Life in the Ville

Walking Trail

2010-12-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about our new walking trail that is going in at school. I wrote a grant for $10,000 hoping to recieve enough to build a walking trail around the Parson Hills playground. We got it! Within weeks the city was out blazing the trail. We won't get asphalt until spring but the progress is so exciting. My school is located in the middle of a high poverty area in Springdale. Most of the families and students use our playground as their park and recreational area. I'm hoping it will help aide in our efforts to engage the parents and commumity in our school!

Belly Pic

2010-11-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

So, there it is,a 22 week belly. It's getting much more noticeable and acquiring many more rubs and pats. She has started kicking a lot. More specifically, my bladder. It's a good thing a I have an intern in my classroom this year. There is no way I could avoid running to the bathroom every fifteen minutes. I've been feeling great other than the occassional gagging. NOTE: Avoid eating brocolli and brushing your teeth. I hope all of my pregnancies are as easy as this one. I have been so blessed!

Branson

2010-11-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween weekend we spent the weekend with our community group in Branson. We rented a nice cabing that fit all of us. We had so much fun eating, shopping, watching football and playing games. We went down Friday night and had dinner at Pancho Villa, a little mexican food joint. The next day we spent the day at the outlet malls, where we found lots of good buys. Came home for lunch and the boys had grilled burgers and made milkshakes! It was back to the malls after that. Soon we found ourselves at a little hole in the wall bar that would play the game for us. After many games and breakfast the next morning, we were headed home. We love our gang so much!

Night at dinner!

Lot's of good deals!

We brought smores to make at the bar. They were having a Halloween party there that night and some old lady asks "So, what are you guys dressed as, College Coeds?" Too fun! The old people were all getting a little too crazy for our taste so we left soon thereafter.

The crew! (Minus two very missed couples who couldn't join us over the weekend) Blake, Amanda, Seth, Chelsea, Matt and I, Owen, Amy, Jordan, Amber, Billy, Jordan.

Home too soon!

Baby Asa

2010-11-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I helped host a shower for a dear friend, Elizabeth. This shower was so special because Asa is already here! At 31 weeks, Asa was born due to some health complications. He was born at 2lbs 14oz. He has been growing like a champ! He's at 3lbs and is breathing all on his own! Mommy is doing great and looking forward to having him home. The shower was hosted at another friends house, Katie. She did an amazing job! The theme was apples! Look here for shower pics: www.katiegracedesign.com

Her First Tutu

2010-11-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen? That's right...the onsie says "Miss March". One of my good friends, Jordan, made her very first tutu and painted the onsie. She is so talented! What are the odds that she'll be spinning on her toes at 3 months?! Who knows, maybe she'll be inspired!

Baby Hartness

2010-11-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

It's a girl! Baby Hartness is growing big and strong! I can hardly believe how fast the pregnancy has gone. I'm going on 21 weeks and feeling awesome! No sickness! Hardly tired! I've been so blessed.

Date Night

2010-10-27T15:20:00.001-07:00

I came home the other night and Matt had planned a whole evening of fun. He was in the process of making kabobs! YUM! Steak, Bell Pepper, Onion, Mushrooms, and Pineapple slow cooked on a stick! He marinated them in Italian dressing and seasoned them with some garlic powder and Lowrys.

They were delicious!

In the meantime, I began the pumpkin carving! Walmart sales the pumpkin carving kits. It turned out to be really easy.

Unfortunatley,within a couple of days a mega grasshopper had eaten my whole owl. Now stands a pumpkin with a hole in it. GRRR.

Deep Breath, it's Fall!

2010-10-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Spice candles and Chi Tea Lattes; football and cool weather. I'm ready! Maybe a little too ready. Had my fall decor up before the middle of September.

Woo Pig Sooie

2010-09-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

It's been an exciting week here in Fayetteville gearing up for the Alabama game! Students began camping out at the beginning of the week to insure their seat in the game. By Friday night, the line of campers was a 1/2 mile long and spirits were high! A parade of students were lined to high five as cars drove Stadium Drive. Saturday was spent tailgating. 76,000 fans, dressed in red, lined streets, parking lots, and yards in hopes of a big win! We hopped a couple of tailgates and headed in. If anyone was going to beat them it was the Razorbacks. Unfortunatley, we came up short. 76,000 people and you could have heard a pin drop. The sulking begins.

Oooo baby baby Ooo baby baby

2010-09-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

EEK! It's been too long. I think school is settling and I have great intentions of posting more often! I had Matt take my first belly pic this week. 14 Weeks! The bump is growing and the pants are tightening. I've been feeling great. No nausea, less fatigue.

New Chair

2010-08-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

I bought this old chair at Pam's Schoolhouse Sale!

Then, we got it recovered! Fabric was 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby.

My backyard is a zoo!

2010-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

We had a wild night in the backyard. It all began with this guy:

You see the snake? I know, he disguises himself amongst all those hoses. That is not what I was expecting to find when I went to reach in and turn on the sprinklers. I found him about a week ago. After screaming, dropping the lid on, and running, I somehow blocked him out of my mind. A week later Matt goes back to find a much skinnier snake who had been locked in. Apparently, not long enough. He still moves. My brother in law has convinced me that he is just a gardner snake and that there is absolutely no way he can eat Boss.

They released him back into the back yard. EEK! He's probably sleeping under my window as we speak. After dealing with Lucifer we moved to the deck where we were enjoying the fireflies and sweating a bit. I look up to see what looks like a hawk, eagle, flying dinosaur? Matt informed me it was an owl. Anyway, about two seconds after gawking at the bird we were ambushed. Yes, shratnel was pounding our deck. POOP EVERYWHERE. It looked like a flock of one hundred geese came by. This poor bird has issues. It covered the deck. Keep in mind our deck is approximatley fifteen feet long.

It missed me only by inches. Hear this Pooping Owl and Lucifer: My backyard is for wrinkled dogs (Boss), bunnies, and cute birds that flutter and sing. If I see you back here again I'm going to have Mema visit with her pellet gun.

MORE TRASH?

2010-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have no idea who the lady is around the corner who keeps putting her ex-furniture on the curb. But I just keep picking it up. I'm beginning to think I should introduce myself. We have so much in common already. A love for vintagey (yes that "y" is supposed to be there) furniture and bright colors. What can she possibly be replacing all this stuff with? Something I'm sure to envious of. I've turned into a slight stalker, roaming around her house, trying to catch her goods before others can get to it first. I came face to face with one of her close proximity neighbors who tried to capture the treasure. It was made very clear the fortune was mine. Literally, we had left a note claiming it until Matt could be there to pick it up! So worth it....

Finished Product

2010-07-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

So, you remember this: The old window frame that Matt found on the curb around the corner from our house. I debated what to do with it for a while. I was going to hang it in our hallway with pictures, but I just couldn't get it to work. So, I painted the window panes with some chalkboard paint, knocked out a window and replaced it with cork board and a magnetic tin.

Walla! An office organizer!

Fourth of July Weekend

2010-07-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this past weekend at the Baker lakehouse! It was full of fun, food, and fireworks.

10 reasons it's one of my most favorite weekends of the year:

1. The Sandy Beach firework show! The fireworks are impressive, but even more so are the hundreds of other boats that fill the waters with you.

2. The boat ride home from Sandy Beach amongst the hundreds of boats, while jamming to any Black Eyed Peas song.

3. The Moomba! (That's the boat)

4. Super fun times with lots of people we love.

5. Full days on the water!

6. Laughing, laughing, more laughing!

7. Watching people get thrown off the boat!

8. Rope swing! (a new fav.)

9. Getting to see Jennie! It's only guaranteed a couple times a year!

10. Watching Matt and Marc ham it up!

Help Please?!

2010-07-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

**-Matt was driving along in our neighborhood when he came across this piece on the curb!

I was so grateful he stopped to get it for me. The glass panes are all still intact except for one corner pane. I need your help!

1. Do I paint it?

2. Do I leave the glass panes or remove them?

3. Where do I put it? I posted some pictures below of some possible locations.

An empty hall wall.

A spare bedroom room.

The wall on the back porch. Imagine a love seat underneath, against the wall.

Please, let me know what you think!

Quite the Pair

2010-06-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mom and Aunt Wanda came to visit me last week. What a hoot! Especially, if you give them enough sangria. Also, known as "koolaid" as coined by Aunt Wanda. We had so much fun shopping, eating, and lounging! The giggling lasted a full two days!

SANGRIA RECIPE: (guarntee's giggles)

1 bottle of white Chardonay
1 can of pink lemonade concentrate
1/2 bottle of Sprite
1/2 small bottle of Cognac (or to taste)
Top it off with some blueberries or mixed fruit and let it chill before serving.

YUM!!

Schoolhouse Sale

2010-06-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

Found some fun things Pam's school house sale. I've been looking for a new chair to add to the living room. Something small and cute! Decided to cover it in stripes!

Oh, no he didn't.

2010-05-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

A school story to share. One you don't hear everyday...

We've just returned from our field trip to the middle school. The fifth graders are wide eyed and dreaming big. One of them has just confessed to me his embarrassment after multiple middle school girls told him how "cute" he was. The class has now settled into some good books and I'm getting caught up on a few emails. Then, it happened. The worst decision Martin has made all year. From across the room, comes a stream of water at my head. By "stream of water," I don't mean the dripping faucet kind. If this stream were a river it would have been the Mississippi...after some winter snow melt. After it drenches the side of my head, deflects all over my computer screen, and soaks my report cards, I rise. "Who was it?" I say once in a hushed voice. Silence. "Who was it?" (a little louder this time). "What are you talking about?" replies anonymous student. "WHO WAS IT THAT SPRAYED ME WITH WATER?" (the all caps doesn't accurately portray my anger) "What water?" I hear as it's dripping down my face. I can't believe the glazed eyes. The hush amongst the room. No one is owning up. No one is revealing the criminal mastermind. It hits me. One thing about the almighty Mississippi, it leaves a trail! "The trail. Follow the trail," the voice of my father rings in my head. Finally, the perks of being raised by a hunter. I follow. Drip by drip. If I would have looked up, I'd have seen the guilt all over his face. (my dad didn't teach me that) There, hidden deep in Martin's backpack, was the weapon of choice. The TURBO 5 cylinder Supersoaker 2000.(wait a minute, isn't the hunter supposed to have the weapon?) "Martin" I say through squinted eyes (from both anger and runny mascara) "Make your way to the principals office." Oh, no he didn't.

Gift Idea

2010-05-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

Start with a box of glasses and some chalkboard paint.

Tape off a nice small square. Cover with a couple layers of chalkboard paint.

Use a knife to carve around the edges to the tape doesn't pull up the paint.

And Walla... glasses that don't confuse or labeled containers!

Cheerful Pinwheels

2010-05-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

One of our fifth grade students has been battling cancer the majority of her life. This year she had a relapse, this time in her bone marrow. This week she was transported to Children's in Little Rock, where she will receive many rounds of chemo and then a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunatley, she will be confined to her room, where only her mom and doctor can visit, for one month. Please keep Leslie and her family in your prayers. We love you, Leslie!

Rearranging

2010-05-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for a small, slightly colorful, table to fill an empty nook in my living room. I found the perfect table at Hobby Lobby. The boys say it looks like a xylophone, but with a basket and a vase I think it will be just perfect! Even if it does chime! After the table purchase, I began feeling like my living area wasn't very homey. The rearranging began! Amber and Elizabeth made me realize the more you put in a room the cozier it feels. We began going through cabinets, drawers, and boxes to pull out small items to stack or hang. They were right, it's so much cozier! With some rearranging, an added book shelf from the study, and some cute tins from Arty Crafty, it began to feel like a whole new room!

Now...a striped chair!?!

Searching Style

2010-05-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

We've been in our house about 5 months now. I'm still in search of fitting decor. Can't seem to figure out my "style." Every magazine picture I see, I love. Contemporary, Love. Shabby sheek, Love. Coastal, Love. Tons of patterns, love. All white, no patterns, Love. So, I do my best just to buy pieces, I Love. Hopefully, it will all come together. Thank you Michelle for finding this:

Easy Gardening!!

2010-05-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

There's no better way to spruce a porch than pots of flowers. The hard part is finding big, fun, cheap pots. Most pots the size I want range from $30-$60. Another alternative to buying bigger pots is stacking pots. With a cute stencil and some spray paint you're on your way.

Pot #1: The red pot was painted by my sister in law, Kristin. She painted tons of these pots and planted big mums in them for centerpieces at my rehearsal dinner. I loved the idea!

Pot #2: The black and white pot was given to me by my friend, Erin, as a wedding present. She had filled it with various gardening tools, soil, seeds, etc. I loved it!

The two of them made the perfect stacking combo!

OKC Marathon!!

2010-04-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Matt and I, along with the rest of the Hartness family, made the trek to OKC for the annual Festival of Arts and Memorial Marathon. "A walk to remember" if you will. We started the long leg west on I-40 Friday night. Saturday we spent the day making rounds at the Arts Festival. Nothing better than Strawberry Crepes, Gyros, Old Ladies Tap dancing, Classical Guitarist, crowds, gardens, and art that is too expensive to buy.
Early is an understatement. We woke up at 4:45 to rush to the finish line. We should have left earlier. We underestimated 24,000 people. Marathon day has beat out the first day of fall as my new favorite day of the year. Easy for me to say, I'm watching from the sidelines. There's something about the excitement in the air, the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, the shot gun start, the memorial against the rising sun, the one-legged inspirations that cross the finish line. And my husband of course.26.2 miles in 4 hours and 19 min. Not so bad since he hadn't trained over 13 miles. HAPPY MEMORIAL MARATHON!

Seriously Spoiled

2010-04-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

Lounging Around.

Weekend O' Boone!

2010-04-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Kena and Boone... for a whole weekend... all to myself = LAUGHING! We had so much fun! We weren't extremely eventful. A little HammonTrees and antique shopping. But we did what we do best... HANG, LAUGH, EAT! Hope you come back soon!

Patio night at HammonTrees. YUM!

Boone's first balloon! Chic Fila of course.

Trying my hand at a baby bath. I'm sure he loved it.

Who is having more fun?

Race Day

2010-04-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Matthew is training for the OKC marathon! He decided to run the half at the Hogeye in preparation for the big run. Thirteen miles in 1:52. WOW!

Stuffed Zuchinni

2010-04-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, I worked at Tinker AFB, and there worked a man by the name of Chef Wayne. He was an older man who loved to cook and did so very well. He spoiled me rotten with leftovers everyday for lunch. Oh, how I miss Wayne. Nothing against the turkey sandwiches that my Schweetie makes me most mornings. They are dearly loved. Tonight was a night for a Wayne special. Stuffed Zuchinni!!!

1 1/2 Cups of rice
1/2 green pepper
1/2 red pepper
1/2 onion
5 jalepeanoes
3 cloves of garlic
1 14oz can of tomatoes
1/2 sausage ring
30 small shrimp (can use precooked but small bag of uncooked are better)
1/2 cup of catalina dressing
1 tsp of hot sauce

Saute veges and add sausage and cooked shrimp. Add to rice mixture with dressing and hot sauce. Zuchinni: Half and clean the seeds out. Score the insides of the squash with a paring knife and baste with olive oil. Baste cookie sheet with olive oil and place squash flat side down and bake in 350 degree oven for 40 min. Take out and place rice mixture in the squash, mounding it in the middle. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake an additional 20 minutes. Take out of the oven and allow to rest in the foil for 10-15 min so that the moisture goes back into the rice.

Oasis of the Seas

2010-04-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

We made our trek to the Bahamas and back on the most amazing ship ever built. Royal Carribean has outdone themselves. 6000 people and never a line nor a crowd.

Top favorite moments:

1. Boarding the ship at noon with no lines. The excitement could hardly be contained. Fresh pizza at the pizzeria awaited us.

2. Midnight snacks at the pizzeria.

3. Dinner with Won. Our hysterical waiter with endless magic tricks.

4. The marriage game show!

5. Belly flop competition.

6. Sailing around St. John and snorkeling from our private sail boat.

7. Breakfast at the Windyammer.

8. Watching the boys surf on the FlowMaster.

9. Laying poolside and sipping on a special of the day!

10. Karaoke night!

11. The night of dancing at Solarium!

The list is endless.

Book Review!

2010-03-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not usually a novel reader, but anything "Pride and Prejudice" esq will get me hooked! Any book consisting of old english, dukes, duchesses, and earls is bound to entice. The "Season" is a great love story tied up in 18th century gowns, estates, and ballrooms! Put it on your list of upcoming reads!

"Your underwear are hanging out of your pants."

2010-02-18T18:49:00.000-08:00

Gotta love the day when a new embarrassing story is created. Today was the day.

As I jump out of bed and throw on my clothes and hurry out the door, my undies happened to be my frilly pair, the kind you save for special occasions. But hey, some days it's down the bottom of the barrel. You wish more than anything you had something more comfortable. "Maybe tonight I'll do laundry," I whisper to myself as I stare at my mismatched socks. Either way I'm off to school in my ribbons and bows. (undies that is)

Mid-morning I take my kiddos to the computer lab and make a pit stop on the way. Unfortunately, my "ribbons and bows" didn't make it back into my britches. Of course, I am completely unaware until 2 hours later when Evaughn, one of my fifth grade girls, put it so nicely. "Mrs. Hartness...hehehe...I think...snicker, snicker...that your panties, or something...chuckle, chuckle...are hanging out. Everybody has been watching for a very long time." End quote. I have added the picture below to put the "ribbon" into perspective.

FYI- the picture doesn't show detail. But they have super cute blue polka dots.

I don't know which one is cuter!

2010-02-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

Walked in mid nap Saturday afternoon. Boss must have won his way onto the couch.

Who could say no to those eyes?

Budgets: Sad face or Happy face???

2010-02-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here, I am. Middle of February and just realizing a didn't pick my habit for the month. I can actually say that Jan. must have made me more healthy than before. I have nothing to show for that. But all that Vitamin C and Omega 3's had to be doing something, right? If nothing else, I've developed habit #1.

February's goal has grown out of Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University". Matt and I decided to start the 10 week (or is it 13 weeks?)trek through the how to's of budgets, saving, debt, etc..

Assignment #1: Draw up a budget. Right, we do that at the beginning of every month. The problem is following it. So many restrictions. Do I buy the cute pot for my table center piece? Do I get my hair done this week or next? Share a meal or buy an appetizer? Living for future financial freedom without giving up the freedom of today? It'a fine line. Matt and I have decided to put money aside for "spontaneity". That's right. An envelope labeled "spontaneity". Planned...spontaneity. What a concept! That's like saying I'm spontaneously taking a trip next Friday at noon.

February Habit: No fudging on the budget...unless it's spontaneous.

2010

2010-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

I've never been a resolution maker. I attempt goal setting, but even then I don't always follow through. So this year, in a desperate attempt to become more disciplined, I've decided to form habits...one habit at a time. I've decided I can't do it all at once. Baby steps. I'm picking one habit for each month of the year. I've been told it takes like 21 days to form a habit. My brother in law seems to think it's longer. I didn't google it, but for convenience sake I'm going 1 month. THIRTY ONE DAYS (or thirty). Heck, twenty eight if it's February.

JANUARY - Taking vitamins.

Seems so simple, I know. Maybe for those less scatter brained, but not for the girl who can't even remember plug her phone in at night. Everyday...dead!

I've taken some instruction from Dr. Oz. The regiment will include a multi-vitamin, an omega 3, a calcium, and a magnesium (to help it all come out easier in the end).

Now, don't start counting on anything big in February. There's not going to be any P90X. Like I said, "Baby Steps."

Family Pictures

2010-01-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

My new sis, Kristin Hartness, took our family pictures late November. They turned out amazing. She is so talented! Visit her website at www.kristinhartness.com!

Getting Situated

2009-12-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

Since we've moved in, I've had some requests for updated photos of the house. Here are just a few. It's a work in progress, but coming along well! Disclaimer: The super cute polka dotted chair in the living room is not actually mine. It was borrowed for extra seating during my Christmas party. Speaking of Christmas party, we actually squeezed 35 people in the living area you see pictured. TOO MUCH FUN. The more the merrier!

This one is just because he is so darn cute!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-28T09:50:00.001-08:00

A White Christmas!

Sis likes to call this the "Arkansas Tree."

Sis's puppy Bear enjoying his Christmas wrapping!

Yeah! A new purse!

It's going to look beautiful on the mantle!

Boy toys!

Too bad hunting season is over...right?

Exercise? Not sure that it counts. Especially if we can barley keep it going long enough for a pic.

The Andes Tradition!
Christmas Eve Service. The whole family!

Annual Christmas party with the Younts and Cashions.

Nothing better than homeade pizzas. And watching them be made.

Move in Monday!

2009-11-19T20:39:00.001-08:00

Back deck! Can't wait to string my hammock.

Put the pendants in! IO favorites.

More back deck. Probably my most favorite addition.

Entry way. I'm really glad we moved the shutters from the window to the door.

Thank you Harold for the beautiful landscaping!

My cozy cottage!

Sod will be delivered tomorrow!

I can't believe it's all over. Let the gardening begin. Thank you Mema for all the bulbs. I planted them today. Should be a beautiful spring.

Step Up!

2009-11-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

Our Parson Hills step team performed at Bud Walton Arena for the Drug Free Awareness Rally last week. They've been stomping up and down the halls for weeks gearing up for the big day. I've come to realize that are Marshallese kiddos have more rhythm than I could ever dream of having. In case you are unaware, Springdale has the largest population of Marshalles in the USA. They come from the Marshall Islands. A lot like the Hawain Islanders the girls can belly dance and the boys can drum. They are born with the rhythm. A couple of my fifth grade girls tried to teach me how to butty shake today. Didn't work. They say it's all in the knees. Apparently, I don't have good knees.

Coming Close!

2009-11-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

Our lighting is in! I'm loving the dinette light! I can't wait to get our pendants hung! They are beautiful "Uttermost" pendants. Will show them soon. We now have carpet and a fireplace also! Closing date set for Nov. 23rd!!!!

It's feeling cozy!

2009-10-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Loving the dark stain!

Thank you Michelle for my paint colors! So warm.

Bedroom paint is gray. Hard to see the difference in the picture.

We added this pantry. SO glad we did!

OKC...whew!

2009-10-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in Oklahoma City this weekend! It's always good to get home! Our friends had the most intimate wedding. They had one great idea I had never seen. They played a video at the very beginning of the ceremony of the two of them telling their story on camera. Together they told of the day they met, their building friendship, engagement, and more. They gave special thank you's to parents and grandparents. It was super sweet and entertaining. A great twist on the usual picture slideshow. Post wedding festivites we went to the Black Eyed Peas/U2 concert! AMAZING is the only way to describe it. A look at the spaceship stage was enough to get me there! It was a long day a work Monday after arriving back in AR at 4:00 AM. It was totally worth it!

Trim is in!

2009-10-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Trim is now complete! I saw the paint on the floor, so I'm hoping that is for tomorrow! Antique white for the trim, Natural Brown in the kitchen and living, Grey (something) in Master bedroom and baths.

Next, is my IO Metro lamp purchase. Way fun! And Michelle found pendant lights that are similiar!

I found this table for $25 at TJ Max. It was white when I found it but it soon became my first painting project. A little sand paper and a bottle of spray paint can do so much. Seems so simple, but I couldn't have done it without the help of my nieghbor. I interrupted her shower three times. "Um, Amy, how much do I actually sand?" "Guurgle, Guurgle, just until it's rough."
"Um, Amy, is all the paint supposed to come off?" "Guurgle, Gurrgle, NO."
"Um, Amy, is it supposed to look shiny?"...
An hour later...Whaalaa!

The mega vase! It's going to look perfect next to the fire place. I love oversized items!

Something new everyday!!!

2009-10-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

The granite and doors are in! The lighter granite is in the bathrooms and the darker is in the kitchen. I believe they are painting tomorrow and putting the trim up. We'll be in, in no time! Thanks to my personal shoppers, Michelle and Jan Jan, I was able to get a start on some furnishing this weekend. IO Metro outlet is the place to go. One headboard, floor lamp, floor vase,
end table, and two bar stools later...we're on our way!!

I love walking out my front door on game day!!!!

2009-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love waking up on Game Day morning! Nothing like waking up to the band practicing. Eating breakfast on the porch while fans stir beneath. Tailgating! Tailgating! Tailgating! I rarely brave the crowd in the yard but it's fun to watch. Perks of leftover barbeque for days. Ice chests full of cokes that keep me going until the next game day. The gift that keeps on giving! Game watching from the driveway! No traffic on the way home. A warm, cozy home in the middle of it all. I sure am going to miss this place!

We have cabinets!

2009-10-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is moving so fast. I've been told that the once the outside is up the inside will slow down. I showed up today and all the cabinets were in. WOW! Already feels like home. One thing right after the other. Next thing you know we'll have trim and paint!

EEK!

2009-10-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I questioned it, and it was wrong. Both brick and rock. YUCK. Apparently, the brick is the right name it is just a bad "run". Meaning they left out a color in the dye or something. So, we could do one of two things: Tear it all down or keep the brick credit to spend elsewhere. Decision made. Washer and dryer it is! We did pick a new brick color to try to contrast better with the brick that is up. It's significantly darker than our first pick but seems to match better. We're getting so excited about the progress. It seems like there can't be much left. The wrong brick is pictured below with the wrong rock. The brick we will keep, the rock will be taken off.

2009-09-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

The brick is up on the back and sides! I'm getting antsy for the rock to be delivered. I can't wait to see it up. I kind of remember the brick I picked looking a lot darker than this, but considering the front is mostly rock, I'm not going to question it. It's all going so fast. It seems like it might be finished early November if they keep going at this rate!

Loving Fall!!!!

2009-09-24T15:56:00.001-07:00

The reason Fall is my most favorite season:

1. It ends with getting to decorate for Christmas.
2. Starbucks Chi Tea Latte, taste like Christmas in a cup.
3. The pumpkin spice candle burning in my living room.
4. The way Home Depot smells of cinnamon dipped pine cones. You know I get two bags worth!
5. Goards
6. Mums
7. Planting bulbs for the Spring
8. The way the house smells the first time you turn on the heater.
9. Brisk mornings.
10. Multicolored leaves.
11. Fireplaces.
12. The smell of fires.
13. Sweatshirts.
14. College football!
15. Tailgating
16. Hammocks.
17. Porches.
18. My anniversary.
19. Pumpkin Roll.
20. Mema's mini cherry cheesecakes.
21. Aunt Sue's cabbage salad.
22. Boss shed's less (maybe??)
23. Bikes Blues and Barbeque
24. Sweatpants.
25. Festive socks.
26. Party season.
27. Scarves.
28. Holiday Breaks!
29. Sleeping at night with the window cracked.
30. The worst part of the school year is over.
31. Mom's homeade cinammon candy.

2009-09-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this view is as your walking in the front door. You're actually looking at the kitchen on the back left and the dining area on the back right. The fireplace is directly to the left when you walk in. Notice the arched ceiling, it's my favorite part!!!! This picture is me standing at the back door. You are looking out the front window and door.

Standing at the garage entrance, this is what the fireplace and hallway entrance looks like. Our tv will go in the built in spot above the fireplace. Another one of my favorite features!

This is the master bedroom leading to the bath. There are actually two windows but one was cut off.

We have shingles on the roof, brick in the yard, and walls going up! More pictures to come!

WOW PROGRESS!!!

2009-09-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday night I drove by late and there was nothing but a foundation. I was excited but feeling a little uneasy about the progress. Thursday I went by again and pictured below is what I found. HOLY COW. People told me the framing would go fast but I just didn't believe it.

So I left for Oklahoma for the weekend to see my fam. Had so much fun! So I don't know what was done Friday but it must have been ALOT because when I drove by today we had a roof, front door, windows, chimney, and whatever that white stuff is on the outside. I'm thinking we just might be finished before November. How exciting. Sorry for the half pic. I didn't want to get all the work trucks in the picture. Stay tuned it's changing every day!

Plumbing is in!

2009-09-01T14:47:00.001-07:00

Pipes and bars! Not much else is new. Hoping they pour the foundation before we get any more rain. Waiting waiting and more waiting. In the meantime, we've been out shopping for home decor. Not so much decor as neccessities: kitchen table, tv, washer, dryer, bed, etc. If you have any great ideas let me know.

Please mom...with sugar on top???

2009-08-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

How many of you have that ornate fixture in your bedroom that will always prompt visitors comments? Perhaps, it's an awesome wedding picture of you and your husband. Maybe a great painting you found at a thrift store. Mine...my wedding dress...hanging on my closet. The same place it has been located for the last year. My pastor spoke on the sluggard the other day. I thought to myself "I'm not a sluggard, I go go go." Then he went on to explain that you may not be a sluggard but definatley sluggish if: YOU PROCRASTINATE. So my search began for all the things I've meant to get completed, started, or in this case put away. There it hung, a shining beacon for all sluggards, dirty and wrinkled, just the way I left it. Have you ever noticed that when you are procastinating on one particular thing you complete a number of other things while trying to avoid it. Like tests? I could never just study...dishes, laundry, washing the dog, whatever it may be, always took precedence. I've decided I need my "shining beacon." I may get nothing else done without it. So, there it hangs. Until mom reads this and takes it off my hands. I hope!

Foot by Foot

2009-08-12T19:24:00.001-07:00

The footings are in! Building a house one "foot" at a time! HA

I caught one...and one that didn't count!

2009-08-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

There was a full weekend of fishing for the boys. I was lucky enough to get in on the Thursday, bait catching day. The idea was to catch 50 or so Perch to use as bait for the rest of the weekend. This turtle got away with one and almost had Marc's finger.

Catfish? Large mouth Bass?
My fish! My only fish.

The hard part is over...I think.

2009-08-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

We met with the "design team" on Sunday to pick and choose all the details. It was a fairly painless process. Thanks to Michelle. THANK YOU MICHELLE! A little brick here, a little stone there. Throw in some colors and two and half hours later it's all over. Or mostly over. We still have to pick out paint and lighting. Oh, I almost forgot floor color. Shouldn't be too tough. I'm just going to take a handful of Boss hair. Not kidding. Our quasi dream home is in the works. Can't wait!

2009-08-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here we are, starting to build a new home in hopes that it's finished by November for us to receive the stimulus package. We have until Sunday to make every decision: brick, rock, floors, colors, cabinets, counter tops, etc. Unfortunatley, I notice absolutely nothing that has to do with detail. Although I have stepped foot in a thousand homes since I've been alive, I have taken note of nothing. It's kind of similiar to how you don't notice any of the details in a wedding until it's time to plan one. If you have any good advice, I'm all ears. Any wishes or wish nots from those of you who "notice"? I'll be keeping you posted of the progress. We hope to break ground this Friday or early next week. So far it's just the lot...but I good one!

Alaska

2009-08-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Matt and I spent 8 days cruising Alaska on the Seven Seas Mariner and spent an extra day in Vancuver. While cruising we stopped in a number of places and had many exciting adventures. First day was riding oversized goat carts up the coast and back. Beautiful scenery and one missed siting of a black bear. The second stop we went ziplining in the Alaskan rainforest. That's right, Alaska has a rainforest. News to us, also. Day three we golfed in a bowl of mountains. The course didn't have much grass but does it really matter when your surrounded by white capped mountains and salmon streams? The food was unbelievable! Alaskan King Crab Legs (2lbs) and filet mignon was my fav! Not to mention clam chowder to die for.

Hopes

2009-08-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Blogs! I've been telling my friends that I wanted to start blogging for approximately one year now. HERE I AM! My hopes are to keep it updated at least once a week...maybe once every two weeks if the week is slow...maybe twice a week! I'm new at this, so be patient.