as he is still having some difficulty with his sight, swallowing, and the use of his left arm, I think he'd be better off staying up here a bit longer!)</span></span></i></em><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<em><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">We created a CaringBridge website for Jack....the web address is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackconlon1. However, I don't think you'll find anything there that you haven't already read here on FB. (We did put up some pictures of him, though!) But, if you know of someone who does not have a FB account, feel free to pass that site onto them - we'll try to update that as often as we do FB.</span></span></i></em><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<em><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you all for your continued prayers - - we'll take all we can get, as Jack's fight has only just begun!</span></span></i></em><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<em><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">God bless you all. ~ Nikki</span></span></i></em><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></em>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13455448599172704107noreply@blogger.com1