Just Dandy

A couple little things

Hey everyone! Just popping on to share a few pics with you all tonight!

 

First a shot of our backyard from this past weekend. Isn't it pretty?! We had about 6 inches on the ground Friday morning but it didn't last. The past few days the temps have been in the high 50's, low 60's so it's all melted away. Crazy weather, I tell ya! The weatherman said just a dusting so we didn't expect to wake up to any accumulation but it really was a nice sight first thing in the morning!

 

As you all know from my recent posts I've been painting like a mad women. I still haven't finished the foyer yet...been procrastinating about that one, plus I've had a few other things I need to get accomplished before I tackle that again. I did get all the walls painted except for the tall one though and this is the shot of above our foyer coat closet. So, so happy with it. Willow Leaf is the name and I just LOVE it!! I don't know how many paint swatches I brought home and looked through before I chose this one...I know it was A LOT!! Whoever says picking paint colors is an easy task is so wrong. And what about our name decal above the door...one of my new favorites in the house. I had been waiting to finish the foyer before ordering it and I was finally able to. The shop, Vinyl Letting, on Etsy is where I found it. I plan on purchasing a few more different ones for around the house. I love that they aren't permanent and can be taken down super easy!!

Before I share this next picture I have to give a little shout out to my friend, Wendy. Before meeting her I had never heard of anyone calling their half-bath a 'powder room'...maybe in the movies but never in person or from anyone I knew. Wendy always, always called her half-bath a powder room and I think I chuckled everytime I heard her say it. It just sounded so ritzy to me, like we should be sipping tea out of fine china with fancy white gloves and nibbling on crumpets...then we excuse ourselves to use the powder room. And now look at me...I have a half-bath and I'm calling it the same. I'm just going to have to find myself another vinyl decal ....this one saying 'THE POWDER ROOM'.  

It was so hard to get a good shot of the room due to the lighting but you get the idea. Jamaica Bay was the color of this one. I was a bit leary when I first started painting...it was a lot darker than I had thought it would be but it turned out great! Very cheery and bright!

That wraps it up for tonight! Need to get dinner in the overn...homemade pizzas! MMM

Til next time....

My new BFF

One of the reasons for me being so quiet the past few weeks is my new little sidekick....my new BFF if you will! A lot of you have asked if I had started the pump yet and the answer is YES (thanks for thinking of me btw)! I started the middle of last month and have been learning all the ins and outs of it ever since. Between being at home and teaching myself and traveling the 3 hours to my diabetes educator every week it's taken up quite a bit of my time. It's been quite a challenge but I'm getting there....figuring out and remembering all the settings, finding the perfect place to wear it not only during the day but during the night when I'm sleeping, finding the perfect, most comfortable spot to insert the infusion set...along with many other things. But as challenging as it has been it is also so, so worth it! The fact that I haven't had to take an injection by syringe in the past 3 weeks is AWESOME! 29 years of that was enough.

Thank you to all of you who have left comments and sent e-mails of concern asking about my pump. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness!! I would love to hear from my fellow pump wearing cyber friends about your pump experiences....what you love most about it, least? And mostly where do you wear yours? When I first started the pump I was wearing it on my belt (like in the picture) but I have since moved it and clipped it on my pocket. Still not sure it's the perfect spot...seems like I'm always banging it against something and infact have scratched the face of it a few times already. Is there really any other place to wear it....maybe one I'm not thinking of!?

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Checkin' in

Hey all! Just poppin' in to say hi and let you all know I'm still around. Things have been rather hectic with our big move coming up. I've had no time to sit and create or post and I've been missing it...squeezing in a little time for that today. Here are just some of the things we've been doing over the long weekend....

• built a set of stairs for the back entry way
• spread a bag and a 1/2 of grass seed and 30 bales of hay for our lawn (still have about 25 more to spread)
• installed 4 ceiling fans
• installed shelving in 1 closet (still have 3 more closets to do)
• dug a 4 foot hole for our mailbox post (Rodney & Dad are over there finishing that up as I type this)
• Monday + Tuesday morning were spent watching Brody play baseball...so cute!
• bought 7 gallons of paint (still have more to buy if I can just decide on colors...such a hard decision)
• I don't know how many trips we've taken to Home Depot...I know it's been A LOT!!

I know there is more to add to the list but can't think of them at the moment and I'm sure the list will keep growing and growing until we are in and completely settled. Once you cross one thing off another always seems to pop up. We are just about ready to move in though. We met with our contractor this morning and we are now just waiting on the final inspection from the bank before we can start hauling our things in. Actually, after we get the OK I'm going to go ahead and get all my rooms painted and then move everything in. So exciting!

My postings will be sporadic til we get somewhat settled! I hope you are all doing well!!

((HUGS))

Sort, organize, purge

I'm pooped! It's been a busy two days.... a good busy....house busy which makes me oh so happy. It's looking like *maybe* next weekend will be our big move into our new home. Since all the workers were gone we decided to take a ride over after dinner tonight so the kids could see the progress. They were running circles in the living room ....they were very excited. Usually when we are over there it's a madhouse...people working everywhere, big trucks coming in and out. They usually end up staying in the truck and either listen to music, read or play their DS's. Thank Goodness they are patient kids!

Another reason for my being pooped....

 

This may not look like a huge mess to anyone but me but this is how I spent most of my afternoon and evening yesterday. With every move we've ever made I have always felt the need to sort, organize, purge... start anew. Don't ask me why...I have always been this way! I like a fresh start. So after posting my last post about using up all the drawers full of emellishments that I have (had) I had to laugh at myself....who the helk am I kidding. I've had those drawers full of stuff for years...if I haven't used them buy now I'm NEVER going to. And this is only about 1/2 of my stamping/scrapping supplies...the other 1/2 is tucked away in storage just waiting for me to go through it once we move in. It'll feel like Christmas...I forget what I have in there!

 

Atleast I made a dent with this 1/2. This baby is all going in a yard sale and will hopefully find new homes.

 

I always feel so good after reorganizing something! A nice fresh start for my new studio! The last 9 months I have been using my old bedroom at my parents house and been sharing it with the computer, sofa and another desk which is why I couldn't have all of my supplies out...there was no room left. You have all been wondering just where my new studio will be....

 

Here it is! Yup, it is a complete disaster right now. Makes it completely hard to invision a nice brightly colored, well organized, well lit space, doesn't it? 1/2 being my studio and 1/2 being a rec room for the kids. A nice L shaped desk in the corner....bright walls for a cheerful welcome downstairs....superb lighting (that is a MUST). All kinds of ideas floating around in this head of mine.

A few studios that totally inspire me...

 

 

  

  

 

I love little bits and pieces from each of them! Definitely going with white furniture and storage and an L shaped desk for the corner but as far as colors....still working on that one! It will be a work in progress but I am super excited about making it MINE...just the way I want it. I've dreamed of this for a long, long time!! I will officially be joining the basement stampers group!

Alrighty, I'm heading to bed. Up bright and early...stove and fridge are being delivered tomorrow!! :-)

More pics to come! Have a good one all!

Secret in my folder

My mojo has left me! It is no where to be found and I really hate when that happens. I have free time tonight....kids are in bed, R is watching tv and I should be sitting at my desk creating something but my mind is a blank. Nothing new to share card wise so instead I've got a sweet little poem my Kace wrote and brought home from school today. Made me smile!!

  

Have a great night and thanks for stopping in!!

It's UP!!!

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments about our house. WOW...what a day it was yesterday!  We spent ALL day watching them erect it and get it all together. Completely amazing to me! The team did a wonderful job...it all came together beautifully without any mishaps (phew)! After it was completely up it seems like I just stood there forever and stared at it. To look back over the past 3+ years and to think all we could do was dream about our own home again and to fast forward to now...I couldn't be more happy! Here are just a few pics from the day.....

 

The second piece of the first floor going on.

 

 

The final piece!

  

We don't look too happy, do we? This was taken after the house was all up!

We were even able to go in and look around last night which we didn't think we would be able to do. So after the work crew was gone we took the kids and let them go in and check out their bedrooms and the rest of the house. They were super excited and I was so excited for them! I was so exhausted last night I didn't take any inside pics. We're going to go back today and I'll snap a bunch and share them later!

Thanks so much for stopping in and sharing this huge milestone with me!! I hope you all enjoy your Friday!!

Oh and BTW...the eggs are safe and sound! Rodney moved them to a nearby tree and the mama bird is still caring for them!!

Our little guests

What a beautiful day it is here. Sun is shining with highs in the mid 70's...just perfect weather. I've got a little dilemma I have to take care of today. We went over to our lot yesterday and found a little surprise in our septic hole...

  

***picture is grainy...was at the top of the foundation, bent over trying to get a good picture of the nest without falling in. Between the sun hitting just right and my angle, it wasn't the best shot.***

a robins nest with 4 eggs inside. Now we would leave them there but that is going to be impossible. Our home (we're doing a pre-fab...more on that later) is being set tomorrow and those little eggs can't stay in there because the mama won't be able to get to them. I've searched online about what to do in a situation like this but that didn't really help. Everything I've read says if you disturb the nest the mama bird will abandon it all together and the eggs won't survive. I may have to give the Maine Department of Fish and Wildlife a call to see what I can do. I don't want to disturb them and certainly don't want them to be harmed in any way.

You all know I've been talking about 'the house' forever now. We had initially planned on stick building....we had it all designed. Had talked to a few contractors etc etc. But in the end, after a lot of thought...A LOT of pros and cons we chose to do a pre-fab. The past 3+ years of our lives have been so insanely crazy, so stressful and so uncertain that we thought this was a better option for our family. If we had stick built we most likely would not have been in til late fall and that just seemed like such a long time to us. We've been staying with my parents since mid October and it's time for our own space again...and for them as well. To go from just being the two of them to having the 4 of us move in...well anyone that's lived with family knows exactly what I mean. And the kids...they are sharing a room right now, most of their toys and belongings are tucked away in storage, they don't have their own space and right now that is so important. That was our top #1 priority for doing the pre-fab...the kiddos. They are SO excited about having their own rooms again...their own space! We researched and researched and researched some more to find the 'right' home for us and I know we found it.

 

This is pretty much what it will look like with a few little tweaks here and there! So tomorrow is a big day for us. I'll have video camera in hand and I'm not leaving the lot til its up. It will still be another 4-6 weeks after the frame is up before we can move in. All the interior finish work needs to be completed but just seeing the frame there is such a huge step...a light at the end of the tunnel for us!! 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!!!

Hello from Colorado

Hi everyone! Thought I'd take a minute and pop in to say hi. Things are going well here in CO. Weather has been beautiful and the scenery is just amazing. We went up in the mountains a few days ago and took some pictures. The pictures really don't do the scenery justice....seeing it in person is so much better but I thought I'd share with you all.

 

 

 

I look a bit freaked out, don't I? This little viewing area was literally hanging over the edge of the cliff and the drop down was unreal. I went down fast enough to take the pic and was back up!

 

 

Me and my brother, Aaron!

I hope you are all doing well! I'm sure I'll have more pics soon. Have a great day!

Wishing You & more

I thought I'd pop in this morning and show you all another card or two using my 'Wishing You' set! I've been having way too much fun creating with this set and hope that those of you who purchased it will as well. Did you happen to see Lauren's blog post from last night? She participated in PTI's blog hop  and created a card using 'Wishing You' but you won't find any tulips on her card...nope. But you will find MUSHROOMS!! I tell you...that girl is just amazing! Talent just oozes out of her. Brilliant Lauren!!!

Onto the cards...

   

I pulled out my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder for this first card. Spring Moss, Ocean Tides & Aqua Mist were my colors of choice. It had been ages since I had put my Everday Blessings patterned paper to use and it matched beautifully with both Ocean Tides & Aqua Mist. The dotted line along the bottom is the line of dots that are in the set. I just continuosly stamped them all the way across.

 

I used Angel Wings Shimmerz over my tulip to give it a little sparkle and shine! This product is perfect for adding just that little bit of shine to your project...not messy at all and dries in seconds!! Love it!

 

I used my Everyday Blessings patterned paper again for this next card. I cut 4 strips of paper...2 of the Spring Moss pattern and 2 of Aqua Mist and then sewed them together and placed them over my card base. 

   

I used my Classic Square Nestabilities for the platform of my images and then gave them a little pop with 3 dimensional adhesive. Added a loop of ribbon and large pearl brad and it was complete!

Lots of things going on in this household right now.....

• FINALLY things are moving along with the house. Everyone is lined up and ready to get to work as soon as the frost in the ground cooperates. Pictures will be coming...SOON!!!
• B has been having lots of problems with his foot and left leg over the last 6+ months. It hurts to walk on it at times and his foot has been swollen for all of those months....somedays worse than others. He's been to the doctor 3 times....had x-rays, blood work....everything looked ok.  They finally sent him to a rheumatologist this past Monday and right away he thinks he could have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. While in with the doctor he did notice one of his fingers being swollen and warm to the touch along with his foot still being swollen and also warm to the touch. He also asked about how he slept through the night. B just turned 7 but for as long as I can remember he has NEVER been a sound sleeper. He moans a lot and sometimes cries in his sleep and now it makes me wonder if he's in pain and that's why he can't sleep soundly. The next step is an MRI (nervous about that one) and more blood work! Praying it is not this but right now I'd just like to have an answer so we can try to help him and ease his discomfort!
• Lots of stamping related things I'm working on getting accomplished. I have wedding invitations to finish for my cousin who is getting married in August, my etsy shop is just about ready to go...constantly working on cards to upload there, submissions...trying to be better about this & working on Papertrey stamps sets for 2009.....lots to keep me busy!!
• Lots of reflecting going on for me during this time of every year and THIS is the reason! I'm always so grateful and feel so blessed that God decided to keep R here with us!!

Hug your loved ones EXTRA tight today & enjoy each and every moment you have with them!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful day!!!

A change

 

This is what I was dealing with Wednesday evening! NOT fun and a bit (ok A LOT scary)!! At about 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening I was watching tv and noticed that my eyes weren't focusing very well. A little blurry and just not right. I also noticed that the right side of my face was tingly and numb...OK SOMETHING is seriously not right! I got up and checked my blood sugar and that was what my meter read....so low that it wouldn't even read my level. A normal person's blood sugar should be anywhere between 70 and 140 and mine certainly wasn't anywhere near there. I quickly began to eat....EVERYTHING! Rodney and Mom were out with me at this point and just kept giving me something to raise my level up. I had 3 glasses of oj, 2 glasses of milk, peanut butter, peanut butter cups (my guilty indulgence when I am having a low), a bowl of cereal and a few other little things that I can't quite remember. Oh My Goodness...I was SOO FULL!! I had eaten so much and even the thought of eating another bite made me well....you know....wanna hurl!! During this whole 'eating binge' I continuosly checked and rechecked my sugar and it was not going up. At one point it was 34 and then about 10 minutes later it dropped back down to 27. At that point Rodney didn't give me a choice...get in the car, we're going to the ER. We live pretty far out right now so calling an ambulance would have taken a lot longer than him driving me. After a quick ride (he drives quite fast when he needs to) we were there and I was being taken care. An IV and some blood work and 2.5 hours later I was heading back home!

I was exhausted! We got home about midnight and then I woke up throughout the night so I could check my blood sugar just to make sure it was were it was suppose to be. Yesterday I was completely wiped. I took a shower but that's about all I could bring myself to do. Today is much better!

I've had diabetes for almost 30 years now and believe it or not I have only had to be hospitalized for a bad low I think 3 times in those 30 years. I consider myself pretty darn lucky! My Mom took such wonderful care of me while I was growing up. Making sure I ate exactly what I was suppose to, checking my blood sugars often and just always doing what was right for me. Now that I've been on my own I've tried my hardest to continue on doing what I was taught. I think, for the most part, I've done really well. Although, there is ALWAYS room for improvement and I'm definitely going to strive for that now. I have two small children who were so scared Wednesday night. They had never seen me that bad and I felt awful that they did have to see me like that. I guess as Rodney was getting me in the car to leave that night Brody was crying really hard and my Mom told me that Kacey was right there hugging him and telling him 'Mommy is going to be alright. They are going to take care of her.' Oh my Goodness...I was so proud to hear she had done that! They were both asleep when I got back home but I went in and woke them both up to tell them that I was ok and I loved them!!

Still can't quite figure out how my sugar dropped so low and I didn't feel it much sooner than I did. Now comes 'the room for improvement' part where I will monitor myself even closer than I was and check my sugar a lot more frequently so I can prevent another episode like this one! I'm also going next month to see about an insulin pump...so excited about that!! Also exercising and eating even better than I did before. Lots of changes, good changes, that will keep me here a lot longer!!

Thanks for listening to me this morning! I don't often share much about me, the personal stuff anyway, but this is such a HUGE part of who I am that I thought I should!!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!