I heart spray paint

I think I love spray paint so much because I need results quick! I love paint in general. It can transform a room into something spectacular (or if the wrong color..something not so great). Spray paint though is my best friend when it comes to painting wood. I have used spray paint on quite a few of my furniture pieces in my home.

A few weeks back The Hubs and I went to Sur la table. If you do not know about this place and love to cook or bake...you have to go!!!! I had a gift card that I still had not used so I was dying to go. So, anyways...this has nothing to do with Sur la table...but actually Z Gallerie! Which is an amazing contemporary furniture and decor store, that happened to be across the street. Again, if you have not been...drop everything and go NOW! We were in the market for a new couch and The Hubs actually wanted to go in..so I jumped on the chance. While we were there I spotted this fancy schmancy tic tac toe set.

 It was fabulous! It was also 39.95, which isn't bad...but I really didn't need it...no matter how much my little shopping devil tried to convince me I did. So I left without it...but still kept thinking about it from time to time. I thought of its beautifully lacquered self...all white and glossy. Its modern take on a classic childhood game. Now fast forward to yesterday...which I guess you would have to fast forward and then go back a bit since it is today...sorry...I over think things sometimes. Anyways, I spotted this little guy on a group I am apart of on Facebook, that sells items...kind of like a virtual garage sale!

I was super excited...because what are the chances that I could find something so random as a wooden tic tac toe set in the group??? There was one person ahead of me and she passed...so I swooped it up and arranged for a pickup. Oh and I forgot it was only 5 smackaroos!!!! The one I have is a little smaller and the top you see actually slides off of a box and the x's and o's can be stored in it. I could have left it alone as it was in good shape...but I had the need...the need to spray paint:). I just happened to have some glossy white and gray. so I went with it. And here he is......

 I have to say...it really did not need to be spray painted:( I think I may have been so obsessed with spray painting that I didn't even stop to think...hey this looks good as is. Or maybe I should have just painted the x's and o's???? Or maybe once I get a coat of Poly on it I will change my mind or I might paint the o's darker or scrap the gray and go for gold????? I do love it(lies) ...but I am having spray painters remorse. What have I done????!!!!!!

Growing Pains

I remember my brother getting horrible growing pains in his legs when he was younger. He was such a tall kid. Shane is his little mini me. Shane has always been in the upper percentile for his height. So...it did not surprise me that for about a month straight he complained about the back of his knees hurting and then all of the sudden his pants no longer fit him. Poor kid...I told him he was growing and he was super stoked about that. But this is not about his growing pains this is about my growing pains. Just keepin' it real here. After I told Shane he was growing...he said to me "Mama you and Daddy don't want me to get bigger, huh?" That is right Bubba...Just Stay Little. 

I have a little frame that has that saying "Just stay little" in his room. Well, I guess I should say I had that little frame in his room until today. For today, Shane got his "big boy room". It was hard when I moved him into his big boy bed awhile back but I still kept a lot of the Cowboy decor. I just added in a few things from Toy Story, since that was his favorite movie at the time. Woody is a cowboy so I could deal with that. I am not into kid rooms being plastered with a certain character...but I want Shane to love his room...so he did have a Toy Story comforter even though Mama thought it totally messed up the Vintage Cowboy vibe I was going for. 

 I normally am ecstatic to redecorate any room...but this room...not so much. I knew that it meant I would have to pack up his horses, his hand prints and foot prints and anything that had to do with being a Lil' Buckaroo. I would then have to put up the Superhero decor. (That is what we settled on. I am going more for an industrial/city look...but there are a few appearances of Iron Man and Captain America). MAN...was this tough. Growing pains for sure...for Mama. Shane will be four in just 7 weeks:(. He is still little but not little little. He can do so much for himself and doesn't need my help. Most days I am super grateful for that..but other days it is sad. I am excited to see him grow and learn. I have loved every stage of his life and it just keeps getting better. So, just in case you have not yet made that switch from baby to big boy or girl room...be forewarned it is rough. I was super cheesy and did a "client" reveal with Shane like you see on HGTV. I shut the door and told him when it was ready. He ran in and said "this is awesome!!!!" If he hated it I was ready to put everything back up...no problem:). It is not anywhere near done...but I had a few things that I had been collecting over the past year and decided to hang all of his art. We are hoping to move soon..so until we have a place I don't want to buy any furniture until I know the space he will have. 

So glad he thought his room was "awesome". I caught him pretending to be a Superhero tonight...jumping on his bed.... in his cape....saving the world!

This I got for free! I also already had a poster frame hanging around so it was completely free! It was Shane's favorite!

I bought an old comic book awhile back at a thrift shop and tore out some pages (Shane was mortified)...hey it was all in the name of design! I used some leftover fabric to cover up a memo board I wasn't using and used push pins to pin the pages up and voila! ART:)

So...my sister in law bought Shane these coloring pages and I instantly thought that is going on Shane's wall! I did go out and buy Shane another one because that would be kind of cruel to take away his gift and say he couldn't color it. Although I could do it in the name of design again...but that would have been pushing it:) Oh and I had the frame already that fit it perfect..which is crazy because it was an odd size. I say God was rewarding me for not purchasing anything yet until I absolutely have to. I think all three of these piece cost like 2.00!!!

 

Ok now to leave you with the saddest picture ever taken! We were visiting with Scott's Aunt tonight, as she is going to be heading home tomorrow morning. She got all the Grand-kids presents. Shane got Superhero jammies...which of course he LOVED! When I got home I realized his jammie drawer was packed to the brim. I needed to take out a pair...then....there they were...his Woody jammies. Seriously!!! Those are the only pair in there that are way too short and I was holding onto because they are just so darn cute. But, it was time. I pulled them out and Shane was like..."what are you doing?". I told him I had to make room and these do not fit you any more. He then proceeded to grab them and do this: 

Not making this up folks. It was super sweet though. Almost like he was telling me it was ok...he is still little and will always be my Lil' Buckaroo!

Girl Talk

If you love makeup than this post is for you! If you don't know much about makeup or it just isn't something you are really into, this post is for you. I personally LOVE makeup. Maybe because I grew up with it. My mom was a makeup artist before I was born and even had her own makeup line...how cool is that!?! I usually play it safe with my makeup...but I do like to mix it up from time to time. I know as a mom brushing my teeth each morning is a huge accomplishment(which reminds me...)so the idea of "painting my face" everyday is hard to imagine. But...trust me you will feel so much better. I promised myself a few months back that I would wake up for a full week and get ready...that meant getting dressed(silly I know..but I was in my pj's til noon some days), doing my hair (not just throwing it up in a ponytail) and putting on my makeup. I did it and felt sooo much better about myself and was ready for the day. Also...I didn't look like I just rolled out of bed at noon.

Since I work from home I am not forced to really get ready for the day. I am stuck at home until 4:30. I do have to pick up my son on Tuesdays and Thursdays...so I try to not look like a hot mess on those days. I have a 5 minute face, 10 minute face and a 30 minute face. 5 minute face is no foundation and just concealer(my must have) eye makeup and some blush. There is nothing pretty about under eye circles. It must be my German blood because my under eye circles are insane! Do you have that must have makeup item??? My other is eyeliner and mascara!

I wanted to have a weekly "Girl Talk" post. Thought it would be something fun and informative(not that I am an expert or anything) but I have been watching a ton of You Tube videos...which I will post a link to at the end. I also read a lot of websites about makeup and blogs as well. There are a few new items that I have tried and a few that I want to try so I will give some reviews on those. This week I wanted to focus on brushes.

If you do not have good brushes... applying your makeup can be very frustrating. I used to work for The Body Shop and got a great set from them years ago. Of course, there are a million different brushes out on the market and it is honestly overwhelming. Not everyone will need all of the same brushes but here is my basic list of brushes that I use and work great for me.

Sigma F80 Kabuki Brush

First off this is my new fav...I just got it in the mail today and tried it for the first time and love it!!! It was a little bit pricey but in the long run it isn't all that much. I wanted to buy this to replace the sponges that I normally use to apply my foundation on with. Now, I have to say I still love my sponges...but they don't last long and they suck up a lot of product so that is why the 16.00 that I spent on this Kabuki brush is worth it. Also, the girl who recommended it, on YouTube, always looked like she had an airbrushed look. She gave all the credit to this brush by Sigma. I did not have to use a lot of product and it went on very quickly. I had used a smaller foundation brush by E.L.F. and it just took too long to apply and over time got very grimy...yuck! Although I only have used this once, I really like it. I just put a little foundation on the back of my hand and stippled the brush in it and on my face as well. Stippling(dabbing like motion) really gets that airbrush look you want. You shouldn't look like you have a thick layer of foundation on.

beautyblender

 I am still anxious to try the new rave...beauty blenders. Have you guys tried these? Maybe it isn't new...I seem to be about a year or two behind all the trends! You actually get these wet(if you want or can leave dry) and then wring them out and use to blend on your foundation and concealer. I am thinking I will love this because it is like a sponge and you can wash it out and use for a long time. Definitely my next purchase... I will review it for ya:).

Wow...this post is already long so I am just going to list a few more brushes I personally love:

Slanted Brush...this one I love for smoothing out my eyeliner and making it look less harsh.

This is a blender brush...this is by e.l.f. for 1.00! I bought this brand because I wasn't sure if I really needed this brush but I really like it. If you wear a few different colored eye shadows I like this to blend the two or three together at the line where they meet so there is not a definite line.

And like promised...here are the links to some You Tube videos. I apologize in advance... most of the girls who do these videos are a bit silly...but super cute and have a lot of great ideas. 

http://youtu.be/1W-93hFSl3U
Great video on applying foundation....super long:)
http://youtu.be/JYMNZiaky5U 
This is super great for a quick natural look!

That is it for the first GIRL TALK post...hope you enjoyed! Let us know what brushes you just love!!
 

By George, I think she's got it!

I graduated from Culinary School. I would not call myself a professional chef by any means...but I know what's up in the kitchen. So, it is super embarrassing that the one thing I can not ever get right is the simple...All American...Chocolate Chip cookie!!!!

I have gone through 100's of recipes trying to find the perfect chewy chocolate chip cookie. I love thick and chewy or thin and chewy cookies. I can make a crispy chocolate chip cookie like no other...but I don't like those!!! It is a bit of a joke in my house that these suckers get the best of me in my kitchen. I blamed it on my oven for years...until I got a new one and they still turned out crispy.

I tried cooking them for a shorter amount of time...with butter...with margarine...with shortening... and so on. I have tried different pans...different temperatures and to no avail have failed....until yesterday!!!!!

Pinterest is one of my best friends. I love her. This is where I found the "it" recipe. It was by a baker, named Karyn, God Bless you!!! She has a website called Pint Sized Baker. I can't wait to take a look around at some of her other recipes. The reason I think her recipe worked was:

1. She used butter.
2. She chills her dough (1 -24 hours)
3. She uses a baking mat. 

These three things were key in getting that chewy cookie I love. Sooooo.....here is the recipe!

Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

by Pint Sized Baker

Prep Time: 1 day

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Ingredients (6 dozen cookies)

• 2-3/4 C Flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 2 1/2 sticks Butter
• 1 3/4 C Dark Brown Sugar - packed
• 1/4 C Granulated Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 C Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Mix the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugars on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time then add vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix in the flour mixture until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand.

Cover with plastic wrap and set in the fridge for at least an hour, but overnight is best.

Preheat oven to 375 deg F and line cookie sheets with a baking mat. I used a cookie scoop to measure out the batter and left them as balls. I tried a batch that was slightly flattened, and the rounded ones looked better.

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the middles are still soft. Let cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 8 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.

***I cut the recipe in half and they still turned out great!!!

Love Is In The Air

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Or are you like my husband and think it is a ridiculous holiday where they hike up the prices 300% on flowers, jewelry and chocolate??? I for one LOVE V-day. Mainly because there is lots of pink floating around and I usually get flowers...not on V-day but after when they are back to a normal price. I have never been very romantic...but in the last few years... as I grow older... I really am and The Hubs is adjusting. Oh and he has also learned that I DO NOT like red roses. They are boring to me...I know they symbolize love and all, but my favorite are pink roses or any other unique flower like these beauties:

Blush Peonies...ohhhhh...pitter patter

My love language is receiving gifts. The Hubs finds this hilarious. I told him it does not have to be a new Ted Baker purse that I happened to see and fall in love with which you can find here in case my Valentine is reading this and maybe wants to surprise the love of his life, the mother of his adorable son and hard working wife who makes him dinner and cleans the house(on occasion) and loves him dearly. Oh...where was I ...yes...it does not have to be a fancy purse...but a simple card would do or a little trinket that he bought (not on his way home on V-day) but weeks before. Something with some thought behind it. 

****I do have to say there is a gift waiting for me that The Hubs purchased for me on a business trip to Monterey...which I am really excited about. I don't care what it is...just the fact that he thought of me and got me something is super sweet!

So what are your plans? As much as I love V-day I really don't like going out on the actual day. It is soooo crowded. I think we are going to have a quiet night at home...with the 3 of us. I was browsing V-day pins on Pinterest and came across some cute ideas!

First...we must talk about the sweets! Here are some of my favorites:

Source

These could be made super quick with a package mix. Great idea for a teacher gift too...wrapped in cellophane:)

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's amore!

Now let's get crafty!

There was not a source for this pic. I think this is a super easy and inexpensive project. Find some doilies at the Dollar Store or a craft store and add to string, yarn or ribbon. Hang from your bedroom door or your child's so when they wake up they have a "heart attack". 

Source

Can you feel the LOVE? This year marks our 10 year wedding anniversary and I fall more in love with The Hubs everyday! I love talking with him and sharing my life with him. He is encouraging and always puts others first. He has made my life better and I am so blessed to have him as my Valentine! 

Little ones to Him belong

I tend to title my posts using songs I learned in Sunday School as a child. Mainly because they still bring me comfort...but also because they are simple and remind me of the love from my Heavenly Father. 

I am attending a bible study on Nehemiah...by Kelly Minter. She does a great job "making us" read every verse in Nehemiah and other verses in various books of the Bible. I have to say it has been awhile...like a lonnnng while since I have done a bible study. They overwhelm me...honestly. That is my lame excuse anyways. Once I start them though I am of course overwhelmed(in a good way) with God's love for me and many times my eyes are opened to my weaknesses and heart is refreshed with the plan that awaits for me. Sometimes that plan is not so clear, other times it is a huge "aha moment" followed by a clear path.

Kelly Minter continually asks a few questions that really hit deep for me...but left me wondering the answer. You see...I didn't have a clear answer...yet. I wanted to be careful to not just write anything down, but to really think about it. The first question is "What makes you weep?" Now, that is something I could answer right away. I think we all were given compassion and empathy to certain groups of people, so we could help them. Sometimes we have that compassion because it is something we struggle with ourselves. 

The next question was "What has God put in your heart to do?" I see this as an action follow up to the question "What makes you weep?" Many times the things/people that make you weep and have a heart for are the things/people that God has put on your heart to do something about. 

Let me share what makes me weep. Children, young and old who are in need of some love. Being a mom, I know the instant I found out I was carrying my child I had an enormous amount of love for that child. Then once my son was born...that love grew and grew. So, when I hear of a child who does not have a mother or father to love on them it makes me weep. Adoption has always been something I had much respect for. Being an advocate for Pro-Life I love hearing stories of Adoption rather than Abortion. I have helped in various centers that support these mothers and fathers who are scared and unsure of what their options are once they find out they are or their partner is with child. I witnessed a beautiful story of adoption in my own family. My Aunt and Uncle were involved in a prison ministry and ended up adopting my cousin, as his mother was not able to care for him. I couldn't imagine life with out him and I praise God for the better life he has now because of Adoption. I hate to imagine where he would be if he was not in my Aunt and Uncles' home...but it was all in God's plan. He kept him safe and now we get to be blessed by having him in our family!!! 

In many cases the reasoning for someone to choose abortion is because they can not take care of that child. Many times they just don't want to and many times they are in a very poor and/or harmful/toxic lifestyle. When they choose life, I weep. When they choose to give their child to someone who could give them more love and a better life, I weep. When they choose to turn their life around, I weep. There is nothing better than seeing someone who is weak take hold of God's promises and allow God to be strong.

"Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!"

I have to say I began to get a little off track in what it was I thought God was wanting me to do. It was really leading no where and I was confused. I have always been interested in how the mind works and love reading psychology books. People who are mentally ill (bipolar and schizophrenic) really do have my heart and I am not saying that I am writing it off...but I think my main focus, which has been since I was little, is children who need love...attention...affection...or who just really need. But, then I realized many of the mothers and fathers that came into the center I volunteered for were in need too and some even had some mental illnesses that were keeping them from being able to take care of their child. Just as much as these unborn children needed love...so did the parents.

So, what makes you weep? They poor, the handicapped, the orphans, the widows??? And what has God put in your heart to do about it? Believe me it may not be clear, but I challenge you to pray about it. He may not make it clear for years...but I am sure you have an idea of what it may be. Life on earth is short compared to the eternity we will share with God. Make it count. Love on someone who needs it. And as Kelly Minter put it, "May you one day hear the words"..."You have done well to have this in your heart."   

Bedding Saga

In just a few short months, we will have lived in our house for 3 years! I really can not believe it. I really can't believe that shortly after our three years "living here" anniversary...Shane will turn 4!!! Yikes...time truly does fly!

We are in a rental. I feel very blessed to live her in our...home. Hard to say home when it is not technically ours, but home is where the heart is, right? The fixtures are not what I would chose for my home, the exorbitant amount of tile is just that....exorbitant. There is a huge list of what I do not like about the house, but I love that we do have a house to live in. One that is spacious and that fits all of our stuff. The location is ideal and our neighborhood is really quite nice. With all that said I was thinking about living here for almost three years and what I have and have not done decor wise. Since it is a rental I didn't want to fill it up too much...but as I type that and look around...it is pretty much filled to the brim...so that last statement was an outright lie! I can't help myself. I love interior design. Our first home that we bought...was well... brand new and a blank slate. We had a lot of fun filling the walls up with art and filling the rooms with furniture. I have to say it was a bit more modern than my liking...but because it was a new home I felt that was appropriate.

Our current home is a bit more traditional. The hubs hates it. I slowly started to bring in some older pieces and cluttered some of the space up. I have to admit, it is too much for me too. I am in the middle of establishing what my style is (also trying to incorporate The Hubs style as well). It is hard when one likes ultra modern and the other likes a more traditional palette. He is more LA loft and I am more Newport Bungalow....James Bond vs Fred Astaire....Plummers vs Pottery Barn...cold vs warm(hehe). I do appreciate his style..I just find my style superior. Oh man, I might be living by myself if I don't stop.

Sooooo....lonnnnnngggg story short. It is hard to combine our two styles. The house we are in now is light and beachy. Which I am now getting tired of. I have always incorporated the beach into my living spaces some how and I probably will continue to do so, but in a more subtle way. I hate kitsch and themes. My bathroom is about as themey as I want to be. In our next house it will be completely different, so I am enjoying it now. It is what I have to work with and I need to be content...pfffttt.

So, my major brain freeze has been in my master bedroom. It is a bit on the glammy side. There is no pink so I think I am safe. I call it Modern Glam. My furniture is all vintage pieces. Most are faux bamboo, which I love!!!! My problem has been deciding on bedding. It has been three years and The Hubs has this horrific navy blue blanket that we were given and I use my warn and beloved pink quilt my Nana made me (guess I do have pink...ooppps). I have found a few options from time to time, but nothing I absolutely loved. I didn't want to settle but I didn't think it would take this long. After wrestling with my color choice I decided white would be best. It is so crisp and clean. I love the whole pintuck look, but a lot are duvets and I can not stand duvets. So, I currently have grey striped sheets...grey striped pillow cases ....solid grey pillow cases...navy blue pillow cases....navy blue blanket and a pink patchwork quilt....lovely! I thought all hope was lost until I saw Jcpennys' new collection. Be still my heart. Well done JCP...you have designed my perfect bedding. I got a little discouraged when I saw the price and read some reviews, but there are actually two options I like. Here they are(which are not white...but I think I am over that...until next week). What do you think? Which one would you prefer?

Velvet...ohhhh.

This comes in white too...but is a little blah. This color is more of a grey in person.

New Day...New Year

 Every new year brings with it ideas of change and setting goals. I happen to be one of those people who love it. It is a big reset button for me. After all the hustle and bustle of Christmas...I need a moment to get my thoughts together and recharge. I love making goals...even if I don't stick to all of them. Some people find it silly...but the new year is one of my favorite times of the year. Almost like a fresh start. I need a big slap in the face sometimes to make me refocus. So...I welcome the new year with open arms.

My goals are usually the same ol' same ol'. Lose weight...read more...get organized...etc. This year I wanted to be a bit more specific. I think that is why a lot of goals fall to the wayside. If you don't have a plan to go along with those goals then you have failed before you even began. When I start to get discouraged... I am encouraged by this verse in Lamentations 3:22-23 "

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness

 

 I especially love "They are new every morning". We should never become discouraged. God is 

always faithful. Make those plans with God. Include Him in your planning and if you fail... know that it isn't the end. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start again. This is my motivation. So, here are a few of my goals for 2013!!! 

1. Get Organized. Since I had Shane I have become more occupied in other areas(which is totally fine). Most mothers feel the same, I am sure. I will never blame him for that(one of my pet peeves...side note...he also isn't the reason for all my fat...that would be lack of exercise and eating poorly). Ok, back to getting organized. I have felt a little out of whack in the last few years. Kind of just floating around. When I am overwhelmed, instead of getting the things I need to do done...I wander aimlessly. Nothing gets done and just piles up. I think if I was more organized it would make my life a lot more simple!!! One of my favorite sites is Money Saving Mom. She has a great 4 week program that I did last year and plan to do again this year. I highly recommend checking it out and her whole site! I would love for my linen closet to look like this: 

 

and not like this: 

This is not my closet...but my closet looks very similar. Glad to know there are other disorganized closets out there!

 Goal number 2 is to: Read more. I enjoy reading. I am not a reader. I read maybe one book a year. If I find a good one I can read it in a few days. Last year I read a book by Dr. Mark Hyman, ...called: "The Blood Sugar Solution". Amazing!!!!! It really got my health on track. I think books are great. So, if you have any suggestions let me know. Unless it is Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey...I can go into a long explanation of why I won't read those but I will save you the time...ain't nobody got time for that! Unless you want to know then I will gladly tell you:) Ok...again I am sidetracked...back to reading. I am currently reading "Nehemiah...a heart that can break" by Kelly Minter. Only on day one (it is a study we are doing at church) but it is already sooooo good!

A few other random goals are: I want to work on my writing. Like I remember that when you are writing about a book title there is the appropriate way to do that with quotations..or is it underlined??? I don't remember...I think that was like Junior High and I barely remember anything from yesterday...so I need to brush up on my writing skills...so I don't have to use ellipses(...) learned that one from The Hubs. Always just called them the dot...dot...dots:). They basically are put in to indicate an unfinished thought...very appropriate for me...

I NEED to learn how to SEW! Just a pillow would do. It would save me so much money. I can never find a pillow I like but I have a huge stack of fabric that I LOVE. I am going to try to take a class a Joanns. If anyone wants to join me, let me know!

So, I still need to sit down and really organize my thoughts and set more goals. For now, that is what I have. I must remember that each day is a new day full of new mercies. I can do this...with HIM.  Great is Thy faithfulness!

What are some of your goals??? I would love to hear about them!

Mental Healing

Today is the official start of my vacation. Normally I would try to sleep in as long as possible, but I was awake at 6:30! I was sick to my stomach. My heart was still aching for the families and friends of those who witnessed yesterday in CT and those who lost their precious babies and family members. If I, someone who no connection to these families, feel this way...what must those parents be feeling this morning who lost their child? I wish there was something I could do. I know from recent loss of a loved one...that there isn't too much anyone can say to help the hurt.

I can't help but put myself in the parents' shoes. I could not imagine my child having to be in his classroom and see his teachers and classmates being murdered and waiting in fear for the gunman to turn his way. These children were so young...most not knowing how to protect themselves. Too young to fully understand what was going on. I could not imagine the fear and confusion going on in their innocent little minds. I couldn't imagine if anyone did survive what emotional healing they would need after seeing such a horrific scene. I am comforted in knowing that they are still alive...in heaven(because I believe children that young go to heaven). I am comforted in knowing that they will never have to see evil or hear evil again. My prayer is that these families have this same comfort. It is the only thing that can get you through a situation like this.

An image of a husband and wife running into the school to hopefully go to get their child keeps playing through my mind. I didn't want to watch the news but it came on yesterday. I watched as this couple ran onto the school grounds with a look of fear and hope that their child was not harmed. Then moments later you see that couple carrying their child...who they probably haven't carried in a few years because he was past that age. You could see the relief in their faces..but still could see a lot of grief. I pray for those who were not able to get their child and comfort them and hold them. I know so many people yesterday held their own children a little longer and more.***FYI-Shane just came in as I finished that sentence and asked to sit on my lap. I have to say most of the time I say "no, mommy is writing or mommy is busy". Of course this time I welcomed the chance to have him cuddle with me:). He wanted me to warm him up...he said I was comfy...and also wanted a back rub..lol.***

I also can't help but think of the shooter. I think he took the cowardly and selfish way out. I have to be honest...in situations like this that end in suicide after innocent people have been shot...I always wonder why they just didn't take their own life first??? Mental Illness is being thrown around a lot. I am very sensitive to those who suffer from any mental illness. I have many family members who are bipolar and schizophrenic. I have always had compassion for those who suffer from a mental illness. In fact, two days ago, I looked into volunteering at a place who helps those who suffer from anxiety, depression, being bipolar and/or schizophrenic. Most people would say these people are crazy. That hurts my heart when I hear that. It is the same as someone who is mentally challenged being called retarded. I just hate that word. My interest and passion for those who are mentally ill stemmed from my own mental instabilities. I am not saying that I am clinically mentally ill...although The Hubs may say otherwise...but I do suffer from anxiety. It has been the worst this year. It has caused me to live in fear and constant panic. It comes and goes...but this year has been the worst. It started to get bad earlier this year...I got it under control through natural remedies and GOD. Really God first....then the natural stuff:). Then my father in law passed away and it started all over again.

I hate to make this tragedy about myself, but I really feel like God is pushing me(yes pushing) in a direction to help those who are mentally ill. I want to help kids and adults like Adam Lanza, so they don't feel like killing others and themselves are the only answers to the evil thoughts that dance around in their heads. Mentally ill people have allowed Satan to take rule over their thoughts. I wrestled with the idea of reaching these people. How do they even come to know and understand God's love? I thought of my own experience. I was saved at a young age and God has given me comfort in my moments of weakness. After struggling with panic attacks starting from around 3rd grade, in my Junior year I finally knelt down next to my bed and gave it all to God. And guess what??? He took it. It was not until about two years ago until I started up again with these panic attacks. I was not allowing God to take over my thoughts and was not allowing him to comfort me. I was left to my own thoughts of feeling not good enough...that no one liked me and that I was crazy! When you focus on these things that are not from God and allow fear to consume your thoughts that is when you can get yourself in trouble. That is when you do things that no other person who is right in their mind can comprehend. But.........there is hope and there is help. The hope is that you can lay all your fears aside and give them to God. It does require you to get your life right. Reading God's word is such a comfort and not just reading but knowing what God's word is saying and living out a life pleasing to Him. Praying often was also a huge help for me. I have always been shy...it sucks!!! I hate it. I have come to realize that being quiet is ok...but being shy..not so much. I think because being shy is a result of being fearful and that is not from God.

I was recently at a hockey game. The idea of getting involved in an organization that helped those with mental illnesses was fresh on my mind. I had trouble finding a faith based program...but God had put it on my heart to serve at a few different places. Anyways, I saw an ad on one of the big screens at the game, from a place in Rancho that specialized in helping those with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression...etc. I was so happy to see that they were available and around to help those in need. I questioned my own ability to help these people. I started in with the excuses of lack of time to help...itt was too far for me to help and so on. I checked out their website. I was really bummed to see that under their resource list that they were supporters of Planned Parenthood...waa waa waaaaaa!!!! That was a sign though for me that I needed to go into another direction and support a ministry here is Riverside and a place that shares the same views as I do. I emailed them and am awaiting to hear a response back so hopefully I can get plugged in there. It isn't a place that is specifically for those who suffer from a mental illness, but for people with addictions which is a similar evil to overcome. So...hopefully something comes from it. I think I may get more from it than those in the program:).

Yesterday was rough. I did not want to go hang out with anyone. Did not want to laugh...just wanted to be with my little man. I began to be fearful. I didn't really even want to go out. But that is what the enemy wants. He wants this to consume me with fear. The thought of home-schooling came about in my head. That thought has never popped into my head, because I am a horrible teacher and I like the little break I get:). I think that was fear creeping in. As parents we naturally want to protect our children...or at least that is what we should do. I could not imagine what those parents were feeling yesterday and days to come. They would give anything I am sure to be able to protect their babies. The teachers who shielded their students are absolute heroes. My flesh does not want to pray for the family of Adam Lanza, but they lost three people yesterday. I don't know if the parents had parents still living or siblings, but they too must be grieving. The brother Ryan went through a lot as well. I pray for his mental stability. May we be mindful of those around us who are hurting and struggling. May we treat others with compassion and get help to those who need it. Thanks for reading. Writing is my therapy. Words don't come out right when I speak them...so therefore I write.

Christmas Time is Here

The Christmas Elves have been busy at our household these past few days! By Elves I mean The Hubs...who was in charge of taking down the decor and that is where his help ends, as I no longer require his assistance in the "festivizing" of our home. You see he would like colored lights and tinsel on his Christmas Tree. The idea of that chills my bones and so I bring out his one Santa that he randomly chose while he was randomly at Michael's. Shane also helped and I let him...a little more willingly than The Hubs...but I still kept my eye on him. I know Christmas should be more about the children..but lets face it..they usually don't have the most sophisticated taste and that just can not be allowed in my Christmas fa la la Land! Then the last Christmas helper was my Mom. Whom I get my Christmas Ideals from and who made me a little decor crazy...in a good way!!!! We both like that lodge cabin feel. Gingham, burlap, plaid, fresh greenery...no fake garland business...no cheesy Santas. I like to add a little glam as well. I blame it all on blogs and Pottery Barn:). But......if you are into cheesy Santas...tinsel and a singing fish that sings " Feliz Navidad" I still love you. I LOVE anything Christmas. It is so fun for me to see how people decorate for the holidays. I can't help but smile:). So, I want to share with you a little of our home around Christmas Time! 

Accents

This is a light hearted post about accents...or accessories in the home. Particularly my home. Did you happen to see the line of home decor items that Target recently had of gold items? I wanted them all!!! They were right up my design alley. I never thought I would be a gold girl. I hate to say this but I really don't like silver anymore!!???!!. I am sure that will change over the years..but for now give me gold!!!! I like that it is classy and traditional but it can also glam up a space. I know some people will just never get over gold looking like something their Grandma would decorate with but believe me it is cool! Before I show you some of the gold accents that have come to live with me...let me show you some pillows...that I realllllly love and only took me nearly 3 years to finally purchase them!!!! I have to say I used(use)??? to buy things only on clearance for my home. I have a problem paying full price for anything, but it left me with a bunch of pieces that I did not like and a home that just wasn't me. I still have a hard time not buying things on clearance...just because they are cheap...but I am getting better.

Anyhoo...I needed some new pillows for my living room. This room was a collection of all of our old pieces and it was just dark and boring and not working for me. I removed the ugly faded lime green slipcovers from my couch shortly after moving to the house we are in now. Please don't judge me about my lime green slipcovers...they were on clearance and so were lime green pillows to match. In my defense they aren't electric lime...but still not my style really. Anyways, I removed the slipcovers but left on the pillows. I just did not like them...but pillows can be pricey and I did not want to make the same mistake again and purchase pillows that were just "ok". I wanted pillows that I would really enjoy looking at. I really do have a passion for interior design...so if all this talk about the importance of pillows is weird..I apologize...but I love pillows and am not afraid to say it:). So, speed forward to about a month ago..I picked up these beauties at Stein Mart, of all places. I needed pillows that were a large scale geometric because my curtains are pretty busy with some floral designs (which I just took down and exchanged for solids...ahhhggghhh).

Confession-These did happen to be on clearance...but they were perfect!!! And Stein Mart also happened to have an extra % off that day...so they ended up only being like 8.00 each:)

Saturday I was at Target for the second time this week and noticed some pillows that were just what I had been looking for(for the other sofa in my living room). They had all the colors of my room...but I was afraid they would clash with my curtains( they did..hence the switcheroo of curtains that went on last night). They were not on sale and were 24.99 a piece. Really not that bad...but I knew they would go on sale. And they did the very next day! Only 10% off...but...there just happened to be a buy one get one 50% off coupon. SCORE! So for only around 34.00 I got two:)

And finally here are the gold accessories that I was keeping my eye on. These I did not necessarily NEED...but I really just wanted them and they were 70% off...I have a serious problem!!!

These tall beauties are just what my vanity needed or wanted, I should say(only 3.00 ea). My room is a little modern glam(modern for the Hubs and glam for me). Oh and that brush and hand mirror (under my perfume) is from my Nana:) I use to play with those all the time in her guest bedroom when she lived in CA years ago!

This will eventually go on my bed...if I ever decide on a comforter!!!!

This is in my living room...so pretty:)

I am done buying items for my home now. I went through all of the rooms in my house and am getting rid of a ton of stuff. Although, now I just added more. Happy designing! 

If anyone ever wants some help I would LOVE to help. I know the basics.I am not a professional, but it is my passion and I have a million ideas floating around my head and Pinterest(for safe keeping). You really don't have to spend a whole lot of money updating your space. Sometimes, just moving a few things around (like my curtains) can really change the whole look of a space. I love shopping my other rooms and re-decorating another room with those pieces. Plus I need to stop moving things around in my house...the Hubs never notices but I am certain he will catch on soon...maybe not??!!! :)

Shut it, Dora!!!

You know your day was a bit hectic when you realized you did not yet brush your teeth and it was 5:30...PM. You also did not feed your dog until 5pm and did not step outside until you left for the evening at 7pm. Now I want to say there are a lot of blog posts where bloggers use this format to complain and want you to know about how busy they have been and how tired they are and want you to join them in their misery. This blog post is....just that. I am going to vent. Why? Because it's my blog and I can vent if I want to.

The Hubs has been in a lot of pain lately due to carpal tunnel. We have been counting down the days until his surgery date...which was on Monday!!! Today I get a text from him stating that they changed it to Tuesday:( Which is a bummer because 1)that is one extra day of pain...poor guy...2)Shane has his first big Preschool Halloween Parade that I have to go to....and 3)we had already moved another important event that was suppose to be on Monday...but changed it so he could get in as early as possible. I feel so bad for The Hubs. The only thing I could think of to relate to having to wait another day for surgery was....having to go pee and finally making it home...to find someone in the bathroom!!!! Ok...that probably isn't at all close to how it feels to have to wait another day for surgery...but it is all I could come up with:).

By about mid-day it almost became comical about how many times something did not go the way I planned. I felt like I was moving in slow motion all day. It was a non-school day for Shane and he was very needy. My mama guilt had arrived in full force. I then realized that I had so much work that I was going to have to put in some over time. Again, feeling guilty for ignoring Shane all day...I now just added two more hours to my work day. I just kept thinking about the three days that I will have off. I am taking Friday, Monday and Tuesday off. (Now you probably don't feel bad for me anymore). Some of you might be thinking...get over it...this is my typical day!! Feeling a little guilty I turned the tv back on after a few hours of turning it off because I could not take Dora's voice any longer. She was trying to wake up the map...and then finally after yelling "Map wake up" 100 times the map wakes up and then I am like "go back to sleep map"!!! Callate Dora!!!! Needless to say I was completely out of patience.

 I get overwhelmed super easy. I am totally laid back and try not to let too much get to me....but when I can't do it all I know that I haven't been relying on God for that extra support. Isn't it great to have someone you know will always be there for you and completely understands what you are going through? Even though I have an understanding husband and friends who lend their ear. God gives me a peace like no other. Love the verse, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28. If you are feeling guilty for ignoring a child or two, not getting work done, skipping a few cleaning days or not spending time doing things you enjoy...find comfort in this verse.

I find myself constantly having to recharge myself. The best way to do this is to spend time with God. We all know it, but it seems like it is impossible to fit in another thing. Again, God's word reminds us that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil 4:13 Does that mean we need to over exert ourselves and then question why we are always so tired??? I don't think so. I think God will give us the energy we need to do the things that please him. My life is full of so many wonderful moments. My prayer is to try and stop and truly enjoy them and be thankful for each new day God gives me. 

My name is Summer and I love Faux Bamboo

I have a strange obsession for faux bamboo. There is no help out there for this rare condition...so I scour Craigslist and FB groups looking for any signs of faux bamboo pieces. I did take a little bit of a break after my last purchase which I wrote about here (which I just realized was almost two years ago...oh my). When I found that dresser I made the Hubs and a friend drive far far away to the ghetto, risking their lives to pick up the goods. I can tell you I may have even dreamed about that dresser. It haunted me! I saw it redone like this(below) and was like wow...I need one of those and so it began.

Once I got it home though..I could not decide if I wanted to paint it. It had this light yellowish vintage color that kind of grew on me. I also found some nightstands for my master bedroom on Craigslist that were another score(not faux bamboo)!!! They had the most amazing handle pulls(another obsession) and really great legs! I painted those white, ...come take a look here. Anyways, after painting those white I thought my dresser would look amazing a glossy white??? But...I really like this dark grey. I was also undecided on the colors for my master so that was an issue as well. I knew I wanted grey, white and gold...but the pop of color was scaring me. I thought yellow..but that might compete with the gold. Then I thought navy..then turquoise or even coral(hubs wouldn't like that though). So, for now it remains in it's natural vintage 70's yellow.

Guess what??? I was added to a group on  Facebook (thank you Mrs. Degrado) called Everything but the Kitchen Sink. Oh.My.Word.....love it. And what did I find??? My matching nightstands, mirror and a dresser(not a highboy like above, but a lower...longer one). And for how much you ask??? 100 smackeroos for all 4 pieces!!! Oh happy day!!!! And this time they were located in riverside. So, I only have the two nightstands because that is all we could fit in our car. But soon I will be united with my dresser and mirror..I coming for you I promise!!!! I decided to use the nightstands as some desperately needed storage at the foot of our bed. I am just going to place them side by side. I painted these a lovely "Granite" grey by Rust-Oleum. I did sand them first as they have a laminate top and some of the paint was peeling. They turned out gorgeous. I can not wait to put them into our room. I will wait though because last time I spray painted my other nightstands I was impatient and put them in our room way to early and the smell of spray paint nearly killed us all!!!! So...whata think??? I am in love.....

Before...not bad but could use some sprucing up

Primed...looks good in white too:)

Finished! Love this Granite color. Once I get a few more items for my master I will do the big reveal!

What I've been up to....

It has been awhile since I last posted. I have been so busy with little things here and there. Shane had the flu two weeks ago and then got a bad cough last week...oh the joys of Preschool and Nursery! It is my pet peeve when people bring their sick kids to school or church. Shane's Preschool will send the kid home so that is good. Anyways, I have been stuck at home, so we have had many movie marathons and I even finished a few projects! Scott has also been away on business for the last few days so I have really had some free time to do things I have been putting off. Not that he doesn't allow me to do them...but when he is home I want to spend time with him and don't get to my projects like I should. He has that effect on me:). I can't stand to be away from him!!! But, a little time away is always good...can I get an AMEN?!?!

Ok...so one of the projects I completed was actually for my wonderful hubs. Tomorrow marks two months since Gary went home to be with the Lord. There is such a big whole in our lives. It is hard that we can't share all the Shane stories with him. It is hard that we can't get together and have him cook up some good ol' BBQ. It is really hard that his chair is empty and that we can no longer learn from him and no longer touch, speak or just hang out anymore. But, the great thing about knowing someone so memorable is just that...his memory lives on. His stories, advice and love are still with us. Scott spoke about his dad at the memorial and told stories about how much he taught him. That is one of the best qualities in a dad. A friend of mine posted this on her Facebook about Motherhood but I changed it to Fatherhood because it is true for both(I think the nurturing part is more for mothers though):

"And the fundamental mission of fatherhood now is the same as it always was: to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and His purposes, and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully. It’s up to us to embrace that mission as our own, trusting God to walk us through the details and to use our willing fathers’ hands as instruments of his blessings.” 

Fatherhood was something Gary did well. Scott was very equipped to take on the world..both as a believer and as a man. 

Gary loved knives, along with many other things, and in fact had three knives on him when he passed:). One was a 503 Buck knife. Scott has kept that in his pocket since his dad passed. He had mentioned that he was afraid of losing it and wanted to display it somehow. So, of course, being that my love language is to buy people stuff and one of my gifts is listening to what people need and making it happen, I decided I needed to make something. I went off to Joann's and picked up a shadow box. It was actually one that had a place for a photo and to display a graduation tassel. The knife fit perfectly into that spot!!!. I added a picture of Scott and Gary when Scott was about 6 months old and the verse: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17.  I thought this was perfect since it was exactly what Gary did, not only for his sons, but for everyone he met. He was a teacher. Also, I thought it was a great verse to go along with the knife. I finished it up one night and handed it to Scott. He said it was the best present he ever received. It filled my heart right up. When someone you love so much is hurting it is hard to find the right words to say. Thankfully God already had them all written for me and blessed Scott and I with that verse! I also purchased him a new 503 Buck knife so he could still have a knife to carry:)