This is our dining room, it had some awful wall paper on it. I am way more content and at ease in there now. Those window things came down too. I am a lose for what I will be doing in here... but then again, I am in no hurry. I like the room way better now than before.

Here you find my hubby and oldest.... taking down the paper in what we use as the TV room, I think it is supposed to be a study. This room will be painted next. I just don't know what color I want to use. For now the paper in the foyer/hallway and leading up the stairs and hallway will stay. There are way to many other projects to be worked on.


So this is our little garden. This pic. was taken a couple of weeks ago. I can not believe the changes going on at this time. I will have to take a new pic. You can see in the back ground our house. We intend to place a door in that first window to the left. It will give access to our garden, clothes line and the whole fenced in back yard.

Cardinals

so it is baseball season around here. well, at least for my hubby. To bad, the Cardinals are putting up an impressive show... compared to his beloved CUBS. This is him and my little man taking in a game. What a way to sway a 4 yr. old. FIREWORKS... when Pujols makes a homer.

BTW - why is it that the Cubs do not have a website? They can't 3 W's in a row. I find this joke so funny and its one I can remember!

7 Years.

Yes, today is our 7 year anniversary. sorta hard to believe that we have made it this far. This next weekend we are heading to a Cards/Cubs game to celebrate. Maybe I will post pics.

Nashville

hold on there....


so lets see. My friend Kim and I were wanting to go to the Country Music Festival this year. With the down turn in everything. I had to back out. She said how about a road trip, of course I knew that it would be to see Dierks. Along with that we got to see Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker. It was a wonderful show. Along with going to the show, we had to hit the honky tonks. Although, a little disappointment set in. Not a single one had an ample dance floor. Now the cowboys to go on it. Of course Nashville is a tourist spot. What was I thinking? Well, heres to missing the starched shirts, hats, belt buckles and boots found in TX.



Ah, this pic. The close of the bars, the wet couple of blocks back to the hotel. Another fun road trip drawing to an end. Kim, we have so many more of these times ahead of us.

This my friends is a old dear friend Kristi. She lives but an hour and half south, down in Alabama. She and her hubby came up to Nashville, to meet us for lunch. It was such a nice catch up and I sure wished that we had more time to visit. I wish she would of been able to stay and roam with Kim and I. Love ya Kristi, thanks so much for adding to my trip! You are the best!
yes, yes, we were this close to Mr. Dierks himself. We were eating, not paying much attention to the annoucement that he had entered the building. There was Spartan fan sitting next to us, who of course was talking crap about the ILLINI. Well, when he stated that Dierks was there and playing, we did not believe him. Oh boy, he was there and that was the end to the eating. We were so close we could touch him.

potty training

yummm, yes! you read that right. my youngest 23 months is fully potty trained. it started with her not wanting to poop in her diaper. I then decided to place her on the pot. we got her used to number 2 and then well, number one was accomplished in less than 5 days. I just had a pile of undies and pants. It did not take her long to realize that she did not like that feeling. so far, so good with the bedtime, other than she throws a fit when it is time to go.... even if she is wearing a diaper to bed.

projects on the finished list

many of you knew that I was taking a painting class. It was a class on acrylics. This class tested me, I had to relearn what I had know at one time or another. The medium alluded me a bit, for the past 7 years, my choice of medium has been watercolors. Actually, you can see the same layout, in watercolor in a past post. Suffice it to say, I have yet to add the finish varnish coat. I am not for sure that I am done with it. Once I do decide that it is time to get it off of the floor. I plan on hanging it in my kitchen.

This is the as finished as it is going to get felt advent calander. I had bought it after Christmas so it did not cost me much money. BUT, it cost me a ton of time.... and pondering, do I really want to finish this? well, it is and I am so happy about that!

other projects needing attention. cleaning out closets, sorting out the ever growing piles of papers from the kids classes.

it has been a while...

things have gotten crazy. my house, my kids, my job, my life. love it yes, want to leave it... sometimes. I really have let this go to the way side again. hopefully, I will get back on the wagon. I have a number of things to share from the going ons of my life as of late. BUT, it will have to happen when 3 kids are not fighting, running, tackling in the back ground.

Things keeping me busy.

What I have here first is an Advent calendar. I bought it on sale after Christmas. There is a ton to do. I have not even really touched the tip of the ice burg. The hubby says that he will give me until 2011 Christmas to get it done. We will see. I still sit and work on it a couple of hours each week.

Another creative thing has made its way up onto my table in the dining room. I started these paintings, I would say a year ago. They are in watercolor. The most recent medium that I had taken up. I worked with oils in college and acrylic up until i picked up water colors. Well, so lets see. I have been away from acrylic for 7 years. I am taking a class for acrylic painting. Very informal class. Actually, I wrote about this in a previous post. My whole point is. I have decided to paint the same pic as above in acrylic and way bigger. 2'X2' . With watercolors you have to be cautious, ok I have to be cautious. There is no reckless abandon here. It is thought out. BUT with acrylic, you can go back in and alter your errors. The teacher wants the class to take it step by step. I want to get the paint on there... I want a finished painting. I want the instant gratification. I want to make my mistakes, and have the teacher help me figure out how to get back in and change them.


yes, and under all that stuff is a book on how to make aprons along with some fabric to do so. The thing is, I can't bring myself to do it, since I would have to follow a pattern.

The hubby hates my work area. I need my work area.

I'm a TIGER, but, most who know me......

already know this!

Tiger Overview

From the outset, 2009 may present some true challenges for the Tiger. The year of the Ox presents an overwhelming influence upon the Tiger to maintain a steady and well disciplined pace. That is not to say that there won't be opportunities for achievement, but it would be more precise to say that this is a year that would benefit the Tiger in the areas of experience and possibly lay a solid foundation for the year to come. You will have to be resourceful and rely on your boldness and quick wit to ascertain anything in the year of the Ox.

Tiger Rating

27% (3 neutral and 9 unfavorable months)

Tiger Career

It would be beneficial to be cautious and careful when it comes to career decisions in the year of the Ox. It would be wise to be aware of the views of those around you, as this is not a year to be too independent in your actions or take any unnecessary risks. Be persistent in your responsibilities to impress others, as this will lead to progress towards your future. For the Tiger seeking a career change, tread through the rough spots and your relentless efforts will be rewarded in surprising ways.

Tiger Relationships

The Tiger's relationship may be one of the more favorable areas this year. You can look forward to some happy times with your loved one this year. Though your domestic life may be busy, it can bring you much satisfaction. Be aware of the fact that those around you hold you in high regard and you may not want to jeopardize these relations by your independence or by being too stubborn. Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings of others in your life and everything should work out well for you.

Tiger Health

The Tiger will not have any serious health problems this year, but there may some minor issues that you may want to pay attention or they could become much worse than originally anticipated. One area of concern is stress. There may be some situations this year that could escalate your stress levels and you may want to find some ways to alleviate this issue. The Tiger enjoys outdoor activities and this could provide an outlet to relieve your stress.

Tiger Wealth

Take caution when it comes to your finances this year, as it is not a time to speculate or take any unnecessary risks. Plan your large purchases carefully and avoid impulse buying. The best advice is to monitor your spending throughout the year and you won't have any problems. This may sound like simple advice, but due to your generous nature, it may not be as simple as it sounds.

Sitting and Listening

well - I had Jacks Big Music Show on for Zettie to listen to. I was stopped in my tracks and pulled to the TV for an amazing show. AMAZING! I promptly looked up what I was listening to. Nuttin' But Stringz
I am not the only one to feel a pull when first hearing their stuff. This link was from the first search I did to find out the WHO.

Go listen, let your mind take it in. I am off to buy the CD.

two weeks.

It has been two weeks since I last used my debit card. Hard to believe, but no card swiping for me. I have cursed the envelop system. At times, I have not liked it much. It takes longer to use than just whipping out a plastic card. BUT, I can already see, how I will be able to hold on to the cash for the extra things that I have budgeted in. I have one for the vehicle/tires. I have another for my Christmas fund. I am now pretty sure that I will be starting one for the replacement of my washer. There are so many other envelops that I would like to start, Disney, Ireland. Just to name a few. Tires and washer come before any of those dreams. But, if I were to take the $50 for the car tires the $10 for the washer, once bought of course. That would be 60 bi-weekly. $1500 a year. so in 3 years I would have the money for the Disney trip. Although, it would be time for another set of tires.

The Creative Person

The Creative Person is both
more primitive and more cultivated,
more destructive,
a lot madder and a lot saner,
than the average person.
-Frank Barron

I read the above on a blog I visit. I believe that I fit the bill on this one.

A couple of weeks ago, I found out that my college art teacher will be giving a painting class, here in the small town that I live in. First thought, wow what a small world. Then really it is not all that small, seeing that the jr. college I went to is just 20 mi. east of here. Even though I paid thousands of dollars to study art from this guy.... I shall be coming up with the $20 a session he's asking for now. It will do my soul good! The beauty of it is, my world becomes more beautiful when I am creating. Although, I am a little worried about picking up the acrylics. I have not worked with them in a long time. I think at least 7 years. More recently, I had been watercoloring. In 2004 enrolled in a class taught by Jane Frey. (her site was not connecting at the time of this post, hopefully it will be back shortly) She is a wonderful artist and teacher. Oils really pulled me in while I was at ISU and after. Having three kids messing around makes it hard to work with them.

Well, I suppose I should be coming up with an idea for my still life.

Rozella is turning 6!

these are a couple of pictures from the party we had for her with classmates. The theme was Wizard of Oz. We played twister, pin the heart on the tin man, balloon pop, limbo and then had a contest for Medals of Courage for the ????? Roar. I think that the kids had a wonderful time.

Great Finds

Yep, this ugly thing was in my kitchen when we bought the place. A gas guzzling hog! I can lay a pound of hamburger on it and it will thaw in about an hour. (My hubby thinks that I am crazy, saying that this thing that continually takes gas to keep warm is wasting gas) Well, if you know me, I don't like to buy new, hardly ever that is. I could of easily gone to Sears and bought a new cook top. Since we are doing the debt diet and not using plastic any longer, I could not allow my self to do that. I just kept my eyes peeled, looking for that great deal. A couple of weeks ago I went into a thrift shop and found a two burner electric cook top, for $25. The problem was we needed something the same size or just a bit bigger to fill the hole in the cabinet. Now, don't get me wrong, I would of bought it and filled in the hole with a board, if the hubby would of let me. Cooking for a family of 5 on two burners, might be testy sometimes too. So I walked away from something I probably could of gotten for less.

So last week I had to go to Springfield for a dr. appointment. while in the city ;) I thought that I would do some running around. I came upon the Habitat for Humanity store. If you have a small redo project you need to go to one of these stores first. Things for all steps of the remodeling. I went in to see what kind of deals they offer for the many projects on our to do list. I of course was also looking for a cook top. Guess what, I found on. It was pushed back in the corner, hiding from me. I got in there and looked at the tag, $35. Yep, $35. This cooktop was originally marked $100 and I got it for $35 and who knows what the original price was. As you can see it says Kitchen Aid. The hubby says that it should not be to much trouble to change out the gas guzzler to this electric model.



On to another personal great find, that same day. I have been wanting to get a pair of Wellies, other wise known as rain boots. I just could not find ones that I wanted. I was in Target and found these. Although, they look to match my kitchen walls, they don't. The boots are robins egg blue, while the kitchen walls are vintage aqua.



BTW, I just went in and figured out how to resize the photos. Typical of x-graphic artist.... not giving a hoot. ;)

Christmas Card 2008

To see full picture just click on it.


So this was our 2008 Christmas card. The photos were taken by my friend Amy Denney of Denney Photography. You should go and check out her site. Highly creative and willing to make you happy!

Amy is a woman on a mission. She has single handedly helped me in a number of areas this past year. Willingly offering up her husband handy dandy skills to get an office space started out in the garage. Talking to me about each others finances and monetary goals. She has introduced me to Dave Ramsey. Now, I don't follow his stuff to the tee, nor have I taken Peace University. I have read and followed, read some more. Watching Amy fill her envelops, hearing of the success has lead me to fill my own envelops. This is when you take cash from your bank account, allocating so much to each fund and pay those bills that way. When the money is gone there is no more until you get paid again. This system makes you think about where the money is going. It hurts more to spend $100 than it does $80. Because you are paying for it with cash. You are no longer whipping out the debit card and mindlessly paying.

Heres to a new year, one in a recession. Hopefully, one full of getting back to the basics. Hopefully, one no longer with credit card debt. Yes, it is my plan even in this recession.

Christmas card 2007

to see the whole picture you will need to click on it.

This was our Christmas card from 2007. For your viewing pleasure, just in case I failed to send one to you. It was taken by my dear friend Kim. She came out to TX and visited me over Thanksgiving that year. On our way to take her back to the airport, we stopped at Cadillac Ranch. You are actually allowed to paint on these cars. The layers of paint are many!

I love this snap shot of my family. Hard to believe it is now past a year later and we are back living in IL. Although, there are many more things to see on the earth horizon here, we do not have a Cadillac Ranch. I never thought that I would look back and smile on so simple a memory, one formed while in TX. One of many I might add.

New Year, same old me...

I guess. I have not really seen that same old me for some time. I hope that this year brings forth a ton of re-discovery. Not only for the me who I was. Also, for the family I have helped to create. Along with the rediscovery, heres to learning many new things about myself.

Yesterday I checked into the Oprah site. I came across a post on the Magic List. I saw this or something like it once before. I found my list, luckily, I kept it in a sketch book. I have it dated March 1st, 2008. On this list I have wrote:

• go to Ireland for our 10 yr. anniversary - 2012 (this will come off of the list once we get there, because it will happen)
• historical home or old house out in the country or edge of town
- one that needs love
- one with room for my art studio
- one for massage area and or to show work (my artwork)
(so we bought us a very old house, some say 1856, now that is old right? it is at the edge of town and actually, half of it is in town and from the bay window back it is considered country..... figure that out. I have an acre and half to produce a victory garden. Or have live stock. ;) Plans are already being thought up and talked over. Also, we started work on my massage space that would and could also show as gallery space.)

• submit to show work in juried show (this one will take a bit longer, I have to come up with a portfolio of work to show first... and before that, I have to find time to produce that work)
• serve those in need (although, I have done some very good small things, there is always room for improvement in this area. Although, helping those with aches and pains is a good way to start. I hope that our garden will help to feed those in need.)
• help @ my kids school (working on this one, but still would like to donate more time)
• read pride and prejudice (did this, why didn't I do that sooner?)
• start a victory garden (see above, we did try to grow some things in TX. Garlic did well, Onions not so. Our tomatoes did not mature in time for us to use nor did the green peppers. Although, friends back in TX said they had never seen such a big tomato plant. If you know me, you know I love my strawberries! I had two raised beds for them. In the two years we were in TX the plants were still maturing. Just a handful of berries came on. I suppose they will produce nicely this year. Hopefully, Sarah and Christine got over and took a number of them).
• irrigate garden with rain water saved from house gutters.


So four out of 8 things have already happened, or planned to happen. Suffice it to say, I believe that the "Magic List" does work. I have already wrote up my next one. What is on your Magic List?

Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear


• * Listen to me carefully


• * Don't judge me for my anxiety


• * Work things through with me


• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us


• * Laugh and make jokes with me


• * Gently push me toward new experiences


• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends


• * being responsible and hardworking


• * being compassionate toward others


• * having intellect and wit


• * being a nonconformist


• * confronting danger bravely


• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind


• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself


• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of


• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger


• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right


• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

• * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn


• * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger


• * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent


• * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel


• * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

• * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty


• * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence


• * worry more than most that their children will get hurt


• * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy