Blizzard?

Where the heck did this come from all of a sudden? You can't see it in this pic, but it's coming down hard!

I hope it doesn't effect our horse time later!! That would be miserable!

Projects, Projects Everywhere!

As promised here is the current project on the hook so to speak. It is a Zippered Rug, pattern kindly mailed to me by Sue. Thanks Sue!



I am quite pleased with this so far. I chose the brown to compliment my newly painted kitchen and the blue to bring out the blues in all of the decorations. I never realized that there was so much blue, but I guess when you pull everything down to dust and clean you learn quite a bit!

I have never felted anything before, so if you have pointers please don't be shy. I understand that you wash it a bunch, but blocking has me confused.


Speaking of my newly painted kitchen, here are some pictures. Don't look at the smudges where the ceiling meets the wall, okay? It's already driving me nuts. I just have to see if it's livable or not. The perfectionist in me is screaming!

*Here is hub doing some touch ups for me, thanks Babe*

Also, here are pics of the decorations. Just in case you wanted to see.

*I made both the valance and the swag back when I got along with the sewing machine*

*The pic above is the one that is bugging me. Can you see why?*

*This is one of my favorite decorations. It's often ignored. *

So there ya have it! A newly painted Kitchen and a happy Crochet project on the hook.

Pic to Share

I have a post coming about my current project, but I have no pics of it yet. Check back in a few hours if you would like to see it.

Until then, here is a picture of me as a 1 week old Mommy.

Busy Busy

No time to chat peeps! I have a TON and a half of crud to clean in this house. Clean Clean Clean.....no matter how much you clean there is always more to clean. Ugh.....

Plus, I have finished painting my kitchen and need to get the curtains and decorations back up. Plus, I'll probably rearrange to make myself have more to do.....haha.

Laundry is going, dishwasher just quit and hubby is outside fixing his car. Well, instead of fixing he is upgrading.

Gal wants to have a friend over, the horse needs the rest of her hair braided. I haven't even brushed my teeth or gotten dressed yet. The Boy is trying so hard to be potty trained all on his own. It came out of nowhere while my Mom was here. Just another thing to add to the pile. I am so proud of him though.

Gotta call the gals school on Monday. She is not being challenged enough in reading. They keep bumping her up a level and she keeps on plowing right through them. If there is such a thing as being to smart for your own good she is definitely that. I'm not sure what to do. Hopefully they will have some great ideas up their sleeves.

See there, I said I had no time to chat and.....I chatted away anyway.....sheesh. Off to clean clean clean.

Do I need to say more?

Ladies and Gents, meet the next American Idol....

Lakisha Jones!!

To good for words!

I won't be able to adequately describe my weekend, I don't have the words and I doubt there are any out there that would project the feelings I have.

All of the planning credit goes to the worlds best Hubby. He researched, he did his homework and he pulled this heavenly weekend off without a glitch. I was so happy to share this experience with him, and am grateful that he would go to such lengths to prepare such a wonderful relaxing experience. A million "Thank yous" to him!

You need to take notes, or book mark or just spread the word. Do something. Everyone should live this experience once in a life time. I'm planning a return next year. For sure. I'll remind you to get your pencils ready when the don't miss activity starts. But lets start at the beginning.

The trip started Friday late afternoon/evening. We left our house and headed for Seattle to enjoy a nice room at the Hyatt. The bathroom was beautiful with a separate soaking tub, and a standing glass shower. The bed was down and super comfy and it was right next to a huge picture window looking out on the busy streets below. We were on the 14th floor which wasn't an issue til I looked below. Yikes.

We got all made up and went to Pacific Place for a very nice Italian dinner. We arrived just in time to miss the late dinner rush and we were seated immediately. Our server selected the very best red wine I had ever tasted and the salad was a perfect mixture of herbs and misc greens. Perfect start to a mini vacation that only got better from there. Our main dishes were delicious too, there just are not enough words!

From there we went back to the room and realized that it was only 8:30pm, so we decided to catch a movie. We called for the car (from valet, WOW, we used valet!) and were soon in the theater watching Breach.

I think I'll do a movie review in the next few posts or so. Trust me, you can wait til then!

The best part of the weekend took place the next day starting at Noonish. We drove from Seattle to Snoqualmie where we pulled into the Salish Lodge and Spa. (Bookmark this page!)

Hubby had instructed me to bring along a swim suit. (By the way- I didn't know exactly what he had planned) We walked up to the Spa on the 4th floor and checked in. We were split up to go change and then we met back up here:




There were two hot pools to enjoy plus a steam room and a sauna. They were all beautifully done and the scenery out the window was amazing. Soon we were met by our scheduled hosts. We were taken in to a room with a gorgeous wood fire burning and two massage tables set up side by side. Our feet were massaged in a soapy foot heaven and then we were instructed to un-robe (in private, of course) and lie face down on the tables. I wasn't sure what was coming. I figured a massage was in the works but I was so surprised when the Earth Cocoon started. Here is their description:

**Soothing purification treatment in the hydrotherapy rain room where warm mineral-rich mud is applied from neck to toe and your body is gently wrapped for detoxification and nutrient absorption.**

WOW! It was so refreshing! The mud/mineral mixture was so warm and smelled so great. After they cover you they wrap you up and you soak. It was perfect! Heavenly. We also got a scalp massage while we were wrapped. I think this was the highlight for me. I couldn't believe that felt so good. Whatever it was that she used in my hair left it feeling soft and smelling like peppermint. I really need to figure out what that was so I can stock up.

Next we were unwrapped and were shown to the shower to rinse off the mud. We dried off and returned to our tables for a River Rock massage. I had never had one of these either but I wasn't shocked when it was so good. The warm rocks massaged all the kinks out and then they were set on certain spots along our backs. Total relaxation!

After it was all done Hub and I looked at each other and just said WOW! The whole experience when the foot massage started was 100 minutes. 100 Minutes of total mind relaxing goodness!!

So peeps. If you know ANYONE, who needs a great weekend away. Send them here. They are ranked #19 overall in the States, and they also have specific ratings in the top 10's. It's worth every dollar, and worth the travel to get there. It's just amazing!

The post would not be complete without thanking my Mom. She came over to watch the kiddos so that this weekend could happen. Thanks a bundle!!

I'm a....

Devil of a wife.

I just like having fun. This year I had to step it up a notch to make it memorable. Hubby and I have a very nice ultra special weekend getaway planned so we are not doing the Vday thing today. He did give me a card, so I thought I'd return the favor in a bigger.....louder way today.

I stumbled on a huge balloon at the market today. It was shaped in a heart and said "I'm wild about you" The best part is that it has a music button, when pressed it sings:

Wild thing
You make me heart sing
You make everything
GROOVY...

You know that song? It makes me think of the movie Major League. Anyway- it sings it loud. LOUD!

Of course I bought it, and Duh- I brought it to him at work. Yep- his office was crowded, and do you really need to ask if I made it play? Common......... I think he'll remember this Valentines Day for awhile!!

I love ya bunches Hubby!!

Look out, I'm.....

Switching templates to *try* and put Bloggers cool new tricks to good use. Wish me Luck!!

Monday, Monday......

You know, the song.....

Monday Monday.......

Okay- nuff of that.

Today, I am supposed to be busy. I have much to do. Instead I sit here chatting with all of you. I am avoiding the list. Procrastination is inherited from my Dad. It's not fun, but alas, here I sit.

Here's the run down on the day today.

9am:Sons speech therapy. (done now, and it was good)

10:30am: Son is ready for a super early nap. Weird! I hope he's not getting sick.

10:36am Sitting here typing to you. Putting off the following:

1. Pick and buy new color for Kitchen
2. Pick and cut new quilt pattern.
3. Finish fixing the quilt redo.
   
4. Laundry.
5. Buy wool for rug project. (Thanks Sue)
6. Go to bank.
7. Organize scrapbooking projects for weekend getaway with Sis. ( I am so excited)

3pm: Sara is getting her teeth floated. It's like the horsey dentist. They sedate her, it should be interesting.

So clearly, not all of these things need to be done today. I am overwhelmed with possible projects, yet nothing in the works. Maybe (AHA) thats why I am feeling overwhelmed. I'm not currently working on any projects. WOW. We might just have a break through here folks.

Oh- and listen there....it's my son. He didn't go to sleep after all. Time to run errands.

Have a great Monday Monday

A horsey life

Lately, it's been all about the horses in this house! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I'd move in to the house on the farm property in a heart beat!!

We were out there again this morning. On weekends the individual horse owners are responsible for turn out. Today was a different day though. Not only were there chores waiting, but there was a horse show going on. We got to go up to the little run down observation booth and watch as one of the gals friends competed in a walk trot category. I teared up thinking that sometime soon that will be my gal up there looking so proud as she gets her ribbon.

I did snap some shots of Sara as the Hub and her walked around on a lead line. We are still trying to gauge how much training Sara has had before we let the gal take over. We have noticed quite a personality change in her (Sara) though. Before we purchased her we would visit her in her old pasture. She would walk up to you with her head down and didn't have any sign of life really. I thought she was "dead broke" which is a term for horses that have been there done that, and will do anything you ask. After her adjustment phase in the new barn she has turned into quite a spunky little gal with a mind of her own. I get to watch as she prances around Hub in the pasture playing "I bet you can't catch me" and "Lets see if your boots are steel-toed." She's a great addition, and I hope that she proves to be a great friend for the gal.

Here they are after a trip around the barn loop.

Sorry about the ass shot. :) Maybe she was posing that way on purpose?!?

Speaking of horses, I do have one finished object to report. I had been working on a horse pillow case for the gal. It's a simple design that I can pick up and put down as needed. Here is the finished product.

Just a thought.....

If you decide to tell your son that you'll watch the kids since he just saved you 100+ dollars by fixing your truck; DON'T turn around after it's all done and your son has invited his wife out for a date night dinner to her favorite restaurant and invite yourself AND the kids you are supposed to be watching.

Dinner with my kids at ANY restaurant is not fun, nor a reward for doing something nice.

poo on you.


** Sorry for the run-ons. I'm ranting and am to angry for proper punctuation. **

Haiku? Maybe...

These Haiku things are so fun!! Check out Kare to see how it got started! By the way- I'm not by any means expecting mine to be good. Here are 3 that I came up with fairly quickly. Your turn!

Sleeping sound, I wake
Nasal racket I can't take
elbow, now you wake.


Whiny, whiny kids
thoughts of evil make me twinge
Thank God for nap time.



I cook and clean but,
it isn't ever enough,
therefore; I am Mom.

Oye!

I only had a couple, but it's official. I have a hangover. I guess the older you get the more of a light weight you become. oye.

Off to make some coffee and some dry waffles. Wish me luck.......

Movie Night

On my 101/1001 list I listed starting a family movie night. I thought it would be a nice time to curl up together and watch a good family flick. I never expected to have the movie King Kong as a feature film though.

Hubby noticed that the movie was coming up on HBO and was excited. I had NO desire to watch, but I have been giving an honest effort to watch movies Hubs is interested in. I am SO glad I gave it a shot. As a bonus, BOTH kiddos enjoyed it! Surprise Surprise. Now before you lecture me Mom, we did not intend for them to watch.

The gal, who is clearly her fathers daughter, likes scary movies. Clearly not afraid of much, she tells me "It's just pretend Mom!" They enjoy watching these kinds of movies together so I support them from another room. I usually get nightmares so I stay away. The main surprise of the night was my sons reaction to the dinosaurs and King Kong himself. He stared at the TV with a jaw dropped amazed look, before covering his eyes and running to Dad.

Did you get that?

He ran to DAD!!!

I sat in awe watching the boy cuddle his Dad, and even pat his sister on the arm for comfort. I think folks, we are making progress!! This is BIG news!!

Here are a few of the shots I got.



After the very, very, very long movie was over we collected the children and headed off to bed. I expected a night filled with nightmares, but non were obvious. It ended up being a great movie with some great cuddle time and a night filled with soundly sleeping kiddos. Perfect!!

What to do?

We've been going through boxes in the garage lately. It's quite a project, but we are getting surprised and rewarded for our hard work. These boxes were packed up about 5 years ago when Cathey decided to become a traveling nurse. Hubs parents packed up what wasn't a bare essential and put in storage.

Most of you know that we are coming up on the 1 year anniversary of her death. We have all been a bit emotional around here. No one is sleeping well, including the kids. It's hard. It makes the process of sorting her belongings a lot harder. On a good day like Sunday we uncovered this.

This is a very old quilt made by hubs Great Grandma, known in this house as Big Momma. I was amazed at the quality of work but saddened that it had seen better days.



There are several spots where the material has shredded, or torn. There are, however, blocks that are intact and still beautiful. That brings me to the question of the day.





What in the world do I do with this? I have thought of several options.



1. Repair the quilt knowing full well that my quilting skills would never do it justice.


2. Leave it be. Which leads me to keep or donate?


3. Use the good blocks to create something new. Maybe a lap quilt?



I seem to be stuck, and not leaning in any one direction. What would you do?



I should also mention that there is a nearly identical quilt that is in good shape that we have already placed in the cedar chest.



So there ya have it. What are your thoughts?

Pictures of Sara

I thought I'd drop in and share some pictures with ya'll. I don't have much time lately....but at least I am having FUN!!! Hope everyone is well and having fun too!



As much fun as all this horse stuff is, we have our work cut out for us. Sara is quite a bit underweight, and her mane and tail are almost completely matted up. You won't find a sweeter horse though. I think she knows in the few times we have been out to visit her that we are going to love her very, very much! Heck, I already do!

Flickr Friday

Once again, it's time for me to bore you with my pictures. Brace yourself! HAHA!


Introducing Man and Dog, Jax and Hubs. 2 totally spoiled men in my life. Good grief! This furry friend of hubs can snore louder than he can. I think sometimes they hold a contest just to annoy me. I get annoyed and then I see this picture and it's all better. They are cute together.

Oh- By the way- the Dog IS actually snoring in the picture. What a nerd!

We had no intention of adopting this dog. I think, well, he's just a lucky dog to have met me if I do say so myself. He had been bounced around in the neighborhood where we lived in military housing. He was timid and obviously feeling unloved. My neighbor who had taken him in didn't like him because he just hid out under her table. Boy- she was a winner. One morning in passing she mentioned that she was going to take him to be put to sleep. WHAT? She didn't want him, and everybody else had already had him. She must of seen the look in my eye when she said that because she quickly pounced on my emotions. I agreed to "foster" him until I found a family that would love him. Soon after that Jax adopted my husband.

You would think that that is where the story ends, however it is not. A few weeks had passed and yet another neighbor appeared to claim "their" dog. They brought the original owners to prove that they had left the dog in their care, and that they had "rights" to him. This neighbor went on and on about how this dog cheered her up while she was dealing with cancer (which later turned out to be fake cancer) and that she really needed him back. I gathered his things and broke hearts as I walked him back to her.

Yet, that is not the end of the story either. A few weeks later, that same neighbor came to my door asking if the dog could come back. She said she was too sick to take care of him and that she knew we loved him. Sure I said, I was ecstatic! We got him back with nothing we returned and immediately had to get him untraumatized yet again. This time around we immediately changed the name on his microchip and established him with our vet to prove that he was ours now, and forever. 2 days later, that same lady came home with a Weimaraner. I swear, some people..............

He's a good dog, we saved him, and he loves us. We love him too.

Oh- the lady with "cancer" her ruse was discovered about 2 or 3 months after that. Not quite sure what makes people fake terminal illnesses, I hope she got the help she needed. And I dont mean the cancer!

**NEW** Thursday Thirteen!!

Several of the newer blogs that I have found lately are doing Thursday Thirteen. From what I've read it can be about anything really. Todays inspiration comes from a fellow military wife. Check her out over at Chaotic Home. Tell her I said Hi too!

Here we go. Thursday Thirteen #1.

Random thoughts

1. I'm in a bit of a rut. Not sure why, just off in a ditch waiting for a tow.

2. My son is moving mountains in his speech therapy. I nearly cried on Tuesday while he was doing so well. I have even noticed some of his words are getting clearer!!! YAY!!

3. I am amazed at how many wives I know are in the same situation or feel the way I do. I know that I am not alone, or not the worst off!!

4. I got the go ahead from the Landlord to paint the walls! Thank goodness. Say bye bye to white walls!!!

5. Now I need to figure out colors and how to paint with a 2 year old running around.

6. Sara, (formerly
Faith) will be here on the 1st. I already love her.

7. It's 12:36 and I just brewed a pot of coffee, I'm a bit behind schedule.

8. I'm pretty darn proud of myself and my recovery from a shopping/ thrifting compulsion. I just met some ladies that are far worse, and farther in the hole.

9. I am very grateful to God for allowing us to be out of the hole, and providing the means to get there.

10. The material I have listed on Ebay is flying off the shelf. I have a new batch listed. And as always, if I know you from my blog and you win an auction, I'll mail it to you for free.

11. The 1 year mark of Cathey's death is fast approaching. It's still hard to believe she's gone!

12. I really, really want this scrapbooking vacation with Sis to work out!! (fingers crossed!)

13. This 13 thing is kinda fun, you should try it!

Ellen calls gladys! Hilarious

This is an absolute MUST SEE!! What a great laugh!!

To do's

Just a quick list of stuff to get done sooner rather than later.

1.Locate Hay, buy and store.

2. Purchase supplements, and tack needed for horse.

3.Get rid of this template on blogger

4. Laundry

5. Make a separate honey do list for before deployment

6. Jax to vet. Again.......

Humm, thats all I can think of right now. Wish me luck!