Did You Miss Me?

So, I've been gone for a while.... a long while. I can tell, too, because this is such an outlet for me to lay out my thoughts and sort through everything and when I don't do it I get a tad stressed. Lots has happened since my last post. I'll put it out there in an ordered fashion to catch up and then go back to "regular blogging" later this week....
1.) Moved in July into our new house. Really miss my house we moved from. Miss my grocery store and miss my Target and my big yard with my big ol' trees and the creek. We've moved 5 times in 9 years and this has never happened. Miss Brian being home in time to eat dinner with us. I don't like having to put his dinner in a warming drawer while the girls and I eat alone because he lives 30 minutes from work now instead of 5 minutes.... Everytime I go to our old house to get something else (no, we haven't finished moving everything out, yet...) I feel like it's home. Don't know why. Maybe because we lived there longer than we've ever lived anywhere and that is the place the girls remember. I think I would be doing better if all of my friends moved out here, too, but for some reason, they aren't on the same page....They act like moving is a big deal or something. ;0) Hopefully this feeling will pass. It has only been made worse by #2 and #3 below....
2.) One reason we moved out here was to go to the church we really liked. Our pastor resigned a couple of weeks ago and preached his last sermon last week. It was on good terms- he's going to start a Christian counseling ministry. But in times like this, people tend to get their own agendas about what they want to happen and fighting ensues. Not gonna put up with it. We'll have to find a new church if that happens. Meanwhile- I'm really enjoying working with the youth group. They are great kids and they have been awesome to me. So, we'll see. Of course, if we leave that church, we will go back to one that we visited and loved- which happens to be about 2 minutes from our old house. (Of course...) Maybe things will work out at the church we're at now and we'll get an awesome pastor to come in and really amaze us. Remains to be seen.
3.) At the little private school the girls go to out here, the 2nd grade teacher (Annelise's teacher) moved to Ohio and so her last day was last week. Not only did the school not send any communication home about it (Annelise told us) but they have just combined the first and second grade into one class (they didn't send anything home about that, either). So, Annelise and Emmaline are in class together and I cannot see how they will both learn what they need to learn when the grades are combined like that. Not a happy camper. At all. Brian plans to address this with the school administration as I cannot or someone may get hurt....
4.) Annelise got baptized in August. Brian got to dunk her. :0)
5.) Aunt Libby's husband passed away in August (the day before Annelise's baptism) of a massive heart attack. He was like a grandfather to the girls and Emmaline in particular is having a terrible time dealing with his death. She has developed all kinds of neurotic tendencies and they are starting to slow down in occurrence, but are still there. Aunt Libby is really depressed and I'm worried about her, but she seems to be doing ok so far.
6.) I just turned in my 15-page mid-term paper for my Master's Degree program in Grief Counseling. I've made straight A's on all of my other papers, but this one is a biggie and I'm hoping it is what the instructor is looking for! I can't believe this is only the first course. Feels like I've done enough papers to go ahead and get my degree after this one is over. But, alas, I have 4 more courses to go after this one, and still have my final paper to do for it..... I've read about, talked about, and thought about death enough for the past few weeks that I may have to take medication.
7.) How 'bout them Tigers? So proud of the way they have improved over the season so far. Young team, but so much potential there. We'll be taking the girls to their first game on Nov. 21st, when they play Virginia. I am so excited to watch them take everything in. They cannot wait!!
8.) Obama ticks me off. Enough said. Don't get Brian started on him unless you want to get tied up for an hour or so in a rant.
9.) We gave our doggie, Alice, away to a really sweet family a couple months ago. We told them if it didn't work out that they could bring her back. Guess who's back as of a few days ago?
10.) Started the P90X workout yesterday. I'm having some major problems in my left hip, towards my back. I can hardly walk today. Already been diagnosed with arthritis in my hips and right knee. Don't know why it's gotten so bad lately. Lord, I'm getting old.
11.) Emmaline has started ballet and loves it with all of her heart. She is doing very well according to her teachers. :0)
Well, I know there's more to tell, but that's enough for now. I'm so glad it's Fall. I love this time of year. I need to catch up on all my blogger friends stuff, so I'll do that today since I'm at home taking care of a sick little Emmaline. She spent the evening puking her guts out last night, so she's recouperating in my bed at the moment. Hopefully the saltines and Sprite that she's taking in right now won't end up all over the place. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll try to post pictures sometime this week!

Picture Palooza

Folly Beach at sunset. My favorite time on the beach is sunset and
I tried to make it out there every night at that time. Sooo pretty.

The younguns. (Well, plus our 2 wonderful babysitters who have come

with us the past 2 times.) They all had a blast. And played well together.

Annelise and Emmaline on the rocks. They were'nt too happy

about me making them stop exploring to take pictures.

Going into the ocean to find stuff.

Our family. Yes, my eyes were closed. And yes, I was hiding

behind Annelise. Don't like to have my picture made at all, much less

in a bathing suit and no make-up.....

Our view of sunset from the house's back porch over the marsh. God

is so amazing. He was just showing off with this one...

4 TIRED rugrats in the bed watching a movie before sleepytime. They

were totally worn out by the end of each day.

Annelise, looking for shells. She was on a hunt most of the time and found

some really cool ones.

Emmaline, my Coppertone girl. This was only day 2 and she already

looked like a native.

One of several sharks B caught off the shore. The kids always thought

it was cool to touch them. One of them got B with it's tail and

he has this rug burn area on his arm, now.

The kids in a hole that the Dads dug for them. They stayed there and

played for a while. We may try this in the backyard to see if it works

that well at home, too. ;0)

NEW HOUSE PICS! So, they're a little late, but that's better than never, eh?

The one above is of the foyer. The dining room is on your right and

my formal living room is on the left.

Master bedroom. I love the color. Emmaline's room is the same color

as this. except hers will have pink and white polka dots around the

middle of it.

Fireplace in the family room. It's a crooked pic- I think I had inhaled too

much sheetrock dust and I was wobbly by then... There will also be

stone inside of the wood mantle at some point, and it will cover the black.

Outside of the house. (Duh, I know...) It's coming right along!

Ok, so this will be the last post for a while I think. I am so crazy right now I don't know which way is which. I've been biting the girls' heads off and they have been wild and stuff is just a mess. I put the For Sale By Owner sign in the yard and have had a ton of calls so far, and a couple of people want to come see it. So, let's hope one of them takes it. I have so much left to pack. It's mind-boggling. I'm so glad we got to go to the beach. It was wonderful. The weather was great and the kids were all well behaved and entertained. I couldn't have asked for more. Plus I'm pretty sure I've got B talked into retiring on Sullivan's Island- which is my dream. I mean, I'd like to live there now, but at least I can look forward to it at some point. We all needed to get away, so that was nice. But now we're back to reality and it is nuts. This weekend is particularly lovely, though, seeing as I am at home alone all weekend. B had to go to Washington DC for a conference and is coming back late Sat. night. The girls left with Aunt Libby for a trip to the mountains and are coming back Sunday night. I am enjoying the quiet house. Yes, I am having to pack, but at least I get to pack in peace. Tomorrow I'm going to Tryon, NC with a friend to look for her a table at the antique stores there. So, I'm going to try to get a lot done tonight. I have a feeling I'll be up kinda late... Anyway- our scheduled moving date is July 9th. I am so excited. I just cannot wait to be moved in. It's all coming along so quickly, now. Oh, by the way- if anyone knows anyone with one of those old 3 seater metal porch gliders from way back when, I am looking for one. As long as it still glides well, I'm ok with it, because B is very good at refinishing things. So, let me know if you know of one someone is willing to sell. We had one at the lake when I was little and me and my Papa used to sit on it all the time and rock and tell stories. My stupid uncle took it to the dump a year ago and I didn't know it. I could choke him.... Hope everyone is having a good Summer! I may or may not get back on here before we move. Just depends!!

Time Flies

When you're packing.... Wow, 1 month and 4 days until we move. We are not even CLOSE to being ready. I seem to get my time taken away by the girls and the dog throughout the day and end up not accomplishing half of what I had planned to do. Emmaline is being especially needy. She has had this obsession lately with a fear that we are going to leave her at home alone. Don't have any idea where that came from. She'll yell for us and if we don't answer, she'll go into a full panic. I was outside letting Alice out the other day and she came out there about to have a heart attack, because I didn't answer her in the house when she called. She was sweaty and bawling and in hysterics. I think the move coming up is making her anxious. She is also obsessed with a rock she found and has named it "Rocky Doo" and it has a house and it's own toothbrush... Hope we don't have to commit her before this move. Aunt Libby 'says' she's coming to get them to spend the night with her sometime this week, but we'll see if that actually happens. It seems like the girls know when I really need to get something done, because that's when they behave their worst and get the neediest for my attention. :Sigh: I just can't wait to be settled. If it's not them, then Alice is coming up to me with a toy, wanting me to play constantly. I'm just about to scream.....
On a good note- I've lost another pound. Total of 7.5 lbs so far. Still a ways to go. My tummy still looks like jelly, so I need to get it toned up. And the busier I get, the less time I have to pay attention to what I'm eating or go to the gym. I hope I can make it there tonight, after we go see the house. They finished our hardwood floors today, so I can't wait to see them. I know it's past time for a picture update, so I'll take the camera tonight. That's about it for now..... Gotta go fix lunch for the wild girls and then finish cleaning up the huge mess that is my kitchen.

Quick Overall Catch Up

Ok- down another pound and a half. Total= 6.5 lbs. so far. I'm a little worried because I haven't had time lately to log in to WW online and record my eating and I also haven't had time to go to the gym lately... So I hope I haven't put on any poundage this week, but oh well! Happy to have lost what I have so far. Went to the lake for our "work weekend" this past week. It was so awful... Glass top table shattered all over the top of the dock- went all over the lower deck and onto the boats. Took fuhevah to clean up! Hole in the boat cover on the pontoon= thick mildew all over the seats and other surfaces inside. Seriously- the seats are supposed to be cream colored and they looked camouflage. Poor B literally got his fingertips eaten off by Clorox getting them clean. His fingers were bleeding and hurting for 3 days afterward. No power on the dock when we got there. 3 hours later, B had it fixed....I cut the grass and stepped in a fire ant hill without knowing it. A few seconds later I was running around the yard slapping my legs trying to get them off of me- those things sting when they bite! Annelise got stung by yellow jackets. Emmaline wet the bed for the first time in about 4 years. The dog found a HUGE dead turtle and promptly brought large bones to us on the dock. Oh, and it rained most of the time. Not the best Mem. Day weekend we've ever had, but it could always be worse, ya know? School is done, thank goodness, so I've slept in until at least 8:30 for the past few days. But I'm staying up until about 1 a.m. every night, so it evens out. Trying like a madwoman to get this house packed up. Moving July 7th! I cannot wait. I'll have to post new pics soon- so much has been done this past week to the new house. Realized we are going to have to find a new home for our sweet doggie, Alice. Annelise has lost interest and doesn't want to take any responsibility for her. As much as I love her and as sweet and good as she is (and she really is...) I cannot take care of her by myself. So, hopefully we will find a family who will love her and spoil her as she deserves. We'll keep her until we do. She is just adorable..... The youth minister at the church we've been going to called me and said they'd been praying about who should take over the youth girls Bible study on Sunday nights and that my name was the one that came up. I would love that so much. I miss being with my girls from my last church. But that means we need to decide if we're going to join this church or not. I'm still a little gunshy after everything I went through at the last one..... Scared. Anyway- praying about that. I have until August to decide. Sooooo much going on- but all good things. The girls are behaving like demon-possessed coyotes for the past few weeks. Gonna lose my mind. Hoping Aunt Libby calls soon and wants them to come spend the night with her so I can have a really productive day. We'll see! I'll try to post pics, soon. Until then- just hope I keep my sanity......

2 Is My New Favorite Number

Weighed in today- down 2 more pounds!! (Loss of 5 pounds total so far.....) Only 2 more days until I am basking on the beach at Sullivan's Island! Found a lady to keep Alice for us while we're gone and she only lives 2 minutes away from us! Only 2 more weeks of school left. :0) In 2 months, we will be moved in to our new house. Gotta love the number 2!!

Old and Worn Out

This is the wallpaper I finally chose for our half bath. I wanted something a little different in there, and this one really got my attention. It looks a little bit blue, but it is actually grey. I'm going to put robin's egg blue towels in there to go with it. (Or black towels, I haven't decided, yet.) I also made the decision to tint all of the ceilings downstairs a very faint blue. I had about 2 minutes to pick the color and was really scared to go see what it looked like, but I absolutely love it! It's very calming. I had noticed a lot of the older Charleston homes did that when I went to visit there, last, so it reminds me a little of that. I also decided to stain the staircase and leave the floors natural. That way the staircase stands out and also matches our stained front door. Even the spindles and backplates on the stairs will be stained, so I think it will look good.
As for other news- those who aren't on FB may not have heard- I did my first 5 K this past Friday. My goal was to beat Brian. I did. By 2 whole minutes! All I heard all week was how he was going to wax me. Well- that didn't happen. Sweet Thang and Mr. Paranoia had to walk most of it because of sickness and jaw fractures. I really think that they were just too scared to race me because they knew I would blow them away.... ;0) I ran until I thought I would vomit. The last 200 yards, I just gave it all I had and ran for my life, because I didn't know if Brian was behind me and I really really really wanted to beat him. So, for the past 2 days, Brian and I have been in severe pain all over and scream whenever we walk downstairs. But, it was worth it. I've realized that I am very out of shape and very old. We look like 80 year olds hobbling around. I'm pretty sure I need knee and hip replacements... Not going to the gym tonight. Don't want to let people see me cry like a baby on the machines or wet myself. Too sore. Lordy-- when did this happen to me? Anyway- gotta go cook dinner and start getting my list together for Sullivan's Island. 3 more days until I'm there....

I Can Hardly Contain Myself....

So, y'all know how bad I've been wanting to go to Charleston lately. All this stress with the house and the girls have been acting like rabid howler monkeys. Anyway- Charleston just speaks to my soul. That place feels like my second home when I'm there. So, Brian gets a text from my orthodontist today (who is also one of his good friends). His wife rents a beachfront house every Summer at Sullivan's Island and takes their kids down there as soon as school is out and stays the whole Summer. Her hubby goes down on Thursday nights and stays with them on the weekends. Well, he asked B if we wanted to go stay there next week, since they have a family wedding and the house is going to be empty all week. I couldn't believe our luck! We decided that we would leave next Thursday morning and stay through Sunday. We were supposed to go to the lake, but that can wait. This kind of thing doesn't come up very often. I just have to find someone to keep Alice for those days (hoping Aunt Libby will be interested in that...) and we'll be set. I wish the girls were out of school so I could just take them down there for the whole week. They would love it. But- I have a lot to do here, anyway, so maybe this will motivate me to get it done. We're going to Folly Beach in June, so I am going to get a double dose of Charleston this Summer and I could not be more excited about it. At least I'll get a tan at Sullivan's Island before our week-long trip in June! Well- just had to share my excitement. On another note- if I hear anything else about Swine Flu I'm just gonna puke. I mean, in the US- 30,000 people die every year from the regular flu. No-one gets all out of whack for that. But we have this special flu come up and you would think the world was gonna end. The mass hysteria is almost comical. It seems the media will do anything for ratings these days. I am just sick of hearing about it. I'm sure something else will happen to take the attention away, soon, but seriously- give it a break. Well- I'm off to cook dinner. (And dream about being on the beach in exactly one week!!)

Good News and Bad News

This is a picture of the dining room chandelier I finally chose. Some of you will notice that it is not any of the 3 that I had narrowed it down to, before. That's just the way this house has gone. I liked that it looks old, and that the metal color will go with just about any other metal I decide to use in there. We bought some sconces on ebay from a 1920's hotel to use in there that are aluminum, so they will blend. I really loved that this light fixture sells for about $300.00 and we got it for 80 bucks, brand new in the box. That pretty much was the tie breaker for us. It looks even better in person than it does in the pic, so I'm happy with it.
Anyway- good news first- I have finished picking out the paint colors for our house. (Insert heavenly angel choir here, singing Hallelujah.) I am so so so sick of the paint wheel I could burn it. But, it's my mother's and she wouldn't appreciate that, so I'm just going to put it out of sight for a while. I had picked out about 90 percent of the colors and wrote them all down in a notebook that I'm pretty sure I've packed up in a box somewhere. After tearing the house apart for 2 days looking for it, I realized I was going to have to start over. I remembered some of the colors, but most I had forgotten. Oh, well. It's done and I am so relieved.
Now for the bad news (which isn't really "bad"- I'm just disappointed). I weighed in this morning and have only lost another half a pound. I was hoping for another 2, but just didn't make it. B tried to tell me that because I have been doing a lot of weight lifting at the gym, I have put on muscle, which weighs more than fat- but I'm not buyin' that one completely. I was not the best on my diet this week. With our anniversary and eating on the run because of having to go out to the house and look at stuff, I just didn't behave like I should have. I did stick to my point limit for the week, I just didn't make the best choices. I also didn't make it to the gym this past week. I went this morning and I'm determined to get back on my MWF night schedule. Going in the mornings makes me really nauseated, so nights seem to work better for me. Anyway- that's the latest update. I'm gonna continue to put random pics up for things for the house. Gotta go pick up Annelise early and take her to her first orthodontist appt now. Poor thing got my teeth.....

10 Years and We're Still Here

10 years ago yesterday, Brian and I were married at a small church in Easley and 10 years ago this morning we were on our way to Sandals St. Lucia. 2 kids and 5 houses later, here we are, still together. A little heavier, a little less energetic and a lot crazier- we've made it this far. The top pic is of us leaving the church to go to our reception right after our wedding. The one below it is of us at St. Lucia on our honeymoon. That just seems like it was only a few years ago. We had said we would go back to St. Lucia on our 10 year anniversary. At the time, we didn't know we would be building a house and running after 2 kids and managing a busy pediatric office. Our life together has been wonderful and blessed. (Ups and downs, sure- but overall GREAT.) When I met Brian I had just gotten out of a 4-year relationship in which I had broken a great guy's heart when I just realized he wasn't the "one". I had vowed I was just going to stay single with my cat and live the good life without a care in the world. I threw myself into work and was working about 70-80 hours a week at the hospital and loving it. That explains why the only place I could possibly meet anyone was at the hospital! I had a policy that I didn't date doctors. I knew too much. Knew most of them cheated on their wives or had a "God" complex- neither of which I was going to tolerate. But I saw Brian come around that corner one morning and thought 'Wow, he is really cute!' Then I started talking to him and found him to be a very down to earth, gentlemanly and soft spoken guy. He eventually asked me out and even though our 2 work schedules only allowed us to go out about once a week or even once every 2 weeks, we hit it off. After about 2 months my committment phobia kicked in and I decided I was going to break up with him. The thought of a serious relationship terrified me and I wasn't going to let myself get caught up in anything. I got my speech together and waited for him to come pick me up for our date. He got there late (out of character for him) and was stressed when he came in my apartment. He had a handful of roses for me from his own rose garden and explained that he had gotten a $200 speeding ticket on the way to come and get me and apologized for being late. Well, I couldn't break up with him after he had just gotten a ticket to come to my house, so I decided to wait.... and the break up never happened. He asked me to marry him after we had dated for 9 months. It took me by complete surprise- we had not even talked about marriage! I thought he was going to ask me to buy him this dog that he had been wanting. I didn't even know if I had said yes or no until he started hugging me and I figured I must have said yes. ;0) The rest is history. We are complete polar opposites and he often gets on my last nerve, but I love him and after 10 years together I truly feel like he is the other half of me. He knows me like no-one else and he loves me anyway. He still worships the ground I walk on and he thinks I am drop dead gorgeous. So, we may be looking into getting him examined for cataracts, but other than that, we're good. I told a friend of mine that there was no feeling like knowing someone was going to be there for you through anything, no matter what. And I know that he will. We made it through a rough couple of years during year 7 and 8- I think it was a turning point for us and we made the choice to work hard and make it better and we did. Now I just cannot believe everything that God has helped us to accomplish together. This past 10 years has gone by really fast and time just seems to get faster by the year. Can't wait to see what the next 10 holds for us!

Weigh In #1

Well, I had my first weigh in yesterday since I've been on WW for a week. I was a little worried, but I have lost 3 pounds so far! I was pretty happy with that. It was hard not to get on the scales during the week, but I made it. Now to make it to next Tuesday.... I hope to see another 3 gone by then! I've backslid a couple of times, but I haven't been using all of my extra points for the week, so I figured it almost evens out. Going to the gym tonight- M,W,F schedule. Didn't get to go this past Monday night, because Mr. Paranoia caught a softball in the mouth and my hubby met him at the office and cut out part of the inside of his lip and sent him to the ER. He does have a jaw injury and although I know it must hurt I can't seem to help making fun of him anyway! I'm determined to make it to the gym tonight. Now that I've seen some progress it has motivated me. Anyway- the house is coming along really fast. I have to have my paint colors picked out by this weekend. I still have a few to choose, but I am feeling a little burned out on it right now, so I'll get to it later. B and I will celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary this Friday, so I'm saving all of my extra WW points for dinner that night! Can't believe we've been married that long. It just doesn't seem like it's been 10 years. We weren't supposed to get each other anything because of the house, but I found a bag and a wrapped gift that I am assuming is a watch (since that's what the bag said...) in B's truck. He was there when I found it , so he is aware that I know. So, I went out and bought him something I've always wanted to get him and I'll just have to save that for another post since I never know when he will check this. I got him a skydiving trip for his birthday, and he could not be more excited. (Yes, he is crazy.) He is going to do that soon and cannot wait. The company I bought the skydiving trip from described it as follows : "He will watch a video on procedure and safety. Then he will go up in the plane with the instructor. When they get to between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, he will strap himself to the instructor and they will jump out. He will freefall at about 60 mph for about 60 seconds, and then will float the rest of the way down for about 7-8 minutes." I was laughing so hard by the end of the description that the man started laughing, too. After calling our insurance company to make sure we were covered if anything "bad" were to happen, I ordered it for him. I paid extra for a video to be made of his experience so I can laugh some more later. Hey, he wants to do it, so who am I to stop his dream?? ;0) My description would include more things like "after they pry your white-knuckled fingers from the door of the building and force you onto a plane, they will sedate you with a powerful drug and drag you across the plane and strap you to an instructor with something made of steel that you cannot get out of. Then after knocking you unconscious because of the fighting, the instructor will jump from the plane , taking your limp body out with him." I don't even think I could make the drive down there to do it. I would have a heart attack on the way there. Mr. Paranoia is supposed to be going with him- that is if he is healed and mobile by then. Well- off to cook some chicken and dumplings (of which I'll be able to eat about 1/2 a cup....)

Wishing for My Teenage Metabolism.....

So I've been on Weight Watchers for 5 days now. 5 long, long days. I already mentioned that I'm trying to shed my "winter coat" and I decided I needed some help. I went on WW 3 years ago and lost 13 lbs and kept it off for over a year. I remember the first couple of weeks being really rough. I mean I could eat an entire box of Moose Tracks ice cream in one sitting right about now.... I know as Sabrina says, I'm not gonna get my "card" right now, but I weigh more now than I ever have. I am only 8 lbs less than I was when I was 9 months pregnant! So, my goal is to lose 20 pounds and however long it takes me is fine. I am having a tough time right now seeing as I have never struggled with my weight and I have always enjoyed eating whatever whenever. I weigh in on Tuesdays, so we'll see next Tues. - it will either be a happy post or an angry one.....
On a good note- Emmaline and I had a little girl time today. Annelise went to spend the night with a friend after school, and B is at a BMW driving school all day playing in cars we could never purchase, so we had an outing planned for the 2 of us. We went to Ruby Tuesdays for lunch at the Mall and then to Build A Bear. She had never been to BAB and had a hard time falling asleep last night because she was so excited. She made a pink unicorn and named her Sally and bought her a pink sparkly dress. Too cute. Then we went shopping for a little while and she picked out some sundresses for me and some shoes for her. After that we went to Bruster's and had ice cream and then went to the antique stores. (Needless to say after a restaurant lunch and ice cream, I had a very light breakfast and will be having a non-existant dinner. ) B's driving school is all day tomorrow, too, so she has already told me she wants to go to some more antique shops. I can't believe that is what she chose- being just 6 years old. She loves looking at all the old stuff and how decorative stuff was way back when. Tonight it's off to the gym with Sweet Thang. She is my accountability partner in all of this. We've made it to the gym 3 times a week so far and have been working our buns off. (Literally!) Anyway- other than that, nothing new. Still packing, still picking out stuff. Still wanting to go hide in a cave somewhere......

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! I'm not a tree-hugger or anything, but I have gotten to be quite the recycle queen as of the past couple of years. It was amazing how much less trash we sent out when we started recycling. Then once I started it became sort of an obsession. I now recycle just about anything I can. All of the kids papers from school , toilet paper rolls, even the paper tags that come on new clothing, not to mention the plastic string things that hold the tags to the clothes. (I know, it's a bit over the top...) But when you think about all of the milk cartons and glass bottles and soda cans that most of us throw out, it can really add up. Anyway- I thought I would dedicate this post to Earth Day and post some interesting recycling facts. Hope this inspires at least one person to start recycling! Here are the facts:
- A recent gov. survey showed that at least 36 states are anticipating statewide water shortages by the year 2013.
-If all US households installed water-efficient appliances, the country would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion dollars per year.
-Letting your faucet run (like while brushing your teeth) for 5 minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.
-If every household replaced it's most often used incandescent light bulbs with CFL's, electricity use for lighting could be cut in half.
-Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity- enough energy to power the average American home for 5 months.
-Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours, a computer for 3 hours, or a large TV for 2 hours.
-Americans throw away enough aluminum every month to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.
-The 36 billion aluminum cans landfilled last year had a scrap value of more than $600 million dollars. (Makes you want to go dumpster divin'...)
-If every American recycled just one out of every 10 plastic bottles they used, we'd keep 200 million pounds of plastic out of the landfills each year.
-Remember that styrofoam is not recycleable. Do not buy it.....
Hope you find these facts as interesting as I did. Remember this the next time you throw away something that can be re-used! ;0)

Highlight Reel- Long Overdue....

Front of the house- hardie plank is almost done

Back of the house

Kitchen- that's a window seat below the windows. It will have

drawers in the open spaces in a week or so.....

Family room right off the kitchen. There will be a 126 inch projection screen

on the wall on your right. Needless to say- I cannot wait for football season!

Those are built in cabinets below the windows. Doors are on their way....

Steel shell of our pool. Another thing I am sooo excited about.

The natural stone on the trim of our house. I am in love with this stone.

Our hickory floors. We were going to stain them, but I love the

character so much that we decided to just put the clear coat on.

That will be done in the next few weeks.

"Alice"- the newest addition to our family.

As you can see- she is rotten and has fit right in to our family.

She and Annelise are bedmates and they sleep very well together.

*Been gone for way too long. This is like therapy for me so I have missed out.... Hope all my blogworld friends are doing well. Anyway- I'll get detailed later this week- for now, just gonna give a quick rundown of the latest "events":

1.)- The house is coming along very quickly. Very. I am so excited but also nervous about leaving this part of town and the girls starting a new school, etc etc. All normal stuff. Mostly excited, though!

2.)- Emmaline lost her first tooth a couple weeks ago. Screamed the whole time B was pulling it, but was soooo excited when the tooth fairy came.

3.)-I've apparantly opened a free babysitting service in my house and didn't know it. I've had children at my house overnight for the past 3 weekends and several times during the week. I'm losing it. Between trying to pack and cleaning up after extra kids for 2 weeks I am going nuts. B has forbidden me from agreeing to keep anyone's kids until after we move. Fine with me!

4.)-Spring Break was awful. The girls fought the whole time and we didn't do anything fun with them. Too much going on. Having a guilt trip at the present moment.

5.)- Alice- our new doggie - had been an outside dog when we got her from the rescue center, so we had to housetrain her and all that. At 1 year of age, that is tough. She has been accident free for over 2 weeks, now and is so very precious. We have to find someone to keep her when we go to the beach in June. We're going to pay $100.00 bucks for the week to the caretaker, so if anyone knows of anyone trustworthy who is at home most of the day and doesn't mind a sweet bed buddy at night, let me know! We didn't want to board her because I was afraid she would think we were leaving her at another shelter....

6.)-I've bought all kinds of stuff for the new house and am getting so excited about it all coming together. I'll do a decorating post soon! :0)

*I think that is about it for now. I just feel crazy right now. I am exhausted by the end of the day and the girls have been acting out because we haven't been spending much quality time with them. B and I have said that even if we want to move again we wouldn't for a very very very long time because of the strain this has put on our family time. We've been much more involved with the building process this time- which has been fun and interesting, but also time-consuming. So, glad to get back. I plan to catch up with everyone's blogs tonight or tomorrow. I've been thinking about all of you!! Is everyone else as glad as me that school is almost out?

Blah

Okay, I am so bad about blogging the past few weeks. The past 4-5 days B and I have been working at the new house getting the wiring done for all of the sound systems, TV's, phones and computers. For someone like B who is a total techno-geek this was no small task. We literally worked from morning until dark. Then we had to sweep up all of the sawdust we created..... We ended up pulling over 3 miles of wire total. It looks like Anacondas are crawling around in the attic and under the house. I've never seen so much wire. If lightning ever strikes our house, it will just explode in an electric flash. So, that's where I've been and now I'm trying to catch up on housework. Sheesh. I'll put a new picture of the house up today or tomorrow. No promises! They should be finished with the roof today and the plumber should be finishing up, too. Then the electrician will start. We are about 2 weeks ahead of schedule at the moment. Hope it continues that way! On a sadder note- I went to Kohl's this morning since it was the last day I could use my extra 30% off coupon and I decided to try on bathing suits. Yuck-O. Diet starts today. Having to write about it on here will help keep me accountable. I really put on a thick winter coat this year.....

Chandelier, Anyone?

So, here are 3 chandeliers that I have found that I like so far. (Well, that Brian and I could both agree on anyway....) He doesn't really like the one in the middle, but I love it, so I put it up here. I found one that we both love, but I have actually given myself a pretty strict budget on the lights for each room and the one we both love is way over what I had planned for the dining room. I'd be happy with any of these 3. Our wallpaper in there is light blue and white and my curtains are yellow, blue and cream with cream tassle trim. The furniture in there is almost all antique, which is kind of the look we're going for. So, let me know what you think. It's been another crazy week. I'm getting over the creeping crud that I've had for about 4 days now and the medicine has had me in a fog all week..... I've had an extra child all week (unplanned) from my friends who just had their second baby and are not handling it too well. I wouldn't mind, except they just drop her off here without asking and that is getting to be a little frustrating. Plus the fact that she is not used to discipline kind of makes it more frustrating... Oh, well. Looking forward to the weekend. The girls will be spending the night with my parents on Saturday and we are going out for Sweet Thang's birthday. It will be a welcome outing. Everything with the house is moving right along. I'll take another picture tomorrow when we go to meet with the plumber. Hope everyone has a great weekend- gotta go shower- stayed up late watching the Tigers whoop up on Duke for the first time in 11 years- and it was worth it!

ALL IN

I spent this past weekend with 8 middle school girls, 2 college students and my mother at my parents house. It was for D-NOW. (Or, Disciple Now). I was kind of just wanting to get it over with because of everything that is going on right now, but I tried to get my head and heart cleared and ready before I went to my mom's. It was just wonderful. The girls we had were so great. They never cried, fought or anything. They were asleep by 1:30 both nights-which I think is pretty miraculous for that age. The college students that were with me were so sweet and grounded and I enjoyed getting to know them better. The sessions at the church with the rest of the youth were just amazing and I learned so much. They dove deep- no playing around, and you could tell that the preparation that went into each session was thorough and prayed over. I needed this past weekend more than I realized. The greatest thing was getting to be with youth again. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got to do it again. It brought joy to my heart to be with these girls and listen to them share their lives and talk about how they are dealing with things. My mom called last night and told me "You were a hit, they all loved you and their parents say they can't wait until they can come to your house for DNOW next year." I was totally exhausted when I got home yesterday and fell asleep around 10 last night and slept like a rock until 6 this morning when my alarm went off. The girls didn't keep me awake- my mother did. She stayed up talking until about 2 each night and trying to figure out good pranks we could play on the girls to scare them, etc..... Then when she finally went to sleep she snored like a Harley Davidson. I woke up the first night to what I was sure was the Texas Chainsaw Massacre in the room. So, the next day, I ran home and got ear plugs and slept 4 hours instead of 2 Saturday night. Not much better, but hey, it was some improvement. I missed B and the girls while I was gone, but I really needed this. The youth group at our church needs people to help with stuff, so I couldn't wait to get involved. Most people want to help with the little kids, but I would much rather be with a teenager! The theme for this weekend was "ALL IN- STAY IN". I realized that I had not been "all in" for Christ for quite some time. In fact, at times, I barely had a toe in. I needed to be there this weekend and my focus is back on track. I cannot wait to move so I can be more involved with the youth. The discussion leaders talked about how , as a Christian, we are going to face many tests and trials, and unless you are all in- completely in- you are going to have a hard time facing these tests and trials. He compared it to going into war without all of your armor- saying if you weren't completely covered there would always be an opening for something to hurt you. I decided it was time for me to be all in and hope I can really stick with it. The house is coming along- they put the windows in and it really is starting to look like a house. I'll have to take pics again soon. Y'all did not help me at all with the wallpaper. Everybody liked a different one! B liked one that no-one else liked, too, so I am really worse than I was before, but thanks for trying! I'm searching for a dining room chandelier at the moment, so I may need to get opinions for that soon. I really cannot wait to move and be done with all of this........ Hope everyone has a good week. Gotta go clean the house. It is totally destroyed! B said that after being with the girls all weekend alone, he has a whole new appreciation for me, so I guess it is worth it!

Opinions Requested for the Half-Bath

Ok- I am in need of opinions here. The top and bottom pics are of our vanity in the downstairs half-bath (we went with the white one). I love the way the faucet and handles come out of the wall. Keep in mind while you look at the wallpapers that I am going for something kind of whimsical in there. Don't want dull/boring. I am leaning towards the One with the white ovals and starbursts in the middle. Looks kind of retro. I also really like the spring green pattern right below that one. But I think all of these are neato, so I need some help here. Haven't picked out the light fixture in there, yet. Wanted to get the wallpaper chosen first. So- let me know what you think!! Thanks!

Casa De Chaos

So, just when I thought I was gonna be able to keep up with this blog for a little while- everything gets nuts. I spent the last 30 minutes reading all the other blogs I keep up with, but my computer is not letting me make comments on some of them, so I'll try to get back to them later.... This has been a yucky week. Lets just say that B and I learned some lessons. #1 - Do not get your patients to estimate work for the house you're building because some of them are going to get really ticked if you don't choose to go with them. Now- we are using one of his patients to do the stonework for our house. Not only because he is great and has always given us advice while stressing that we would never have to use him for anything, but he also came in about $10,000 less than the other stone guys we got to quote the job. BUT- when we got an estimate from a patient that makes cabinets for our house and didn't end up using him- he got angry and accused us of using him to get printings of the cabinets to take to other cabinet guys, and is now trying to charge us for what he says took him 25-30 hours to do, which was to put the cabinet design that we drew out for him into CAD. Other cabinet makers told us that takes about 3-4 hours tops. Y'all know I do not like being lied to. Not to mention that his cost was $30,000 more than the other 2 quotes we got- for the same stuff. All of the houses we have ever built- all of the subs have always given us printouts as part of their estimates and have never charged us. So, B has been upset all weekend because he does not do well with conflict, and therefore has been following me around the house like a lost puppy and been clingy and moody. He has called and e-mailed the cabinet guy and he won't call us or e-mail us back. Real mature. The worst part is that his wife gave this speech the last time we met with him about how he has gotten where he has in business because he is such a Godly man and he is always fair. Hmmm. Anyway- I am over it, I just wish the guy would tell us how much he expects us to pay and we could get this over with. Then last Friday we went to the school that A and E will be going to next year to meet with the principal and talk about some concerns- and she had forgotten and went out of town and wasn't there. I was furious. It left a very bad taste in my mouth not to mention it did not ease the nervousness I have about taking them out of private school. Then Emmaline turned up with a double ear infection this weekend- which would explain the demonic behavior she has been displaying for the past 4-5 days. Annelise is jealous that Emmaline has ear infections and so she has been playing the pitiful card for the past few days and complains of a different ailment every couple of hours. I feel like I have 3 leeches on me. On a good note- I have finished tagging all of the 200 or so pieces of clothing for the consignment sale I do twice a year. Plus-I get to do Disciple Now with some middle school girls this weekend and am excited about that. And our windows should be going into our house this week. AND- I sent in my application for the grief counseling certification courses last night and am really excited about that. I am going to be posting some light fixtures this week along with some wallpapers for our half-bath for people to vote on. I am so tired of picking stuff out that I need some extra opinions. So- that has been my world for the past week. Seems like every time there's a rough time a good time follows it. So- here's hoping for that!

Happy (late) Birthday, Scooter!

Coming home from the hospital- 3 days old.

One of your smiles you saved especially for your "Daddy time".

Mommy's first Mother's Day- 4 months old.

Your first Christmas- 11 months old. Hope that wasn't lead paint on

that bell handle......

Snuggle time with Daddy. Wow it took forever to get you to stop sucking

that thumb. But you still like to hold people's ears......

First time you saw your little sister. You were totally in love, and only

18 months old.

Christmas and pigtails. And 21 months old. The start of the terrible 2's!

Checking out your new room at our house in Easley. (2 houses ago...)

Posing on a Sunday morning before church.

Easter morning (at our current house.....)

On a field trip to the World of Energy- 2009- my big girl.

Goodness- 7 years old. This has been such a transitional year. Over the past few months I've heard: "Mommy I don't want anymore cartoon pajamas. Just ones that look like big girls would wear them." And "Mommy, I don't think fairy tales are really true. They just don't sound like they could be possible." "Mommy don't get me a cute cake with Barbie or anything on it- just hearts and flowers this year. I am 7, you know." Etc, etc..... This year will bring lots of change for her. A new school, new neighborhood/house. New friends. She'll start Tae Kwon Do and will have another year of basketball under her belt. I so miss the days of her falling asleep in my arms sucking her thumb and holding my ear. I miss her wanting "tip-o-tees" (cherry tomatoes) and waking up to the sound of her playing with her favorite toy in her crib. She was a perfect baby and she is such a good girl. All of her teachers love her and she has such a big heart for her age. This year she has experienced what it's like to be called names and be excluded from a "clique" at school. So much she will still have to face in her life. But I know she will handle it with grace and open eyes. She is a total blessing to anyone who knows her and we are so lucky to have her. We'll see if she actually fulfills her dream to be a pediatrician like her Daddy (her idol) and take over his office someday. For now, I am so excited that she is starting to enjoy shopping with me and we are able to have some mother/daughter time that just makes my day. I look forward to the coming years and just hope and pray that I will be the mother she deserves. She had her first slumber party this year. A little drama and some tears, but overall it went better than I expected! Nevertheless- we will not be doing one of those again for a couple years.... We are so thankful for her and wish her a happy year 7 and many many more!