A Place Of My Own

My inspiration...my bedroom

2011-09-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

I've been without bedroom furniture for quite awhile. My last "set" (wasn't a set) was literally falling apart and so we decided to toss it when we moved, thinking that we'd have new stuff very soon. Well, that's not going to happen anytime soon. So I decided, that I wasn't living in a dull room anymore...with blank walls, and flat paint, and no pretty bedding or curtains...it was a DIY project.

Here was some of my inspiration.
Headboard: I googled DIY Rustic Headboard, and this is what I found...

I really liked it...and it was super cheap to do...my husband was skeptical..(typical male, eh?)

Decor:

I loved the letters above this bed...and the headboard for that fact, but I didn't think I could get the hubs to build me a mantle.
I love white decor but I always go back to color...for one thing, white would not stay white with my boys. I saw a definition the other day to describe boys. Boys: noise with dirt on it. haha! So true!

Anyway, here is the finished product.

I should have taken a full view with the bedding...

Not sure why this looks so "sharp". Anyway, here's a close up of my 15 dollar headboard~!

I bought 3, 1x6x10's and had them cut in half.

Painted them black and sanded them down to distress them. Easy Peasy!

Lime green shelf, painted white and dry brushed for distress.

Got the big & on clearance at Hobby Lobby because it was shattered for 3 dollars.

I put duck tape of the shattered part and patted gold metallic paint over it!

Painted the J and A.

All in all, it was a pretty cheap update. I was able to get the bedding at Stein Mart 43 dollars! Tax included. It is an 8 piece set, and I still need to get Euro pillows for 2 shams. Coupons are awesome~!!

I'm loving the fact that I can leave my bedroom door open now and it looks like a bedroom and not a room with a bedframe in it! Now, I just need to build a chest of drawer and dresser and I'll be all set! haha!

Signs of fall...

2011-09-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

My mom came over last week. She is so talented. She took all my fall decor out and made something beautiful with it. Here's a peek.

Fireplace. My mom painted and distressed the frame for me. It will be hanging on the wall, when my husband gets back from Mexico.

I got these candles holders from a garage sale for free, because they didn't sale! yay me!

Love this. (pardon the dust)

Mom and I made "BOO" blocks! Her's are even better!

My 8X10 of my gorgeous boys!

Such a nifty idea!!

Bumpy "punkins"! Gotta love em!

Entry way table

Kitchen hutch...that's a polka dot pumpkin up there!

Antique-y Halloween sign

This sums it all up!!

Busy weekend.

2011-08-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Along with repainting the boys bathroom, I took down the dreadful dull wall paper in their room and painted their room also. It had the original flat yellowish color on the walls and was really dirty looking. The color I picked out was Gliddon's Honey Beige. I am still looking for them some matching bedding for their bunk beds. I can't find anything I really like.

When I find some bedding I'll put before and after pictures up of the whole room!

In these changin' times.

2011-08-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry. I am super indecisive. I decided I hated the turquoise bathroom. It actually looked way better in pictures than it did in person. So, I repainted it...(also Jonathan helped b/c come to find out, he didn't like it either) So I went with green. I am much happier with it. It's not too "bold" like the turquoise. That's the beauty of paint. If you don't like it- DO IT OVER!

The color looks a little off in these pictures...the last picture is probably truest to color.

I just remembered...

2011-08-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

I never posted pictures of the boy's bathroom after I got their shower curtain in! It's hard to take a good picture in a small space, but you get the idea.

One view

Shopping at my moms...

2011-08-06T21:57:00.000-07:00

I've been "shopping"...at my moms. She has so many wonderful things she isn't using, so I take them. I'm trying to add to my kitchen table and I have something envisioned, but I need more stuff!!!

I got the black chairs from my brother with the intention of painting them.

But I decided I liked them black!

I moved the menu and put up the old chalkboard for Chantry's school work

The candle, and adorable vase I got from my mom.

Another view...the table runner is from Target. It's kind of a jute type runner.

I took home this table from my mom's...and painted it black. I put it in my entry way where I used to have the green table.

I also took this cool mirror shelf from my mom...she used to have it in her bathroom, but she recently got a new bathroom and changed out all her decor!

Answering the call...

2011-07-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

The voice starts out small...just a whisper. It's so faint, you think it's your imagination. You block it out. Ignore the call. Over time the voice gets louder. Still you shut it out. Maybe someone else will answer the call. More time goes by. Then the time comes that you have to make a decision. You are standing before that open door, and the voice screams out your name. That's when you know...

It's time to clean out the refrigerator.

Menu: Eggplant

2011-07-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

This beauty came out of my mom's http://katydidskountrylife.blogspot.com/

garden. I had never tasted eggplant before so I decided to give it a whirl.

Ingrediants!

I was surprised at how fast the eggplant turned brown when I started slicing it!

I drudged the eggplant in flour, salt, and pepper. Then dipped them in egg. The coated them in Panko breadcrumbs, mixed with Parmesan cheese! Into the oven to bake at about 375.

This is what they look like when they get all crispy. The really green ones in the back are zucchini that I made the same way.

I served it over spaghetti, with the zucchinis on the side.

Honestly, I wasn't impressed with eggplant. It was rather bland. I would probably never grow it. It seemed rather tasteless, even with all the coating. I prefer my squash and zucchini made this way. I could eat them everyday! You could always fry them instead of baking them, too!!

Project:Paint

2011-07-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to bite the bullet and paint my kid's bathroom. I love color so I went with a turquoise shade with a mocha glaze over it. I got a little nervous that I wouldn't like it before I added the brown glaze, but now I'm in love!! I have a cowhide shower curtain ordered, so hopefully it will be here soon!! Enjoy!

I found this sign at AOTH on Friday for only 5 bucks! I still need a fancy towel for my rack.

Got this awesome picture at AOTH on Friday, too! Love it!

View of the sink...I fancied up those soap dishes and dispensers awhile back.

Got this awesome piece at AOTH, and decided it would make an awesome handtowel rack!

Freedom Weekend

2011-07-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome 4th of July weekend this year! We went to watch some fireworks in Kiefer, OK on the 3rd. They were pretty good...it rained on us just a little bit, but not too bad. I got to see my sister get yelled at by a cop...which was fantastic. Then we stayed the night at the Bunderosa...got up to a huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits, and gravy, with homemade strawberry jam. We spent some time doing firecrackers with the boys...cooked up some squash and zucchini with Panko breadcrumbs, just to see how it tasted, took a nap, grilled burgers, and then watched our annual firework show put on my my husband and brother!! It was a full weekend that went by way to fast. I love my family so much!

Jonathan and I on Sunday morning. He preached our 4th of July message at church!

Me and my kiddos at the fireworks...it was kinda windy

Chantry having fun with the smoke bombs.

Brothers- Chantry told me that him and Chase were "best friends, because when we hit, we forgive"

I'm sure Chase was telling me "No no no no" here.

One of the few good pictures I got of the home show.

A Few New Things

2011-07-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

My mom bought me this awesome chicken on a road trip in Kansas. I love it!!

I name her Henny Penny.

Right now she sits on top of my hutch, urging people to EAT!

These are my canisters, I have had them for awhile. Love the colors!

And my latest...the white rooster..love this!!!

Busy!

2011-05-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry once again, it's been awhile. I have been keeping up with my little gardens and trying to whip this place into shape for Jonathan's graduation party and our company we are having this weekend...

Painting...

Before- White shutters and door

After- Black shutters and door! I love it!

A little closer image

Next I added a few things to my kitchen. It really irks me that I can't seem to get

a good picture of my kitchen...something about the red makes my

pictures turn out bad, so believe me when I say it's looking

amazing in person.

I added some greenery, I need way more!!!

And this menu. It's so cute, kinda country, but perfect!

The Ungraceful Gardener

2011-05-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a little gardening....I'm sure it's not much to my parents who have a ginormo garden...but I wanted to try my hand at it this year. I have 4- 4x8 areas.

I have squash, zucchini, tomatoes, banana peppers, bell peppers, cucumbers, okra, sweet basil, and cilantro.

Two teeny tomatoes.

You may be wondering about the title " The Ungraceful Gardener". It's because every single time I been out working in it, I have bit the dust!!! I have tripped over anything and everything, much to my children's delight, I might add. At least they get a kick out of it. One of these days, I may learn to walk.

It was a Hoppy Easter!

2011-04-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

Took the kiddos to an egg hunt on Saturday!

Didn't take Chase long to catch on!

Showing the loot.

Dying the eggs

"I hep!! I hep!" (I help!)

Monster Eggs 2011!!

Easter Sunday! My good looking boys!

Favorite Pic Of The Month

2011-04-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Time flies.

2011-04-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Seems like this was just yesterday...

Now Chase can wear this tee shirt and jeans.

Chantry's "mean" look

laundry basket cruising

Chantry and Cadence...sigh.

In 2 days it will be Easter. This picture was taken 4 years ago on Easter.

Chantry was 16 months old.

Cowboy Up!

2011-04-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Two blogs in one day since I haven't posted in so long! Here's the boys room...it is semi-finished. Probably the most "finished" room in the house for awhile. I'm out of funds.

I still need matching bedding for the top bunk.

It's wallpaper that looks like boards.

There's been a couple of people that thougth I put boards up!

This is the little nightstand I painted "Sienna Red".

I also painted a dresser and small bookcase like this.

That's all for now!

If you're crafty and you know it...

2011-04-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

post some pictures~!

haha! Sorry I have been absent for awhile. I'll get straight to a picture post! Here goes!

Can you say BOOOORING??

Much better!!

2 of a kind.

Now on to the red candles....drumroll please?

Leopard ribbon and jute string!!

Sweet, huh?

Okay, here's the lamps.

I got a box of lamps from Wal Mart.

4 lamps for 40 bucks.

They are pretty plain.

Tada!!!

I really like them!! I did the two table lamps alike.

You like??

Note to self...

2011-04-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

blog more.

Thanks.
me

Baby blues

2011-04-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

This kid is too cute for words.

He's kinda onery.

But I love him just the way he is!

It's been awhile

2011-04-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, I still don't have furniture...it's ordered and should have been here last Thursday, and now who knows when it's going to get here...but I thought I would share a few pictures of some of the things I have done so far....it's not alot, but here goes.

Living Room (cutie in the dining room)

We painted the walls Jute Rug (eggshell). One of my favorite neutral shades.

I like more of a gold tone in my neutral color because I use more gold than brown in my decor.

I went with red again. Jonathan talked me into it.

This is more of a brick red...in my old house I had a fire engine red.

This color is Calico..it's an Eddie Bauer Cottage color.

I'm so happy with it!!! Now my kitchen just needs some curtains, and decor!

This is in my entry way. I feel in love with this green table, so I splurged.

It came from Gordmons. I got the bird pictures at Cato's for 3.99 each.

Not bad, eh? I would like some sort of material on the table...I'm sure I

will come up with something soon. My mom made the cute little nest,

and my sis bought me the gorgeous red bird!

A better look at the table.

That's all for now...more to come when I get my furniture in!!!

I have a house!

2011-03-29T14:23:00.001-07:00

and now I have internet, so I will be back in touch!!! I'll be taking some pictures and posting them very soon!!! So glad to be back in the "land of the living"!!

New stuff...

2011-03-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Today my mother-in-law bought me this....(she really wants me out of here!!)

This Whilpool fridge was on sale at Lowe's for 679 before taxes and then I had a 10% off coupon, so we got it for 672 after taxes and with free delivery and installment!! It's white...the appliances in the house are all white. I'm fine with that!

She also bought me this (in white)

We also got our closing instructions...next Wednesday at 2!! Yippee!!

one week...one week

2011-03-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

and we will close on our house...fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong last minute with our loan!!!! Pray Saints, Pray!!!

Staying true to my style...

2011-03-08T17:36:00.001-08:00

I'm having problems. I picked out some pictures for my house at Ross last week. They are extremely Tuscan style. I love them. Jonathan loves them. But then when I look at other people's blogs and they have more Shabby Chic or neutral style, my heart begins to beat rapidly and I break out in a cold sweat. I'm so torn with which direction I want to go in my new home. Should I take the pictures back and stick with more of a French Country that will allow me to have more freedom with other kinds of decor? Or should I go with the dark colors like I've done in the past. Help!

Moving on

2011-03-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I got some really sad news. Two of our best friends, Ram and Miriam, are moving away. We met them right after we got married almost 8 years ago. Ram and Miriam got married about a month before us and moved here from Texas to go to ORU. Ram got a job at Men's Warehouse, where Jonathan worked, and they moved into the same apartments we lived it!!! We hit it off from the start!! Now they have a little boy,Gamy, and have made the decision to move back to Texas so Gamy can grow up around his grandparents. Jonathan and I were talking about them last night, and how much fun we have when we get together. Ram can take a story and turn it into a side splitting tale, that will make you laugh so hard, tears run down your cheeks. Miriam has such a sweet spirit, and is such a giver! (also a great cook!! still waiting on that spaghetti though) Even though things have gotten busy and we haven't spent as much time together as we should have, I will cherish every moment I had with them, and I plan to cram in several visits before they leave! I miss you guys already!!

Ram, Miriam, and lil Gamy (who looks quite uncomfortable)

Thanksgiving 2010

Here's a better picture of lil Gamy, such a doll!!

Today

2011-03-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

I took the kids over to play at some friends house and got to have a nice visit with one of my besties! I also drove to our house, and walked around peeking in all the windows! 20 more days! We got word today that our loan is completely approved and they just need a few more papers from us and everything will be done! So there is a small chance we will get to close earlier,but I doubt that will happen. Anyway, I'm looking forward to March 23rd!

I need some serious help...

2011-03-02T23:14:00.001-08:00

with this whole blog design thing...I'm at my wit's end.

I gave my father-in-law a haircut...

2011-03-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

he now looks like a Chia-pet.

oh well, he asked for it.

Springtime? This one's for you mom!

2011-03-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

It was so nice today and it's MARCH 1ST!!! Is it safe to say it's spring yet? I guess technically not but I'm enjoying this weather. 22 more days til we are in our house! I was looking at some spring home decor and found this...and it reminded me of my mom. She always has the coolest signs hanging in her dining room, for every holiday and season.

So cute!! This lady has some great ideas -http://www.tipjunkie.com/
so check it out! Love the DIY page!

Glory To God...

2011-02-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

I was asked, last minute, to play the piano at one of my great aunt's funerals yesterday. So I rushed into the church wearing my ratty jean skirt and hoodie...and was escorted to a beautiful baby grand! Wow. It had perfect sound, even with me beating the thunder out of it. I played Amazing Grace, In the Garden, Softly and Tenderly, and a few other choruses, all the while wanting to break out in a pentecostal frenzy, and bust out in some good ol black gospel. I refrained. Next funeral I'm playing "Goin Up Yonder"...and I'm singing it...even if I'm not asked. Especially if I'm on a baby grand again. (and I don't need a mic)

One month from today...

2011-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

we are set to close on our house!! I'm really excited! I'm trying to decide what I'm gonna do in the kitchen. I'm not totally sold on anything yet. I love red, but I am almost positive I won't be doing it again- for now. So here are some more options. My cabinets are wood so I'm trying to find what would look best with it. What's your favorite? Remember the blue kitchen I posted a few days ago, do you like it better than these? I'm open to suggestions!

I wasn't too sure I liked gold with wood cabinets until I saw this...I love it.

I like this color green....

I like the simpliticity of this one..with the red accents. I have red dishes.

Glazing Cabinets...

2011-02-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

My friend mentioned that my kitchen cabinets would be perfect for this look. I am gonna go for it. I've been reading up on it and it sounds pretty simple. I wish more people would post before and after pictures online~!

Here's an example picture I found.

You just rub a darker glaze in the grooves and it gives it an antiqued look. I think it would look especially awesome on mine because they have all the lines down them. I think its called beadboard? I'm pretty sure it's gonna look amazing and when it's done..I will post before and afters.

Tossing colors around...

2011-02-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

I'm still wondering what I'm gonna do for my colors in my new house. I was bound and determined to do all neutrals, but I just cant. It's BORING!

Do you like this? Except a little more rustic? Maybe a light brown glaze over the blue and then of course with my wood cabinets, and white distressed kitchen set? I like!

WE DID IT!

2011-02-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

I am taking a little break from all my back flips and "hoorahs" I've been doing all morning to bring you great news! We bought a house this morning!! I'ze so 'cited! It worked out so wonderful for us, it was a miracle. Last week we found this house that we really like but it was listed out of our price range. So we decided to make them a low offer, since it was bank owned. Well, come to find out yesterday it was going to auction this morning at 8 am. We got our ducks in a row as best as possible and Jonathan went to the auction this morning. We were able to get the house for 22,000 less than it was listed!!! What an awesome blessing! I'm going to post a few more pictures of the inside. It's like a blank slate waiting to be decorated!

This is the kitchen (duh). I love love love the cabinets and the layout~!

Living room with it's pretty fireplace

Master Bath- splish splash, love that tub!

View from living room to dining/kitchen

Master bedroom- snooze!
This house also has great closet space and an office!! Woohoo!!

Fingers crossed...

2011-02-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

We found a house we really like!!! Hopefully we will be putting in an offer on it, if everything goes as planned. It has a lot of potential. It's a bank-owned repo, so it's a pretty good deal. Here's to hoping!

Snowed Under

2011-02-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Blizzard in Oklahoma 2011. Pretty crazy stuff. Who woulda thunked it a few days ago? It was in the 60s and 70s last weekend and I stayed outside a lot and painted my table and chairs and I actually got a SUNBURN!!! Can you believe it? ugh. I haven't taken any pictures because my camera is dead...I'll charge it tonight and get some photos. I doubt this snow is going anywhere, seeing as it is -1 degree here.
Here are some random facts about me.

1. I hate snow. (I like it for about 30 minutes)
2. I can't stand being stuck somewhere and know that I can't go anywhere.
3. I live with my inlaws.

Can you guess how my attitude is about right now?

=)
Plus, all I keep doing is eating!!! Argh!!! I hate myself for this!!! haha!!!

I better stop or I will look like this!

Stay warm my friends!!

Hello?

2011-01-31T23:48:00.001-08:00

Can someone out there give me a weather update?

hehe.

The Finished Product

2011-01-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

I have been working pretty much all day doing the chairs for the table. Originally, I was going to put a dark stain on the seat, but my impatience got the best of me and so I painted the entire chair. The spokes on the chair about made me lose my mind. I'm so thankful that my mother-in-law came and helped me paint of I probably would have given up!! It was downright awesome weather today!! Thank the Lord! Here ya go~

Setting in the brilliant sun. The pictures don't do it justice.

The spokes of Satan.

I added some distress to the legs

I'm so happy with this set!! It's kinda farmhouse-y in a good way!

Love it!

Before and After...Look what I did today!

2011-01-27T17:43:00.000-08:00

I refinished my table. Tomorrow I will do the 4 chairs. It was such a beautiful day today and I made use of it. My mom found this table and 4 chairs for 25 bucks. I wish I had a better "before" picture, because the table was covered in crayon and marker with some pretty big gouges. I had already sanded most of that out by the time I remembered to take a picture. Anyway, I love it! I hope you enjoy!

I put my father-in-law to work!

ready to "throw down" some stain

It is finished! The picture doesn't do it justice because of the sunlight! I am in love!

some of the distressing

This is a little better, it's back in the garage...but you can't see the detail distressing very well.

Love it!!!

Thanks for stopping by! I'll do the chairs and then show you the set together!

Wahoo!

2011-01-26T20:27:00.001-08:00

We have an appointment tomorrow night to look at a house that we have been interested in for awhile...and yesterday they dropped the price on it by 8,000 dollars! So I'm super excited! Keeping my fingers crossed, it could be "The One"!!

Ta-ta my dears!

It's official!

2011-01-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

I got some great news today and I am super thrilled so I thought I'd share! We can officially start looking for a house! Yippy-yi-ya-cowpaddy! haha! (don't know where that came from) Inspite of the fact that Chantry told my husband last night that "mom wastes tons of money at Ross, Walmart, and Ebay" (he is so grounded), we have enough in savings to start the search! I have one house in mind that we are interested in, so we are gonna check it out. I don't want to get in a huge rush because I want something that fits us well and we are in a good position for looking, so it's all good! Hopefully, we will find our perfect house and I can put all my decorating ideas to work!

What was I thinking?!?!?!!?

2011-01-19T21:17:00.001-08:00

I was up super late last night when I made my "bedding" post. Now when I look at them, I am kinda wondering "what the heck was I thinking???" I hate all of them. Back to square one. I'm open to suggestions!

Help me choose...

2011-01-18T22:49:00.000-08:00

I'm going to post several pictures of some bed sets...help me pick which one is the best. I have picked all of these out from Walmart.com!!! Love online shopping!!
This one is a little blurry...it's a buttery yellow with red trim. It's not too girly for me (or my husband)

Love the white, just not sure how white it would stay with sticky fingers from my little ones.

My sis has this in red and it's super comfy! It comes in this and a cool green color. This would be cool with leopard.

These pictures are blurry!! It's getting annoying. I like this and it looks soft, microfiberish. I really don't want to do blue and brown...seems like everyone is doing it!

This is blue and brown, but it's different!!! I love this! It's fun and it is yelling buy me!
This might get too loud after awhile...

I like this...it's calming?? haha! Once again blue and brown, but not in the way that is popular right now. This is not too girly either.

So which would you choose for me?

Random things

2011-01-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

You would think living in a home with 60% of the walls painted mint green I would hate these cabinets. But I don't. I'm shocked. As a matter of fact, I think they are pretty awesome!

ha! This cracks me up! I can't imagine having enough kids to fill up these chairs!!! Commit me to the asylum, now!!!

Okay, I'm getting a little obsessed with green. This is so warm and inviting. I think the fireplace really makes it.

Boys Western Room Ideas

2011-01-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

Here are a few ideas I am getting. Yes, I am cruising the web for home decor inspiration, even though I have no house yet. Lately I have been thinking about the boy's room. Chantry wants a cowboy room again. They have those cute cow recliners already. I'm already excited about this room. I think I am gonna start collecting items now so it doesn't break me when I get to it.

I love love love this...I can see Chase jumping from the top bunk already.

Love this bedding!! I think I could "create" bedding like this on my own without having to spend all the bucks.

This one is cute and more "kiddish". Probably much more age appropriate...Love the bunk beds.

Okay, now I need ideas about for the bathroom. Most likely, the boys bathroom will also be the guest bath. What should my approach to decorating it be? I don't want it flowery or girly. haha! I am thinking more neutral with a hint of rustic. I'm open to suggestions from all my decorating freak friends!

In the mood...

2011-01-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

I'm so in the mood to decorate/paint something. I've been looking at home decor pictures the last few days and I am chomping at the bit to get my hands on something. This Pastel Palace better watch out...I'm liable to slap a few coats of paint on something and recover some furniture. I'm sure my MIL would just love that! I'm trying to decide what my "style" is. I see so many things that I just love but it's just not "me". My last home was full of color. Reds, golds, and greens...I'm ready to break away from that, but it's easier said than done. I'm drawn to color. I like the neutral look and I had myself convinced that's what I wanted to go with...but I am already steering away from it.I like white, but I know with two boys, white would be tan in no time. I've seen a few shades of green I like (not mint!!!) and I am still loving the gold...HELP!!! I am definitely not a "Shabby Chic" person. I like some of it, but not so much. I am really into the rustic look right now, hence the need for a farmhouse table. I like some western stuff, but not full blown western. Then there is always French Country, which is very close to my heart. I am thinking about doing a rustic western French Country! ha! I can so see it in my head!! I know it probably sounds awful, but (when I get a house) it will come together!

Buy me this...

2011-01-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

I want a farmhouse table so bad. (well, after I get a house) So if you run across one...go ahead and pick it up for me.

I love this one, it's really rustic!

I think this one is my favorite, but I will be very happy with either one!

Which one do you like best?

A Bunderosa Luncheon

2011-01-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

My mom's place is called the Bunderosa. You can look up her blog. It's pretty amazing. http://katydidskountrylife.blogspot.com/ Anyhoo, we had some good friends in town this week and mom made all of us lunch, King Ranch Chicken, homeade guacamole, chips, and salad. It was delish! We ate and talked and laughed, and laughed ALOT. Nothing like getting together with old friends to give you warm fuzzies inside! Next time they come, we are planning a slumber party...hehe..it's gonna happen, by faith! Here are a few pictures of our special day! Enjoy!

This is me and my sis, Allison, who just turned 20!

Stacey, my beautiful friend, and I

My mother and Tina, friends forever!

Stacey's daughter Bri, trying desperately to get attention from Chantry

Bri "feeding" the chickens

These guys are about as cute as it gets...

2011-01-04T12:45:00.001-08:00

It's a new season!

2011-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the Pastel Palace's lavender room. Not too much going on around here. Now that the holidays are over, we are getting back into the swing of things...hubby's back at work, home school has started up again, and I am on the lookout for a house. I haven't found anything that just really screams "buy me" yet. Hopefully something will come up soon. I am keeping my fingers crossed that maybe we can be in something in time for me to put out a small garden. For the past few years I have really wanted to do something small and try my hand at it, maybe this will be my year. If nothing else, perhaps I can do a fall garden. I am so ready to have a place of my own again.

So it's a new year. I haven't made any big resolutions like I have done in the past years. Yeah, I would like to lose a few pounds (okay, like 15, a little more than a few), be a better person (as if!!!), and maybe try to keep a better attitude (I already failed miserably at this yesterday)..but I will keep pluggin along.

What about you? What things are you looking forward to in 2011? Any life changes? I'd be interested to hear them~!

Tata my dear friends!

Ode

2010-12-29T05:59:00.001-08:00

Ode to the teeth in the back of my head
If you didn't come out soon, I'd surely be dead
Why God made you, I might never know
The pain you have brought me, brings me so low
I have dreaded this day for so very long
I'm wishing someone would sing me a song
I have arrived at the dentist just now
So now as I leave the car, take your last bow
Till we meet again little teeth, after I'm dead
I will miss you as much as a hole in my head.

okay, OKay!

2010-12-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

So I know everyone is absolutely dying to hear how my 90 day challenge turned out...ha! The 90 days actually turned into 30 days...I will explain.

I started off hardcore. Did awesome. Then we moved in with my in-laws. Challenge eradicated.

I lost around 12 lbs in that 30 days though, so it's all good! I have managed somewhat to keep it off in spite of living with the MIL and sharing cooking responsibilities with her. That brings my total weight loss for the year to 26 lbs. So I am pretty happy with that. The holidays are killing me right now, so hopefully I will get re-motivated after that.

Somewhere in those sentences I guess you caught that I am living with my in-laws. ha! That is what inspired me to change the name of my blog. Right now I have no "place of my own". It's rather crowded here in the Pastel Palace. I am thankful that I have a good relationship with "law" around here. Hopefully in about 3 months we will buy a house again and things will be peachy again.

Peace on Earth!

I really do blog...

2010-12-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

just in my head. I write some killer blogs, but usually its when I'm nowhere near a computer. By the time I log on, I have already forgotten all my clever thoughts that I wanted to share. So know my blogger friends, that I do think of you. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season...I promise I will stay in touch!

My life...

2010-09-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

has been pretty dramatic lately. My poor baby has been a very sick little guy. It started with an ear infection and croup, then towards the end of his antibiotic he developed a horrible rash. I took him to the doctor and they didn't know what it was but they told me to watch him for swelling in the face and just give him Benadryl every 6 hours. Well, about 1 am in the morning his face started swelling, so we rushed him to the ER. Turns out they had to give him a very large dose of steroids and sent us on our way. Chase made quite an impression on the nurses and they were scouring the ER for presents for him. He ended up getting a stuffed unicorn and several stickers. It was cute. Today he is doing much better, and the rash seems to be letting up! So that makes me feel much better, even though I am thoroughly exhausted.

My hubby went to the OU vs Airforce game with my dad today. My dad got 50 yd line tickets from someone he works with and full passes to the tailgating party with all you can eat food. I am sure they are having a great time! I went to a craft show today that was in the community center behind my house. It kinda stinks because craft shows aren't craft shows anymore. They have turned into several booths of stuff like Homeade Gourmet, scrap booking parties, Mische Purses, and Tupperware. What is crafty about that??? Okay, maybe the scrap booking is a little crafty but not what I want to see. I want to see hot glued knicknacks, homeade cupcakes and brownies, and hand painted fall signs. Maybe I should have a booth somewhere. I think when my kids are a little older I will. Right now, there is not enough time.

I am a little lonely. Jonathan is in school 3 nights a week and so it's hard with him being gone all day on a weekend.

How's my 90 day challenge? My exercise has been lacking because of the sick kids, but I have lost 2 more lbs. Making my total weight loss at 7 lbs right now. I am 10 lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight with Chase and I will pretty happy with that!! I sold my double jogger a few weeks ago b/c it was too hard for me to push with both kids in it. But today I was able to get a great deal on a single stroller. It's an Eddie Bauer! So I can resume my jogging while Chantry rides his bike and it will be much easier on my back! Yay me!

Well, I guess that about wraps it up, hope everyone has a happy Saturday!

I spoke too soon...

2010-09-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

I only thought today would be better. If you refer to my previous post, yesterday was pretty rough and I was claiming "Tomorrow will be better!!!". chuckle chuckle.
Turns out, we had to take my husband and my baby to Urgent Care and baby has ear infection and croup, and husband has bronchitis. They are both on steroids and antibiotics. Well, I am glad we know whats wrong now and....

TOMORROW WILL BE BETTER!!!

I don't have much on my schedule for the rest of the week. Our church is having Purpose Institute this Friday and Saturday, so that frees up my weekend since that is one thing that I am not involved in. The Bluegrass Chili Festival is going on in Claremore and I would sorta like to go...I just don't know if I can con someone into going with me. I guess we will see who is feeling better.

Anywho- I hope everyone out in "blogville" is doing okay. Happy travels!

Standing in line for a lobotomy

2010-09-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Do I really need to say more?? Homeschooling is not easy. Especially with a teething 15 month old, who woke up about every hour the night before running a fever and apparently in much pain. I feel so bad for my little guy...I am at my wits end, because I am out of ideas on how to help him. Right now he is pretty content, eating some chicken noodle soup and trying his best to mash every possible key on my laptop.
So I am not sure how much Chantry learned today in the midst of my near nervous breakdown and the constant screaming from his little brother..

Tomorrow will be better!

On a side note, my 90 day challenge is proving to be just that. I did really good last week and I had a 5 lb lose!! I have never ever ever lost that much in a week, so I am super excited about it. Yesterday was pretty rough at mom's house for labor day. My mother is the world's best cook. I lie not. She had the most beautiful apple cobbler on her stove yesterday that was quite irresistible. I "snuck" a few bites and I could have easily inhaled the whole thing. But I refrained. So here's to another week of hardcore exercise and portion control!
Cheers!

Oh look, he's cute even when he's crying!

Let the countdown begin....Day 1 of 90

2010-08-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, unfortunately I did not hop out of bed and do 8 laps around the house, followed up by 100 sit ups. I actually drug myself out of bed and practically had to peel my eyes open, without any motivation at all to begin my vigorous exercise!!! Ha!

Now that I am fully awake dressed, beds are made, schooling is done, lunch is over....I am feeling it!!! I am ready to hit the pavement...

Today I plan to start Week 3 of Couch to 5k....and to follow it up with a Jillian Michaels killer workout video.....let's hope I survive!!

Fiddlin'...

2010-08-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have invested 2 hours and went without my Sunday afternoon nap, to try to update my blog's looks. I am fixing to launch myself into a 90 day challenge and I wanted to blog about it, but I wanted to make my blog prettier before I started!!!

What is this 90 Day Challenge???

Patience, my faithful readers, I will tell you now!

Tomorrow is exactly 90 days until Thanksgiving!!! When I think of fall and thanksgiving and Christmas, I automatically thing FOOD!! Well, I have been on and off dieting this entire year and I am sick of it! Thus far this year, I have lost 15 lbs, and I keep losing and regaining the same 4 lbs. Soooo, here goes the deal. I am doing a 90 day bust my butt off challenge...I am going to make sure I exercise every single day, and I don't just mean a walk around the block, I am gonna make myself sweat like never before...and also I am going to make sure I am eating extremely healthy and careful. I usually follow Weight Watchers when I am dieting but I never seem to get the diet AND exercise together. I am going to do my best to post often of my progress, and feel free to gripe, encourage, or JOIN me on my journey!!

Thank you!!!

Pictures...

2010-08-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Chase and his "paci"

Chantry- 1st day of school

My hero husband, wearing his Robinson Crusoe pants while working on his car.

Summer Happenings!

2010-08-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

It's been quite awhile since I have updated-again!! Sorry, I have been incredibly busy. July was not a good month. At the end of July, I took my Sr Quiz team to Nationals in St.Louis, and all in all it was a good trip. We didn't win, which was very disappointing, but we had a good time.
I started homeschooling Chantry last Monday. I have actually been teaching him for a couple of years, but it's now officially official. ha ha. The curriculum that I planned on using, was much to easy for him, so for now I am just doing what I was doing before. I am going to switch him to another curriculum but I am not sure what "brand" yet. He is so smart and I am so proud of him. He is ready to read so I am really working with him in this area. Yesterday, he started learning how to "add" and what the "plus sign" meant (which is first grade work, but he quickly picked it up)!!

I had mixed emotions last week when he started. I cannot believe that my baby boy is so big already! It seems like yesterday that he was born and I was bringing him home. Another part of me is/was worried I wouldn't be a good teacher for him, or that he would be missing out on something by not actually going to school. I keep telling myself that I am doing a good job because he is already ahead, and this is the best thing I can do for him. I have my associates degree in Elementary Education, so I figure I am pretty prepared for this. Just say a prayer for him and me that we will do good together!

Chase is getting so big and ornery! I am trying a "paci-removal" this week and only letting him have it at naptimes and nighttime. Hopefully I will survive the week. He has gotten way to attached to that piece of plastic and has started trying to talk with it in his mouth (major pet-peeve).

Today, we are getting some relief from the scorching weather. Fall is just around the corner! I am so excited! I have many plans for my boys when the cooler weather sets in!

Have a fan-tabulous day!!

Picture Post

2010-06-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any new pictures in awhile, so I'll share a few.

Here's Chase showing his Grandpa how to play the piano

At the park

Chantry

Uperly Proud

2010-06-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

I guess "uper" is the new super. Apparently someone cool didn't know how to spell "super" and it became "uper". So I am uperly proud and excited today. We had 2010 OK Bible Quizzing Finals today and placed 1st! What's really awesome about it, is that we placed 1st at every tournament in Oklahoma this year and now we get to represent the OK district at Nationals in St.Louis next month. One of my quizzers, Dylan, placed 1st on the All-Tournament Team and was also award "Quizzer of the Year"!! So amazing. God has done some awesome things in Dylan's life and I am so thankful he was so successful in bible quizzing. Dylan has memorized 417 verses PERFECTLY. He is radical. I was also awarded "Coach of the Year" for our division. I was pretty surprised but very happy about it!! I guess that sets the bar pretty high for next year. For now, I am going to have to do some pretty hefty fund raisers to help send us to Nationals. Any ideas are welcome! I have about a month and a half to raise 2000 bucks. Well, all in all it was a great day but my nerves are thankful it's over. I love bible quizzing!!

It's Been Awhile...

2010-06-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry Folks, I knew I would fall quickly off the blogger bandwagon. I have been wayy to busy lately! We sold our house in 24 days and moved into a smaller rent house. Downsizing....yikes. I did not realize how much JUNK I had collected. Anyway, we are starting to get settled in. This little rent house is pretty cute. I'll post some pictures soon.

Well, I just wanted to let everyone know I was in fact still alive!!! Yippee!!! Have a good one!

Here's a recent pic of me and my muchkins...gotta love those cuties!!

Numb (not so much)

2010-04-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

My tooth is gone. Come to find out my insurance doesn't cover oral surgery for impacted wisdom teeth. What the heck??? It would have cost me 1400 bucks!! So instead I went to my dentist and he cut and pried the one that had given me so much pain out today. It cost me 14 dollars...what a steal. For that price I might have all my teeth removed. Yeah...right. It was a pretty horrific experience for me but now I am on the road to recovery and I'm looking on the bright side, which is, I HAVE TO HAVE THIS DONE 3 MORE TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why do we even have wisdom teeth??? This is a question I am adding to my list to present to God when I get to heaven. Anyway, I did ask to see the tooth before I walked out of the dentist today. I am such a creep, but for some reason things like this fascinate me, even when I am numb and drooling with a mouth full of gauze. I can't help it...it's a sickness. One day I spent all afternoon, googling "Alli before and after" and laughed my butt off. NEVER FART. EVER. hahahhaha!!! Okay, obviously the Lortabs have taken control of my mind and this post is going downhill fast. Better stop before I start confessing on here.....

A Less-Gory Post

2010-04-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

"Brother-Please can I have a lick??"

"YUMMY!!!"

I love these pictures of the boys. Chantry had one of those Ring Pops and was kind enough to share it with his eager baby brother...aww!!

Happy Easter, my jaw hurts...

2010-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the big sha-bang Easter drama I "wrote"....so far I would categorize it as being a complete flop/disaster but Sunday will really show. I told my friend I might be sneaking out the back. Anyway, I have needed to get my wisdom teeth removed for quite sometime now and unfortunately I put it off way too long and off all the weekends for this to happen, my putting off has come back to haunt me. My entire jaw is swollen and throbbing. I was on the verge tonight of letting Jonathan cut them out for me, but decided that I probably don't want to be on the front page tomorrow..."Broken Arrow Woman Dies From Shock After Having Husband Remove Wisdom Teeth...see page 19 for details". My dentist called me in a prescription for antibiotics today, so hopefully they will kick in SOON and relieve me of some of this agony. I am scheduled to have them removed next Tuesday- by an oral surgeon, I might add. So I will let you know how the Easter drama turns out...I know I will get the drama part right but hopefully it will turn out okay. After the last practice, it looks kinda doubtful. Who knows, maybe Sunday I will be excommunicated for ruining Easter for the saints...PRAY, CHURCH, PRAY!!!

Something I will be doing in 4 days....
(p.s. it's never a good idea to google "wisdom teeth removal" images right before you are going in- suddenly my jaw is feeling much better)

I not so secretly...

2010-03-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

love SKULLS!!!! Too bad my husband forbids it or my kids might be wearing this.

or this

or I could get this for Jonathan to carry when he is watching the kids

(love it!!!)

It's become an obsession I can do nothing about...

I seriously don't see what the big deal is...but he says that it's part of the "rock culture" and he doesn't want our kids to be a part of it. So I guess I will be a submissive wife and try to move on...

maybe...

I'm pretty sure...

2010-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

this little cutie is FINALLY getting his first tooth!!!

Good Weekend!

2010-03-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend is winding down...but it's been a pretty good one. Thursday, Jonathan and I went to OKC to have an interview with the OK District UPC board for Jonathan to get his minister's license. We were both pretty nervous to say the least but it actually went really good and he got approved!! You can now address him as Reverend. heh heh. Then yesterday we had our third Sr. Bible Quiz and once again we placed 1st and one of my quizzers placed 1st on the All-Tournament team for the third time this year. So I am super proud of my quizzers! Tonight we have church again and we will be having Calvary Cafe to raise a little more money for our quiz team to go to extravaganza in Kansas City in 3 weeks!!! Can't wait!

The 5 kids in the middle are my quizzers. (from left, Wyatt, Nathanial, Dylan, Megan, Abbi)

Wow

2010-03-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

I just went back and read my previous blog. Man- I am boring!! Well, at least those who suffer from insomnia can be put to sleep fast...

This is what happened when Chase tried to read it.

Random

2010-03-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my life seems so uneventful, but yet it seems like I never stop going...

Monday- I cleaned the entire day. We were supposed to list our house Monday night but something came up with our realtor. My doors have been "Magic Eraser" erased. and my carpets "Spot Shot" cleaned. My house is officially cleaner than it has been since we moved in. Now I don't want to sell!!! I want to wait til it gets super dirty again and then I will leave. haha. Too bad it doesn't work that way...

Tuesday- I straighted up again thinking the realtor was coming last night but again something happened and we had to reschedule. We should hopefully have our house on the market in about 20 years...my sis, Allison, thought she had to be at work at 9 am and got there and found out she wasn't scheduled until 4pm! Sooo- she came over and went shopping with me...(actually, went "returning" with me). We had a great time together. My kids love her. I'm so glad. Maybe someday when I am an aunt my nieces and nephews will love me too. Probably not because I am already saving my quarters to make them play the quiet game. he he. (inside joke). After shopping I had quiz practice and Chantry got to go play at his friend Cadence's house. When I picked him up, Melissa gave me a huge piece of the most amazing cake. Maybe she could post the icing recipe on her blog.(hint) It tasted similar to Long John donut frosting. YUM!!!

So today, the kids and I are taking it easy and tonight is church again...tomorrow OKC...and Saturday is our 3rd Sr. Bible Quiz.

That's all folks!!!

My gorgeous sister, Allison, aka world's best aunt!

Picture Post

2010-03-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, obviously I am a little excited about my blog. I will probably abandon it here in a few days or weeks though, so enjoy my posts as much as possible. I just wanted to post some random pictures of the family. Enjoy!!

Here's one of just the guys:

Chase

Me and the kiddos...what cuties!!

Souper Sunday

2010-03-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

I just made some amazing soup for lunch/dinner. It was Broccoli Cheddar soup. Even my husband loved it and he is not a soup person. What is it with guys? Most all of my friend's husbands gripe when they make soup too. I love soup. I could have it for every meal. I guess guys think they have to have meat with every meal. Silly silly men.

Yesterday was the first day of spring. In honor of that day, we got a huge blizzard dumped on us. I really don't mind this time because they are saying it's going to be in the 70's again on Tuesday. Hopefully this is the end of winter-mess for us. I was disappointed because my team's bible quiz got cancelled yesterday. They are trying to reschedule for next week. Keeping my fingers crossed. We didn't have service this morning because of the weather but they are having it tonight. I will not be going because Chantry has been running a fever.

Speaking of Chantry, he wanted me to put his picture on here. So here are my handsome little guys. This was taken last Wednesday night before church. I am so proud of my kids...can you tell??

Grand Re-Opening

2010-03-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all!!! I am re-opening my blog so I can share new pictures and stories with all my family. It's really a way for me to avoid rejoining facebook. haha. I will start by uploading a few pictures that I have taken recently. It will take me awhile to go back and update everyone with pictures of my cute boys.