Interior Bathroom Design Tips

Stuck.

Stuck.

We got Reed a new umbrella stroller to take on our trip to Seattle tomorrow. He loves it, and loves to push it around. I'm in the kitche...

7:59 PM

<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdoi3Ra74xlerzYLTjE6wJrTJdX3s1Ix3SqMupJkJHCdtMTVejM95o46TnK9L2Wak3W4sfY0O7M_W-C4XzzqDp0bOmAL8QJbqyrMlL9kSE3yllFrhNb2Dm9U58gWrz5ZaZyjrjRlgY_s/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319180679112100978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdoi3Ra74xlerzYLTjE6wJrTJdX3s1Ix3SqMupJkJHCdtMTVejM95o46TnK9L2Wak3W4sfY0O7M_W-C4XzzqDp0bOmAL8QJbqyrMlL9kSE3yllFrhNb2Dm9U58gWrz5ZaZyjrjRlgY_s/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> D, Reed and Haley working on the cake.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319180687847103634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_kslbNOMxwsvgcCoPI7m1Uub4YMSJSkgTRS97-631m9ApiFurp6QOnzWj2mYlYUZmP-RDJy5KsCAqM5xCEZrEwqdzsavn2_nf6OfSn-gMfKGUXU4EeTSJ1qdsSLM2RS0b5aJuHAv9p4/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Look at that handi-work! My husband is so talented!!! And since we didn't get to have dinner with the kids on my actual birthday, D made a special dinner for me on Sunday night, and even made a cake. We had lots of favorites - steak, homemade potato fries, Asian salad, corn, corned beef hash - I know, kind of a strange mix, but lots of favorties... - and then a cake, with strawberries in it. YUM-MY! </div>

And it continues...

D, Reed and Haley working on the cake. Look at that handi-work! My husband is so talented!!! And since we didn't get to have dinner wi...

7:55 PM

Happy Birthday to Me!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLqOibxsg7no0bm3evZI5z7i54qCQi5D7eIxMamug5Ex_DxcDCtgLl6lnxl6TvlrDC55F5ER-zKj4pqEXdN2UMi2-DRBG_5CXlKeoUZHngIKB5DKbANhPiHHx_NLkdSMSENZ_XHcPj_k/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319179884506866274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLqOibxsg7no0bm3evZI5z7i54qCQi5D7eIxMamug5Ex_DxcDCtgLl6lnxl6TvlrDC55F5ER-zKj4pqEXdN2UMi2-DRBG_5CXlKeoUZHngIKB5DKbANhPiHHx_NLkdSMSENZ_XHcPj_k/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <div>Well, the real festivities continued. D and Luke were camping, so Macy, Chad, Haley and Reed made me breakfast in bed and cleaned and decorated the house. Love it! Love when they clean without being asked... and they weren't even fighting while they were doing it! When D and Luke got home, D and I were off to see WICKED! Yippee! Followed by dinner at P.F. Changs. Totally good day for me! Loved the play (and the food!) and was totally suprised by the ending! If you get the chance to see it... DO!</div> <div></div> <div>Also wonderful were all the Facebook Happy Birthday messages that I got (I got over 40 throughout the day - I get FB on my cell phone so they were constantly there!). I may be 38... and have 5 kids... but I LOVE getting Happy Birthday attention! Thanks for all the love everyone!... it really made my day!</div>

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well, the real festivities continued. D and Luke were camping, so Macy, Chad, Haley and Reed made me breakfast in bed and cleaned and decora...

7:49 PM

Birthday eve morning.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9vXhUialZN4LPxPIfSDzEmVT4T5kY0AE4Jt187vqFDdHcDeCyQHZ8_GOEKhuQXuJeN-Eg0-0OYsIrkvBREd4Z5SJlybKeBTRsH-HXzvQEZzonlru2P_xNSWqWgpw_INBMQAg9RGgKFw/s1600-h/IMG_0380.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317943752971568146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9vXhUialZN4LPxPIfSDzEmVT4T5kY0AE4Jt187vqFDdHcDeCyQHZ8_GOEKhuQXuJeN-Eg0-0OYsIrkvBREd4Z5SJlybKeBTRsH-HXzvQEZzonlru2P_xNSWqWgpw_INBMQAg9RGgKFw/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" />Don't I look lovely so early in the morning???</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBhhQeb-K8U7b3F8SX7fdQ00k55I79hJyPOVbLHXTOyQqSco49QZdg4PqvQhtnAZYlYGGTtrewboyN0EVgas2kb-KLonilNm8OSvfNaU_FfUwpjVIRiBSI4omEdx1izKDhsZ_Dg5uYOA/s1600-h/IMG_0387.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317943753649066242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBhhQeb-K8U7b3F8SX7fdQ00k55I79hJyPOVbLHXTOyQqSco49QZdg4PqvQhtnAZYlYGGTtrewboyN0EVgas2kb-KLonilNm8OSvfNaU_FfUwpjVIRiBSI4omEdx1izKDhsZ_Dg5uYOA/s320/IMG_0387.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> </div>So tomorrow's my birthday. 38. Can you believe it? I sure can't. Anyways, Derrick and Luke won't be here tomorrow morning because they are going camping tonight, so this morning at about 6:10 I was so pleasantly woken up with a surprise "kidnapping" from my family. After my heart returned to it's almost normal rate, they let me get dressed, but I had to hurry because Chad starts school at 7:45. Somewhat awake, we headed to IHOP for early morning birthday breakfast. I wasn't quite ready to eat that early, but I LOVE the thought that was put in to it! I LOVE you guys! Thanks for making my birthday special!!!

Birthday eve morning.

Don't I look lovely so early in the morning??? So tomorrow's my birthday. 38. Can you believe it? I sure can't. Anyways, Der...

11:54 AM

Some cartoon bonding.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sZ5zFbKGiuKiaDYDrQZz2Y2Wx-PIhQf_hpmpJoQBnt20877brRd8lb0cA_ErWwYiKZwiw5itpII-QrAAzYYCcwNzNQiLZ53zpquo2wP7pvmt8qsIna9dcajIVlatFSRbXU1gfN1Oppk/s1600-h/IMG_0376.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317942822474515458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sZ5zFbKGiuKiaDYDrQZz2Y2Wx-PIhQf_hpmpJoQBnt20877brRd8lb0cA_ErWwYiKZwiw5itpII-QrAAzYYCcwNzNQiLZ53zpquo2wP7pvmt8qsIna9dcajIVlatFSRbXU1gfN1Oppk/s320/IMG_0376.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl7gC-htkMZw4nCWfa99XsWXoRuRd3C7StKQyuM4pYOQnCmerI9xqjR7v-pE08t7VS3_fGJqJVjkkYcBRlNKbJiGmcbYC0U3RMgcKDAUdYkjBMRYuJKyOECiRgGcBFayXClJl_ATOFMs/s1600-h/IMG_0378.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317942826170235474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl7gC-htkMZw4nCWfa99XsWXoRuRd3C7StKQyuM4pYOQnCmerI9xqjR7v-pE08t7VS3_fGJqJVjkkYcBRlNKbJiGmcbYC0U3RMgcKDAUdYkjBMRYuJKyOECiRgGcBFayXClJl_ATOFMs/s320/IMG_0378.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> I come upstairs at some point, and D and Reed are watching cartoons. Then, later in the day, it's Macy, Haley and Reed. Gotta love all the love!

Some cartoon bonding.

I come upstairs at some point, and D and Reed are watching cartoons. Then, later in the day, it's Macy, Haley and Reed. Gotta love all...

11:51 AM

Additional proof of before-mentioned little person.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOfAN38ZkUcDkb1oJ1PeVqSCCjQ3CVYE5USQuoW9-0Aid4Ijmf8J4pKm18ErBvGIA0aPqaCJ0yqiubowFOXMo0jKKGAhDQPPlGseGuAK5wYTaPIIf26fZuI-ojbWvMefkAciAl8pqXHE/s1600-h/DSC_0156.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317942182188719458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOfAN38ZkUcDkb1oJ1PeVqSCCjQ3CVYE5USQuoW9-0Aid4Ijmf8J4pKm18ErBvGIA0aPqaCJ0yqiubowFOXMo0jKKGAhDQPPlGseGuAK5wYTaPIIf26fZuI-ojbWvMefkAciAl8pqXHE/s320/DSC_0156.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a> So this is what happens with all the lovingly installed chair rails... they become garages for the extensive car collection. D started doing this when he put Reed to bed because it calmed him down to see some of his cars, Indiana Jones, some Star Wars toys, and whatever else they could get up there... but since then, Macy and Haley have been adding to it, and it's almost going around his entire room.

Additional proof of before-mentioned little person.

So this is what happens with all the lovingly installed chair rails... they become garages for the extensive car collection. D started doin...

10:42 AM

Cerise Pink Quilt Cover-Burlesque by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/images/P/Burlesque-Duvet-Cover2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/images/P/Burlesque-Duvet-Cover2.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 350px;" /></a> Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen has a new range of luxury bedding which are both sassy and practical. In typical Llewellyn-Bowen style this Burlesque pink quilt cover has a real flamboyance and style. The quilt cover design has great swirls of purple and black scrolls which have glitter on them against a vivid cerise pink background which creates a very dramatic effect! The colours may be rather loud for some bedrooms, however they are of course ticking all the ‘right’ fashion trend boxes! Very feminine in an almost Barbie way-I’m not sure that Lawrence would appreciate the comparison! This bedding design would certainly inject colour into a bedroom and with the matching accessories of cushions and in-vogue bed runner it is both affordable and attractive if you like pink! For a more subtle <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/prod/bedding/embriodered-duvet-covers/anastasia-duvet-covers-amethyst>pink quilt cover</a> choose one which has more amethyst tones rather than neon. I prefer some of his other bedding designs, in particular the Georgia duvet cover with its cute chandelier motif scatter cushions which blend beautifully with the chandelier shown in the bedroom design. Lawrence has also included some very deep and sensual colours within his bedding range. I must admit not really my cup of tea so to speak, but nevertheless they are of course elegant and chic-you really wouldn’t expect anything less from his designs! Take a look at his designs and also the room’s décors and layout for some very inspirational bedroom interior design styles. Of course these are not real bedrooms in real homes but they do have some great ideas and colours which work well together.

Cerise Pink Quilt Cover-Burlesque by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen

Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen has a new range of luxury bedding which are both sassy and practical. In typical Llewellyn-Bowen style this Burlesq...

12:15 AM

Chad and Dad.

Chad and Dad.

Just a cute pic of them out snow boarding.

9:03 AM

More proof of a little person living in our house.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFPlqp0G6NJlkvSIvy_UftoJuTzT_n3AKKQscGe00G8rhIQwiZbPEKLeqRWEhfiQWErELXifqCxir73GsenJ2vA2iRaNJ-4EhT8hFEMIuzJLEEP7WqPkQ-f10ZApN8niwtyQ6roJ0ZgI/s1600-h/IMG_0377.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316786097726663602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFPlqp0G6NJlkvSIvy_UftoJuTzT_n3AKKQscGe00G8rhIQwiZbPEKLeqRWEhfiQWErELXifqCxir73GsenJ2vA2iRaNJ-4EhT8hFEMIuzJLEEP7WqPkQ-f10ZApN8niwtyQ6roJ0ZgI/s320/IMG_0377.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> Reed found this bag of little Star Wars guys and he's really taken to them. I came down to find them lined up on part of the kitchen counter going from one end of the room to the other. Then he took them down and lined them up on my sewing machine. Then on the coffee table. He's really good at lining them up, and they're really keeping him busy.

More proof of a little person living in our house.

Reed found this bag of little Star Wars guys and he's really taken to them. I came down to find them lined up on part of the kitchen co...

9:03 AM

Scout camping.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uRhN2gsPLEntMunAHmBCGw_mH1kGwRpnveDkoQiNzMHjq5Eiu5VOzZEWAWmEThKGl4gc9VTm5nFZGpoVEIN1lJGi2Nz1qhzBceoZKdgr6ddH8Btqiu9BOGFHWaH6N7T5PtkzW1W72IM/s1600-h/IMG_0374.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316785366941264370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uRhN2gsPLEntMunAHmBCGw_mH1kGwRpnveDkoQiNzMHjq5Eiu5VOzZEWAWmEThKGl4gc9VTm5nFZGpoVEIN1lJGi2Nz1qhzBceoZKdgr6ddH8Btqiu9BOGFHWaH6N7T5PtkzW1W72IM/s320/IMG_0374.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZKQ-BbDRf5U9kG_jAVMTxizQHg89w_-UumWb0sp9VZp_ToJQU_mgPu9QFnIYTXCOWghurbr6Ku95dQ4T7sTvWXzpIVcM9nXg0xSF57ABbHvyLEyfppMz4NFA4X9Kbyn3KV_Ktk8egsg/s1600-h/IMG_0370.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316785361725156258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZKQ-BbDRf5U9kG_jAVMTxizQHg89w_-UumWb0sp9VZp_ToJQU_mgPu9QFnIYTXCOWghurbr6Ku95dQ4T7sTvWXzpIVcM9nXg0xSF57ABbHvyLEyfppMz4NFA4X9Kbyn3KV_Ktk8egsg/s320/IMG_0370.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fscUvMyrXRawxUzJCC11FBLZTpEhnq55aLjwurBszGjeyRwmywjHdRXgwifqMYdNQfgFtyK_umsXGdl0JRqhWRsqjAhRYG9orhyphenhyphenE3ipR_0vyl6NuI9TcrhJw6Xyh5nv8DQnEr70JJB0/s1600-h/IMG_0364.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316785354629082370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fscUvMyrXRawxUzJCC11FBLZTpEhnq55aLjwurBszGjeyRwmywjHdRXgwifqMYdNQfgFtyK_umsXGdl0JRqhWRsqjAhRYG9orhyphenhyphenE3ipR_0vyl6NuI9TcrhJw6Xyh5nv8DQnEr70JJB0/s320/IMG_0364.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> One of Derrick's favorite things to do is go camping. Except for some reason, not in the snow (go figure). Right after Christmas, Chad's scout troop went snow cave camping. They had to build "igloos" and hang out in them for a while, but then sleep in their tents. Outside. In the snow. D went with them and said that he could never get warm. Coldest he's ever been. So this time they were going snow camping and they were staying in the Boy Scout "Lodge" (I use the word "lodge" very loosely... but it's better than sleeping in the snow!). After talking D into it, they went and had a great time. Much better. The boys got to snow board or ski so that they could pass off their Winter Sports Merit Badge.

Scout camping.

One of Derrick's favorite things to do is go camping. Except for some reason, not in the snow (go figure). Right after Christmas, Chad...

8:58 AM

Corned Beef love.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNQipswrCGYYjapIjVzvea7Z0g90NAHyg-TBqusi7NaFIvP_wBsrcb7M_o-ya_tnD1gFtSuYzxopOOVXx-5kAxqIXszqywInaBthYtEQ0zDyLLhcjco9Hlz3z6HfnQEJc-bjuMec_zBk/s1600-h/IMG_0356.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316784207719974242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNQipswrCGYYjapIjVzvea7Z0g90NAHyg-TBqusi7NaFIvP_wBsrcb7M_o-ya_tnD1gFtSuYzxopOOVXx-5kAxqIXszqywInaBthYtEQ0zDyLLhcjco9Hlz3z6HfnQEJc-bjuMec_zBk/s320/IMG_0356.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> This really shows me more of my husband's love. One of my favorite comfort foods is Corned Beef Hash. Don't know why... it slightly resembles and smells like dog food when you open the can, but I still love it. I ate it a lot when I was pregnant. Full of protein and carbs not too terrible. So we had a bunch of corned beef left over from St. Patrick's Day and D decided to make me home-made Corned Beef Hash. One of the best things I've ever eaten! It was so good, and so easy for him to make. Thanks D! Love you!!!

Corned Beef love.

This really shows me more of my husband's love. One of my favorite comfort foods is Corned Beef Hash. Don't know why... it slightl...

8:56 AM

Reed's new bedroom.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByHiWGrE4glp8QKoSMIwByC9tgk-DtEex7Ue_QUJEx79OBNSFUEyzHyqHnTDYDK4EfxWgemLx5c0Z9AsRb7MO7-A4gKhFUZotGmONtDwhaxk89ef9_fcsSy5YR96C7KblDeWlOoc77cw/s1600-h/IMG_0355.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316783723782178514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByHiWGrE4glp8QKoSMIwByC9tgk-DtEex7Ue_QUJEx79OBNSFUEyzHyqHnTDYDK4EfxWgemLx5c0Z9AsRb7MO7-A4gKhFUZotGmONtDwhaxk89ef9_fcsSy5YR96C7KblDeWlOoc77cw/s320/IMG_0355.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> So, for the first 16+ months of Reed's little life, he lived in our walk-in closet. Sad... but true. We were out of bedrooms. We built Chad a bedroom in the basement, and then re-did Chad's room for Reed. I really like his room. It's painted a pretty slate type blue, with tall chair rail around the room. Very Pottery Barn-ish. But this is where he likes to hang out. In a box. Back to his closet roots, I guess.

Reed's new bedroom.

So, for the first 16+ months of Reed's little life, he lived in our walk-in closet. Sad... but true. We were out of bedrooms. We buil...

8:54 AM

I'm in mourning...

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-3Iq7GTJWz2BMdagCmIWBbpngjet-Z2bC5cceb_Lr69RhgsUIz2R9nvVm2cfLgYhaxPjPYYhVx-x94UwHAiV1c2mJ0BHjQi_VZ8VsQnjHI8ZYDJLX86oqNNkDSo_fZRuk49NpKnScCs/s1600-h/IMG_0354.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316782826396192882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-3Iq7GTJWz2BMdagCmIWBbpngjet-Z2bC5cceb_Lr69RhgsUIz2R9nvVm2cfLgYhaxPjPYYhVx-x94UwHAiV1c2mJ0BHjQi_VZ8VsQnjHI8ZYDJLX86oqNNkDSo_fZRuk49NpKnScCs/s320/IMG_0354.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> Anyone else affected by this whole digital cable thing? For weeks, there was this little note running across the bottom of the screen telling me that on March 18th the cable would no longer be there without the adapter box (I promptly chose to ignore this message - we had all the adapter boxes, but really... what would happen?). So, I wake up on the morning of the 18th to turn on my beloved HGTV, and find that it doesn't work. This is all I get. A yucky screen with more "love notes". So I run around, spend a few hours, and a few phone calls, trying to plug in the adapter boxes to the two tv's that aren't hooked up to cable boxes. Great. All is well again... except, what? You say an adapter box won't work with our Tivo???? Now what? To Tivo or not to Tivo... that is the question. So now we are back to no adapter box in our bedroom, so that we could keep our Tivo, and no more cable channels for me. Have to watch TV somewhere else. Totally in mourning. Maybe I like TV a bit too much. Gee... ya think?

I'm in mourning...

Anyone else affected by this whole digital cable thing? For weeks, there was this little note running across the bottom of the screen telli...

8:49 AM

Be Inspired To Add Colour To Your Home

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/inspiration4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/inspiration4.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 490px; height: 613px;" /></a> Plain white can sometimes be rather bland and boring. While it offers a crisp clean look which can give the illusion of more space injections of colour as seen in this floral headboard and contrasting throw are perfect! Additional accessories which blend beautifully are used with great effect. This is the type of stylish bedroom which can be emulated on a low budget, which is great news for many during the credit crunch! Transform a bedroom in a weekend by painting walls and ceiling brilliant white, add a <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/blinds/>cheap blinds</a> in white and but some reasonably priced white bedding. The choice of colours you use to inject your colour is down to a matter of personal taste. I love the bright greens, turquoises and pinks which provide a vibrancy and fresh look which designer Mi Casa Revista have used. The concept of the design was to offer inspiration to others to pep up their homes in a stylish and affordable way. I think they have hit the nail on the head, metaphorically, with this great bedroom design. More Mi Casa Revista inspirational designs can be found at <a href=http://www.freshome.com>freshome</a> where there are design ideas for every room in a home. Adding injections of colour can lift the spirit and the mood- which is something we could all do with from time to time. The whole idea behind the world of Interior Design is to share thoughts and design concepts with others and in my opinion Mi Casa Revista have done just that!

Be Inspired To Add Colour To Your Home

Plain white can sometimes be rather bland and boring. While it offers a crisp clean look which can give the illusion of more space injection...

12:30 AM

Top of the Morning to You!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs3RyTq8bxmIKANge8GTBdiiHpP2NBjUC5vpCgWki65BJSodMy4bU38cVW_QL4W25mcPcS4AUhMnEugOlh0xZ3-QmSMFh1nAZbz0BP1gsaWtOf68ZKJauQjWZ3HA4xdK8DUYJJJkQn8g/s1600-h/IMG_0330.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314182172971493378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs3RyTq8bxmIKANge8GTBdiiHpP2NBjUC5vpCgWki65BJSodMy4bU38cVW_QL4W25mcPcS4AUhMnEugOlh0xZ3-QmSMFh1nAZbz0BP1gsaWtOf68ZKJauQjWZ3HA4xdK8DUYJJJkQn8g/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvzCkh2heO__J7Ozv2OXPmw2MB7efHsVKTHu168-s5Q5VDSBo6_lacyZYJmn5WyN2Wwj06n7nRjowiRLgSJ4nFmge39rUMCtzZpd7-Yc93OHSKLfSa1AbHjH4zgEp-gfdEcBdoDgoheM/s1600-h/IMG_0324.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314182167335090258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvzCkh2heO__J7Ozv2OXPmw2MB7efHsVKTHu168-s5Q5VDSBo6_lacyZYJmn5WyN2Wwj06n7nRjowiRLgSJ4nFmge39rUMCtzZpd7-Yc93OHSKLfSa1AbHjH4zgEp-gfdEcBdoDgoheM/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxy4FybX7aUeJZyz4rqX44vfm_rMyogxU6vZJuWf5_dQomF3sHhBqGYuAQwCdkjXociKyuxG-hVQgwkDCJJpv3h3at0Wuj7zR9lMvLTQC8_JXDJ06xtIVASiaNgthiOdTDSn277eXSoI/s1600-h/IMG_0319.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314182161086560274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxy4FybX7aUeJZyz4rqX44vfm_rMyogxU6vZJuWf5_dQomF3sHhBqGYuAQwCdkjXociKyuxG-hVQgwkDCJJpv3h3at0Wuj7zR9lMvLTQC8_JXDJ06xtIVASiaNgthiOdTDSn277eXSoI/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>Unfortunately for Chad, he's already gone for school. We'll tell him about it when he gets home. </div>One of my favorites! Totally brings out the Irish in me - my name is Shannon after all!!! The Leprechaun trap was set. We didn't have any Lucky Charms, always a Leprechaun favorite, but we left out some Trix, because they're all rainbow-y and you know how much Leprechauns like rainbows, and some clovers, and this time, we almost caught it (him, they... not too sure. Gotta be politically correct after all)! Still managed to evade us, but left us quite the prize for all our efforts. Secretly though, I still think that Reed is part Leprechaun. Would totally make sense. Red hair, pointy ears, mischievousness (not sure that's a word... but you get the point.). Now I gotta go get the Corned Beef and Cabbage cooking. Don't forget to wear your green today... don't want to get pinched!

Top of the Morning to You!

Unfortunately for Chad, he's already gone for school. We'll tell him about it when he gets home. One of my favorites! Totally brin...

8:35 AM

Call in the Army.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy8OIQjFQocKkazaAxYt-0Sljour5yNKV__VPnU4S20FX8r3EHbDmyC4OH1phKqX4fsiObK17kM0GkJl2Eu_Pt4e9hZOLupZCDF2iR-GPXjOl63DJ9tx2lYCsVrxzcBOn0SIUOT3f5dw/s1600-h/IMG_0325.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314180738716627906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy8OIQjFQocKkazaAxYt-0Sljour5yNKV__VPnU4S20FX8r3EHbDmyC4OH1phKqX4fsiObK17kM0GkJl2Eu_Pt4e9hZOLupZCDF2iR-GPXjOl63DJ9tx2lYCsVrxzcBOn0SIUOT3f5dw/s320/IMG_0325.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> So, he may be almost 13, but our first born will NEVER outgrow his Star Wars guys. No matter what he says. He just takes after his dad WAY too much... not that that's a bad thing... but he's almost 39 and he still revolves around Star Wars. So this is what I find on Chad's desk. An army of Storm Troopers... or maybe Clone Troopers... truly, I don't know... and that's ok by me.

Call in the Army.

So, he may be almost 13, but our first born will NEVER outgrow his Star Wars guys. No matter what he says. He just takes after his dad WAY...

8:32 AM

Where's the fishy?

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc3kdW2OfPPTfqCtJNRp1qxGc3Y3Yy1pBPdtXrw2HbRASC7WDYpdd2Z348IaXRmjv0o4Bg1FhJ9FcN0pBA-ZyqKgBX2qYXVQ5W7B5eEqqasAxQRCz5WO7CwN_3BdHQ8TyLwAggdAV1Ym2/s1600-h/IMG_0302.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313290267771865362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc3kdW2OfPPTfqCtJNRp1qxGc3Y3Yy1pBPdtXrw2HbRASC7WDYpdd2Z348IaXRmjv0o4Bg1FhJ9FcN0pBA-ZyqKgBX2qYXVQ5W7B5eEqqasAxQRCz5WO7CwN_3BdHQ8TyLwAggdAV1Ym2/s320/IMG_0302.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> Around all the Amazing Race stuff, we also got a fish tank - make that two. D got one for the media room, and Luke and Macy chipped in some of their money to get one for their bathroom. We were all gung ho to get them up and running (we who know NOTHING about fish!) until we found out that we had to fill them with water and let them sit for at least two days before we can add any fish. We got very conflicting information on this though. We went to PetSmart this morning, and the first girl told us we didn't have to wait at all. To get our fish, go home, fill the tank, float the fishes' bag in the water for about 15 minutes, and then pour the fish in. So, we go and finish running our errands, then go back to PetSmart to get our fish when we get new helpers. They tell us we have to wait at least 24-48 hours before adding fish... so we have to go back again in a couple of days, and then we can only add 2 fish at a time. 2 fish every 3 days. Crazy. Lucky for us, our tanks are small, so we only want 3-4 fish anyway, but still. Kind of burst our bubbles a bit. So here's Reed, staring into R2-D2, trying to figure out where the fish are. It was really bugging one of the cats too. She sat in front of the one in the bathroom for a while looking for the fish.

Where's the fishy?

Around all the Amazing Race stuff, we also got a fish tank - make that two. D got one for the media room, and Luke and Macy chipped in some...

10:34 PM

Luke's Amazing Birthday Race 2009

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_8ykhjWbbRTNNP9_AFyqM-eHBDKXyh2XQyeAuiRGUUFGA2D5II-w8JpUx9IMwMXvaHRZdsbOXRb0GDP1mdbCS0nhI6pVfWg-TAwk_3RC68ynxVJX3hAbO3yr7CKXzjBj008YcuZ492FY/s1600-h/IMG_0309.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313289329966866370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_8ykhjWbbRTNNP9_AFyqM-eHBDKXyh2XQyeAuiRGUUFGA2D5II-w8JpUx9IMwMXvaHRZdsbOXRb0GDP1mdbCS0nhI6pVfWg-TAwk_3RC68ynxVJX3hAbO3yr7CKXzjBj008YcuZ492FY/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>Some of the props. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO71-hiSPIQLlyBrEO5cYu_uytNgdg7rKL-tBaTxABqZDiuxbgLpPVjOyp_gA-fjnhvU5wlb3cOXb8nPsPAZ2pyrfSfHUIJ1n3rG7EVBaxIyUjegrDKeoh4jl9R9XR6dvBaswX-3nK_VR/s1600-h/IMG_0282.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313289327005418978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO71-hiSPIQLlyBrEO5cYu_uytNgdg7rKL-tBaTxABqZDiuxbgLpPVjOyp_gA-fjnhvU5wlb3cOXb8nPsPAZ2pyrfSfHUIJ1n3rG7EVBaxIyUjegrDKeoh4jl9R9XR6dvBaswX-3nK_VR/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>Most of the kids, with some siblings thrown in. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJeeO1ZPTXX91v55-L_xDfrh9PPT-X7vh5RipHvIQB8VbsIX-t9XjDBJrPXAh1UCT7PG2646irZzcAuCiak52oR2ULmAG02o5jtwzx973B4ziu9m6__Cwem04DCgQ9RpNcO-ojEuCZUC8/s1600-h/IMG_0280.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313289310621420850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJeeO1ZPTXX91v55-L_xDfrh9PPT-X7vh5RipHvIQB8VbsIX-t9XjDBJrPXAh1UCT7PG2646irZzcAuCiak52oR2ULmAG02o5jtwzx973B4ziu9m6__Cwem04DCgQ9RpNcO-ojEuCZUC8/s320/IMG_0280.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>The green team with one of their nice strangers. </div>We did an Amazing Race. It was pretty awesome! We had 15 kids, with about 9 adult and 3 teenage helpers. It started with the kids getting "Route Info"s for the invitation. They said "Make your way to Luke's house to get your next clue..." Once the kids got to our house, we split them into 3 teams and then gave them their 1st clues. They had to run up to the park near our house to find the clue box. Inside was a Detour. Shoot or Hunt. Each member of their team had to sink a basket from the free throw line, or go on a scavenger hunt. From there they had to run back down the hill and down the street to our friend, Paula's, house to get their next clue. It said to find their driver (who was 7 houses north - some of the kids went the wrong way), and then head to the middle school to get their next clue. At the middle school, they got a clue which told them that the entire team had to run one lap (1/4 of a mile. Not too easy considering one of the teams parked in the completely wrong area and already had to run about 1/4 of a mile just to get to the clue box.) From there they headed to WalMart where they had to go on a price scavenger hunt, and not get kicked out (I was so NERVOUS!!!). They all succeeded (YIPPEE!!!), and then headed to our church baseball field. There they got another Detour, which had ADD or COUNT on it. In ADD, they had to do a crazy math word problem that Derrick made up, and in COUNT they had to count up a jar of buttons. Whichever one they picked, they had to do the answer in jumping jacks. Surprisingly to me, they all picked the math problem, and they all got it right! (Good thing too... because the answer to the math problem was only 11... the buttons had 98!) They then headed to our friend's orthodontia office where they got their next clue and a funny hat. The clue had them go into downtown and have their picture taken with 5 strangers, who had to be wearing the funny hat. I really thought this would take a long time, but they all had a great time with it, and all the strangers were really willing to play along, so that was great. They then headed to another park where they had to find three numbers (that I hid a little too well), to unlock a combination lock on an envelope which had their final clue. A few phone calls later, they were all able to find the numbers and get their locks opened to reveal their final clue - come back to the house. The blue team and the green team got here at about the same time, but the blue team actually read the clue which said to go to the backyard, so they got the finish line. The green team tried to come in the front door, and I wouldn't let them, so they lost by just a second. The red team finally made it in, and then it was pizza, cake and prizes for all! On the actual Amazing Race, the prize is $1 million dollars. Well, that's a bit out of our budget, but we found $100 GRAND chocolate bars, so gave each team a bag of 10, thereby totalling $1 million dollars. Pretty smart, huh! Derrick also made some "trophies" for the winning team. He got some "Indiana Jones" type action figures at Big Lots, spray painted them gold, and attached them to a wooden base painted black with a plaque on it that said "Luke's Amazing Birthday Race 2009" (total cost - about $2.50 each!). Pretty cool. Unfortunately, Luke's team didn't win, so he didn't get a trophy. Now D is going to have to make him an extra one! Special thanks to Ernie, Brian (and D) who were our drivers; Daelin, Charles (and Chad) who were the videographers/cameramen; Julie, Liz, Paula, Sherry (Macy and I) who were the "clue boxes"; Aunt Heidi who hung out with Reed and Haley while this was all going on; and Patti for the birthday candles. We definately couldn't have done it without all of your help! Now I think we can get jobs on the actual Amazing Race. Anyone know if they're hiring?????

Luke's Amazing Birthday Race 2009

Some of the props. Most of the kids, with some siblings thrown in. The green team with one of their nice strangers. We did an Amazing Race. ...

10:17 PM

Amazing Cake.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGSQ5Z5E2HD9IxWN2yqaYI2a4IdSGHRaJhLYQpa8mvoQsERB6bcLU9PvCF7dGlfR5ZijCnjpuAEGGbD2R_Hbmis8OKsZx74J4S1ntbElsh8NHVUpgNh6nwwpo0QaUa1KpFomvaHxJzp9b/s1600-h/IMG_0274.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313289105913034370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGSQ5Z5E2HD9IxWN2yqaYI2a4IdSGHRaJhLYQpa8mvoQsERB6bcLU9PvCF7dGlfR5ZijCnjpuAEGGbD2R_Hbmis8OKsZx74J4S1ntbElsh8NHVUpgNh6nwwpo0QaUa1KpFomvaHxJzp9b/s320/IMG_0274.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> This week has been very busy for us. Not with lots of busy things, but with planning a crazy Amazing Race birthday party for Luke. It is finally over, and I am very relieved. No one got kicked out of WalMart (which I was REALLY nervous about!), and except for one kind of lost driver, all the teams did really well. It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work! There were route markers, road blocks, and detours, and we tried to make everything look like the actual Amazing Race. Just the kind of crazy things that Derrick and I do. We even ordered a white sheet cake from Costco and tried to decorate it ourselves. Not too bad. Really helps when you have a diecut machine that will cut out any font on your computer, so we could cut out letters to look just like our invitations. Black Spray Mist stuff for the cake isn't great though, and we didn't realize that the "Z" in "Amazing" was backwards until all was said and done, but that way we don't have any copyright infringements (that's our story and we're sticking to it!).

Amazing Cake.

This week has been very busy for us. Not with lots of busy things, but with planning a crazy Amazing Race birthday party for Luke. It is f...

10:13 PM

More make-up.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vYecYgWcOXVjUaHs_iOeRlPW9UBrzsiS2ODm0M8E418YIuGRIr5_FfmOySCYuNMzARDKYBwP_GOZ-5sGs4AtzdgfDopkBHa0X0SSrngxzwJ0XFDMI08fC3iU6pDZhika9Hqw_fFYdOW7/s1600-h/IMG_0272.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313288983120742210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vYecYgWcOXVjUaHs_iOeRlPW9UBrzsiS2ODm0M8E418YIuGRIr5_FfmOySCYuNMzARDKYBwP_GOZ-5sGs4AtzdgfDopkBHa0X0SSrngxzwJ0XFDMI08fC3iU6pDZhika9Hqw_fFYdOW7/s320/IMG_0272.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> So, after getting most of Reed and the carpet cleaned, this is what I find. It's also all over the white banister. Truly, I left it there for a few days because I wanted to take a picture of it and I kept forgetting about it. Every time I passed it, I was like, "oh yeah", but then I would get distracted and forget again. So, I finally headed up with my camera and some cleaning stuff, and it came off much easier than the banister than Reed. Note to self, next time there is that much foundation make-up on Reed, use the Windex to get it off. Works wonders. (gee... ya think...)

More make-up.

So, after getting most of Reed and the carpet cleaned, this is what I find. It's also all over the white banister. Truly, I left it th...

10:10 PM

What make-up?

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmau6O3AMkuqXMin6RwgIiW6mEONVxGcWwzyeXWpqzNgl-vsMkkR8_TYvfqrSwqHPDzxhun4ZWf4Alq5Brh7qqaIEmIcvpYwuff0utLUsSPb_CgP_ztHf31YYywPkHIPfUgbWT0DvxmIHI/s1600-h/IMG_0266.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313288841723298402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmau6O3AMkuqXMin6RwgIiW6mEONVxGcWwzyeXWpqzNgl-vsMkkR8_TYvfqrSwqHPDzxhun4ZWf4Alq5Brh7qqaIEmIcvpYwuff0utLUsSPb_CgP_ztHf31YYywPkHIPfUgbWT0DvxmIHI/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> This is what happens when Reed is too quiet. He finds the make-up, which really, I don't have that much of. Especially base types of make-up. The only reason it was out was because I wrote "Happy Birthday Luke" on his bathroom mirror with it the other day. So Reed finds it, puts it all over his face, his pajamas, the carpet, etc. Stick him in the bathtub, and let me tell you, it's not very easy to get it off of the little boy. Makes me really wonder about putting it on my face.

What make-up?

This is what happens when Reed is too quiet. He finds the make-up, which really, I don't have that much of. Especially base types of m...

10:08 PM

Nursery 101.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTpfqJFTEywRoR8NP_C0pMHWOYhBgZohPsh5xNK8D-KtHP8z_mFgtGbwjIefCGq_Kl621WHLdz4Bon2MO_Flge1aiRT5GhtXMJstr2T9GrQ1c_kxuF0IyC7CmozFwmmOhT4ysqG-aMmCx/s1600-h/IMG_0264.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313288274308478642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTpfqJFTEywRoR8NP_C0pMHWOYhBgZohPsh5xNK8D-KtHP8z_mFgtGbwjIefCGq_Kl621WHLdz4Bon2MO_Flge1aiRT5GhtXMJstr2T9GrQ1c_kxuF0IyC7CmozFwmmOhT4ysqG-aMmCx/s320/IMG_0264.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>These are the tags hanging outside the nursery for all the kids. When it is time for one of them to leave, you put their name tag under the door, and we send them out another door. That way there aren't all these mommies and daddies coming in and out really upsetting all the little ones. </div>After Derrick and I both being Scout leaders for 2+ years, we were released in church and given new callings. Now know that we both really enjoyed Scouts. I was kind of ready to be released, considering that Luke just turned 11, and I would not have another Cub Scout for 6 1/2 years, but we were very surprised when D got released! He was the 11-year-old Scout leader, Luke would now be his scout, but oh well. So, they released us from Scouts, and called us where? To be the Nursery leaders! Can you believe that???? I think they're trying to kill us or something. We go out of the frying pan, into the fire! Watching 18 month to 3 years-olds every Sunday while we are at church. Glorified babysitters. Now really, I'm not trying to sound bitter or anything... this is just what I do every day. Sunday was kind of the break from being with little people. Oh well. God has his reasons, and we will definately do what we are asked. We just have to readjust our way of thinking a bit. Every calling is for a purpose, and we know that.

Nursery 101.

These are the tags hanging outside the nursery for all the kids. When it is time for one of them to leave, you put their name tag under the...

10:03 PM

Sharing.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXRhQ0UXEpv7Zkwo8jo0lDFlufkFo8n2uOep9Ny2IrT4EZzqqTlnD6ij-NTwDLR4tUnir3WRtMgmNdpwMVoplpKDEK1kO9f5xTgwqIN4SdArs4uuwJwksVoOH_iDLbd0LQtPS_SxokSCv/s1600-h/IMG_0269.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313288089619609698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXRhQ0UXEpv7Zkwo8jo0lDFlufkFo8n2uOep9Ny2IrT4EZzqqTlnD6ij-NTwDLR4tUnir3WRtMgmNdpwMVoplpKDEK1kO9f5xTgwqIN4SdArs4uuwJwksVoOH_iDLbd0LQtPS_SxokSCv/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> I love that there's a sense of "sharing" in our house. At least between Reed and Cooper. Reed's pretty good sharing with me too... sharing with Haley is still being worked on. Here's Reed, eating some cereal. Pour it on the floor. One for me, one for you. Cooper may not definately enjoy Reed stepping on him, but he definately knows where to sit when there is food involved. He's not completely dumb!

Sharing.

I love that there's a sense of "sharing" in our house. At least between Reed and Cooper. Reed's pretty good sharing with...

10:00 PM

Denim Chair by Scrap Lab

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.scraplab.org/images/32.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.scraplab.org/images/32.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" /></a> Ever wonder what you could do with your old jeans? This ingenious design has been created by Scrap Lab. Their mission is to use materials which are other’s ‘left overs’. The off-cuts and scrap can be wood, metal, nylon, plastics, paper, foam and fabrics and are obtained mainly from industrial sources. Scrap Lab have clear aims and missions which focus on both global and economic concerns as well as using environmental issues regarding using sustainable sources, by working closely with manufacturers to rejuvenate and re-use their scarp materials to create positive and dynamic designs. They believe their sources will provide them with a continuous supply of materials for them to continue their design activities. This denim chair cover can also be unbuttoned and used as a wrap round blanket or folded into a neat square floor mat. Easy to remove from the frame and transport makes this design very practical. As the country’s economic downturn continues we are seeing designers create the most ingenious and innovative design styles. Great ways of using unwanted materials and fabrics. This denim chair cover look so comfortable and would make the ideal inexpensive seating to charm any modern homes interior space. Team it with <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/prod/ready-made-curtains/standard-heading/manhattan-ready-made-curtains-teal/>dark blue curtains</a> and a floor rug and you have a low cost, yet stylish and effective room style. I admire Scrap Lab and other creative designers who have taken principles such as patchwork from the past, as seen in this chair design, and brought it into the 21st century with panache and confidence. Image source: <a href=http://www.scraplab.org/>Scrap Lab</a>

Denim Chair by Scrap Lab

Ever wonder what you could do with your old jeans? This ingenious design has been created by Scrap Lab. Their mission is to use materials wh...

12:15 AM

Malibu Barbie Dream Home

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bloomacious.com/.a/6a00e5523125aa883401127942c34828a4-500wi"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.bloomacious.com/.a/6a00e5523125aa883401127942c34828a4-500wi" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 322px;" /></a> It have to admit that I’m not a lover of all things Barbie! However, I can hardly let the 50th anniversary pass by without giving this famous iconic doll a mention. <a href=http://www.bloomacious.com/bloomacious/interiors/>Bloomacious</a> have some wonderful images of the latest Malibu Barbie Dream Home designed by Jonathan Alder. Whilst I agree that the living area is almost beyond believe, I actually have to admit that the bedroom has some great interior design features, not least the <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/bedding/bed-linnen/>bed linen</a>. I wouldn’t go as far as the B initials on the cover and pillow covers, but the white with contrasting bold lines offers a clean look which coordinated effectively with the Barbie pink shown abundantly in the rest of the room. I’m undecided about the table lamps, the black coordinates with the trim of the bedding but the base seems out of keeping, unless of course it depicts a silhouette of Barbie and I’m missing the whole point! What does intrigue me is the fabric covered ceiling and walls. This is a great idea for covering up walls in a rented home which you really can’t stand the sight of and are unable to redecorate due to landlord’s terms of rental. Buy yards of fabric, not necessarily Barbie pink! from discount fabric warehouses or online. Simply use a curtain track to suspend them by and hey presto! one unsightly wall transformed! And for those for you who are wondering if I ever had a Barbie doll the answer is a most definite NO! Happy Birthday Barbie!

Malibu Barbie Dream Home

It have to admit that I’m not a lover of all things Barbie! However, I can hardly let the 50th anniversary pass by without giving this famou...

12:30 AM

Inspirational Interior Designs

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.bloomacious.com/.a/6a00e5523125aa88340112791a90d328a4-500wi"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.bloomacious.com/.a/6a00e5523125aa88340112791a90d328a4-500wi" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 555px;" /></a> Moorish interior are full of luxury, colour and texture! I particularly love the ceiling with its decoration and vibrant colours in this room designed by Interior Designer Todd Black. The mixture of textures seems to almost defy all design principles and yet as the Moorish influence is so overwhelming it works wonderfully! There is so much to look at, the shapes and colours in some almost overwhelming and yet the more I look the more this design fascinates me! From the exquisite detailing on the backs of the chairs to the ‘fun’ elements such as the gold <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/hooks-holdbacks/>curtain holdbacks</a>, each has purpose and presence. The colours Todd Black has incorporated are in keeping with traditional Moorish décor, I have to admit the only piece which somehow appears out of keeping are the black and white patterned curtains which you appear to look through. I think I would have opted for the same as the far door curtains in pale blue-grey, but I’m sure Todd has a purpose for the stripes as an essential part of the design concept! The room has an almost cluttered look and yet on inspection nothing is out of place! It is just a room which is filled with luxurious, elegant pieces from top to bottom and everything in between. You would have to admit that this interior would not work at all well in a modern ‘box’ home; but that’s the great thing about designs such as these, you take one or two ideas and use them with great effect in your own home. Just looking at this rooms gives inspiration and a vision as to how you can use colour, texture and style effectively. For further information on this Moorish room design and image source visit <a href=http://www.bloomacious.com/bloomacious/interiors/>Bloomacious</a>

Inspirational Interior Designs

Moorish interior are full of luxury, colour and texture! I particularly love the ceiling with its decoration and vibrant colours in this roo...

12:30 AM

We can scrap that!

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWFwrOiKyi4dud0r47xr674TizjkReMofe6UUs42C4kztYEQyqXV4Gr67JK2dQgYw9AknH7YHpSoqGLLLTdcOLqdknLNuVJsxBaG1unKSFLUpi-h5PJ8UiD7kEPnAW_K2JEWixwgKfLiE/s1600-h/IMG_0263.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310537551218966034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWFwrOiKyi4dud0r47xr674TizjkReMofe6UUs42C4kztYEQyqXV4Gr67JK2dQgYw9AknH7YHpSoqGLLLTdcOLqdknLNuVJsxBaG1unKSFLUpi-h5PJ8UiD7kEPnAW_K2JEWixwgKfLiE/s320/IMG_0263.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> LOTS of paper! What's not to love? Really heavy on your back though!!! </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHhxrV2CaoA8sN7axdPpb_aRPL3wafRrxyvxzpnCkSDBC58K-VM1hZbbGRp6j-fxbsf3wAkL3SMWCfCG9UB2xYtHWqiyS2oHRu7bwsmo5GjAACNaVmucgPo1NvGHB77wqEfTB5wXd5SGv/s1600-h/IMG_0261.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310537537732576946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHhxrV2CaoA8sN7axdPpb_aRPL3wafRrxyvxzpnCkSDBC58K-VM1hZbbGRp6j-fxbsf3wAkL3SMWCfCG9UB2xYtHWqiyS2oHRu7bwsmo5GjAACNaVmucgPo1NvGHB77wqEfTB5wXd5SGv/s320/IMG_0261.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a> So after my tour of the new school building yesterday, I headed to Portland for the Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention. My heart just gets happy when I go to these things. It's a scrapbook euphoria. Total scrapbook aura. Just makes me happy! So I shopped for a few hours, ate lunch, and then volunteered in one of the classes. All in all, a good day for me! Check out all my loot!

We can scrap that!

LOTS of paper! What's not to love? Really heavy on your back though!!! So after my tour of the new school building yesterday, I headed...

11:55 AM

Under Construction.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8WHmPgpJrEu8W8fkO_inr4Iv-VTsFJBxnLBSeeE5coWP1XlSJJYEv7bDx7ydIze9qIU8Ihjwrz1m7Bt1wIqtF61jc_pdHoRiD8zaXaoNmQFxSi_LepCEh0jxCQes9REirZOarwvMPSdp/s1600-h/IMG_0258.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310536723037420242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8WHmPgpJrEu8W8fkO_inr4Iv-VTsFJBxnLBSeeE5coWP1XlSJJYEv7bDx7ydIze9qIU8Ihjwrz1m7Bt1wIqtF61jc_pdHoRiD8zaXaoNmQFxSi_LepCEh0jxCQes9REirZOarwvMPSdp/s320/IMG_0258.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> We got to wear hard hats and everything! Pretty cool... except boy what a headache they cause! </div>Currently our town is building two new elementary schools. One to replace our school, and one to replace another. Good thing about ours... the school that our kids currently attend is about 3 miles away... not too bad... but really too far to walk. Our new school will be right down the street, about 1/4 a mile. We are really excited about it! I got to tour it yesterday with the principal and some of the other PTA moms, and it's pretty impressive. It's going to be so exciting next year to be in a brand new building. They've been working on it all school year, and it's supposed to be finished by August 1, with the teachers moving all their belongings in from the old school, opening September 3rd (or whenever). Pretty cool!

Under Construction.

We got to wear hard hats and everything! Pretty cool... except boy what a headache they cause! Currently our town is building two new eleme...

11:51 AM

Happy Birthday Luke!!!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsNnFo1B_Vsj3f0-VtAvtfSdGw-zyBISxsWFBnBIXQinnQ28TJTidRcVH00skOw9173UKlkeKeq7q3ADlHz2BhX4v8ArgFftkPiz2Vnq5oehyq_gu-_-rPV8CgUB0Wj8Vt2w6LzKnVLYE/s1600-h/IMG_0256.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310535691042995170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsNnFo1B_Vsj3f0-VtAvtfSdGw-zyBISxsWFBnBIXQinnQ28TJTidRcVH00skOw9173UKlkeKeq7q3ADlHz2BhX4v8ArgFftkPiz2Vnq5oehyq_gu-_-rPV8CgUB0Wj8Vt2w6LzKnVLYE/s320/IMG_0256.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> So our second born turned 11 the other day! Can you believe it!!! Next year he will be in middle school. We will have two in middle school, two in elementary school (one of which will be in Kindergarten) and one in preschool. Crazy! But anyways, this is supposed to be about Luke. Luke is a great kid! He's smart and loves people. He loves games, puzzles, competitions, anything he can beat people at... and he usually does... but watch out if he doesn't because he's got quite the temper! He's a super kid, a great helper with a HUGE heart and always lots of fun! We love you Lukie, tons and tons, and are so very thankful that you chose us to be your parents!!! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Luke!!!

So our second born turned 11 the other day! Can you believe it!!! Next year he will be in middle school. We will have two in middle schoo...

11:47 AM

For the love of purple crinoline.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQo5RAnwgD9cr-1qvFP96RnlyMOHkEE9YIuy_iuxY4H9unZIu7PijtFgQ-HGHclWUIdD4B3huUgI7ImSzH8yjz4LX7fmzlEtkZ05jaihpRME0QZx95QpYRVngOoypCLlJyJ89Lj_aPxa-/s1600-h/IMG_0196.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310534768553717010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQo5RAnwgD9cr-1qvFP96RnlyMOHkEE9YIuy_iuxY4H9unZIu7PijtFgQ-HGHclWUIdD4B3huUgI7ImSzH8yjz4LX7fmzlEtkZ05jaihpRME0QZx95QpYRVngOoypCLlJyJ89Lj_aPxa-/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> A couple of months ago, I needed to dress up as Madonna. Remember that? The 80's roller skating party? So anyways, I sent an email around to all my crazy friends, looking for a crinoline skirt. And you know what I get back? "What the heck is a crinoline skirt?" Doesn't everybody know what crinoline is? Crazy! So, when all my friends failed me, I headed to the next best thing, one of my crazy sister-in-laws, Heidi, who is a square dancer, and happens to have a few square dancing outfits, which happen to have crinoline skirts underneath them. Voila! A purple crinoline skirt. And, I love it! And I'm not the only one. I wore it as Madonna to the party, and then for Halloween. My friend, Heather, wore it to the Prom a few weeks ago to be a rebel high schooler... and then my friend, Joy, wore it for her daughter's Fancy Nancy party. Look at the love. Sorry Heidi... you're never getting your crinoline skirt back! And the next time it's needed, everyone knows where to look!

For the love of purple crinoline.

A couple of months ago, I needed to dress up as Madonna. Remember that? The 80's roller skating party? So anyways, I sent an email ar...

11:42 AM

Making the Most of Natural Light

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/apartment-living-room2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/apartment-living-room2.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 490px; height: 327px;" /></a> Making the most of as much natural light as possible is a great way to add natural warmth and a spacious feeling to small rooms. This wonderful room design has used the most of the natural light entering the small place by using full length voiles to provide as much light expose as possible across the width of the patio style doors. Using <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/ready-made-voiles/>voiles</a> in this way as provides privacy from prying eyes and yet is sufficiently sheer to let light in and the occupants to see outside. Using white voiles is also an effective way of letting as much light into the room while being able to leave them drawn across the entire glass. Another great advantage to using voile curtains is their light weight. They can be hung from small diameter curtain rods or poles or used with conventional curtain tracking to make pulling them open effortless as well as coordinating with the interior design style of the room. White décor with accents of this years Pantone yellow offers a really spring like and fresh appearance to a small room. The light coloured wood of the TV unit compliments both white and yellow wonderfully. Keeping the main theme of a room white will enable natural light to bounce off the walls and reflective pieces, such as a glass dining table, to create an illusion of more space. Anyone with a small room will know that it will have to be kept neat and tidy to prevent it being turned into a cramped and uninviting space. Image source: <a href=http://www.freshome.com>Freshome</a>

Making the Most of Natural Light

Making the most of as much natural light as possible is a great way to add natural warmth and a spacious feeling to small rooms. This wonder...

4:31 AM

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ2_cK9KkjFZVUoGVoSrf-YPgX-YSbNa-0VTeP6UX3MnbtnGMl-uNQLfIlLuJyq-PR4yWUGMDYaUK7lYdr0RbG9MSc_wRGnqPJPENxOmoOSBVtpXQ9QKBq3rL1WekZ_5ZN5z3nF9OzRg7/s1600-h/IMG_0225.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309003191613440946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJ2_cK9KkjFZVUoGVoSrf-YPgX-YSbNa-0VTeP6UX3MnbtnGMl-uNQLfIlLuJyq-PR4yWUGMDYaUK7lYdr0RbG9MSc_wRGnqPJPENxOmoOSBVtpXQ9QKBq3rL1WekZ_5ZN5z3nF9OzRg7/s320/IMG_0225.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>We took the picture ourselves, so this was as good as it was going to get! </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjIkhxIfX7Lc5L70Q4uiD7PVGXtdRbTqSgrdZLrIE5DDJQWtkKteLu0-KaaQz-vkM9KwgKoPgLV0TvBSRgBx-cYgOmVgF4R_tQcSedtGC2-8YKRhZoNqr-_CzatiqbzLUlLi64qPiMw73/s1600-h/IMG_0224.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309003189798328882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjIkhxIfX7Lc5L70Q4uiD7PVGXtdRbTqSgrdZLrIE5DDJQWtkKteLu0-KaaQz-vkM9KwgKoPgLV0TvBSRgBx-cYgOmVgF4R_tQcSedtGC2-8YKRhZoNqr-_CzatiqbzLUlLi64qPiMw73/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> So who doesn't celebrate Dr. Suess's birthday? Green eggs and ham... crazy hats... a fun time had by all. Dinner even finished off with a reading of "Green Eggs and Ham" and some green tinted ice cream. Again, my theory, any reason to have a party!

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!

We took the picture ourselves, so this was as good as it was going to get! So who doesn't celebrate Dr. Suess's birthday? Green egg...

8:42 AM

To SkipBo... or not to SkipBo... that is the question.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSo_B0VwF8PGCpl8gUetm7S10Kkr7BMHb8uQoJ1uINTp8rwFZbdlJ6diI3hOsgEsPx7QwC1tPaCVdHQeJ0JdbooYvnDGVY2XNQ_Ef6z6jHRPs67_c5ObWlsoUx_T7IgPZiKQ8HS5VGUED9/s1600-h/IMG_0219.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309002770720253218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSo_B0VwF8PGCpl8gUetm7S10Kkr7BMHb8uQoJ1uINTp8rwFZbdlJ6diI3hOsgEsPx7QwC1tPaCVdHQeJ0JdbooYvnDGVY2XNQ_Ef6z6jHRPs67_c5ObWlsoUx_T7IgPZiKQ8HS5VGUED9/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> A constant question in our house is "want to play SkipBo?" For some reason, SkipBo has become our family game. Everyone will play it, even D (whose not that big on games - unless they're "video" related), and he usually whips our butts! Either D or Luke (who is very competitive and very good at games) almost always wins. But the rest of us still have a good time.

To SkipBo... or not to SkipBo... that is the question.

A constant question in our house is "want to play SkipBo?" For some reason, SkipBo has become our family game. Everyone will pla...

8:39 AM

Helping hands.

Helping hands.

With as many people as there are in our household, you can almost always find some helping hands. Here is Reed, trying to help D hang the d...

8:38 AM

He's also getting big.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6Bt_cJpQ6BfP_mgr8BWDGXFxOooyQtLFjxUqEkvXqU7_x0njej13KxMqeRaDsV2DIMIQkZr7pUigkczj6ot-cNILh6Me5wejxyqVxbqQXXcJpmbq5uqvV1CRtnaOYA3xHNnPF2B32wD5/s1600-h/IMG_0203.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309001672293365506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6Bt_cJpQ6BfP_mgr8BWDGXFxOooyQtLFjxUqEkvXqU7_x0njej13KxMqeRaDsV2DIMIQkZr7pUigkczj6ot-cNILh6Me5wejxyqVxbqQXXcJpmbq5uqvV1CRtnaOYA3xHNnPF2B32wD5/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> Luke will be turning 11 on March 4th. Turning 11 means that he will no longer be a Cub Scout. Him and I have been in Cub Scouts together almost his whole time, and it's going to be strange not having a Cub Scout any longer. No more Pinewood Derbies, Blue & Gold Dinners, scout sledding trips... well... not for another 6 years at least. So, this was Luke's last pack meeting. He got his Arrow of Light Award, which is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn, and was able to "bridge over" to Boy Scouts, with his dad welcoming him on the other end - because he's the 11-year-old Scout leader. It was pretty cool.

He's also getting big.

Luke will be turning 11 on March 4th. Turning 11 means that he will no longer be a Cub Scout. Him and I have been in Cub Scouts together a...

8:35 AM

We got a visitor.

We got a visitor.

Look who came for the weekend. Grandma Paula. She wasn't able to come at Christmas time due to the snow, so she reschedule it for this...

8:33 AM

Haley's world.

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68TWujCLoJdmmJmCJjunOQrsD5fwxbN2fdXlywwkaizcGnhs6t1aNW-aZRsbUC6PgkvvN0fNeYFiEwv2E0IGpKMqgYOJPPexxT2KyCx7Rl9R4d9tS7jw2RlGmKmZf5ILBFXZQaxxdB88Y/s1600-h/IMG_0170.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309000588227777666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68TWujCLoJdmmJmCJjunOQrsD5fwxbN2fdXlywwkaizcGnhs6t1aNW-aZRsbUC6PgkvvN0fNeYFiEwv2E0IGpKMqgYOJPPexxT2KyCx7Rl9R4d9tS7jw2RlGmKmZf5ILBFXZQaxxdB88Y/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a> Every so often, I let Haley take some pictures - "let" being the key word. She's already dropped and broken my camera once, forcing it to be sent away to the camera doctor to be fixed - and I don't think it's been the same ever since - so only on carpeted surfaces. When I get the camera back, it's always exciting to see a little bit of Haley's world. 52 pictures of our basement stairs, a bunch of a toy bucket, the entertainment center, a bracelet on the floor, one of the cats... so this is her self portrait of her and I. Not the best angle for me, but wanted to fully represent.

Haley's world.

Every so often, I let Haley take some pictures - "let" being the key word. She's already dropped and broken my camera once, f...

8:30 AM

Children's Themed Bedrooms

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kids-room-theme.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kids-room-theme.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 490px; height: 383px;" /></a> Decorating bedrooms for young children can be a time when you can bring back your own childhood memories for all the things you loved! You should be careful that your choice is the same as your child’s otherwise you may love the room and they may well detest and seeing as it’s there space their ideas should take precedent! Painting large murals on walls offers a truly wonderful appearance, but for those who are not artistic it may be wise to get friends who are excellent at drawing to sketch out the design and you to do the painting! Alternatively you can still use a specific theme but rather than have an entire wall or walls painted generate the theme with the use of <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/curtain-fabrics/childrens-fabrics/>childrens curtains</a> which have a zoo theme for example. Borders are somewhat out dated, however for the relatively short time they will be in place-as your child matures a zoo style theme will need replacing with something far more suitable for a teenager- they are a cost effective method of decorating without having to painting murals! Matching bedding and some great child orientated wall art are great ways to bring the theme together. Be inspired by nature and have a jungle style theme, a great way to introduce masses of wonderful new vocabulary and highlight endangered animals to young children. This may sound a bit OTT, however, children will adore a room they can use as part of their role play, transforming their bed into a camp or den! Image source: <a href=http://freshome.com/>freshome</a>

Children's Themed Bedrooms

Decorating bedrooms for young children can be a time when you can bring back your own childhood memories for all the things you loved! You s...

12:30 AM