First, let's get the whining out of the way! I'm siiickkk. Ok, I'm not really "sick-sick", but I have a terrible sinus infection (self diagnosed, but I've had enough of them to know what it is!). It's just enough to make me feel lousy, but not enough to send me to bed. Sigh. Just my luck!
Now, the thanks! A BIG shout-out to Cousin Becki for the 4 bags and 2 boxes of boy clothes she dropped off yesterday! Talk about great hand me downs! Thanks, thanks, thanks! All the button up shirts were a big hit with Benjie...he loves button up shirts! And the sleeveless stuff was a winner with Jonah. The roller skates...girl, we gotta talk!! But thanks for the clothes, anyway!
And now, the best news of all-a lot of Praise!!!
Our sweet friends Cory and Shara have been in an adoption process for a very long time. Yesterday, at 11:17 am, their sweet baby girl was born!! Praise the Lord! This family is one of the most deserving I can imagine to receive such a precious gift! God has worked so mightily in their lives, and they have such faith! I couldn't be happier for them, and have cried many tears of joy this morning looking at the pictures that Aunt Cristi sent me. Thanks for keeping me in the loop! Congratulations, and can't wait to see the new pink baby!!
Later!
Cathy
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Laundry Room Project, day 1!
Now, there's no guarantee when "day 2" will actually be, but day 1 was big! I managed to get it cleaned out and semi organized. I am so happy with the progress I made yesterday, which was by necessity! My washer was on the blink, and with 3 boys, that ain't good. So, in order for our handy dandy washer repair man to have room to pull out the machine AND lie on the floor to work on it, I had to clear out and clean. It was a big job, but oh, so satisfying!
I've mentioned this room before, saying I was going to do this and do that...and now here's what I'm REALLY going to do!!
1. Paint the walls white. Yes, really. White. Me. Ms. I Love Color and Hate White Walls. It's part of the whole scheme. You'll see!
2. Paint the shelves and cabinets black, then distress them. So chic.
3. Hang a coat rack for backpacks, jackets, hoodies, purses, whatever.
4. Everything on the shelves must be contained in either a clear plastic shoebox with a white lid, properly labeled with contents, or in a basket, which will be painted either black or white. See the scheme starting to come together?
5. A small red area rug on the floor. From Target (remember that one, Mom?)
6. A small lamp on the dryer. Preferably one with a rooster on it and a fabby shade.
7. Rooster artwork on the wall. Already have it, just have to move some wreaths from that wall to the storage shed to put them up.
8. Glass apothecary jars with black lids on shelves with other things for clothes pins, detergent, whatever looks good.
More will evolve, no doubt!
Pictures will be presented as progress is made!
Oh, by the way...still accessorizing the master suite...but soon, I promise, pictures of the "whole picture!"
Later!
Cathy
P.S. Don't forget to check out Pumpkins and Reindeer for Christmas in July doings; Haunted Hamlet for Boo!Bash2 details, and Scarecrow Soup for fun Thanksgiving things, along with notes of gratitude!
I've mentioned this room before, saying I was going to do this and do that...and now here's what I'm REALLY going to do!!
1. Paint the walls white. Yes, really. White. Me. Ms. I Love Color and Hate White Walls. It's part of the whole scheme. You'll see!
2. Paint the shelves and cabinets black, then distress them. So chic.
3. Hang a coat rack for backpacks, jackets, hoodies, purses, whatever.
4. Everything on the shelves must be contained in either a clear plastic shoebox with a white lid, properly labeled with contents, or in a basket, which will be painted either black or white. See the scheme starting to come together?
5. A small red area rug on the floor. From Target (remember that one, Mom?)
6. A small lamp on the dryer. Preferably one with a rooster on it and a fabby shade.
7. Rooster artwork on the wall. Already have it, just have to move some wreaths from that wall to the storage shed to put them up.
8. Glass apothecary jars with black lids on shelves with other things for clothes pins, detergent, whatever looks good.
More will evolve, no doubt!
Pictures will be presented as progress is made!
Oh, by the way...still accessorizing the master suite...but soon, I promise, pictures of the "whole picture!"
Later!
Cathy
P.S. Don't forget to check out Pumpkins and Reindeer for Christmas in July doings; Haunted Hamlet for Boo!Bash2 details, and Scarecrow Soup for fun Thanksgiving things, along with notes of gratitude!
Friday, July 25, 2008
A little sneak peek...
I know that you all probably think I'm fabricating the master suite redo! I really have been working on it, in bits and pieces. Without going into too many details, it was really cluttered and needed a lot of de-cluttering to get it to the point that I could clean! So, slooowwwllly but surely, it's cleared and cleaned...and getting redecorated! Mom and I are working on it faithfully...she's my seamstress, you know! She's currently making curtains for the windows, so today we should be able to get the window treatments finished and then I'll just need to shop flea markets and antique shops for a few little accessories...wall art, etc. So, just to prove that I'm really working on it, a few little sneak peeks!
These are the main fabrics, lying on the quilt that is the bedspread...I love it, and couldn't see changing it! The toile is the curtain fabric, the checked (you know I'm nuts about checks!) is the valance fabric and the solid red will be the bed skirt fabric. See that little square of ticking in the left corner under the solid and the checked? That's my third pattern...it'll be accessories, like pillows, etc...
This is a little vignette in the bathroom...it's almost done. I need to get some new rugs, some poster putty to hang the posters, which will eventually be framed. Lynn is going to make me some really cool frames, just hasn't had time yet. Soon, though. The walls in the bathroom are a pale, lemony yellow...almost the color of Yoplait Banana Cream Pie yogurt! I love it. I just adore red and yellow together. The neutral walls in both rooms are serving as a good backdrop to the pops of red through-out both rooms. Don't you just love the little bunny peeking out of the basket of ivy? He's part of my new "concrete" bunny collection...
Here's a view of the tub...as I mentioned, the poster are going on the wall this afternoon, after I pick up some poster putty at the store. Won't they look fabulous in a wide frame, white with gold dry brushing? Aren't they fabulous anyway? They were a birthday gift from Mom last year! In case you can't tell, the one on the right is a picture taken from under the Eiffel Tower, looking up! Cool, huh?
A small reading lamp in my cozy reading corner, before....
And after...almost...one more picture to come, after another little fru-fruing session this afternoon!!
These are the main fabrics, lying on the quilt that is the bedspread...I love it, and couldn't see changing it! The toile is the curtain fabric, the checked (you know I'm nuts about checks!) is the valance fabric and the solid red will be the bed skirt fabric. See that little square of ticking in the left corner under the solid and the checked? That's my third pattern...it'll be accessories, like pillows, etc...
This is a little vignette in the bathroom...it's almost done. I need to get some new rugs, some poster putty to hang the posters, which will eventually be framed. Lynn is going to make me some really cool frames, just hasn't had time yet. Soon, though. The walls in the bathroom are a pale, lemony yellow...almost the color of Yoplait Banana Cream Pie yogurt! I love it. I just adore red and yellow together. The neutral walls in both rooms are serving as a good backdrop to the pops of red through-out both rooms. Don't you just love the little bunny peeking out of the basket of ivy? He's part of my new "concrete" bunny collection...
Here's a view of the tub...as I mentioned, the poster are going on the wall this afternoon, after I pick up some poster putty at the store. Won't they look fabulous in a wide frame, white with gold dry brushing? Aren't they fabulous anyway? They were a birthday gift from Mom last year! In case you can't tell, the one on the right is a picture taken from under the Eiffel Tower, looking up! Cool, huh?
A small reading lamp in my cozy reading corner, before....
And after...almost...one more picture to come, after another little fru-fruing session this afternoon!!
Stay tuned...more good stuff coming!
Later!
Cathy
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Look What I Found Today...
on my morning walk!
You know what this means, don't you? It means that, despite predictions of triple digit heat and 89% humidity for the next seven days, fall is coming!! Really. It is. It always does....just not soon enough to suit me!!
Thank you, Lord, for this reassuring sign to all us fat girls suffering this summer!
Later!
Cathy
You know what this means, don't you? It means that, despite predictions of triple digit heat and 89% humidity for the next seven days, fall is coming!! Really. It is. It always does....just not soon enough to suit me!!
Thank you, Lord, for this reassuring sign to all us fat girls suffering this summer!
Later!
Cathy
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Sundays
I just love Sundays. I like the fact that nothing gets done around here, but nothing is expected to be done-it's the Lord's Day, after all.
I'm almost always the first one up on Sundays. I get up, get my first cup of coffee (which is brewed when I get up because it's on a timer and I always make sure I don't get up until after I hear it switch on.) and my Bible and sit on the couch in the darkened living room, reading and studying my Sunday school lesson that I'll teach a little later that morning. I usually get caught up in reading some story in the Bible, and lose track of time. If you want some good reading, check out 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel-King David had a colorful life!
After a bit, Lynn gets up, and we usually sit without talking for a while. Neither of us are very chatty when we first get up...which works out well! After we've sat in silence for a few minutes, he usually turns on the tv...which is my cue to get up and put the roast, carrots, onions and potatoes that I'd prepared the night before into the crockpot to cook while we are at church.
We move into the getting ready stage, and then we eventually get to church...which is always a blessing. We come home, eat roast and veggies and then everyone does what I call "retreats to their own corners". Lynn takes the easy chair and the tv remote (are you seeing a pattern here?), Jacob goes to his room, the little boys either go to their room or outside, depending on the weather, and I gather up some reading material and go to our bedroom. Nine times out of ten, Lynn and I both doze off before long...that's some good napping! Then around 4 or so we all start stirring again...I make another pot of coffee and we sip it until time to go back to church...the boys reappear and usually hit the pantry or fridge for snacks, then after the evening service, it's home for a supper of sandwiches, soup and chips, then we attend to whatever details need to be attended to for the upcoming week. Trash cans are taken to the street for Monday morning pickup, clothes are laid out during the school year for easy dressing on a sleepy Monday morning and in the summer, plants are watered in the cool of the evening. It's a peaceful day...
The only way Sundays are any better is when it's raining buckets (but not enough for storm warnings, which make me nervous or for the satellite to go out, which clearly disturbs Lynn) and the Atlanta Braves are playing baseball on tv! That's about as good as it gets!
Later!
Cathy
I'm almost always the first one up on Sundays. I get up, get my first cup of coffee (which is brewed when I get up because it's on a timer and I always make sure I don't get up until after I hear it switch on.) and my Bible and sit on the couch in the darkened living room, reading and studying my Sunday school lesson that I'll teach a little later that morning. I usually get caught up in reading some story in the Bible, and lose track of time. If you want some good reading, check out 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel-King David had a colorful life!
After a bit, Lynn gets up, and we usually sit without talking for a while. Neither of us are very chatty when we first get up...which works out well! After we've sat in silence for a few minutes, he usually turns on the tv...which is my cue to get up and put the roast, carrots, onions and potatoes that I'd prepared the night before into the crockpot to cook while we are at church.
We move into the getting ready stage, and then we eventually get to church...which is always a blessing. We come home, eat roast and veggies and then everyone does what I call "retreats to their own corners". Lynn takes the easy chair and the tv remote (are you seeing a pattern here?), Jacob goes to his room, the little boys either go to their room or outside, depending on the weather, and I gather up some reading material and go to our bedroom. Nine times out of ten, Lynn and I both doze off before long...that's some good napping! Then around 4 or so we all start stirring again...I make another pot of coffee and we sip it until time to go back to church...the boys reappear and usually hit the pantry or fridge for snacks, then after the evening service, it's home for a supper of sandwiches, soup and chips, then we attend to whatever details need to be attended to for the upcoming week. Trash cans are taken to the street for Monday morning pickup, clothes are laid out during the school year for easy dressing on a sleepy Monday morning and in the summer, plants are watered in the cool of the evening. It's a peaceful day...
The only way Sundays are any better is when it's raining buckets (but not enough for storm warnings, which make me nervous or for the satellite to go out, which clearly disturbs Lynn) and the Atlanta Braves are playing baseball on tv! That's about as good as it gets!
Later!
Cathy
Friday, July 18, 2008
Friday Ramblings...It's Hot, Folks!
As Melinda the Weather Lady puts it, the heat is really building in today...95 degrees today and tomorrow, 96 after that-with 89% humidity. Needless to say, I'm a stay in the house kind of girl when it gets that hot. I'm relieved that Lynn is working inside today in an air conditioned building. I am so so so ready for fall...but aren't I always in the middle of July?
We've decided to move Jonah's birthday party to the house, rather than at the lake. I think it's just too hot to be sitting outside on a concrete picnic table or in a lawn chair, and have to hike up a hill to the restroom. Not this fat chick! Jonah is ok with it...we've decided to combine his birthday party with the monthly family breakfast. So, instead of two events, one tomorrow and one next Saturday, we'll be doing it all next Saturday, with breakfast, swimming in the pool, and birthday cake. Doesn't that sound better than trudging up the hill to the restroom?
I am going to do the Christmas in July theme for his birthday, though...he just doesn't know that yet!
I have a few little projects stewing...still working on the bedroom and laundry room projects, and actually making a little progress. Next up after I complete those and get the kids back to school will be a re-do of the back porch. I want to paint the porch itself and Mom and I are planning a fabulous re-do of my antique wrought iron furniture that I bought at a yard sale last year. It's going to be so much fun, but I want to wait until after school starts to get that done. I am going to start purchasing fabric for slipcovers though, and I'll be laying out the entire project soon.
Since today is Friday, we'll be having lunch with the beloved and then buying groceries this afternoon. Also, I HAVE to get Jacob some new tennis shoes...hoping to hit a sale for those boats! His foot is now officially bigger than his dad's!
If you haven't checked out my holiday blogs, hop on over and see what I'm working on for the upcoming holidays. We are planning a festive Boo!Bash2 Halloween party for October 25-costumes requested but not required! Of course, shortly after that is Halloween itself, and I'm working on menus, favors and decorations for both events. Check out my spooky plans over at Haunted Hamlet.
Big Thanksgiving doings are happening at Scarecrow Soup, my Gratitude blog. My Sunday School class have created some great gratitude journals, and I've shared my favorite pumpkin recipe. Check it out as well!
And, as you know, Christmas in July is in full swing both at Magical Holiday Home and at Pumpkins and Reindeer. Go to P&R and click on the links in the Rudolph Day blog ring...great ideas from those clever and creative ladies. And, when you hop over to MHH, check out those pictures on the front page!! Wow!! Who did those?? Thanks for the shout-out, Ginger!
Speaking of Ginger, my friend is grieving today...her beloved dog, Wally, passed away during the night. I've been through this myself a few times, and Melissa just went through it, so I know how heartbreaking it can be. Hang in there, Ginger...it'll be better soon. We are thinking of you today...
What's going on in your world today?
Later!
Cathy
We've decided to move Jonah's birthday party to the house, rather than at the lake. I think it's just too hot to be sitting outside on a concrete picnic table or in a lawn chair, and have to hike up a hill to the restroom. Not this fat chick! Jonah is ok with it...we've decided to combine his birthday party with the monthly family breakfast. So, instead of two events, one tomorrow and one next Saturday, we'll be doing it all next Saturday, with breakfast, swimming in the pool, and birthday cake. Doesn't that sound better than trudging up the hill to the restroom?
I am going to do the Christmas in July theme for his birthday, though...he just doesn't know that yet!
I have a few little projects stewing...still working on the bedroom and laundry room projects, and actually making a little progress. Next up after I complete those and get the kids back to school will be a re-do of the back porch. I want to paint the porch itself and Mom and I are planning a fabulous re-do of my antique wrought iron furniture that I bought at a yard sale last year. It's going to be so much fun, but I want to wait until after school starts to get that done. I am going to start purchasing fabric for slipcovers though, and I'll be laying out the entire project soon.
Since today is Friday, we'll be having lunch with the beloved and then buying groceries this afternoon. Also, I HAVE to get Jacob some new tennis shoes...hoping to hit a sale for those boats! His foot is now officially bigger than his dad's!
If you haven't checked out my holiday blogs, hop on over and see what I'm working on for the upcoming holidays. We are planning a festive Boo!Bash2 Halloween party for October 25-costumes requested but not required! Of course, shortly after that is Halloween itself, and I'm working on menus, favors and decorations for both events. Check out my spooky plans over at Haunted Hamlet.
Big Thanksgiving doings are happening at Scarecrow Soup, my Gratitude blog. My Sunday School class have created some great gratitude journals, and I've shared my favorite pumpkin recipe. Check it out as well!
And, as you know, Christmas in July is in full swing both at Magical Holiday Home and at Pumpkins and Reindeer. Go to P&R and click on the links in the Rudolph Day blog ring...great ideas from those clever and creative ladies. And, when you hop over to MHH, check out those pictures on the front page!! Wow!! Who did those?? Thanks for the shout-out, Ginger!
Speaking of Ginger, my friend is grieving today...her beloved dog, Wally, passed away during the night. I've been through this myself a few times, and Melissa just went through it, so I know how heartbreaking it can be. Hang in there, Ginger...it'll be better soon. We are thinking of you today...
What's going on in your world today?
Later!
Cathy
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Reflections
Without diving into all the gory details, suffice it to say that we've had a trying couple of weeks. Things are not as bad as they could be-no one is sick, no one has died, Lynn and I ARE NOT having marital problems....it's just business and financial things going on that make you crazy. I am learning more and more about myself as I face these difficulties and challenges. Here's some things I knew and relearned and then some new things I learned:
1. No matter what you think, feel or believe, the truth is GOD IS IN CONTROL. The end.
2. God has a perfect plan, and He doesn't need or want my help. He's got it. The end.
3. Nothing is as bad as you first think...sometimes it takes more than one clear light of day moments, but nothing is so bad it can't be resolved-somehow. Maybe not in the way we'd desire, but it will be resolved.
4. Sometimes the things that appear as the worst thing in the world may actually be a good thing in disguise.
5. Take your blessings as God sends them, and praise Him for each one.
6. Quit whining.
7. Change what you can, deal with what you can't.
8. Prayer is the best way to deal with what you can't.
9. Prayer is the best way to figure out which is which.
10. GOD IS IN CONTROL.
The End.
Cathy
1. No matter what you think, feel or believe, the truth is GOD IS IN CONTROL. The end.
2. God has a perfect plan, and He doesn't need or want my help. He's got it. The end.
3. Nothing is as bad as you first think...sometimes it takes more than one clear light of day moments, but nothing is so bad it can't be resolved-somehow. Maybe not in the way we'd desire, but it will be resolved.
4. Sometimes the things that appear as the worst thing in the world may actually be a good thing in disguise.
5. Take your blessings as God sends them, and praise Him for each one.
6. Quit whining.
7. Change what you can, deal with what you can't.
8. Prayer is the best way to deal with what you can't.
9. Prayer is the best way to figure out which is which.
10. GOD IS IN CONTROL.
The End.
Cathy
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