tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59182508899111010472024-03-05T11:36:40.612-08:00Decorating FanaticA welcoming place to swap ideas, share stories and make a friend or two.Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-72955121709048901462009-04-26T11:00:00.000-07:002009-04-26T12:05:00.574-07:00My Latest Acquisition....<div><span style="font-size:180%;">Hello!</span> Did a month really slip on by me since I last posted? My sincerest apologies! <div><br /><div>Anyway - since my time off from blogging mainly meant that I was being totally self indulgent and spending my time engrossed in a series of books that I wasn't even bothering to eat/shower/clean house, let alone fight with my antiquated computer & try to post anything new for you.</div><br /><div>So after a few emails this morning - telling me to get off my arse and post something ;) I realized I haven't shown you this little item that I have had on layaway for a few months. Told you it's easier to explain (or not!) to the hubby when things are on a payment plan! and he has yet to notice anyway...sigh...gotta love him.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329070711019458290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMILpsffCCxrxMkTAw0Jk8jSWH2931rMkFxHsKpbkLZgFSexa7W23U2pTXjaKP2jNK97taz2b8g1fV_Vks-_-gqIzfOcw_ZZdQS-HrxhFNVd6O7RDOuwelztwU5deTdXlY0fZ2xslzKM/s400/bust+002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>She's from the late 1800's and I just fell in love with her <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(my thanks goes to Vanna, of course who unknowingly got me started on a new frenzy searching out "busts" - nope, I still can't say that with a straight face!)</span></em> She was purchased on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RubyLane</span> from a store called <a href="http://www.rubylane.com/shops/dollmary">"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DollMary</span>"</a>. Mary is the owner and was so willing to let me do layaway. She has many beautiful things listed and is a real sweetheart, so click on the link and stop on by her store.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329070705742570898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD1Mljx7SrFCxL5z0Z5Uh8lqeq-5WsU0iOmNwTY1ygnHEFBn_EedzNYPsEkM0eISAtGa0jvONODvz-6aFQtk21TlLP6zFoUKL3mQ_f4iQRPW1MmmP8tUFlRdA8S8Z-QDTyO-9yFpBcOY/s400/bust+004.jpg" border="0" />Isn't she pretty?.....<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329070715865203666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom-90099l8qDr3Wa2uSdDFT6A2Kez4SViKXb4JvY9K7eyJz9tVRWegnCq0ys7hRGdLM_pIadDqpY9aaiTNg99Pz-zBA0Hv5QfyI_kl7zU_qtzI3yOh1IUJD7keCOf7feJ1OtU2Y1Py20/s400/bust+003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Okay - now that I am out of hibernation, I will be around to visit all of your blogs that I have missed these last few weeks. Happy Sunday!<br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com169tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-51204452281396093712009-03-19T19:30:00.000-07:002009-03-20T18:14:56.278-07:00A Little Tour of Washington, D.C......<div align="center"><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314220914600597266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3yU3QEKqacIWRlvnDy4PellgrIHLkPOYgihKCKE4p5FJoeufhFfWA1OAO-GagWK5Lo2wmNan9z3aJoMbZmVrovFfWQz4XUjKdmP_behDIMRjGjfwzmGH6zGMsXdoKdZCrqdUzRTeqdQ/s400/0310091115.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(my daughter on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial "holding" the </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Washington Monument in her hands)<br /></span></em><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Last</span> week my daughter, Mother and I went to Washington! My daughter was attending the Jr. National Young Leaders Conference. After a 4 a.m. ride to the airport and two hectic flights, I left my daughter at the airport with a few chaperone's & about 25 other kids who were patiently waiting for all attendees to arrive. Then my Mother and I headed out to our hotel in Bethesda, Maryland. I wouldn't see my daughter until 6 days later at the airport for our return flight home.</div><br /><div align="center"><br />With daily text messages & phone calls to my daughter, I knew she was doing well so it was time for my Mom & I to do our own sight seeing. We had a little rental car equipped with a GPS. our saving grace! we put almost 500 miles on it! The traffic is horrific, the freeways confusing and that wasn't even the commute hour! It would take us 60 minutes to go 12 miles! But we were footloose & fancy free, no schedules - so we went where we wanted to go.<br /><br /><em>Washington Monument in the distance....<br /></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314199902459630386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38pvFeDH2h6aZ3fMJr8DRSjNS8vs5-UPUoAXxhEq_HddnSWQx2mLMXiYuKW8AlyLHP4qs7H_sTLoQoxJfB-BLsaNzDxC2e9D_sRiYCQ5Yhp_c-EFTQoLjK3VWZkCPUXnEh2GDeoM980s/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+054.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314199913931662850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5NI0SeFNRZRHTsxHdPXIZQIeThYqyOYOukpKIXCKyaTKmzKnuF1nWE3mCHbY77w4Dddk2FkPKNF028f-V2SzFY4HXFXL8JSCAeEXhbHpjMzdFEz5pKFR1Od84UqztFb4jkxqG7eNzZo/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+056.jpg" border="0" />555 ft. tall... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314344374042465394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpLMxe_C4J_J85_klsMBms-Qr38IJjMUd1eu-u_ELVIBTty4WQEQdN6hlUHWLUKX-RkwWaPYFvm6t2mva-nc7PLwCJyhTm8JafZ_2QHOMesTQ3fwjEPiiNc1GoadDzr00MVzAiw8lb-Q/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+200.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><em>On to the Lincoln Memorial.... </em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8L4gCXhzHBJfZpKRwl6hH09gz7gC91JsaM0xD9I6fBzjqUC-jrTThLzJE5mN9GLcyi_LbQzlDpGPwTwSGKElLUENzkmuF8bfG3cjW-Ttei6ejyUkU_ZqragxjclsO0Y1biblUfml3ok/s1600-h/washington,D.C.+trip+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314283101452928258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8L4gCXhzHBJfZpKRwl6hH09gz7gC91JsaM0xD9I6fBzjqUC-jrTThLzJE5mN9GLcyi_LbQzlDpGPwTwSGKElLUENzkmuF8bfG3cjW-Ttei6ejyUkU_ZqragxjclsO0Y1biblUfml3ok/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+059.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> Walking up the huge steps...look at how tiny the people are! It's massive!<br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314283114158757650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXi8lgbMhSNrPh63p_268aP6AkCgas0_t9DJpMifvthxSbiNhrGebTB1RrxosjndYqDYa10PTEX1UX01Cp9EDEEkJYWZbf1pGDAWMVd7O1gmTcEm_OOwniTbn2lvkt3YrJ4_2tv7IhjQ/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+063.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314283125806600594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenLVhdo3ERQrwWWOan0p16ictJRNRjnHgRG4efcZmeXZUvb9eifTak0Xr1DxxymXaF_FplmWq_IxxLnPwHP3h7FFBUbEE9ZshsvJ_1tCJSTpv29MYSQJRFLJxfuBcHMq9H5nAn99lfHA/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+066.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314315344283894402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E9U_oK5yd2hQITXBEhenC2QnrFP3YkQH85MgCpXldTKSd6IclAtX4X_0EB3aP6ZgqqpKGuk-FW-rznQ6f509xws4C0GZ7Vi8lrKCMN36SIRYh4adasLcg8OQXUQx8FnBciB2A6Fh3I0/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+080.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314283131622879426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbFdPOiCBdfXXRkXS5WJgL2GDuoApBi0uC83yFYapIF512uclT3jl00dqxoccLv9lpmPyc7SZGFGDGni2qmReC2iBJJ39JEDzzo13IgGSCVs0WByCPl-_jhfVg2OWQZymL4mESy-198g/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+081.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />If you read my last post as I talked about my <em>"unsuitable California wardrobe"...</em>well, I packed all my sweaters, turtlenecks & wool coat only to be hit with temps in the 70's! haaa! Locals kept telling us how lucky we were to have the nice weather when the previous week there had been snow. I just wish I had known beforehand - our typical California wear would have been way more appropriate! Instead I was doomed to carry around my wool jacket expecting freezing weather at any moment!<br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Oops! ..how did that get in here?<br /></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314344360462926530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-8FW4bNCAZt_nNc-11hR-btBx-SmcHn16sebF6cTMqUbbHA8Un74XIEI65hPVJnPRaIC-cMOif18IXd_FKTMwSVTC7dBqEkX_0kHoUsD7-HddRfXpWaOmfxx7rmbknw3nAHE-8CEXnw/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+049.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>We took a tour of how the money is made but they wouldn't allow us to take pictures of the process...<br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314999058566790018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AyWHqClCJI2AdjRWg_CFCQlNHI3Y_28q7w03vT2A6DDJACbZ00LV-6MH8cC1ZmqHC3D8u0aejB4CUziNzugitHFUlXhz1vB-_J-rUDXsZuIzf35IAiEF24KcVPKE7Sxrt14DynLCCAA/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+195.jpg" border="0" /><em>Show me the </em><strong>Money</strong><em>!!!!<br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314999060665462370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw6HHkS_2o5zfbWKqqHICyWrmqajtd9ire-lPgoV04DCeJ_5GnLBs8MLU98i5jUDkYH2yAAml99fT8L37MyqRUzML3EFeSmPPJORt2OUy3Uj9N4hzsxOUiItw17t4VUNeKENIEYLRHtI/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+198.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><br /><em>A side view of the Jefferson Memorial....<br /></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314199918220950370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHNJ2xQ6sA0QHz2CfBp2wTBlZdhK9549jSjnZFC3hLMDdBDhUejL-nzko2PPysMmqs_DSWwBFSzxS6tvtboNb6Z_dONt7foGr4HPtwfyumyIxWNEVn_9qwj7zvpCGEybL6oJHL2rv_eU/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+057.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><em>And the front steps....(can you see him standing in the background waiting?...) </em><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6vS9sDl3onfHjb7sAk67eP1zb-k2lnV3unuYGFC1ZAdSC9gjHOrYyx3k3SZXozz6BwnW4I_FTy0FVKC3tDDqIGva1DVxT5FihhE7ES_lYxgOOZPFiMWJzkxOizNfwIuLkIq19ThI6FQ/s1600-h/washington,D.C.+trip+181.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314199920704770706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6vS9sDl3onfHjb7sAk67eP1zb-k2lnV3unuYGFC1ZAdSC9gjHOrYyx3k3SZXozz6BwnW4I_FTy0FVKC3tDDqIGva1DVxT5FihhE7ES_lYxgOOZPFiMWJzkxOizNfwIuLkIq19ThI6FQ/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+181.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314577321378188082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyY813qyC6h6NYtUhJtHCjRKokWaMAHm2py-s-h_jdTxJAmU9uXPco_QYdTmeknakUGOLXE8G5EB1nlc55oTROYsoBRherfex9x5X8C1S4X0hOCyWT7M3xapSViXOwZNeRCb7sgFEfQU/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+191.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><em>You mean that's </em><strong>not</strong><em> a</em> <em>"monument"?....</em></div><br /><div><em></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315033145932687778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ194-K45NEQqB_hw_5tw_I8vMk_K4xJKn-sO3-RgG7h_CrfoOsftYobXAIO3Rk3VKvpJ3C8eWg8NSvyARd6kMGsA8riefqIwOrYjVkC_IU68C0fZ3iRb1T5pCen013yZHVUMfQy_U21I/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+027.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">But it certainly was a sight to see..a full warehouse of antiques!</span></em></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315033153365142114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDK5SPcc0wrjV3dGTQT0sBHMQrzQtphEzKKli5i5Ulhj0OGjxYtKhyphenhyphenaGNKe4qz4Qdlo5ImfzLS8xYcTuBITTD6tEe2NvRczGgOeSaXGwizYMBKT2sPTu0qyeqMekB1wvkBjx_o5atdz00/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+029.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><em>Oh, looky here! The White House door bell.. "Ding Dong! We're here!" (ha! yeah right!)<br /></em><div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314220890974025394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxioPHTwlN3eF17WeIkT41yiY8SMc-fwhVGE9AtIvUCuSOUlAhN4k_VR5Sb282rcNpRIeF2klLXVQ5v2F8c-291BMDBu8naP50bels4pbCVJzwRlVBZZaFekUrD_TOyBp2s42lqC5Yuuk/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+140.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314220904155337234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSWLeJFzQrH-4myu4LzpfCSpKYybjfgGT11M-20ERdnZ6CTYJ3VA4Gghto8lx1irJXqb-iGeFkiEPqdxdoBZFVtcyWdPWq7KFbqQ7tLM_Y5_GtvKLeETR-M8EV8cFXUSpw8jy0y8UNVg/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+141.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314220910909754210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNe9lXwmYm6nr0uySDirKED4R7SpJ1QQ2AIcF_Ja1XbFN2W87qerjmCYK81ZKJdcdIAFeaj9DCAtnxBXsDovMEyLTyMPTvZ48c1BMHECFgK6di3KC_-4mk9r_iuua2c15TS_uj2lE1jG8/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+137.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><em>Vietnam War Memorial...</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314315358090777234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEM12FK_vvi1pQeF4y-4ILifwaP7-cxQyFT0SzBnTc6XXlOuO2_Tl_a6FmavADHrB-k2syhRMhdXjI91J66RzMVD9ZXvogVOJk-Gsq24dYhTcXLJwkJqKvoK3H0j4Q8tIyxouGtk7gOs/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+086.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314315380309298434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWDWk0YJPrPeriTjguEPYbBxPUKXC_IkVZbZHR7Ns3opuMSNifJ6PwpiGM6RxDpgBcm6VtKZzYs0rIfK4rVRpZymIuOojvlvqE0F_JdBXIRiVIcgUYEPo4m5-kousDbRIjeMs41fxlng/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+087.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314315389048129698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2n98i8vD9NRBVNMP-tpXN7uudOMwvkZb9SzqMU_IpR-tuk9NPDIf_BDlerNcMv_MGJAOGZytSDVvIHDacCeatiLFYMcm4Wh_4qXdC_79Tqbzwi7EJot1ZymDVkASmjCnCqvvW2VdX_0/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+089.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314325515150384642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvK6M24eXNnCQRLsGCVv-A_V1bnZPzLd4Bi4mYqGpJdkQ4Af0mM8yHEMIPnrTNxsxjn5bjMP-_QBRmKY6VNEamIEKzsKpStbEBxrY_2B4zRbEdTev0OsGJwfThkH52V6DFDcTs-V4Zis/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+091.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314325529781043218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrymAfrJXCv0xtYYgQJcPdFtpTFJDZ7f0y_Mo1DXI23m7TIQxgQSZ6UGgmmiFABFQT5toXyf5irgIRPmeGkgO0db0OybQ6f4YVDQqfORzDhmCAM35fKt80dDs37lRE4T4RL-EcaMOebM/s400/downsized_0310091025.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><br /><div>Women's Memorial ...<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314325543788134066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzkZLXrGvgn0r4zHPRijmI8uXYCZl_Oa7lCxCtVIuV_qTcF8JBnoRXFzje9pbKTFoQLjAhrkr_cij1V8KLFheuKuD9pJyfGlIoHMWtaiDoUfif7yVuZqHToZZkavP7GjXreZ8zZqztjs/s400/downsized_0310091006.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><em>Korean War Memorial....</em><br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314325536401012498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWziwy_NlUm8xJZTqmTH7tho0SgPwaYUuHfDrgVvYOsb6XqA6sBqp_pZTEyf4cNBRSA1gAHqLN3JMaIuMnaXO9Q8yQa3-nqT_CIVFy6LvLgoernxkpt_BWYOn7ocUR32pMrjkN4DEikk0/s400/downsized_0310091048.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p></div><br /><p align="center"><em>The Capitol Building...</em><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314344367770486082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLeq0Bq5e-LnmjvEtBoBJ0y47seuhU_pGLtL3g70hro9ADctmP35oqJqNY59Jv-Fr1Q317OgZdImwqJNf5td9a1jZnF9dXdahSn7cMtjbU4FbROk_nwtR9lhKL_kxcWUx-DeDcS_uA1U/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+152.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314344376728610226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3CN4YLSpkLdXIgu0y60onhi5E35vfRMYAeIuDGPzxr0zCXfHwxVWnvsZ8ieI00nxMwsHyIcla38UQzGnnkV3vu4kWkL6UwlnnU02Bq4GwhJBYBPm9RTRCa6pN7wQNYJr8OXo5zTM2a4/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+154.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><em>Oh? did you think I </em><strong>wouldn't</strong><em> go antiquing??</em><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315033161175669202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCl8skb7c7o9gpj-wQQVUh4LQfdfTvjpHILhIo0qjCaEeaXgVH4F7uTJR0s90nGqtOKJWUaTs0bFjg2CnS0y059Njw1Rk5Qbwsas_Q0GxE0NndrYuyH2styZQ4_9RTAk0t9EaKwY9nN0/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+165.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center"><em>(In Fredericksburg, a whole block of antique shops and yes, we had tea & a slice of pie in the "Tea Room"!!)</em></p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315033165083219394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZtYVkK74laFvE3tUxbnQR5nfB659dUPgImjc_NRFyxPiLRe2g0eDvihFc7AoqQMef0nRYcFB1hezIFf_esRe9PIsdFvYHF2v3pxVCfx0SFLvHa9hSfqzdJBMBIk9d6B_97R8VIp5eZY/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+166.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><em>Arlington Cemetery.....<br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314577293813232242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7vpGxhxoW27auKsXdVTk9B8KHUGzgnW0amtGEAjNgqqDr7FX7mpBvo_bUtxfzPioYMDxGOMika_Kf9vMUfV7J4xUWXnUSR5_yMbgle7LPpnMqqObJ5ux54KrTBNKEvbvC8x2dCszC-s/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+104.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><em>Something like 27 funerals a day...</em><br /></p><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314577313601638018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x-SUSti_wwgYLFaVCvK8K3e50tL_7AdxUyp3SOFjy2-1gmwlI1gLQffMFXVWvlpTke0RQFe1Vohqm6br1T4X-O9_ePL96E0YU5dxfEKg8EiAxO4pZZaWgoOsVFTExY4X_-ZVynFafrg/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+124.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314577322898830930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9251caf5PQxgNup38OcFk1I_LVtuwqohHE5CyZMKwFvWdouUboVGTFa19ASyJTF4rsd5RFAG19TQwph0ql1sba5nBPfz7MV0mO_F_atzo3FUpcVCfCHEoorb2w2zHDl_LL5NkTbGR1RA/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+126.jpg" border="0" /><em>Kennedy's Eternal Flame.... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315059994251777042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6GURhK_homL4YdAYfnjM2YBNHUt81DiqzE2f4tSsxbIM9mGNHUuIp7VcJ_647MQf0Irf-Gv-4H68a3fiLTDlsrJEG6JbFYeFHY2mhunsvWNpLhtx99sqr6LnQ9Ky_EQCHib8HhyphenhyphenRcMk/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+095.jpg" border="0" /></em><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><em>The Changing of the Guard at the unclaimed soldiers graves...</em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314939571804318786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpCxf-lA1f7Bq18DCz6Iu69Sx8SBzyvNhbIsDMPvVFz1apvfL-uesq-SP8TTp1maL6pjVDUeUD8M9ajyDAGdhNieOWt6Q-KL2nwvD76T_1x6yWB18R5K9PwINsnugSdxMO-PLvqOVquA/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+118.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314939568672252594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9LJoG7G_r5ABQfhK_NZcWUx8J3C7ehwkj1bK_7uDlxa30N1JzHYeAV1ZEnojRPwA0mNImjZ3-Ddvk46_PqkDRfV0HD1i9OuaBLvXTiIrldoR3E4CFLIx7rYb2y-YpFrc-3t9ODTJ4fg/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+113.jpg" border="0" /> </p><br /><br /><p align="center"><em>The Amphitheater at the cemetery......<br /></em><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314939585872229218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEGtan4mnpFfqWbuMz1ka0T0QsyWmr08ZbLWLu_nCp1-haeYFCQOKbDpQSVqlNsTcGeL1QCxYeRcjbAvEIa-r38LCCmvn5T6cmVbhJ5Zskvk6u8_mizRA4M_rHDAOrmHzOpa7xmBzytU/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+123.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314939574659032770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDskXKMVJvyOVCerbAPjCeU2lyjuluCxmh_WvLWtV5AXhbVvZvR-xjbQSqdWlGT4ZH-2thm63ogpO8hROWN0NSIMztXTOxOK8EGwfvOsXScs0ECaAX06OK9Oej4fMuq5xVNDIFeT6bKM/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+121.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><em>We saw 4 of the 19 Smithsonian Museums...(they say you can't see</em> <strong>everything</strong><em> in all 19 museums in your lifetime!)<br /></em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314969465720191330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sgWAhBsk47WT_7C8kYLdBMjcB5bVOY_0EL3IHQoh7kt52GkBW9eREtTrMgtyILuc4DhhBf6JIYWlBCCqkPlNCLfFiVMLwBT5eYgYhrGHhwnlsMljp_8T_bddvWWaZ91fhcLV_js_aTQ/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+287.jpg" border="0" /><em>But this Lincoln exhibit was really memorable....<br /><br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314969463738183058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkhX2-0b4IEoxb0_BujoT6iHxb-kIpCizoN6DzJ9Wew1t1jGL1Fw0FfSHp60gRpKqlnsfodg_wQRoOD2sgq1S9hb_953rHgsayKdsQYiN3jFTS02u229kA3nN5QxRBTCWnReIiNMcsu0/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+288.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314969479690013474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1sqMHVw6nD-zW3f-0U6UGbmg9SrbPCB4Y-k7yK4c97crF4BUCuOeomfes1UpZClP6VBqUI7ZcXG3kMi6eVyaZcGyxQNsO6jTFjRiJLQb3Wil6738OMcMugZ4-HRw29FmZ3D1z1onocs/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+301.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314969469510313778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3MQwns5v2Ign1HwmxIfWJRm4K8zjijZj4PLEkVEjWoed3MHD6_s7oitRaxr4pVwilNa90LUGRWgwOqugWIqXDKWrqVp1ZFYY9iulEYe0OIIOSULJQjO-lW-4PKX20tEbo8AEZYXccSQ/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+296.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314999039290219266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj9dEhYjRzsfLz8XJNvrhEMwtcRMR5h4seZBw1Wiq6FjhmKats0XdXUEHBYf2Czq5YG2PxJNCKU2Mn7GNhXETUNO9_wvnnp7wrZUGEj_QiWRPeOOj1pzYS0_-japkLJ_C8zzcHtyPnoY/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+308.jpg" border="0" /><em>Creepy head masks from their hangings....<br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314999049301881074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSk2mKogV_TbITyX3sh7tsWhKb4IJJqEus4uvNH8cMnJp-mte6U1AAU-ZecD8MyLoqsd3gF1x9izm0ryHnVAp9NhsU7p7GK0hVImyQINV4khA0SnUJDf_Rn8HmGcV2W1F6QxRVj6YmrQ/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+311.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>It really was an amazing trip. We walked our feet off. As for my daughter's experience. She would be taken on field trips during the day and classes at night, not getting back to her dorm room until 10:30 pm and would have to be up by 6:00 am ready to go the next morning - all with a 3 hour <em>(plus one hour daylight savings)</em> time change! I kept asking "did you take a shower yet?" because I couldn't figure when they would have time! </p><br /><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(my daughter in front of the Supreme Court...)</span></em><br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314999054360064978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6kTIbYoIoXL7Xpel92EyBFOtZc2SO3QmQd3mgvN_bEGmBZAomr5Vt2khFPiRpLLexSjCK1GR8RS9ib1R4IOmCaN5VJe41stFJFGWl02XYT1xDSl0gUvD5Un0XKnC4Ct7FW8FRuAYZMo/s400/0308091526a.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>She really enjoyed the experience, seeing the sights, making new friends and learning about the ups & downs, good & bad choices of past leaders. Needless to say she slept the entire first flight home! </p></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(The goodies I had to carry back on the plane!)</em></span></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315088651643561234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxbwFEmTyJEis-5wfFm1P8Q6Qq10j_nqLD7m7lqAawFn1qLtosGZPm0A4TGwiT_cZ_dyKRoklly-Fgr2oYSSM1xEfWfKYOYMBaau-dYM0c9ZS7z9k5cGrew42jgw3TFBytQSnisl29JI/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+345.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Cups & Tray purchased separately)<br /></em></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315088665961322370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdiqZ22UeGjgr3HT72CyrRE00nAcZjBM1tydL4rxrwAQxuczyU8XG89nr_lczkZ8yg8TT6fauCN-7ehewxmETDILUvtLxMh-bnTGSKwWnLDT-qNPYfFExFqb9hOqTop6biN7gVEPCGLk/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+346.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(A little needlepoint pillow...)<br /></em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315088666231919410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniWdVZV8cq2gcqTTsT4RQxoj_6fg7mWZjZvCnzjc1CRuNMQ2f6fAgR2m_5UvRgvUpOobSYdhYsjLu3dfUJVUl-3QoNJImKdWXSeli9b15MhtvAFQLJ-xtvjVnDhPl0I6rJSd4QwKVC5k/s400/washington,D.C.+trip+347.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>My mother and I really enjoyed the trip as well. These are only a few of the 300+ pictures I had taken. Though I wouldn't consider it a "vacation" <em>(i.e. no beach chairs & cocktails were involved on this trip!) </em>it was very educational and awe-inspiring, I just wished I had paid better attention in history class when I was younger! ;) As for the boys left at home, they survived...but my house didn't! <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(my husband was so eager to point out that he did the laundry but he can't multitask so everything else - i.e. putting AWAY the laundry or the dishes, vacuuming didn't get done and I don't know what happened but I have the most mismatched sheets on my bed!?)... sigh... :)</span></em></p></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-35963776779733927082009-03-06T18:39:00.000-08:002009-03-06T19:50:16.536-08:00Going On A Trip!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNqcnA-eUbpcm4u233G6hswlhJ5_UFVAqUGF0QSpHNAbG0RC5Qi7ecYfK8tG4w_PQa9-Vdspj0NvRjXdWVvbf1r2W5A-5kMUqqRPLCI8Cdya2XRuUcbQRoIx9IpZfe66AEsX41R418YE/s1600-h/white+house.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310285309668109186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNqcnA-eUbpcm4u233G6hswlhJ5_UFVAqUGF0QSpHNAbG0RC5Qi7ecYfK8tG4w_PQa9-Vdspj0NvRjXdWVvbf1r2W5A-5kMUqqRPLCI8Cdya2XRuUcbQRoIx9IpZfe66AEsX41R418YE/s400/white+house.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Helloooo</span> Fellow Bloggers!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sorry! I have been a bit busy these last few weeks. I was in tax crunch <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>H-E- </strong></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(well you get the point)</span></em>. I am supposed to manage the books for my husband's landscape construction business..but whoops! time gets away from me (could be the blogging!) and I have to do in a few weeks time what I should be doing all year long.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Besides the oh-so-fun tax stuff - I have been getting ready to take my daughter to Washington, D.C. tomorrow! She is attending a <strong>Jr. National Young Leader's Conference</strong>. Our flight is at 6:20 a.m which means we have to leave around 4 to get to the airport. Yikes!</div><br /><div>I basically have to hand my daughter over for 6 days and meet up with her again at the airport on the day we fly home. She will be staying in a dorm with other girls. She is ELEVEN <span style="font-size:85%;">(nearly 12),</span> people! what was I thinking?! But I am dragging my Mother with us, so her and I will hit the historic sights and do our own tour. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But of course the weeks leading up to this time off for the <span style="color:#6600cc;">"Woman of the House" </span>means alot of preparation for <span style="color:#333399;">"the boys"</span> that will be left home alone! That's right, my boys are 9, 4 and 37! So I have been busy not only packing for myself, helping the daughter along with her suitcase (including a sleeping bag for an overnighter in a museum!) but laying out sets of clothing for my husband and two sons. You know men can't dress themselves, or use the washing machine either or cook anything other than Top Ramen noodle soup & scrambled eggs! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I sat there admist my empty suitcase, miserably looking at my mound of unsuitable <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">CALIFORNIA</span> clothing to be headed into what they said was 12 degrees in D.C. last week - tieing up loose ends of school needs (juiceboxes for school party & independent study forms) trying to decipher the crumpled up, washed & dried receipts for our taxes - scrounging through the loose sock bin in search of enough pairs of socks to last "the boys" through the maids (i.e. ME) time off - it really hit me that I will have 6 days off of not doing ANYTHING for ANYONE but ME! YIPEE!! :)</div><br /><div></div><div>So I will be enjoying this next week - whether the sun is shining or not in D.C. and will hopefully have pictures to post for you then! </div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-70052040951838101222009-02-20T15:30:00.000-08:002009-02-20T15:32:23.396-08:00The Cows Came Home...<div><div><div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304757045540826674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBa9mGCogzHDERq7f4GLVAQSDqP2KQCoYGjxW2bLiBGLNvyAgZm3BQpY1iTSftOQaLn3ojvbJHuToe9AIuPeg7jeIPWVuI2VoGoBEV-dTtfZsmYk1pgp8XFhiLWMENBi74pVgnrqMFD6c/s400/cows&easter+decor+024.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Here</span> I am... without a thing in the world to post about. I haven't been out antiquing, refinishing, rearranging or any other "ing". As I browse around from blog to blog, oohing and aahing over the latest vignettes, tablescapes and flea market finds, all filled with such inspiration and here I am drawing a blank.</div><br /><div align="center">So until I can get out of this blogger's block...this is the best I can come up with....<span style="font-size:180%;">COWS</span>. yep. cows.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304757050412400082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26S-cP5unbGC6aEZy2cBjU44uvA-qNFzLn4eqLWUYR_5tF4wtiJ-VakaNHyjva7hrCql2CFCCi09lQjl3tCBV6IOTp7qzhjq1PwjTwqQGGH5fciBFdE1i8hBe2zfLMPXKiceYQ6OIPr0/s400/cows&easter+decor+014.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center">We raise cattle and most days, I am oblivious to them as they just seem to become part of the landscape. </div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304970368131200194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF7aii9cSBFY9zNAYVjJGkuiQ399N9pS8z6YL6cbo9EMYZuN4K4kj87qjyMaFOU8GeIuat5kIV67QXHf-0mWWEK0nk0xNULsX40YRav-fP2cW2J3iEeGuUNw1Ggv-1ga5B5nv4VULDR8/s400/artwork+035.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304970363175151474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYaXws1hiMudG2QoqqEbrFkftQY2RuWBqj0HYvIwPaSnrbkaEXMPYM1rrpNphrdCi6Z2ITabVnyEBIT3pE4HLmlDzNVz7BFb-CImRQsX7hsy8izSD7eKvrWXHnNtyyk9Se-sCGbCM3l3o/s400/artwork+030.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304949030501404386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6VGksS6nBiAyoWewIAuM4IKAXYWyXmTdidh1AguFlzpHQpPbR_hqFrgrJrGZoOKygtcsSTPPvxQAN9-KsM12wI0fMWrAmOlG3Xv1KdJn9JYR5nqFr5xxsI8dLv9Eoqyebha9KY0KCUc/s400/artwork+032.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304935051500311634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAvlgrnSWv2t7hvLymjKTly0MiF5vrJjuE5SDnX6Uy84uFi-OzafkFTnooO3DeJD7zCnlDpLa_DFPX13E5pjfdSem10IQiyHmTP7bQnUh52EgHM4r9MU012RmI0X_YYUwokrX48P0B4U/s400/artwork+026.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></p><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(whoops! How did those get in here?)<br /></p></span></em><br /><br /><div>Other days I am most annoyed for they usually find an opening in the fencing to come eat our apple trees. </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304757039310442194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OF_6EdFnmCLi_XLgdIcwLrVTKIK0Q0RPdI48bY7Lilt8VWyzOCYZVoUffXwt3Xs7sQ5ijXaPhnrY43-fsqBQE8gicn0ixCkYbPJvzc1H9I6igMsecF0_QlLWVdfWgxW2Jd_Eg57Pfvc/s400/cows&easter+decor+004.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">And alot of the time - I am REALLY <em>mad</em> for the wandering calf who causes his Mama to <span style="font-size:180%;">MOO</span> all night long calling for him.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304757048601396930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g-Z6ZcyKhbNuQbyy5NhwGS2__lUHB7bkhqGbEbXPYKzVPMEJ7CqCwV8H-Aom15D4gaMfsX4C-rnzsq5Ja7hLUPq4FhdjVWulJmnlMJNTknqOflxTX-kB_0ljguxYja9WzX37eI7DZsA/s400/cows&easter+decor+022.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br />But I really don't pay any attention to them at all...<br /><br /></p><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304935062783996498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ew67KG8SuB4p-F6PyB0ic-0TgElgRJCL6URe81KrIt3rnmxNzu0geI_xAJVDUaUJGhG67ESU8Hu9FuZ6TG6OytGmULPuBiQGMs9iQHPOzD6eVzGFoUGiE4Jr37ZhWcLxmLDId5uuBXQ/s400/artwork+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>I mean, sure they <em>are </em>CUTE when they are little....<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304757041339896370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1JL-rcaBfgPtDvl5ec4AS1aAr9YY5AGnPshTHSxhxfwkYo-YscEnAOuq_7s8Mlu66EXp3xY_D3KJ5rCyDSyoUxMqsiEHIxUhUbgR7VNyDgZ7Ey-hb-6fiXPT_cJAxUJf5uSLfnF8AOs/s400/cows&easter+decor+009.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">but I don't spend my free time thinking about them...</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304935060157079586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8001G2z2QYmcHNbYedUADqEpgaCXy119hoSquC0FVr5IVi4u9VlBPG_t29e5YNoPkbxaf_WyFl1r89FbQ8DB9zVCkPEsZ5NP9SRtoeAp6imL_6Qzz8aifIowl2jUBIS61YuIKYzGDas/s400/artwork+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>I mean just because we live on a ranch.... </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305003412008611714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBjHd1YSoRUfeukdSO7MV-fv9guYrONb7K1ZVovTyBC_WhBektKeWz8TNZuLLqtdIC7HXEa2eneqj8vSisP7UwMzRHiihIF-h9gdMAgWMIWxI1L3Qk3bU6CIunJYezcZWms0Ou2Dwpjs/s400/cows&easter+decor+021.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305003409174975426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN8PB1yi5g43cc4a5TJlP_P2nzbRzlndFLvnRaaj5LtS0hW0rVNO3cuyuaQ5FVm_hdQcGoavlRiVacrYox1muMDjUiW-B6Mlv_4lcQnX7q_Rsglau2-omTp6bHJP5MQ0SeaYaMuPxAQY/s400/cows&easter+decor+003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Doesn't make me a "COWgirl" or anything....</p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304949025155058594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m0krB6A8w9Gu7SKi3cU64iUG70KEzlezS1542POt4w4ul-vy-VHpd4Qy2sP5wSRZ0c-ZaKjtaMNGaVI9LVPpCVyLm9Vk1UvT9Tj5TJm5mH-oDB9clW3G2A4kJwHt7_T3Z3OFMeTvL4o/s400/artwork+029.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>So nope, I never give them a second thought....</p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304970368498231394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZNJ5xd4pTDM8nfzrA7H9_SnrPwvxGLafkODA_hfIp2KTTeZ3k4T1zPP_GpNzmbnR9KVybljtf-ywAX-tjSY-ntLW2aE_g3G50aS5WCw_M_aHiYfnrYFEuOyMcVq-B1PMBCq9SihUDk8/s400/artwork+028.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Or glance....<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304980734689970530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDHWEhdrR2lGf23gQMiXiVT3lJf-UlyHcDleDcHnvPN3IXJS5r9ROsHbYVu_eVukLMqwY2tvYsT9WreumIQUvLXiIaCe9730QiNCUu7mmT7MX2fUeWg1A37C38cqu98dtlWiRd_vkwy4/s400/red+room+033.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>Just keeping my thoughts strictly on making my home as cozy as can be...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304935054165924306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDk9bRtVUIphWOzW7cx8aLb7ZFBWCD9szfJYL0i7s31V2gs183xy0VwLSMsAckkEgOPasncKIf3HrcvesBaqySejHjp-zt4Xgwo3ram63UYmulId1fqNCWGwn7ZiApK4uBRA-1pmI03fQ/s400/artwork+022.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><br /><div>So until I can get past this mental block, forgive me the pictures of the bovine group. ;)</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305003412528541442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GJ-_etIe5UD6P8_cSNRXD63rozHUPQvjtCcagY93Zyvn_rCT8I1_iFws3G31EgA94lmUPKk7x47kmvTA1Tplj8NuShagQiq-6eLr8YA2fhYh7ySnHMNu5s_E68vuh6n738IthwuCBjw/s400/cows&easter+decor+007.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p align="center">Have a great weekend!</p><p> </p>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-59322136757264132332009-02-17T17:00:00.000-08:002009-02-18T17:04:51.102-08:00ROAD TRIP<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Did </span>you miss me? We went on a little road trip a few weeks ago. Didn't want to announce it allover the internet before hand that I was leaving my house for a few days but we took the kids to <span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">DISNEYLAND! </span><br /></div><div><div><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301963891489030866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mefSFJeV4DvdHhlgthYBeIyCfPQp0vkuiCUhVYGm4AC9p4dBiAaFvgSlaSJ_3cQbp_00kLiASzOcya2_9F-_5nUQXSj64ZougKrv00gWdErY-_YegwiBSn2VdYdLO8oNtNl8WrnxpNk/s400/disneyland09+006.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div>We left our little town and headed out for the 5 hour drive south.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304289442433839218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb2-p-vKL5kggQYpU4-s-3r8L6LAE_MW3yW9N7-y9S2ndXZmTAcrTuog7ZeFUOQ9_EjFzseKVZKKeaDXLsDk3XXkKKhWwOdW7jQjt82xvRFw-IWMVhTV4Y_Tyy8Do2LZh6q-Z1IdbokY/s400/disneyland09+001.jpg" border="0" /><em>(Grandma got the lucky job of entertaining the four year old on the way!)</em><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304289447689107522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiW7fucMHQGw1KdnTXEeYdTf80TRIZhfqon4JpPkCzKlbo3I6VjGT3MYRtMZwWntjiY4fowUb1x_AmXe5lP0g3UEJca3TDB3J6YAqSU919ghq4EW01gZlgBlS8rdFx_VFwT0m2xr_qzI/s400/disneyland09+002.jpg" border="0" /><em>(the older two had 3 days worth of Independent Study to complete & movies to keep them entertained - which do you think they did more of?)<br /></em></div><br /><br /><br /><div>All month long we had been having 70-80 degree weather..only to arrive in Southern CA with storms looming on the forecast! The first day it was beautiful weather...<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301963886875567458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaoeHhC2AhtHG5jPue3pNIVWmsrjr2qc1l5evTJMc2vSFibnwjjeZArVBwPrJeTlM1eTjZJJ5DTncrfHlIlNHD4ARvxmOqg1ye-QgBOOQrsdA-3BrPVqw4O7VIvayqzGdGs1bctNdUhc/s400/disneyland09+019.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301963883633306962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01jVNqNFp3hkVHPJQAt6lqh2SdXxUlrWMMOEprNoln0CIOLUjNT8wTd52JpLwiwkewiX_w90IPi0vd7p-a72kpVNAqMn_3vjbm1syePl6Hh0h6AfKPQhcy-P1NgubhIBUSZ4A-XbyLbA/s400/disneyland09+020.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>And then it wasn't so beautiful....</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301986193176022210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWt7yfxbOPELnb4ZDSNMlvFaDJbJR-sGrlZWByVfAIOc31QvkBByUlSe3jNdDCj50w8m2Dk_A9EXYKoQsCkZ_VXZR5SCoPSzuQ-u1qVKipbPJFQPEoIab9OT1Z5InnGKXkP60Fkn2KBM/s400/disneyland09+118.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301986201834438386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj819C4sR7Uu0qEF3q-2vXE9EyhpTiRmSeAXYybMJx0uKWxMK8s2I-KzvrHYLcQpJCOiABUHA0_q3kaCnY1SW_vQyLK48Z7Tm9vRWMRANRwY4t2DemwNUI8EgVdrGk3LoGp__HcoTdDbtk/s400/disneyland09+120.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301986208321134306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeXCVuY2-HK1E4gjFzv-2wgm6IfX55mRsV12jvI-16O8989ewQ-U4BHfQ2nSACozlCqjg_i95RsgzxEg_ZrEwIE5U-KbrOMlFSaLc2hfT_h65sdgWgoomt70m9Ab_2xtkGtgUB9sLXfU/s400/disneyland09+123.jpg" border="0" /> <em>(I'll bet the most purchased "souvenir" that week from Disneyland was their ponchos!!)</em><br /><br /><br /><div>But we made the most of our trip. It definitely made the park less crowded! And we even got to go on rides continuously without leaving our seats! What's a little water from Splash Mountain when you are getting poured on anyway right?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304306048725920706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoPYpuUpOB_x67_atR-n8BqKjU3DG3HSvwG9VEIGF7DGXNBAmoTI_sJ1uYsYsbk7Rn5pXxXOpYlzosYDOIcwnst2WSXXdCEAFl0M07ViYXex6yuBW5T19b08eudozAO9SSsNJne2avyE/s320/splashmt..JPG" border="0" /></div><em>(Do you see the small patch of blue in front of my husband? that's the four year old! ha! )</em><br /><div></div><br /><div>And a little "Goofiness" from Goofy's Kitchen where we got to breakfast with many characters...</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304257962490419954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt_DxNns4I7QP-2MdRjZbbSdaANCn4saODzLWcxMNE-9R_R54A9bYZ5_qDC_SvXinKYGTDGd37Oq_e0nGX_0fOLcerQGRI-o4J6VyiTHPvolO8JmIonVn3K4CHM1PNRmsgxi8k_eR7nA/s400/disneyland09+098.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304295049644709698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpx0mLH4XhGu9HSiph_AHAGKyg8Ja0TKUQG4g39Tx2nyR_DRFzBc5qMyDKn0bmbvA_vwHVRgrl7VVvJE-XgPDbZhsOZCMoXoMsvL98Hb5EcFkAsw-RyS8yc1XiWKor61oNAEqIpvpM4Q/s400/disneyland09+099.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304257967716813186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3ItSgTsxXZa50eldyWOH7Tv2StqZ1_AYe-EXm3zIYtT3RqvsvkB1gp2aKLimAxT-0k5flJaIYzfrzOOhbXVCrLgaTqkRaFo_32VcXxGbPkskh2FWkpD6IuYG9PCLzHoF8wX8WDM2Eto/s400/disneyland09+100.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304271316971349138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzi0_EvLeUYlZokb__S3dTHlQR21hVDNcOItBQXWafbS2FPgxpYsR2surRC7Br-Aox6jyA_BMSLn5Jf7NnGEEjINvnB5hHsGsbmqlc4g9rK5IZQ79mmb6usubIeKEpGxIRV5t_i9UIYw/s400/disneyland09+102.jpg" border="0" /><br />With the kids being older - we got to go on more of the main attractions, like Indiana Jones, Star Tours & crazy "California SCREAMING" rollercoaster over at the California Grand Adventure park. And SCREAM I did! While the kids begged for more, I would have to pop wads of peppermint gum in my mouth to counteract my queasy stomach. When the husband and I were off doing the "wild" rides with the older two kids, Grandma would take the youngest to the more tame side of the parks. After a while, "It's a Small World" was about all I could handle! When did I get old?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304289453612786066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HhCv3WaxHXE-mhW9CAYqeuMK5C5_QDtD2aeidZEWGoe5tzWKO-rSZp2VOzIZsB61XaQgcsPS1lwnQWVbSgWUsex-NLILEDoj6mOgIliKs-kYdPm4yIT_Aywk2xWl4IuX3IIPsQeWAbE/s400/disneyland09+057.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>So while I only posted a few pictures <em><span style="font-size:85%;">( I took 158!)</span></em> to save me frustration of my antiquated dial up internet system <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(it takes me days to upload pictures!!!)</span>,</em> this was the first time of many visits at Disneyland that we didn't want to leave the Magical Kingdom. We truly had a wonderful time, bad weather and all! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-27431487789893394222009-01-30T12:30:00.000-08:002009-01-30T12:30:51.558-08:00Motherhood Moment<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Can</span> I brag for a moment...? This sweet, young girl is my 11 year old daughter. Today she is dressed up for GREEK Day at school. We had to sew up this costume and make a Greek food dish <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(we made Greek Almond Tea Cakes</em>)</span> to bring in. She also had to make a Greek mask and will be acting out a small skit with a few other classmates.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ5tMSnlVXH8UEt4YgciEtV6FI59nRTSUXaozf3AvwV8tG20v0NroE5HwouxofpZPL3_hg9sV9cltDspvArhfxpIbuKIsPzUfHyksg9qsyPiTvoQjiIqKzvGrQXVWzosCbAhu4TpiK04/s1600-h/newcamera+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297157214517496898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZ5tMSnlVXH8UEt4YgciEtV6FI59nRTSUXaozf3AvwV8tG20v0NroE5HwouxofpZPL3_hg9sV9cltDspvArhfxpIbuKIsPzUfHyksg9qsyPiTvoQjiIqKzvGrQXVWzosCbAhu4TpiK04/s400/newcamera+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">They will be doing Greek Olympics today - good luck with everyone dressed like this!</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297157216666610834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgn3_oaiwBDsdUQrkX7B_NSCaxaww_UgFkiZKHpY5Yukh3dmKwKfPjptXMlngA_hZjoQs15BsrOrfWSS2XZsbGGU2qy32J7tO1qfh87yj3QyVhU086zT6CIlKsge2Ilj9W84h5jKOTW4/s400/newcamera+003.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>We had to set the alarm a little early today to manage the hairdo! Hard to see but the updo portion is braided and coiled into a loose bun.</em></span><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297157223609057186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMs7Eb62gzylTIcea9QmLIh78ONoR1O3MwN3Gt2dabNhVCYDf9XjxuoCVBtKxadyMt3vOq0HubnXibMdr4SanW5T-kzRp4fg5iX33UD18H2fVOstlWUyvs2DBo67ePwd3Zsw1uKUShss/s400/newcamera+004.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />The costume was simple enough to make but a bit more challenging when you have a houseful of sick patients and are stuffed up yourself! Yes, we have been hit with some virus that keeps circulating around the house.<br /><br /><br /><br />But the bragging part of this post is not about the outfit but the special little girl wearing it. Not only is she smart, earning all A+'s, but her inner beauty just makes her shine <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(my husband and I like to "argue" on who she resembles most!)</span></em> Her caring heart & compassion has given her many friendships <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(this little girl will draw a bath, lay out my pj's & make me a cup of tea just because she wants to pamper me - oh, I am welling up now!) </span></em>and her quiet confidence & composure has allowed her to challenge herself and face any fears <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(she will be attending a Jr.Nat'l Young Leaders Conf. in Wash.D.C.)</em></span> We feel truly blessed with our special girl.<br /><br />So please indulge me...I am having a <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Proud Motherhood Moment!</span></strong> :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297183947173770882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3a14-fHpYDLNMvAC7E1z7mJPXx51WGGpnMCGxE4vy44Cd5agomshjYc8d_X1wLEQtDonfoJSUzH1B_GXDCRqECBMgYVl44QgbiIgt6Z6kQaEPYu9hNX1L-LXgRMpub9Mf6f0mAKVoIM/s400/newcamera+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><p align="center"> </p>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-1171125755715123552009-01-26T18:30:00.000-08:002009-01-27T08:34:51.628-08:00I've been bad...<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I have</span> a confession to make.<span style="font-size:85%;">...(gulp)..... </span><span style="font-size:180%;">I've Strayed!!.. </span><br /><br /></div><div align="center">I reposted pictures over at RMS. I feel like a <em>traitor </em>to Blogland! But hear me out... For over a year I had password trouble - no matter how many ways I had tried - I could not get access to my rooms. But now - for some reason, I was suddenly receiving emails of new comments on my spaces. It had been nearly a year since any comments had been emailed to me. When I went over to check them out, I was aghast at how outdated my rooms were! Even laughing at how <em>"naked"</em> they looked without all my current homey touches.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~Before~</span><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295686897577995426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4e9vu9RAphFkDdFaP7PWGNfgORhuQ90BVDiiNT34CNbX7Ue2Ga5_t2YGw1tY-ysp70kkRVLm3NTm6mW6xfqEUucxyBXERbkL2_M75G76rW9-5wbIo6s2r0IPj-JE0Vb7jo4mPMAIXmGY/s400/sitting+room+revised+004.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(haa! Oh go ahead - you can laugh too, I won't hear you!) </span></em><br /><br />So after a little playing around - got my password reinstated and I figured I would just update my rooms and be on my way, right? Welllllll, it took me two days to upload pictures <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(you remember my internet issues from before..)</span></em> Then while on RMS, I noticed the whole style layout is completely different and now you can't use exclaimation points<span style="font-size:180%;">!!!!!</span> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(I mean really? that's supposed to stop the fighting?) </span></em>But by then it was too late - I was in too deep.... there I was checking every 10 minutes to see if I had a new comment or a better rating. I am ashamed to admit I got SUCKED IN AGAIN!!<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295686894044830898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjOXhJc-Dj6Xo-A7pLld4rfsFZkiEJtw-6LO1zWXOuuPG8_hvb-GfBzIH8mO8lOMYd8h8SLqx0C5i6F4AG3WWNGB3ZpNKa9taLGoi3lgLMSzrG1fc6qPgWf2nXu6BS1LLbmtta_vQ6es/s400/sitting+room+revised+006.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(before adding green checked trim to the curtains, raising the curtain rods or buying the red armchair & sisal rug - phew!)</span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~After~</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295794368932042178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wlE9bP5nXgwktyEpjha5EOtZ_oxeChZdsHefMN6OxRN4p2N2oVJjE9RseX4RLFGxlspeLudO-FM6LQcrulT1LyOuw9Kv65LIgYeYZoXI3wSKkkFimqY1uwpG9EOZA1rnLaETbQ5l4m8/s400/newcamera+058.jpg" border="0" /></p>I figured I had grown up enough to not care what anyone thought, to not be disappointed when I started to receive negative comments. I was beyond that, right? I mean, I decorate for myself & my family, not for some faceless person with a name of "9678011" right?...right?<br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~Before~</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295692343658471458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dd54uofl-X7NTF6aQLrj3tfdMD_Kq6V60nfRPypAq8Bdpa4q6Bryg1xWXbZX7XbDs4_VRTxochn9D-duyW1bLBkXiM7f5pi08hN28HdawHjZp3VPzlPKtJo6qTi1qtod3GImatDCTg4/s400/kitchen3+007.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(before I even glazed my cabinets or added extra trim to them -see if you notice!)<br /><br /></span></em><span style="font-size:130%;">~After~</span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295700578418351506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9kLkKfas5P5Vfz9MTmV7dZTG-Z4zaUfgo8aMUvU5JuV-btuzSE1gjVYTdCrnZbpQ6gNT4MZ3HyoLYn_fR6ZS3jRldoxriBJBpTexFGs3PNoUWqbZ10kOsobaG4W4XkLRoMrpL0YUcrI/s400/red+room+021.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Wrong! As much as I tried convincing myself that nobody elses opinion matters - it still hurts to hear (read) someone saying to "declutter" (did I title my room "Minimalist"..?? No!)...sigh... when will I ever learn? And don't even get me started on those ratings! To think someone hates your room so much that they would give you the lowest possible score so that you couldn't possibly rate even a "Good" room? To not even find one redeemable quality in your decorating?<br /><p align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~Before~<br /></span><br /><br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295692348068861010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSueGliC2jlfQtNzsa7t_MWO7g3X9g-i5o21Jq5mq9SSjJlWob561IPX7Y2NRP8gSEFDwFxIbICt9l8OqAxdST1k4t73e7IDKkQJI1KKffcC-94e-hWnhsXhNjJUyzlVnLqds0QhBR-sY/s400/kitchen3+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(no window benches & before my rooster plant died!)</span><br /></em></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">~After~<br /></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295794364933536562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0PZoFygZyd3G96lKwRkm-c5EVE8jCZD_4eoCpZsTdQQF2HfbOQ_xvM5oUn9rSgHJiasnxf-y9MshU9Ix5AgIZ31ifHcOvzXzmRo32dSrJw5M8b4tFdkZ-6jsVLQpbcel_gr5h2gBeoQ/s400/newcamera+039.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">Do those faceless people know the time & effort and hours of shopping <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(ok, <strong>that part</strong> was fun!)</span></em> and the arranging & rearranging of furniture? The wrestling with my sewing machine? The dust & toxic fumes I inhaled while refinishing furniture? The arguments my husband and I had over building those window benches?.. But not everyone is bad on RMS. There were a few well wishers with some real compliments - but why do the bad remarks always erase those good ones?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~Before~</span><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295699153465225682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Ji5auCcCXWZQogvhDna27CsiOdnb2ypiKuA7IWgdvbYGWgH1r2h1j1Uf9D55FOJw5bwhqkc9b5caKlPUX3DQWrzM6d7dl7pdINGpzXKKhhOJ_3ed6e74kIL_0sGH1iT15uVdp2d7CM/s400/inside+house+2+064.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(before refinishing table & chairs or building window bench or even curtains!)</span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~After~</span><br /></p><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295712222426438642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8RkSFkxWqzZbrmkCiMlA4z-VxXmCXUFbtSKW0FztjQgE_UCYidljPHMaiUZsatKtCLi_Ql146yY7E9THw5zKFjez2zHPehYoR7hYXwmiqG_3rRZyEwy9dDcZXK33k8NKYot6f9512s8/s400/newcamera+012.jpg" border="0" /> </span></em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><br />I think its perhaps I gained so much more acceptance from fellow bloggers that I thought RMS would somehow be different this time around....but some things never change...including the same kitchen posted on the main page under "Most Viewed".<em> Come on people!</em><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~Before~</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295699162221196738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_oKEuDSeLaPeRBWQ5XM4qDn9TycZSoX6q6l1iqu2GGdF7ulTE2lYDPKOxM4KlfbfMsWQMvdxKa1fZgsL5Ram3hTJ2di7EHejE-KpDqEbdA4deIsXJCh2gfg24JlgTP0skjjNK37xihs/s400/inside+house+2+069.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Look!.. No piano, screen or wingbacks!)</span></em> </div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">~After~</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295712228175960226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmERoBVH1QiNHRwJmSehhTq-LgPIQyx-7aVVs17-4KE-YAh21MWtGURNeQQx4cRJJUWDAHmNEVT50oVTbA30JSOOYBIFFv5y-8wXxv1pLBTZCaob0HO-tmMji9abAGpn4G6Z5wx-dmSk/s400/newcamera+027.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">So while my rooms are still posted on RMS, <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(what are you crazy? it took me <strong>TWO DAYS</strong> to upload all those photos!?)</span></em> I vow never to stray again...I found the comfort & reassurance I was looking for right here in <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">BLOGLAND</span>.</span> </div><br /><div align="center">There <em>are</em> some good things that came out of RMS - I got to meet some of you there :)....and I never would have taken so many "BEFORE" pictures to laugh over <em>now.</em></div><br /><div align="center">Now if you'll excuse me,...I am off to declutter my rooms....... <em>Just Kidding!</em> ;)</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#663333;">**P.S. - All of your comments mean the world to me! I know this subject hits a nerve and I really appreciate all of you taking the time to comment & boost my spirits! I will be by to visit with all of you & see those lovely blogs & pictures that are calling to me.... <em>after </em>I sew my daughter's Greek costume & make a food dish for school! ....sigh....can't wait for summer...<span style="font-size:85%;">remind me I said that when I start complaining <em>then. :)</em></span></span></div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-87834826557426330922009-01-22T20:55:00.000-08:002009-01-23T07:23:15.722-08:00Giving The Husband A Hint....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16o9ecnhi8KUDYbHxFjPRz2Kcs4VnsAQiI3McHyGqwt9I6cTvX9e8Gu66vWo97BMPq2QbbdOBgrDv5-Obx6uoubYMLs2xdR5dMYJsU7TyztjDfhBAe5w_6M7gMNobLUvQo__1R7BCUGQ/s1600-h/carlos+work+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294303382142212866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16o9ecnhi8KUDYbHxFjPRz2Kcs4VnsAQiI3McHyGqwt9I6cTvX9e8Gu66vWo97BMPq2QbbdOBgrDv5-Obx6uoubYMLs2xdR5dMYJsU7TyztjDfhBAe5w_6M7gMNobLUvQo__1R7BCUGQ/s400/carlos+work+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Do you think</span> this is a subtle hint that Valentine's Day is coming? I know it's a bit early but I wanted to give my husband plenty of time to notice. Remember ~ he's a bit oblivious of his surroundings...but he's a good guy!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294303388173228482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qP5HSMtB2UKd210NnmgKJpk9x2sqgRUpYGqjUTqcbfORNmQzJrFsoFEZBdQz8Tfvy4Audicj-dSvN05kyDrgCyLp_3vJcXkxfM0hvhNyX6RvU2fUBO6wZp1EWIjCY9Kf1s0ORL1ysWM/s400/carlos+work+036.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(this cherub was reg $49.99 - I paid $14.99 @ Jo-ann's After Holiday sale)</span><br /></em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294330876366886098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivERXJ2Qbtx0gBKxkjUwXJURjbJ72Brjxq0uZa8GZFNfqLuJBr70omCmcCE2zkWnSNMTMey8V72_G1kAUKAABENsrogvV69LMge1I5wz0rV5VPP-LIhPLy0Mer8QkwrNy12WZ7_LWKqdA/s400/carlos+work+037.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(I updated my "faux" flowers a bit for some "<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">L</span><span style="color:#cc66cc;">u</span><span style="color:#cc0000;">u</span><span style="color:#cc66cc;">u</span><span style="color:#cc0000;">v</span><span style="color:#cc66cc;">v</span><span style="color:#cc0000;">v</span></span>" colors. Don't you just adore those little sparkly hearts!?.. & the candles smell sooo good!)<br /></span></em><br /><br />Sorry not too much to post.. started way too many "<span style="font-size:130%;color:#339999;">Spring Cleaning</span>" projects all at once that now I am a bit overwhelmed!! Also the kids have been keeping me busy with their school projects ...speaking of kids, looky what I found as I was loading my pictures into the computer just now....<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294330881523824546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGXvbLl_5RGJgIfjrnbyqb-ccU-je-l-YUwtjLqWWkZGsjqSqpBFRE9YkN3X1s5xEF_OF6wdlAf0xegQm5c2JwgXgfKnIsErtffJe-AuKdRzU0oSsZX9IocEg9JkQu9-U0e1BdApU0to/s400/carlos+work+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294347481054340850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3bZZRK6cNryCU0J7DNbEy2rROfqNImWIHUSIE3zVmd0QKHMIhlbNZdpEcAs13qT7o9_83WHWNG8DomPA_iFCQeTIrhd2XL_m98V4cgx_Eg4HGe7VnafcxSqdUeHyePWPJ88vf_gr1b0/s400/carlos+work+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294347482902332882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEk0LdLpV4E6HDlH__zD4Eox_SWFE5_30-4F05_YIvu7eoQFHR652LsutYMV8JlqVdSSfYj1KtqFczjuDUPJAlDhS5H_is-xFRDKw4nOyrbmhfgABIfamwB8Oi2DODZzdawxSauELGjU/s400/carlos+work+011.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294347494857529426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxXcrBXZAUEAhsMgDgVI_L2M9SmAp63qD42bJjjXR8NI3lsZns8MplEwfwfgB73bAnTlvfskikv5Vo5V75SYgfOAn7047RFGFmM4wixEQbffU9sThB-IBt71Y7cLILW_ihQIEmtjcaHE/s400/carlos+work+012.jpg" border="0" /><br />That's from the 4 year old. Sneaky little guy figured out how to turn on my new camera & take a picture faster than I did! Give him some time and I bet his pictures will turn out better than mine too. Have a great weekend! :) ~ <em>P.S. - Bo at </em><a href="http://blinksnwinksfrombrown-eyes.blogspot.com/"><em>Blinks n Winks</em></a><em> nicknamed my little guy "Cherub" I think that's so appropriate - not only because he loves to run around in his underwear with his little cherub belly hanging out but he does bring love & joy to all of us around him! Thanks Bo!~</em></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-45289550715202322102009-01-12T07:25:00.000-08:002009-01-12T07:55:37.456-08:00A Little Project...<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>I went looking</strong> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">for an armchair to use in our Dining & Living room. I found this one in an antique store for around $65. It had a pretty carved back and was nice & sturdy..but the finish was kind of worn, the upholstery a bit stained and the "fruit wood" tone wasn't what I had in mind..<br /></span><br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290256612649750258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3A55K7iIaNvgt8svVpegA_B6tiK7GIv8zOBoFc9lmRj3b1WZCFAWHRSyZTPtHkJwygYhJOj3gP-N_bawlx5n00a-f4haXB_ChI-FDRwbj-dNJ5Gnaop_oi4jJ4S6J40_J9btDDu2ub0/s400/newcamera+002.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div><div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Neither was hand-sanding for about an hour! But I had a burst of energy & sudden urge to start this project late on Saturday evening and didn't want to venture out in the dark in search of the electric sander. At about this point, I was questioning my sanity...</span><em>Why did I want to do this again?</em><br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290256621503446770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ2CYQvfL4VvGXHdq3l9Y3hsaf1LYxyu0T1w8Cx8vMUWR-n3XxmOKvtcZe60QhPEH1bm0sj6S0_O6vgW0HiE3lmDorerJPLkZtbjfBqAsywnTEYt1Vg0KO-5Sd93eRBDLGE9iX1xfEnU/s400/newcamera+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">But after a coat of Mahogany stain, my faith was renewed in what I was doing</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>....(*note to self - buy more latex gloves & hide them even better than the last time so kids don't find them and use them as balloons and you don't walk around with "mechanic's hands"* yes, I have pretty grimy fingers!)</em><br /><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290268977491715698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJkplSzqJEimFNn9IgLtVT1SwKZeQAAyteY_cv-qDyXFQUr7ACgz8PC34h4Ans56h92E0xtsmJs0RIVpvitZEnLbYlrJnrG_62rVcjbC58MWonNkieBaqZzA0SWfH4q58XlpK-reSPDI/s400/newcamera+008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Then on to the upholstery. I didn't want to take the time to undo 500 staples on the old fabric and I was a little leery of what I might find underneath in lieu of padding. <em><span style="font-size:100%;">(One antique bench I had reupholstered had horse hair in it! Ick!)</span></em> Don't think this chair is all that old but I wasn't taking any chances! I just applied a new layer of cotton batting over the old upholstery. </span></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290268984182968082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWFPvbbIiVg2zuOG2ssRhsc8hmOlpL5ppzDADsZnUw7Ws-tl0qZ_YHXXuCZVPaUP8J6gGpwwKjv6FF2f-OCB5ms6U5J1hzojBh3S49TzPkFqmB4LkOCLpfGUFXqB67TZxNcIBNqzHdGI/s400/newcamera+009.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">And then my new fabric ...</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290283652334038946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Angywu_fVVw-5EX6tP16aJm-NENvUQSXrGGA9NtdWCvK5KW5tXPX7IK2P0W-pPxW3qpWJfEbM9DSRHr9wmFh4r-bhiUl5MjQbuAQO9zx89wRHvukGsN6sTu9SUSGvtowgjDxTVsobis/s400/newcamera+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">After allowing the stain to dry in the sun the next morning</span> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(we had 70+ degree weather in CA this weekend!!)</span></em> <span style="font-size:130%;">I re-attached the seat and Voila! My kind of project!</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290302281844674514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjzBwHLIktu2MrsOUAbZ6kasLbcqFxZJaMZ0L74ahEOnsvwNRVk91CBUI4sHpRI42LMc0dc3nqCvwDydMnY3WRJHjYt-Dy1uBdcDkMLNKRq2X2e1-Bqkzp9AuZB_q87YqDYiiGP3Says/s400/newcamera+036.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I have been playing around with its placement in the room and found it to be very versatile! </span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290302291556806418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1msOLxR3pjcGNWzgtzo7OOPRFfiIHqzOM_Vh8SYQ-2xJ5ttoZOIAtEeUM9MVLZrEpDjCI3ZWql1EAP1XYNHDdndn2CTN1kpoMaI__ANk-w02LBtYxbw3VTc84gVObP8-CHIvo_ZvwSnA/s400/newcamera+035.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Over here by the window bench...</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290283653998295058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUwAhL6AvbIfgFrOm_42A9uYaA7vJUIfl_JyHvCYhZa2AglL3orCwxQf-E8epFQNMdpuUMbpnaR1G60b9meGXS-2jvKEA3LNW35QfpaC6ggr9QTAITcrexzUnWwRY72-DNZfjwq5J0Q4/s400/newcamera+025.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Or brought over for Piano enjoyment....</span><br /></p><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290294013726241298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrpMShW2VIgag4RcluYBjxxhvEyypb_cAHZeeJi00L78ji0lYc6ZBcVWOZwyWJGU7dD2Fh1dKev8i7Y1Rw-myBCKE9mBe3QdyteUGrvTBlDyi-S609g0_Tbm_c-c-GWTUuZC4W0h7gzM/s400/newcamera+032.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Or neatly tucked away....</span><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290294017196845682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCa7kI_-e2v7PI-Lme-5shcLZ-5rrpcCFvMJzUK4mrhf14yoY-KoBIl8Mb-mbjqtDm1yQQQ2B99pKd_exjSazVRcx4AXHDY_n8e7GudKFbDCsw4fHLYraG0TBgzL9apKuqIAIo-GzgDJ8/s400/newcamera+034.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">What do you think......? </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh and since you are already here ;) let me show you just one or two little things that I added to combat the "No More Christmas Decor" blahs that I had previously mentioned in another post. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The black rectangular tray on the end is new. Who needs food on a buffet when you can "feast" your eyes on this? ;) <span style="font-size:100%;"><em>(Doesn't work so well on my husband...)</em></span></p></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290310897542676050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBoaNKblwUNpa_3Sl8zAOvpUnztuiuQFGsONtpUsRjnpX19MbhOMwlVOWFtHq72kAgg4Uhb0FLpFrgr48iJFgkh5I9tD0HMK3-dT4u1ZT-heemOBSgifZH9x26WNsd4uKkarTHba1XDg/s400/newcamera+022.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And it's smaller companion on the piano...<br /></span><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290310903351126082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTW5eGOxypwTEV5bpCawrWjC4A5_OAQDYK2Lys7Oup65z_Vij0jwsQaQftLrlis3ojEVfXzGjExWV4iJiUafB43O2-iuonJiGYjMTzpiihnbK4I2YRCGwl6w2tewD5ulzrt2eW5GLr0s/s400/newcamera+025.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And that cute little rose plate for $5!</span><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290319277479452482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO_XFhT9B4NAu-xP2fU7o1LLuUCejFPKvbHcQP9EzxPG1tjKV8r9jmE-AJYyNh4Ck-DkV42tjAIWQxHEjg8eMQuVLZNtPGUwmeU6oNybcTkuSkwBe6PmJRgYcnbHk5Q1WYld7zeR2lf4/s400/newcamera+070.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">That's it! Thanks for stopping by.....</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290319280888615506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGMD-V7UQUH6VWe9Ucf1nOSia7ne5efqbBMn0pCV22vgRV0Y0yqE-vaYO0-_xD19o9THc0hM_ROsHRA2D3-kkY7HB1xIYwvcA50fEW4TcwN1xw0oqVg7UEU7pwKvkj1Lx9Fk1G_2dS7U/s400/newcamera+077.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-62623997671871564312009-01-11T09:31:00.000-08:002009-01-11T16:39:51.511-08:00Sibling Rivalry<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">My older two</span> children (daughter, 11 & son 9) fight & bicker terribly. They argue from the time we wake, all the way to school in the car, upon picking them up -we aren't even out of the school parking lot and the teachers are getting an earful - mainly from me hollering for them to <em><strong>"Knock it off!! I'm trying to drive!"</strong> </em>It always made me wonder why car manufacturers don't make that "limo driver window" in minivans or suburbans so Mom's don't hear all the wracket from the backseat and can safely drive their brood home.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290198212807506930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg0Egs1hGhyuyGl8ZrR-XelFdHZEp11se1sPOdDkgXgqCKLFApVOFIQ_kiJpXixqZdPj-Q2g045z1xKR337_9-GbPj6HVYO9b2Jkkl0jvvVdxlVA9eY3IfK5kRGJ8BgWXD0qITzhsulo/s400/isabel&gabeEaster2000.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">These two, when they were younger were like buddies. Only two years apart but little <strong>"Bubba"</strong> would run to <strong>"Sissy"</strong> for hugs if he got in trouble or hurt. She was his other mother. Now this fighting has become habitual & normal and I was envisioning them grown & having to divide up the holidays spent at home!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290198205997931650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_K2TDYRZD8-G0MZVOuJqUU0muWViZfAuFTT9jEKYVDpvQaA4kJq2X7JyUQt6x6FZI31WzWJkgttYcDhEmULMbo0Ypx4MrR7FXZWpgM69z-nRq7oZ8fGakOn1tOqouqflcwQRJajDFHY/s400/isabel&gabedisneyland.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">So this morning, when another explosive moment was happening and I am in the midst of tears, wails & moans of <em><strong>"He jumped on my bed when I was sleeping!"</strong></em> & <em><strong>"She kicked me in the stomach!"</strong></em> <span style="color:#6600cc;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Inspiration</span> </span><span style="font-size:180%;">struck!</span></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />I said in my most authoritive voice <strong><em>"That's it! Both of you hug each other right now & apologize!"</em> </strong>and then <strong><em>"..but wait til I get my camera first!"</em> </strong>(ha-ha!)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">They both got this stunned look, kind of like <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">"deer in headlights"</span></em> expression. My daughters teary face actually started to laugh and we had to put up with gagging noises from the 9 year old boy.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">Here are those tender moments....<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290183253989124962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwewDoOuBTwxZHUl5ptvxBcFV6O92PnCsUd_-Xv7L1yV57VkTgZT34q_rG8ilc5J-Lx6ULtL_Zrun5YWm0w5taXcuIBpcrD8_GoP0pV1M3cEkhYQzTu8TjfLtUV3nQyNXFI3t8Nh7fUU/s400/newcamera+015.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><em><span style="font-size:85%;">My daughter is always eager to pose for pictures... 2 minutes before she was crying her eyes out!..go figure...</span><br /><br /></em><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290183265707216194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXXsDK_wxiRc0XQkUwN-7DhUKyLfMl2eErIsfxt5PPq0Mxiv3ACgo52Cyb88Kl1rKwg16haOaAP5eeiWzw1NREpYHpg9cfkfDfzQw4PSBwcJO1LjYAzUc3OTe4frFXmD5cSKKpJoaxyE/s400/newcamera+016.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Eww! Cooties!</span></em><br /><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290194261455869138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8IqZRsnmuGJYWimR_0APC9oZIq2XQ8ou0yh7aydWVRXWplFflaRuwHxDAWBCVZOk92JfFqBMbLatLeqHwsZVQQUpVigjSko_cepq1PQGVRK_9fUhebuHja9xQ28L2IbVEazwyEOVmzc/s400/newcamera+017.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Owwww! So painful the 9 year old collapsed! My daughter looks like she is sniffing an odor...<br /></span></em><br /></p><p><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290194269925514498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ56KS0qddJvKod9Yd2tVYBuChG8Xd_INLttKROUVe4MctqmcHPcJhu6FSWX44G3Raq0XffDZZeAl7X1GyoJvPIPChf3IHw76y_KzMhBsyaoDsXBLysoIoQcQDsDJVn3IIAoxg3MIQUyY/s400/newcamera+018.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Awww! The good ole' days!<br /></span></em><br /><br />But you know it worked...at least for the time being. After this, they actually <span style="color:#cc0000;">AGREED</span> to play a Wii game together and I could hear them "asking" each other for things instead of demanding or taking control. <span style="color:#3333ff;">AMAZING!</span> Now I know I have to wield this new found power carefully so as not to abuse it's use, only reserving it for those special times - but I saw a mini miracle today! So if any of you have bickering children whom you want to sell to the gypsies, try this tactic first & let me know if it works for you. We, <span style="font-size:130%;">Mothers</span> have to stick together! ;)</p>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-49092865817988507842009-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:002009-01-08T15:36:45.000-08:00Finally!!<span style="font-size:180%;">HOLY COW! </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This post was a week long in the making! Sure in the beginning,</span> I <em>was</em> going to <span style="font-size:85%;color:#006600;">sheepishly</span> apologize for taking so long on updating my blog. I had gotten caught up in the holidays and how wonderful it felt to be in pj's and to read a book! I lounged around, ate chocolate, read a few novels, ate some more chocolate.....<em>(this week I started a Pilate's class to combat all that indulging and now can barely move my legs! :)</em> But then when I finally stopped hibernating, I found that I couldn't post.. no matter how many ways I tried ! It literally took DAYS to upload a few photos. It would sit there for hours - sometimes I got lucky and it actually posted them and then others all that time was wasted and I would have to start over...agonizing frustration! Agh! was ready to tear my hair out! But anyway here I am...<em><span style="font-size:85%;">um, just don't expect another post from me too soon...;)</span></em><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We so enjoyed our holidays and I really did like having the kids home - even with their bickering & squabbling, but they were "mine" for two weeks. Aside from a few <span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>Must Attend</em></span> birthday parties and play dates, our schedule was pretty carefree (i.e. no homework or parent volunteering). But I foolishly thought that they would be entertained with all their new gadgets & gizmos from Santa. Whatever was I thinking...? They are back in school this week...I suspect there are a few <strong><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>"</em></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Hallelujah!"</em></span></span><span style="color:#cc9933;"> <span style="color:#000000;">'s</span> </span></strong>out there from THE MOM's. :)</div><br /><div>My husband's a good guy...but he most often is clueless as to what to buy me for Christmas. He pretty much gives me free rein to buy what I need or want for the house. <em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em>Even the time I was only going in to get an oil change and ended up coming home with a brand new car..um...surprise!! (well it <em>was</em> a good deal, we had just had our third child and needed more room..see how convincing I am?) But getting back to him, he knows I have specific taste in clothing (though I get the usual new pj's & robe for Christmas!) and of course I am particular about the house decor so I usually end up with a pretty pair of earrings or another gold watch (I mean sweetheart how many arms do I have!?) that I don't get dressed up & go out often enough to wear. I know, I know, my mother would be <span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><em>appalled</em></span> that I would think <span style="font-size:180%;color:#996633;">JEWELERY</span> wasn't very exciting and I <em><strong>do</strong> </em>love jewelery but I usually don't wear these <span style="color:#990000;"><em>Beautiful Baubles</em></span> unless it's Christmas. But this year was different...He got me a <span style="color:#000000;"><em>C<span style="font-size:130%;">amera</span></em></span>!! I don't know what clued him in that I was in dire need of one. Maybe it was the tape holding the batteries in...? </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288438089449544594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAVEQtjTrKzYrrzq-oDIiR-k96mapufD1SjhIHCn-lPa7_gm0GTGtCrq4vVThvXNu14UdePWIfOwZXaeU38OLYa016EFG5PgZmaTwe3wPCkCT0m7hgCCzq0b-QP7RaNv7KLeYpa4EHXBc/s400/newcamera+097.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Or maybe the fact that the symbols on the turn dial had completely worn off and it was always a gamble as to what function the camera was in..?</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288438104684977442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ6ppai9B-2GMQzME0ENI6HTpEbexKXUZNcvoK4Uv0dx3ZdNENT6sMX8AuclUcXXxcQUyAQFInuuKkPi1LT4lF0YEZF4KKvgTrRJ7WenyJe-g-LHIeDr8X_RIRhaqpAFO9RLo2-DRnf0/s400/newcamera+098.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>But the funny thing was, that I unknowingly WRAPPED MY OWN GIFT! Yep, the clever man hid the camera box inside of a another box with "Fuel Pump" or something equally uninteresting to me on the front and claimed it was a gift for his brother and would I mind wrapping it for him...? It's probably because the jewelery store does wrap jobs and my husband has never had to bother! Imagine my surprise as I went to open this package...I thought my husband had flipped his lid and was giving me something unromantic. Not that a camera typically exudes those warm, fuzzy feelings...but I was happy that he had paid attention! Yay honey!!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288438119417199234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ualDtS1IqC0B7Ag4RQN-s47IWmHDgFGdS5S0jDDk4l3uCOQ7lZv4ZtRTQFMM70vyHe3wN61SUjqZ2AcIlrDbDx1NyxPhUZWgRbBr-lOulvzu0yKw4d9juac1iTZaazf08MFUMVMLpsc/s400/newcamera+099.jpg" border="0" />Anyway - he did good! It's got the simple 'point & shoot' or the more elaborate manual focus/shutter speed/aperture stuff on it that I still am trying to figure out but am having fun learning... but it's not too overboard for a beginner. As you may be aware of the difficulty I have had in years past of trying to get the kids to sit still long enough for pictures, I have been "staging" my home decor! They make much easier subjects! ;)<br /><br /><br /><div>On New Years Eve, after going out for some Chinese food, I got in the mood to take down all the Christmas decor. Even had to send the husband out to Target at 8pm for some more storage tubs! There was some decorations you all didn't get to see as I got too busy to post those last few days before Christmas. We had another tree set up in the <em>Study</em>. But taking it all down was a good way to pass the time until midnight.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288990840314160674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B63baLUe0OhC5LxIK2M7e200JLBMlkJb3F1NWV2XMfpazHYgeM3g4rp68vfrYGrkcSdND98tK81tCcmrZeMil-91od-nQNS9y-bMspOuz5gsq7LJgYBtZDpPS5CpXd4H6YJFyfLilt4/s400/newcamera+019.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288990855808969602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-uhWAqkq7fxtjy7U9r26VxUlh4IqkVsy0Om4rw2sWtkOpCFeMWOnrSSQ-X6kJJyNZD11n0KUPQt2iuHl8p0J54-RkPzW7dHjofrhgoLCpzmoKFF1vEscrpv57LW62WyKSEDSSMF9h_Y/s400/newcamera+021.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>But then you know how empty your house looks after all the glitz is gone? Just so sad and lonely? Well I have a remedy for that. I always buy a little something and save it for after the holidays. Some new candles, maybe a new plant or a pretty plate to display to perk things up. So taking my new camera I went about the house snapping away. See if you spot anything new...Lord knows my husband doesn't! ;)</div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289029731118433970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUL4Tdsg9-vdzduei4NE2gT-zlvt0ycjDYXt4_p0tZccXPwWYyvqMmpORrkH7QqKKkTo-XutyHCHH1TkOlWJC4fh7JQGbTwfRratxREXCnlIeD8xs7v_G_cTxO8ZaIEo2Eyfme3abrjA/s400/newcamera+046.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div>To fully grasp that my husband doesn't notice a whole lot...this little sofa table, was being stored under our bed - it comes apart. My husband watched me carry this piece by piece downstairs (he was laying on the bed watching tv at the time!) and it still took 3 days with me finally pointing it out for him to "notice" it!..see what I mean?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289058135296825266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wvHn_t9_CwMRPWcPtabQpMiMJt9K5GeKgupJmA7ZO9bxjhPxCfyUGLy_nuTXLmGOq2_XRm6TLhz8BmeArAgy-I6HwntzxvgcPKS6LflQnS9mR3I4o0FigJdADTdWjPH_jmn3LeZOKac/s400/newcamera+055.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289043208795113538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K9nDALYYcS9B3U2uOUMNHyNyZCdOrhS9ooyhWKeWM4huZco-8vG5I2onr46yI_8XGZg9KLpj_RDHwKTjZgoURZOYrIOx7cnajm7gSwol5-6gU1YOP8nL4K_rRi-p921wblquyQkxRKg/s400/newcamera+002.jpg" border="0" />This heavy guy I hand carried back all the way from Paris.....Paris Hotel in Las Vegas that is! :) Took a real quick trip the first week in December and he caught my eye. It sort of shocked the airline security. They didn't know what it was, especially wrapped up for protection in my pink Pj's in a shopping bag! (hey, either my pj's or a hotel towel and my conscience wouldn't let me do <em>that!)</em><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289043217857842786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa0zCx4a8wYCdzQpw5QdukGmeQ9TBJl1lPukiyUO8kM3RksHBI7TDVxtKOClNd72_G_n9vVRXthoAn1DKL3TEldVXCGgGYp8GiRhkjhayTi07KOAWw-shRXe2dW5PLdKlZQGwZTVDcLU/s400/newcamera+006.jpg" border="0" /><br />No More Christmas Decor.....sigh....<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289058111727083650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lIWHxSqpm5fukR7nzQ50QTKP6f_SjYvUDvVsy0J7mR-ZkKR8hEn9rfUYMiA0x3jU7NefDgqU0KPBgMPT92oZ4OchCOK26PAoJXOK-G_P8OtgnnGj4I3POmJDfhTQxBTlr-oRv2nWBxo/s400/newcamera+080.jpg" border="0" /><br />Yes, it's a cake plate! But it was sooo cute! I like to keep my kitchen counters clear and this room is open to the kitchen so...why not?<br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289058121164160322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR1f4eXmA5_KB1Ah8xVBO_XyQgIoaG7JKbU9nb7-DrLnI6zwIpulj25cvGs_T0p0HyyKcOYkUa4WU2QJ0B3w1CWqT2mgHSyUUl3zGe5YjaKj_ZD4TiCZoS_RJLyd-LuJ04EQltsuopF8/s400/newcamera+082.jpg" border="0" /><br />Back at the front entry - no more garland or stockings...phew! that was hard work.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289029721008460418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y8YaiBhnYNQZwe_ygiVTS0cFGyIXJsQNlollR8rK6l9YRJ8ly0TSU3ibIBzsOHl7f2cmlhL2fjDvTTC7y0aCXWh7d3vQJuNkupJrDOVwvnKFB6CnSRlReBV79rZkTENSS3S2IrzQLoc/s400/newcamera+020.jpg" border="0" /></p>This little lady was inspired from <span style="color:#993399;">"VANNA</span>" at <a href="http://lvroftiques.blogspot.com/">Delusions of Grandeur </a>and her amazing "Bust" (can I keep a straight face?) collection. ;) If you haven't seen how beautiful they are & her home is...GO!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289043188585210498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuvqbdv1TROBB08tdv3VHbCtR1vVXcM9BHOwnM8Z_noQAtNxM_7TCUOc3HhB3YWepFrgluf4CeZV7VCctnD3ue6X0Nhydcq6I2NP80InYebhsguVOzrq3rwt7Kklzh1-IgCJ6XeSNeo4/s400/newcamera+016.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289062508624972802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJskFY4QsWi5y4xGj4x9V1g13_vCd5bPtDCjhhNkppfJ5jJYSwUhe32bnAYE8G_eRRV8ZpBEdsc4htvdyf_haAnUlqscmFDQThY0xrwys8GztaQQowqqX2DePqpIJXtsx801gviDdk72U/s400/newcamera+048.jpg" border="0" /><br />And looky here's another one.....just a little reproduction but she exudes romance! And those new candles (& holders) smell delicious and I haven't even lit them yet.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289029713293756722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw4tI5Sk1HG3iOg52xL1xXVLCTkbVGZWJiJaeXxkQ2PdGX7_ofNp0WRckTJmFVqM1BWmztl_QSWzTmkjv7uKife8XE-7Xsxb4I-cV3V0It4P4RrgWYmKamTY6jHBLlnrrkMEyL0Zu3ok/s400/newcamera+017.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Well that's almost it..working on a little something that I picked up at an Antique shop for the dining room but that will be another post. Hopefully we won't have to wait as long though..thanks for being patient with me!Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-50191967920111355932009-01-06T19:30:00.000-08:002009-01-06T19:38:38.710-08:00Frustration Part II<span style="font-size:180%;">Hello Again Friends</span>...yes, I am still having trouble uploading pictures. I received an error message code. Now if you go to Blogger Help Center - you can input this code and see if anyone else is having the same problem and yep indeedy, there are quite a few! Blogger claims to be working on it.... So while this is still frustrating to me - at least I know it's not something I am doing wrong! But thank you everyone for leaving me little encouraging comments and helpful tips. It's nice knowing I am missed!! :) As soon as I can upload pictures - I will finally publish my post! So now I will just come around and visit all of you! ~ LaurieLaurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-29594910759669008812009-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-04T10:07:06.680-08:00FRUSTRATED!!Dear Fellow Blogger Friends:<br /><br />I have been trying since Friday evening to upload pictures to blogger. It shows that it's uploading pictures but sits there...and sits there...and sits there. I have even gone to take a shower and come back to it still "claiming" to be uploading my pictures. I even tried to do it one picture at a time and it still won't work! <br /><br />I was perusing '<strong>Bloggers'</strong> help pages but can't get the page to open where I can complain! Do you feel my pain!? If anyone has any ideas or suggestions....(<span style="font-size:85%;">sniff, sniff) </span><span style="font-size:100%;">My blog is doomed to live in Christmas past forever! </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Okay...I am here...waiting....for...help....:(</span>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-49345481784484326232008-12-14T20:30:00.000-08:002008-12-14T20:59:00.159-08:00The Challenges of a Christmas Card<div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279803453703870530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvtRUTa1cJK10JmIe_2UfeXUwmU51d85dbICO9GLb609BMBy0ffKLjzMHerIkqhBf5Dpx3LlobArkSkZMETwZMpDkLtj5xIfBCV6f9g7n-hAcc13aYd5VC5ZOiGtI3tDLNVvUP-i8mbA/s400/xmas+card08+020.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">The tradition</span> started back 11 years ago with my 1st child. <span style="color:#990000;">The Photo Christmas Card</span>. </span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279855613489662578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UjCfHoIdjyzmfZGczebmnJY-FjxnZ0ZDwN2XaF0qoz9jnC45QNWW2iQY37WgRvK05BePbw4ClecnjaL3nfT1qHTA-8DLg3DmClMbbcdJDoF7CPCoWMN44YTplXHasDnXE1qZjTr8zwQ/s400/scan0002.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279855614747197874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHv_hLoQUJoL6qvc57Of7Cn19C1scpw33U-1A7j-LQwRKid53dVhGc3LSy3dj_9nBjo4F7B_t_UXtQMFNfLskN6djla2doqbZuKnpFYV0AxDCLbxGVTvLEBtEepS7eeZxA56q1edbNbc/s400/scan0001.jpg" border="0" /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">Two <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Christmases</span> later she had to share the spotlight with her younger brother. A bit more challenging but still I found many ways to make our card unique each year. </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279847883179644162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJwteObU5oJlBGEn3fWIxWbubgZ0d4CPMX9WT8zbBk1JUDG7JtfNHgf1RWcRWmejp-9McxWBhP8RQOkwzQyi0G1u9T8KFb6tmNSdejhc3l0DOGqjZUTqcH1Y7uIU7MARODME9QnaENhc/s400/gabe&isabelxmas1999.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279847882286281218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIPvOc7tOtqkoCvQ3RbKGGJS9yXPPQFK7TrPOJhBRaPXHY_jFjX5vNYK2GmUmDJ4u0DgdiG-xJa8vR5zgCwgQF3WXXIGnp_vqeuYSe1MNJB0vKDegPa6_cmdTbM1FzhlDhv0emC_uOnc/s400/gabe&isabelxmas2000.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279855607208230978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mwethryQwA9wkyJFlI6zUQbwuYUz-kqgGxzDCM15EMPzymbYwaMszt7fz944AVc1inlXc1TU-7OG5JrC11GYbDsmWnUdvpxiWICKClA8x2GaUicLZGX8aRyDJVlmpI43abIuhACpXk4/s400/scan0003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279847875594852482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJWIbpjPiOrAAAbvScGWpiZxB-btomiwlrfEIl6oUinSWh2F3UrERqpTojv1aq7aR29vJjzoNVDr8FYrgQdH3sp9Sl9toq9CQX_jOHQOQWFdCzK5HI5RHLf91Ga9LTE58vilhh_Pf1yI/s400/isabel&gabecow.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">........5 years later came the</span> <strong>THIRD CHILD</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">2004....</span><br /><br />First year - a piece of cake!<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279846355335397090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoCoaoksfuR4vmWsro25FVYxjvrXHt1SFQESNTqT2sbIZGScR3DCmbMTWrak-rDjSnB_uaa1VAotopSq-Xo_V5-C6hojQ-2YQDkpqkMWpRRORLgLOvmvqPibn2nZsM-na8veei68CUbE/s400/scan0008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">2005....<br /></span>A bit more challenging.....<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279836969209669794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI_D3YIp4DTSgSiFpJSNDyjo4X0TKaSKE1AqTxRAZYhgwH_UFahG6dbe93NJhVNM385Xz05HzKm22YlwMHigAbApEBCoMbvzQnXJ_ctPSXKFJLPTEtibkr9OUn47TKIf7UZrvGNPXOsg/s400/xmascard2005+007.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279865533034061218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zJeo2UJC3f4diM0sbcD9Nut202RDXYNj9UfR47lqB1Baj7A11x_2khIz0uq3u_rgy5DvyOMUFEPueegI4EORIvlpJ4LqgyZo_uPWtlzArXqinYQtxHdAma46upfHDyJ8IOcS0nYlNrs/s400/xmascard2005+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279836971726877346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tAHwWKND2eH4Abo-F7fBYNt-VINydXJo1PJbeUkfEajEzdOw7pSmOBMI7_uh_oA7FA3EayJK2ZRUDpljIdQ6VcOkuX4DWvEem1ODQ9ar6AwW5JSf8Vr_R05Z-mV3UcKx8HaZoDSc6hk/s400/xmascard2005+008.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279865533584377250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_9_QkDP6i_BrRoRDv0twhqhrBfFNDzQx5iUxhKCxjPEdc4nXvmgs6Ij1cn1yFz8bWTB9M8mYggRPzieYHbiZgJLhFbM9iy07scohHXniFqr7pLiQawyN7IB2bB0EP8oIiLLWVikX6v4/s400/xmascard2005+009.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279865546983440178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGe7oionC04rwGxJGmo7DLjo66CPz8CUpcIBQqmy5kcFFE0b_IGEipOhWtHp9fTAdTQa3X9IgohkLBHrGyOrDmMWKwPgzbHNBoh16EyHMQbghQs-WNM4vNDcQVcmLGH_56Uf1RgWLZq4/s400/xmascard2005+013.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279836974171137714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXy2n0jlYlyN22vi-0WsK3CWGkATZawX5C4CsCI5XhB90EZGxYNWZR8Msxdou7yX61b9DCKwvvFunZRQFHjD-3w5VtUoe2XLC4LOKVMUDI4byVk60d01Rn2YmIRRiAYACHwQ7zEIsXhw/s400/xmascard2005+011.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p><em>Can you tell my middle child looks thrilled that he's NOT the one causing my frustration as the youngest tries to sneak away...<br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279865537608086770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT3pbYYzS0QCFMX5YYvqjCsmU_MEEhdIWz0FfiB5XpLwWrxzuZeotDxrCwXmlCGaFAHjc0CcV_iBy7WWs_2YjGOyjjk1ZSuaa7gGfAT6ZneWMzedS2VaCEJ0lgTuthQvyA5aLRYSTnDw/s400/xmascard2005+012.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Uh Oh! Youngest didn't like being plopped back down for the picture.</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279836980742475010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLVWdzZqapY9T06DAgk0n_DEfHUhoAc10WXrPniynlp2acXWRlAaNAanfdEeW-OzX4p5fekAUCuzdVFGz9i0s7KRiyrYM92zr8ArWMnFkBiItFwF7FGozYAv4jCViW6q1GDj_tEhEyh4/s400/xmascard2005+014.jpg" border="0" /><em></em></p><p align="center"><em></em></p><p align="center"><em>Had to distract him with the talking santa....</em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279865550341465250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Z43W4xl0hFIKLgx0dXX_rVELPus0Dd69gXhFCRc6Nz4cMPze41XJSQPZvND2QEblSpK6VYLnf8rTF8GJrEoqa8bmH_RQNP0VRdPnpC1qyB-SdYDgCNhM-2mSm-domgfKnirxYAkzzu4/s400/xmascard2005+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em>Just love that he looks thoroughly terrorized in the final picture...</em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279836959736903970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwN7SEIhcqkpTf_HU4iOP1f_6EON0FVcuAtCt4klpZUpG-75eLAJfqvN9PxB4S-8prp5B99DbDLxpZPhHLmwMsNDj3iqMX917v94hSsGLyFtU4i-hY1nSefFqN2HvIv-u0SzE6T_C-lo/s400/xmascard2005+004.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">2006.....</span><br /></p><div align="center">We had just moved into the new house....<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279823485867000258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiimLxOU20OJYM7swbczv26JGL4_5CP92pm4KogvSJ5jzvcK6q-7MYN37ji4pwqZAqTh7vOGK07FBmyuOjvWcZvlFCxlPFbs__nCkIfaduPlqmY3kVasEul_REsaimZ8g6f8_7AV6koS8/s400/christmas+card+pics2006+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Hey Look at Mama!<br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279823507446903042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATLaGTdNn5FsFq3j80eHYwG8agCxPOtiIJ5702mlYSOYQ93qk3V6GTrrT5RM9VdPvmMbiT4Tw4oVQutsPjZaQ3tvb1PAsZyYvI7Bwc6Zyi3nib36nqM43hPc_Kwp6761VGY2VaWDwqiA/s400/christmas+card+pics2006+019.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">No, over here!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279823500477080482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvMZn60w9DfvGaD6AakJ262QjryWdsyNeT610JqvTZQ40CXjwYsUuDIZMhEjO3vPOC0ST5I3fVqFL9xtaw2jwwlwYBo05H4DiN42-BDPCTrTvVbXRfV7HRb6ECxWf-2O2pVJ_Yyb8J9s/s400/christmas+card+pics2006+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br />THIS WAY!!!<br /></p><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279823485057575650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU4nBtiu82zPx9a2S7twkHssF0G-AGr3P7gFfdVy4v-cU2RSPCs-T9bTJwiY4cPHqp4KvQpNUwSRl5CcHnsSJOURChAE0OecWkXECfjUdbE7Ff6wmUUWsMLAmBv6od_CQzahpFB7PJQQ/s400/christmas+card+pics2006+015.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><br />PERFECT!!! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279866329026753618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1Gg39b-Z2akWepTFUxORYSWIEbqJtlTOQLdV4MuM9725brG25WOxTV8iPhHgNN_YYf7nYKZYgziVJCuRMAxEW_9O-nj50kiGwLuV0m40UaPSx_YqR6XHzmu9GFcSNwJ8rnrQqERmCa8/s400/christmas+card+pics2006+022.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>(There are about a dozen more in this sequence but for uploading purposes, .....you get the idea. But if I scroll <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thru</span> them on my computer it's like a darn movie. It's hilarious!)<br /></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">2007.....</span><br /><br /><br />Playing the "shy boy" ha! yeah, right!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279813225048630946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbFHxAuJLdNdN89j49v_kgkBFJiHnJJXU4kbu5tRas_ty8JzGNMklsGwBuCOntzC1ZtQuCM1stVQhMzWhEgfYnGh-kvRdAz3QHgv_L4mf3B01D699xyd0vimlMfAAnktl7rKqTa4HxDk/s400/07xmas+cared+009.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><br />You <strong><em>have </em></strong>to take your picture for Santa!.. Good! Look at that angelic face...<br /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279813217065031794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy83zL1QfjKxA7vYd2rv_mqsdFcMUMkuNzR5baqLiPy75TcrOmtP68-FPiCHPfukSknN3DZFRGLDFYeoiIX93OR5swEw84jkS48QGQ0rGZHl0o2BabykszFqdvG8g83ULvzNg4oR4Lhs/s400/07xmas+cared+002.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>(Glad "Pepito" the chihuahua looked good for this one...)</em><br /><br /></p><div align="center">Now, take a good look at the expression & finger point on the youngest who was just 3...Doesn't his face just say " hey, right back at you babe!"<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279813221070380546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCXJlZngfZONLW9B7gtbWkbx8zHNpbYSD2mdA_TzCR9VNfAsbAM39kXyQttPSpuktN0dN8InVa_8K8j6KS1kEAMSY8faN6eD764S5OUDr9PjC6EUW6A1ayrvuEjPRjeTtevJz8qq2jkw/s400/07xmas+cared+006.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><br />QUICK! Grab him in a headlock! SNAP! </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279813212016519714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ds7O9fmt7rKs1tIiajQfhjwE4wwD_c_UWhaYQPwIgWRst2UHblO7aHTmOcEFqKUEz9MUC-VdNT57u9oPupXsqx-5mB1GDUjy85Zw1yaRnv638mpcLCFNPBnwnnIZu8FMe8HF6-pCNBE/s400/07xmas+cared+003.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">2008...</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Surprisingly!<br /></p><p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279803444089087234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyylP1prAv0WLHJbsV_KW4frpUegsf_OBOzPnV6kXDObclcBXMjdehqZHUneFqWDKD2UPaQxRVMumvLGzGlva4k2Ek2jAilAsxEzDkqhptNe2Y8mZQypczsuretV1iY4wWsELaOzRgBM/s400/xmas+card08+027b.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279803438018112482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NRYwVGCKoruokMcnEYB7SpEk91xlRpTj4v6W153pyEEZ01582TuyuhYVJ-Q-8b6SsPRGjO8iJvOYpkTbkJpj-izbteZu5QzvgkORQKD3KrOQ7a2L3Kvcs7D1QfbApkC1-fxGOkvxLJM/s400/xmas+card08+022.jpg" border="0" /> Aside from a few frustrated moments and a few goofy grins, the issue wasn't with the youngest! More squawking came from the older two but you know, a few threats here and there certainly helped. :) </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Merry Christmas!<br /></span><br /><em>Guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.....can you guess which one is me? ;)<br /></p></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279859608542287730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 564px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 463px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjhZKpNoH1pEkVHrsMdXmCM4crG19mZVsf76svMZFwgov6XiLCVaEenuJfgY6NeEhqBY6xgOjKCSFLK1H346Y20X8whD2htjB8bYNiv1H2D4Cgh4RY2cIufxG43dXgOSqvhzaqDr7Xz4/s400/Laurie+-+Santa2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em>A little sidebar here.....<br /></em><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><em>I apologize for the slow post! My 11 year old darling daughter had a pretty good part in the school musical this past Friday evening. So all week, I had to play "stage mom" and put in my parent volunteer hours. Driving back and forth to the church for rehearsals, helping 3 different grades shimmy in & out of their costumes (boy did I ever get good at tying on the shepherd's head wraps!) She did a <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>wonderful</strong></span> job at the performance. While I was biting my fingernails, she was the calm, collected one. She was so natural! and made us very proud! :)</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>Then of course we had a slight power <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">outage</span> this weekend. Don't even bring up the question of a generator. We have blown more electrical equipment and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">light bulbs</span> trying to use it. I much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">preferred</span> reading my mystery novel by candlelight last night. This didn't go over real well with the husband & kids who moaned & groaned over the lack of entertainment for the whole 2 hours it took for power to be restored. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sheesh</span>!</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>I think I have a couple of goodies waiting for me! I will have to post those really soon - Thanks Gloria & Melissa! You are so sweet to think of me.... And I can't wait to get back to B<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">logland</span> and catch up on all the wonderful posts that I have missed! I'll be stopping by really soon.....</em></span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279803456257429394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGMF4JKdxK9fsqlfW-mk4XhTno2W3fwymS-4G4AVsrG8I0ntZZexSuQK1dr0saaa46C5yhvibj7mhNYbeCAZ7ahG6D-KfoaKfFTUKTFuHFT5NzpiZ8IlfaWuzGCDczGr2mzHLlLqPUis/s400/xmas+card08+018.jpg" border="0" /> .....And just one more little tree to show you later in the week and then I am officially DONE with Christmas decorating! Phew!!!Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-76483462164098249902008-12-04T12:00:00.000-08:002008-12-04T12:18:09.230-08:00MORE Christmas Decor!!<div><div><div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Vn7yPRndsj9VXWHnvGNpQ9-ylsberyjbhYnKRLSa7YMaaGyGZ1AA1EXH2WNcXlF3svQnIkI6WeIbQZhGs74PYJB69wleb7c-okvCjXjY84uW1DQSOx2kxrCapqRYh23lhY75u59t9EU/s1600-h/xmas+decor08+089.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276019128794183378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Vn7yPRndsj9VXWHnvGNpQ9-ylsberyjbhYnKRLSa7YMaaGyGZ1AA1EXH2WNcXlF3svQnIkI6WeIbQZhGs74PYJB69wleb7c-okvCjXjY84uW1DQSOx2kxrCapqRYh23lhY75u59t9EU/s400/xmas+decor08+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Or </span>should I say less...? Less is More? .. Well ~ whatever you call it, I took a different approach in our kitchen & sitting room area. This space is all open and the most used room so things couldn't be as fussy as the dining room. </div><br /><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276012555728443330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cmwFR0BtqBXOt4WzoJ1YcZ0vTPjzQ937D8RIhq4vyBaNGcxPRT-c0Ig9m_QhYWjYTMY0RgWLV3Cz7X9rjb-wo_mapzkFEXdBH7O_ty0G8wqtFQ-Gg4Chn0AA_xqGdS3zN3koF36f5mg/s400/xmas+decor08+074.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276012568156525330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIJ0rT-gsYszBRNoo7YI48DYjvsegahqtMyWgdS7xqYTxIM2DN_xIKn8xjcr5jnuT5R1GBNZTW4oLwmuRh0T8jCeYAb6jqPH9b7BDTS1EoewiHevYhOrnWwP3M6b8eOY2nhYSfeXqY1s/s400/xmas+decor08+078.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276019117194779346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXFr5rURW3M-NotbCm49Q3P30ArcxRStnm6KJ42I0DdFx4G1i7ECoIgyY_r0uhHR2Ko2Uqp-Sb5X0ld0caQIcfPG6ZNxVbB1_KmPS-GvXPCBEL2gOC5pSe2Yw6Lj1Y3RX2I2xduFmxn0/s400/xmas+decor08+080.jpg" border="0" /></span></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Yes, a burning fire would be lovely! But..husband is home sick in bed (another reason my posts are taking so long! ha!) and I can't figure out how to work the propane! He shuts it down outside for the summer and we have had 80+ degree weather up until a week ago. So just PRETEND there is a roaring fire in there...but I still like looking at my fireplace screen!;) </span></em></div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276012571995073586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcl-jFIVtn0N3aEWW7Y2hSlJlbcpBXiab6iMz2rzPaoavuAqIGtuIZNvWpTsGgNoS361FPK_kO8E1GZrLZnDim1xvM7Kb-C7SY559hUvB1p1iUVbXuXZSPP3L4Of9d0OZW0fWpt-Cb518/s400/xmas+decor08+079.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A little tree in the corner....</span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276019117310280146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1P8L7W_mjtDmlsKrME1-YBnFClaSlIcAh9SdSPmzqpazG5hhoyygpjJ_vxihaXzoJAh5j0obTNlsN1mTyE89aehXwZ8GTEWNkE39eUt-U_1q-NSrgNGfMd8y7dgFuHNJyi6Vin8JIB8/s400/xmas+decor08+083.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276029871431876786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlQ8gtrFRy4_P8Mlgs5RNLUScFBRCGa4X3EOeOeLiBceFtnBnl2Of_9EVG4FRlfyPRiABfS20aIdOESBbyqaUxLhit41hjEjnTV6dIUXioA5N6jxuvjfgnEiix9EFsYEX2i6Xscwtupg/s400/xmas+decor08+070.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276029874273771874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsk9QyrUQQ8sdfiIpbjY4Wtg4rwCVvjfmUP7YSdjEQ0VsdFP8EYVYnDVn62S4biCa3uFGcU78DTxGBDG4uuxsg7-IBdMmFlpr5vMI7e0JeIqHeVs0-Xh-Wabn2bGkB9j54GN47H4EjZg/s400/xmas+decor08+076.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276029860749301298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PTEOQSddG19IiF3PH8DR_BFHwF8CG0wRHwY2_HF4hiTokV8wZW_-6fg0l0mBIAS07_TAAQOupdtoN0HStnu3jbzon_iYmJn9CWhg5xywYhvASY3ChKMv9FOQQ1zQ4cu8quS3L6pz1Zg/s400/xmas+decor08+051.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Remember my $7 Santa from a thrift store?<br />(Sorry! hard to take pictures with the windows behind the table - glare)<br /></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276015591338127586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9gLAYL7dlORZnIawkgKN7awWR5VsJiB3mJ5wsyBcweteKLlvJTUhyphenhyphenf_X6T6frqW8H3ZiY50W2ZXx6ZRb4Vho43Ps4qVeZyV-OQfbwntfCizqiy8nirCkzigdiRRkPG9KRhjRtSKkrlQ/s400/xmas+decor08+090.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Getting closer...;)</span></em></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276015602061055586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxbUHe2bL8Kb-LJbGPJk75H9aHFm60826o34uwlRGirDJUMUKBqws2O1gP9WcVL2zE_jexsx-GyR_hf2onYiQyZVaGlmGVUYbol9SdxYTXIEVVylaQNsIMkvKH_n7LCu2MUowK07zz7M/s400/xmas+decor08+065.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>There he is!</em></span></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276015604338057570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7k8hEX4CRBOCrvozKRr4XgplOAarZ2bsypVg2h9tl8NEOiZFgx7_rg5FJw8QNAa7my6HWS7zOO0ATpVyTbW8Be5lvelJeeHdqqXTytalnfA3je0qLwv562HbbyF-IULyK83yo4l61sk/s400/xmas+decor08+081.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbsxvvsd1gShdP2YS1H1ej0_ztA9F6oOjSDtJ-Cg_Vs9EklV6I-Gof1MTpSz9GjjfeKPoE8McIm_WDCpWpzKc1cKwAStxSAvKV6dvYA5t72J8JIj1P4OfJtBcYEGxVFjev30uDOjz7Dk/s1600-h/xmas+decor08+048.jpg"></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Added some Christmas transferware plates that my Mother gave to me as a Christmas gift last year. I had to wait a</em> <em><strong>whole year</strong> to use them!<br /><br /></div></em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275984164390156210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dOtwfyRQ3eEftDrKkLscpN-u60AZRsw8OsUjGno1MlV98WWZcbddTujmf7RJERz0hi-FdnAboJR7QKPBBum4NS6y_wH05K1Aeut7hJIHLDl_mETjYv6iSnmO-_baw3SKDB8zKuoA-aA/s400/xmas+decor08+059.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The goblets too! I was so thrilled that I cried! :)</span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275984158084333538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FMPK_rPGVCoAk6l_2pibLuQ_Ja3sjh65w-m4dEzTxZFTV-3AB91gXmXfeO48lyjH7VOLYU-qzWjc4lVx-03Sclh6xmRZ_xMeiUuYmkg9cwrm1DmLAxUOJBEVmUnGERjZSka-Hz1lLaw/s400/xmas+decor08+058.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><em>That's about it for this room! Thanks for looking and taking the time to leave me wonderful comments! I really do appreciate them and as soon as I am able (i.e. hubby gets better & gives me some peace!;) I will be coming by to visit all of you!</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em><br /></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276012553951156034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1gTFfMGpyQg8yWa-AQ6unUzABOqEJX9DcRj19MPnss7mrvdAoq5mS9op1uh2hOuIlJ0CrWsIcW87YixUGfG8LwUKdvJ-xi1HHH3gcqZeS-Jo4jMMroJL0uB7gJbXwg7wdAHfeTAczrw/s400/xmas+decor08+073.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><em>Merry Christmas!<br /></em></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276029879792218818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-H-Z3qRMtY9Q2R4DEfbvLp9YytiX5BBcxQsv3r_UOJliAviPqydkAVfV4ZHz2JqISYfpO88INcyvef3WzLXYKyeDkr7XLL1B0HwRYXi-PIIdEjGjeyxf0xmhgmo7EoW9ZynnUIcmIa8/s400/xmas+decor08+069.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-36261240619327271862008-12-01T16:00:00.000-08:002008-12-02T06:22:11.085-08:00Christmas Decor!!<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFC-yEkujyNzvsQavBpK_BRIt9Pjk5AExKcZOnLWjOIsb1Tq3SVEiN0mrdkrvlqab_vaIppu9jXlKtnr5cQCM2cWMVDNFgBx2iioxucXS6N4eabmT5vNRKd4dEmWS7bd9hOdZU10kFzc/s1600-h/xmas+decor08+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274949413383981442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFC-yEkujyNzvsQavBpK_BRIt9Pjk5AExKcZOnLWjOIsb1Tq3SVEiN0mrdkrvlqab_vaIppu9jXlKtnr5cQCM2cWMVDNFgBx2iioxucXS6N4eabmT5vNRKd4dEmWS7bd9hOdZU10kFzc/s400/xmas+decor08+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Phew!!</span> I got one room done <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>( did I just say done? silly me, decorating fanatics don't have <strong>that</strong> word in their vocabulary!) </em>so I thought I better jump on the bandwagon and start posting!<em> </em>I have to admit, I was really <span style="font-size:180%;">Intimidated!</span> I have seen some <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#990000;"><em>Gorgeous Holiday Decorati</em></span><span style="color:#990000;">ng</span></span> out there! It has made me realize that I don't have enough<span style="color:#ff6600;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#990000;">"</span><span style="color:#006600;">S</span><span style="color:#990000;">t</span><span style="color:#006600;">u</span><span style="color:#990000;">f</span><span style="color:#006600;">f</span><span style="color:#990000;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#006600;">!</span> - Will have to hit those after season sales... </span><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The Dining Room</span></em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274954960734111490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH28O8xXfoGsTUagD7jgMES0kznaHDmQkhyeCTyrnkum7Lyywj6XuNl6IBVS2jaxIFkK9tKSYdpXuMufRadm_aZIJWWxzYYkmXowxaXPLLfQkxK2oYjqxjUCGcR1Oypp1BY-dKvlzKjZM/s400/xmas+decor08+014.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274969582809523298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDR1P2055QN-HTvBI7LBa2qTAbSJtPevAIqfGRJHAvi6FANuSt7BvaNhzm9bLzqrteEpcTv815Sw3rOcEL775PvlE5BT4j4BR7ESL7SRQrpm5Spxnvws6k-H-VfSWxQmgYNv_bNm0wvU/s400/xmas+decor08+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274949404760962098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJp0HBywRvhoNq2zookKIAz1ygI_bLk14JiFd7bqV84VXRKoE9EbbroZyRP908sWS2aEMl5fbPy9YVppYbCAd1nTmPqxud1DL6QeFkA85l2wGx1L8nOq7ZwSLDcGxjzYy9tq1IjGtAmk/s400/xmas+decor08+026.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274949397424973522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bwnZ3SYlin6jWTnYwJfVWHzxEtUgCrZR_oMmB94mVi-XbJFlUK6WQ-U4XQpfFZXZ5Ida6zjXVeQh4cDg8I48adNh4h0O4SYSY-2PwNCv9w4xTOCROLyKOBrb62ob19lvMKyYh5rvQuU/s400/xmas+decor08+023.jpg" border="0" /><em> <span style="font-size:85%;">Do you know it's hard to take a picture of a lighted tree?<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274969581678606466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAD4dpKRP-R01XbGTam-gnbMxbC-7CeEgEFocm-WNW05fjkgl_maqIh1lZbLlujUioDmcVpVl3_ZUOIh3-sENn5JMd2uMamxFISJvCSN-BbozuUmcR-Uzv3K87GqMWUJjbdztN8CQvOw/s400/xmas+decor08+009.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274974654611918434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlV8THARKDqZqbwIqMvy40MZNGcG_VJ-pqVHbuWjx6htAXg83NDrHwb46lZTzozzk86Xxs8oOt4tuMVCIIawoyBxF6yS-gG3oNeGdx7WS0xGbnw-C856gSpBqGOl663nxdEheTxE7WRs/s400/xmas+decor08+027.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274949408569729970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMkldzTNRr0aeo1nyUi4eeirfAref1qnlbmINVaqulM4bG3C2B55pHle7zwHeckeGIps8_-Vr1upKA-alywMinsZrcHd4gxUrCwW_j5WcTlR6gd12vPasllRbm76JR5FFEntmPpNuzt4/s400/xmas+decor08+028.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274954982542663410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfdg0p6iHBO4YFk3ZlGXXU174TYcNXj6DJpKrBLyQBzzjECH9lNJLHzUjnV6fjREVhN8HAteW1xd-BTtcsi2OUsj6B40EmiDaraBcdTuGrDV0hlrfzUT1BFp5gpklTpBobtYlYneTXuY/s400/xmas+decor08+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274969588993155762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID8b84ulXu2cuRXp5l7c5wJd9TXGlMJp_Yx8e_ANfW-FKMjWPImLCHacBUUj_qdPitW3fHp6sxQpL2MeOGPMbfqjc56WfGp3wRgJO7FkFS_egP2028QyCL1y5Yjfp4tVQ1DTNHUmRGBE/s400/xmas+decor08+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274914792854401746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYCDcw1vCOw8mEBTyhaESyT6WM6N0yOlpin2C5CYFaaqnRJe6fOBWj0iG_VhKfWN5UrxHXCocfTIk2xljlWN7KPwM04mwRqEZ8jpDcrGH-FBX1xjMouB_fLSeNGlbtQ9P2rJksYq2rzY/s400/xmas+decor08+012.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274914779367946162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2NXHrInBP5T08PXEETNuuXJVNmSZhdGVuaegT6CV9HvBlseMJwKzJaoS3tjNypoint892k1H1fDXNvN23MuAQSc6VTHAa7RGshO6aLx59FxTm8IL5IZDm2caocDqlbJTLG0ZVTdQ-yU/s400/xmas+decor08+005.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274954972532617570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQYZ9fzJc3D9vp2lhBxPfXLDY6ji_MEyW1QQH4TQ0g93SdSEcTaIxzmhGoZXIk7MNu6tAXwxLsET_vYZptSdOS8iLDa6_wVRS2KpuZzznwVcbp_w_38CxOYu7DtoxCcjf5BSOZc0lIyM/s400/xmas+decor08+016.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Sorry - these might seem redundant! It always takes an extremely Looonnng time to upload pictures that I tend to forget which ones I already did!)<br /></em><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274914787229625538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFP2b3KvhevjLpiEQf7fLbrKX1yqgaaDGrZKUngoBrgafSytNW-5ezGszd1ZdmtteG2PMFU6YgE4nPklncWgA3DDhKI0d2hIqKB9fCJY-dEPJ0mOtSohP6W63hzrcW-7x0USNW1DTEME/s400/xmas+decor08+007.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274954968549993650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOJ-if85UeQBpIG-u2etWMQGXN4GboW1NNme78PcfqO5pTC8h1C9qSM1WKtZ5j_gUhrCbsOaAz-IboC1qqG-8Xr7jleOOak0A_8F1UzxL5HkRXeEiPB741KepQtTqnx9B8Z5eO68ybgs/s400/xmas+decor08+015.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274925333353387634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Vn7gXoQrTZgPh-c0eWsJX083gcj0SWF2PK6EtSE7M7KvKTB0M7mBlkDGIHkw6OONSo9iGXLbBo-vyjsYwDgdh_nWXhiQQqATyRyFYer4DwIPaULSvpcf1nw53Yf6HXYLeav92fLTLXI/s400/xmas+decor08+013.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">On top of the piano....</span><br /></em><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274974642522433346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0h1Y3uvSLN0Zt8YDBd6MQmFeV1hWMvX1anUcC3h_vysc1kP8FrSAum4CL67vdgZbPUorW89l7VN-W7Ahl39jblPp60LyjLWJnotYypsjkXoHFpjVGOrPPYGTEGHc-_U99LgIWm1lWRY/s400/xmas+decor08+024.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274925340121471202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8cacoMQxx0d0VxKF_0fBPRm3_aBo0Iesw3p0ZbLxcQlmD9LdtKpzeo0dU17dsiUVY6WDSidnNfgDP_H3t_6yXR7l9ewNie6fZ6NsslH_Vcy3FvPHdOoZQ_NlOgMJTf9co8KHhTtmUxs/s400/xmas+decor08+022.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274974647842154162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU2bfXvF9X11hx4Nw2CbUTHf83eAlTkBEFQw3sGikpT-aOFP5sjxkE8Gb0b-FzyEEqSC_WnkrJgy5oduQ4e1nxCWjKo_eQElq8_j-DY6sLT3sSFs7NjeMLcg7Y2j-G6g5x-IPLUAB5dk/s400/xmas+decor08+033.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A little village under glass with lighted houses, a moving train & music.<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274974652015554594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJP4JTo8N0YsbEl1U7BVj8ogGoZ27l_536p9fAR7hl49qeOsXD6hweKz8vx4W-Wu76iBiW-wYWF4wUUFuoFbqF5Df7DYdl5gtuvriFb7LnCPUC4t9wcJmUcaqX-AdU6yCpy_voV0vkME/s400/xmas+decor08+034.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A peek into the entry - still fussing with that garland! I hang all the family stockings off the railing - including the extended family who stays overnight with us - don't have enough room on the mantle...<br /></span></em><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274914776329280610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypXQmqlhzHk3wVs_Hns6WV9I7GtaK2tQo-gkx4to7gcr6T2ac1hVR_Kmk8HMKZL612eBeH1ht41b4o9cg00Tmxx9Eny7vKDEhaaMjMR4lTnLtdFLMRGXizFD53qdMhc2UOVOLkcq3JNI/s400/xmas+decor08+020.jpg" border="0" /><br />And that's it for now...still have a few more rooms to complete! Stay tuned.....<br /><br /><br />This post took me ALL day! Not because the kids were home but because the HUSBAND was! ;)<br /><br /><br /><p></p><p> </p>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-84954644010442327592008-11-29T19:35:00.000-08:002008-11-29T21:45:03.797-08:00I NEEDED a BREAK from Christmas Decorating!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1TolJ6Ej7QCYuLtfioc2vpRj_DfadCN7tEmcYg4X1mddD8wj5cjA9dfldqrNuz4WnkYBKaIVYfUvFUzZinDzW63oEh55ilVCLYo5NLSiBBkU5mt_yPIwiRkQuvPbSRM1ATaPifDy0Lw/s1600-h/xmas+tree+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274299103608432466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1TolJ6Ej7QCYuLtfioc2vpRj_DfadCN7tEmcYg4X1mddD8wj5cjA9dfldqrNuz4WnkYBKaIVYfUvFUzZinDzW63oEh55ilVCLYo5NLSiBBkU5mt_yPIwiRkQuvPbSRM1ATaPifDy0Lw/s400/xmas+tree+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Oh Goody!!</span> I have been tagged by Melissa from <a href="http://melissasheartandhome.blogspot.com/">Melissa's Heart & Home </a>to name 6 unknown facts about myself.<span style="font-size:130%;"> I,</span><em> </em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>welcomed</em> </span></strong>this opportunity to stop my <em><span style="color:#990000;">Christmas disaster decorating</span></em>. My whole house is in shambles and the family is complaining they are out of clean underwear! oops! I kind of let the laundry slide a bit... We have just had a busy week with a family birthday, a 5 girl sleepover, Thanksgiving and my all consuming need to decorate EARLY this year.</div><br /><br /><div>Okay let me see if I can get the rules right - I am cutting & pasting here!;)</div><br /><br /><div>~~ 6 Random Things About Myself.~~</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the rules.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Link to the person who tagged you.</div><div><br />2. Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6)</div><div><br />3. Write 6 random things about yourself.<br /></div><div>4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.</div><br /><div>5. Let each person know they been tagged and leave them a comment.</div><br /><div>6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.</div><div><br /></div><div>~~~~~~Here are my 6 random things: ~~~~~~<br /><br /></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Oooh scary! how much do I want to reveal about myself!)</span></em></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">1. My Age - <span style="font-size:130%;">35 -</span> but I have a round,baby face so people tend to think I am a bit younger.. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Thank you Mom & Granny for the wonderful genes... but about our chubby knees - not so much!)</em></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">2. We all live on our family ranch. My Mom has a house about half a mile down the road with my Grandparents living above her in their separate quarters (i.e. own kitchen, entrance, etc) so we see one another daily - even if it's just to deliver the mail!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">3. We host weddings out here on the ranch during the summer months. We have seen all sorts of brides & grooms with um...<em>interesting</em>.. ideas of how they want their wedding <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(i.e. Star Trek theme & a Disneyland/ Minnie & Mickey Mouse EVERYWHERE theme)</span></em> Sometimes you get the feeling which ones will go the distance and which ones <strong><em>might not</em></strong> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(i.e. the happy couple screaming at each other via cell phones 10 minutes before the ceremony!).</span></em> It tends to take the romance out of weddings when we have seen so many!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">4.We raise cattle! We have 7 horses, a donkey, several dogs and a few barn cats. Once upon a time we used to have about 80 goats! Now we don't even have a single one. Just ask Mr. Mt. Lion all about that! Not that he got all 80 but we weren't taking any chances. Small livestock just don't do well out here!</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:100%;">5. Our house before this one was around 900 sq.ft. with only 2 bedrooms! For 5 of us! It was an old cottage on our property that we fixed up when we got married over 12 years ago with the idea of building a new home shortly after. <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Hahahahahahahaha!</strong></span> Took us <strong>YEARS</strong> of struggles with the county to get our building permit for our current house even though no one can see our house from town. We just didn't see their reasoning of why we couldn't build, so through perseverance <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(and several visits to our county supervisors office for complaints)</span></em> we finally got our permits.....Three kids later!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">6.My husband is a <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Landscape Contractor</span></strong> and... </span><span style="font-size:78%;">we don't have a yard! </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Did you all catch that? My husband is one talented, hardworking guy<em><span style="font-size:85%;"> (and I slug him for every arbor, gazebo, paver driveway or lawn that I have to print pictures of for his photo album)</span></em> but he just hasn't had the time or the energy for our own.....sigh...someday....so in the meantime to make it easier for him <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(heh-heh!)</span></em> I have been cutting & cropping pictures of my dream yard for when the time comes and boy will he ever be impressed with how much faith I have in his talent! </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Think Winterthur, Butchart Gardens or the Chateau de Versailles Gardens....;)</em></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:100%;">That's about it! Nothing too shocking right?</span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Okay so now it's my turn to tag a few people and I am sorry if you've been through this before, but it just means you are a </span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">VERY INTERESTING</span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">PERSON</span> and we can't get enough of you! So go ahead and dig out those skeletons in your closets, recall that most embarassing moment or make something up if you have to! ;)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">1. Laurie - <a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/">Bargain Hunting with Laurie</a>. (my longlost twin who not only has a beautiful home filled with toile, she can WRITE as well!; )</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">2. Cynthia - <a href="http://thegregbeefamily.blogspot.com/">Creative Chaos </a>(just only discovered her blog but she is so funny - I love hearing about her motherhood ups & downs!)</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">3. Heather - <a href="http://hopscotchandhydrangeas.blogspot.com/">Hopscotch & Hydrangeas</a>. (Busy Mom of 3- but has time for blogging & an etsy store - my hero!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">4. Dot - <a href="http://picketsplace.blogspot.com/">Picket's Place</a>.(just the sweetest lady EVER...with the best posts!)</span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">5. Kristen - <a href="http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/">Kristen's Creations</a>.(someone who I could houseswap with and be perfectly content!)</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">6. Angie - <a href="http://thehappyhomebody.blogspot.com/">The Happy Homebody</a> (Amazing what this lady can do with some paint & garage sale finds!)</span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">Okay Girls! It's your turn!..... </span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;">For me - it's back to decorating!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274299097202786850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHhcXr9RGLBgtx8ga50c-tYEcRBtQOkK8mXfKl1mM56pkJdU2wjyeWXE48n6-fyS2VjUy1FULBMri7yEFVzQAJxYWyFwM5Tls327AOHZN8aO_nuQ58NHGaX5evkq2wkHYizOdB9SyXSg/s400/xmas+tree+011.jpg" border="0" /></span></div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-79025527701945520842008-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:002008-11-23T10:14:21.378-08:00Am I excused?<span style="font-family:verdana;"><em>Dear Fellow Bloggers,</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em>Please excuse Laurie <span style="font-size:85%;">(aka Decorating Fanatic)</span> for the next few days from Blogland. The poor dear has had many family obligations <span style="font-size:85%;">(i.e. Mother's birthday weekend & 11 year's slumber party) </span>that she will be unable to participate in her regular duties. She promises to keep up with her homework <span style="font-size:85%;">(christmas decorating) </span><span style="font-size:100%;">with a full report. She will return to her normal self within a few days. Any questions, please call 555-5555. Thank you.</span></em></span><br /><br /><br /><br />Just a little post to excuse my absence for the next few days. We are having a full weekend celebrating my Mother's 62nd birthday. Yesterday, her and I went shopping in a little beach town about an hours drive and then had dinner with my sister & friend. Just girls roaming the streets, window shopping and burning off our dinner under all the christmas lights. It was lovely! Today we do the family birthday with kids & grandkids.<br /><br /><br /><br />I've also promised my daughter a mini sleepover (4 little girls besides herself) on Tuesday evening so I've got to gather up the essentials (i.e. chips, soda, icecream & dvd's with Zac Effron in them!) and ship the two brothers off to Grandma's house for the night.<br /><br /><br /><br />But seeing all the beautiful Christmas decor displayed by fellow bloggers is driving me insane!! I am so ready to start my decorating madness<br />beginning with this adorable Santa I picked up yesterday in a thrift store for $7!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271913273990410898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1cGtCDTFT55lD1FQd618gIIm65ITyKkh1zyGDAaa_xWlrM6glGcwafGHIu0C2AuzNBtKgJzbdNq-P8fOUPouStsREMSKZMLhL4n3ps87o1OPGJh92rGyaWPbhuY57OuPhmk98rxnO3w/s400/santa.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p>I am sure everyone one is running around like <em>a turkey with it's head cut off</em> <span style="font-size:85%;">(sorry, couldn't resist!) </span><span style="font-size:100%;">with last minute details & plans but I do hope everyone has a chance to relax & enjoy their holiday. </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!</strong></span></p>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-49964716844977161232008-11-20T18:00:00.000-08:002008-11-20T18:39:24.508-08:00A Roaring Fire...not yet!<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">During</span> the summer months, I was always bothered by the big, dark hole in the fireplace. Our fireplace is propane - <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(our city won't allow any wood burning fireplaces in new construction to help keep the air clean) </em></span><span style="font-size:100%;">and it already has a glass door on it. I didn't want an iron or mesh screen that I could still see through.</span></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270916405334626338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytjE69xKFVshivPyPqY6SSK3tBb2TkGBlSLe0iG9DlTONOyj2gdgAosWHz2zokOH2pbXwLtyp2pOLh5e-CB8bnRP60SmHUPReuRjL5kfvV-JSt8JoHhcJMn0MBPOFqVDr_vj2XsknYuU/s400/red+room+011.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />So after looking at all different types of screens...I came across this one in an antique shop. The wood carving reminded me of our mantle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270862368024449746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBIl5-yeYivNPFYa6gPNFirsydkzSAUvIoh6CA56GWr2DZOIzt6_3REs9DUD0KWC9ePSbgdGZaMrFq80JnMQZWSohPUDP6lL5DbluTfa943p_-e5Z3H4JzZVN7xff4s2Hk8YvKO3pPnQ/s400/fireplace+screen3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />The store owner was kind enough to let me put it on <strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Layaway</span></em></strong> for a few months. It's easier on the budget and on justifing it to the husband... ;)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270916399944098338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAekiXbhZABp2PlNxcs-kZyaMmpBT_Zx32Ba0byj9z8mIsiYchSNNQPC-syjsyLDq6FZ4-aB1rnV_yKYw7BthrXjTmygEAOGLEtD6DpDpHaq3QJvfi8DYOAnUHRKBLsoluD_POteDYGY/s400/fireplacescreen7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />So a few months later - it was mine! As beautiful as the needlepoint was ...it was a little old and a little stinky! and it just didn't go in the room I had intended to use it in....<strong>Please,</strong> <strong><em>no one shoot me</em> </strong>for doing this but I carefully removed the old needlepoint and replaced it with a new fabric.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270916403394853026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4h2V00MJFEk69j3sqYTSrUYY2KdQ0PYE9C7UmmPQQZTvSL0asZdFv5JexUft87SXz5RaP4PHFjBR4tex6Ip4Qkv7g127l7sFoq_oDaR5nRn_kZggZt07AdCeLRO-450muFpsG-PD9C8/s400/fireplace+screen+8.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I know this picture is a little hard to see - open frame after removing old needlepoint. I was gluing up some joints so that's why it has cording tied around it - it was what I had handy!<br /></span></em><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270916394062846370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASqrdPeYbUMQhJZrmPK0xtv6mv-tLojL49KzstmWMsV26X7st2IoymjlxBqZ53c4W6K2MmdGMDgYgqG8LAlP7KHz38xnh2jYkKt1CZ-OlaAfHu7H7MWQiYiAOCtjNHeF_Am9X0Wk4fMI/s400/fireplace+screen7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Traced around the old fabric with chalk. I added a layer of batting and a back layer of plain fabric.<br /></span></em></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHQwrSixMWLC9-x0CN_bO9WMWRHD01d_PMLqA3Jeei87H6Fiz8YQp78Z9aXWrEpmtj3yMwvAv5kDb8aEphZkgPraufLd57uwPMoqO_7VZnTD6hAnXKgI74-350B5Qec9r0Qxq5mohyphenhyphenJQ/s1600-h/fireplace+screen+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270864627733629426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHQwrSixMWLC9-x0CN_bO9WMWRHD01d_PMLqA3Jeei87H6Fiz8YQp78Z9aXWrEpmtj3yMwvAv5kDb8aEphZkgPraufLd57uwPMoqO_7VZnTD6hAnXKgI74-350B5Qec9r0Qxq5mohyphenhyphenJQ/s400/fireplace+screen+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270864628376505106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3TpEaYj7UlUHd5VWevGn4nORSxRF2geTy0GUzBITAEOekxXre1_CXHMAFyGHCR1_YVtt_WYS3aarhuF4MmVUtZEEoamcbrekyaBoyohIoMzqAvatuec49g9PM2GhWieGhvF1xLgLQRw/s400/fireplace+screen+006.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSpF2vQ-JGWnMDdJ0hPHQcBTNwawpN8YeYaSEr9lo0uMYKgbD7Kdbno-HLnImXtezaxA12y-a0ZGjqxs99t40Nr9Aj1pweVRJAoskI6h7UBqzqYSlmef0Oc0CbX2w6EtaFH52CbNPQLQ/s1600-h/fireplace+screen+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270862377044905538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSpF2vQ-JGWnMDdJ0hPHQcBTNwawpN8YeYaSEr9lo0uMYKgbD7Kdbno-HLnImXtezaxA12y-a0ZGjqxs99t40Nr9Aj1pweVRJAoskI6h7UBqzqYSlmef0Oc0CbX2w6EtaFH52CbNPQLQ/s400/fireplace+screen+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4kWTurHhlZxR7xmiFOQibi9ZXZTYVKHr9gQ9ukRpWPvZcBSs1HAHfsrpqf37gWXT_lFFwNwgPkJ69VDAbPeG9xs8k6j2EFKhrixcpt-VGfcBEyE5VPVt2qKyDMtiyYFv0kSu7N0oChQ/s1600-h/fireplace+screen+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270862369196896626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4kWTurHhlZxR7xmiFOQibi9ZXZTYVKHr9gQ9ukRpWPvZcBSs1HAHfsrpqf37gWXT_lFFwNwgPkJ69VDAbPeG9xs8k6j2EFKhrixcpt-VGfcBEyE5VPVt2qKyDMtiyYFv0kSu7N0oChQ/s400/fireplace+screen+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Now that I finally have the screen, and did all the work on it, I can't really enjoy it just yet, for I am anxious to start Holiday decorating and you can't do the holidays without a roaring fire and you can't see that fire behind this screen<em><span style="font-size:85%;">...(do I make any sense?.. I want the screen, I don't want the screen! )</span></em> So...sigh... the screen will go into the closet (<em><span style="font-size:85%;">that my husband hates because it is loaded with my stuff</span></em> ) until the holidays are over. It will give me something to look forward to when the house looks "naked" after the holidays are over.<br /><br /><em>Before</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925092528854450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7Vi1cUWxyEWUEeI9HI0OVb1ReGWFMb83efrkxQCUfTJ1q442X3O8CDWekDVerQ7HCBsVPpmPcKEvirdyBvqs0I-o7p_5LHCR3U9flutdGwXJHqXIuasb9wQ0mPYGrJzEMBCxOCAIMaE/s400/red+room+003.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><em>After<br /></em><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925092982513298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5N0AJKTcQnOtobSTQ0wmyPgGPeNLiPfwDQ7dpBX_4HMWnwpeuez3tAmbnwoMmtX0vcSQsSfpgcFbIREzN8tCAQL1zpfBy0vOPcUaQVrILf3lDa4HcFDMMzs9ZBxqN7DPITVYS5UGUG4/s400/fireplace+screen+005.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p>As for the needlepoint piece - not sure if I can do anything with it. Even though it came off it one piece - it is pretty dusty & moldy smelling with a few hundred little tacks in it. Anyone got any suggestions?<br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">P.S.- I laughed so hard at all of your comments on my mattress woes! I've been busy with the kid's school the last 2 days but I will be swinging by all of your blogs to catch up! I still haven't had a good night's rest but either the mattress IS softening up (and I would NEVER admit that to my husband!) or I am getting used to it (and I would NEVER EVER admit THAT to my husband either!);)</span></em> </p>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-26239662173596414852008-11-18T18:30:00.000-08:002008-11-18T18:30:13.296-08:00Who wants to buy a husband? - Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270165537895528578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_EP9FElmX0QZuRh9k0EdeBdbw9lG-YGaMP1SJEmlS9Pxzbm-kaXoFV_us6e7V13hrDJw-AXv1CvlNsqOio3JWEgUErED5gwYuqaz_4dZUNX_jfUNfTmJw0KOOZH1N5lWE6-z-9USWFw/s400/blogpic.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">My Grandmother</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Granny)</em></span> used to sing that to us when we were little, except she would insert "piggy" where I put "husband"...</div><br /><br /><div>Let me start at the begining....</div><br /><br /><div>We bought a new mattress two years ago. One of those plush, soft pillow top numbers....If any of you have bought a mattress in the past couple of years you know that you can't flip them & rotate them like you used to, to even them out. So our lovely new mattress ended up with mountains and valleys after only a few months . It didn't really bother me all that much, that mattress was meant for you to sink into and I felt it was doing it's job nicely! Well, my husband complained daily about his back - <strong>nag, nag, nag, complain, complain, complain!</strong></div><br /><br /><div>Now supposedly our mattress came with a 10 year warranty. <strong>HA!</strong> Good luck trying to get them to own up to that part of the deal. You have to call an 800# and get out your ruler and measure your dips. They won't even talk to you if it isn't at least an inch. Doesn't sound so hard right..? </div><div>Try waiting on hold for 30 minutes while no one answers your call. So we hung up and life went on....</div><br /><br /><div>Finally after two years of hearing my husband's morning ritual of <span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>"oh, my aching back"</strong></em></span>. We again call the 800# and after a long wait on hold, had to get down right angry with their agent, requesting their supervisor, etc. Then we get an appointment for a <strong>Mattress Inspector! </strong></div><br /><br /><div>The <strong>Mattress Inspector</strong> came out to see our stripped down bed, while he pushed on it, peeked under it <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(one of my secret hiding places!)</span></em> and asked us a few questions, he then pulled out two weighted cones with measurements on them which he placed in the valleys. He then pulled out a string with a weight at either end and draped it across the bed to see the mountains & valleys and get their measurements and takes a few pictures. He makes a report and turns it into the mattress company and they determine if we have a case. <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(Very nice man, I have to say. Anyone who removes their shoes before entering my home out of consideration for me is A-Ok in my book! But it was a little weird watching a strange man jump up and down on our bed!)</em></span></div><br /><br /><div>Yippee! We get the call a week later! Go on down to the store for a replacement mattress! My husband goes down to the store the next day - claiming he ain't sleeping on that mattress any longer than he has too, <em><strong>while I stay at home sick</strong></em>....do you see where this is going? I never should have told him about that phone call, I should have waited until I felt better to go jump around on a few mattress with him, but I seriously thought we would just get a replacement of the EXACT SAME KIND. Remember the kind it was? the soft, cushy pillow top number. <span style="color:#3366ff;">DISCONTINUED!</span> that gives my husband <span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">FREE REIN</span> to pick out our new mattress. He comes home that Saturday <span style="color:#ff6600;">THRILLED!</span> - saying our mattress will be delivered on Monday.<br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><div>Monday comes around, two guys pull up to the house, heft this HUGE mattress up the stairs<span style="font-size:85%;"> <em>(which I had to remove pictures, rugs while they struggled going up the stairs - I stood guard over my precious lamps in the foyer - willing to throw my body over them in case the mattress came flying over the railing!)</em></span> They place the new mattress on the box spring and I go over to check it out. I carefully try to sit my tush on the edge of the bed. I couldn't reach it! hmmm.....okay, I turn around and have to heft myself up on this <span style="font-size:130%;">TABLE </span>and nearly bounce right off of it, that's how <strong>HARD</strong> it is! </div><br /><br /><div>I immediately start in on my husband! What were you thinking?! He & the two delivery men (who probably just took pity on him) claim it would soften up after a couple of weeks. </div><br /><br /><div>Last night was our first night on the <strong>"piece of plywood".</strong> First off, this baby doesn't even move when you go to get up on it, it's so darn high you need a step stool (can't do the flying leap, you just go bouncing right off of it after feeling like you hit a <span style="color:#cc0000;">brick</span> wall) then once up there, you feel like you are laying on a <span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;">hospital table</span>. I could not fall asleep until well after midnight! About every hour, I would wake up in pain because my arms and legs would be numb, couldn't roll over on my tummy because <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;">the girls</span></em> had no "valleys" in the mattress and were being squished! In fact, the bedroom floor would have been more cushiony because at least it has PADDING! I woke up this morning in such a foul mood, waking up the whole household, stomping down the stairs, slamming the kitchen doors & drawers!. My back hunched over, my hips numb, my eyeballs gritty...and down walks the husband....smiling...and ....<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">SINGING!!!!!!!!</span> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>When did things change? when did I lose my control? I was ALWAYS the one who chose <em>this or that</em> for the house...<span style="color:#cc0000;">WHAT WENT WRONG!?! </span></div><br /><br /><div>But now I am singing my own song..."Who wants to buy a husband? Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!"</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-2172562592161408182008-11-15T12:15:00.000-08:002008-11-15T12:23:02.029-08:00Funny Things Kids Say...<div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cnfj1A5F3Te4zgUQqvzKS23w-Gs_VS1W7s9ksaJPwNMZw57PJnr7un2brTxcrUA3UAKZ2lVSO8mnyQsnF0XM_iHBi8DHTX6qnYjZhyZPqaMQFRDvKeYDUeXOvB7abv9aCN9o0uPUl2g/s1600-h/07xmas+cared+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268949724582148626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cnfj1A5F3Te4zgUQqvzKS23w-Gs_VS1W7s9ksaJPwNMZw57PJnr7un2brTxcrUA3UAKZ2lVSO8mnyQsnF0XM_iHBi8DHTX6qnYjZhyZPqaMQFRDvKeYDUeXOvB7abv9aCN9o0uPUl2g/s400/07xmas+cared+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">We </span>have 3 children. An 11 year old daughter and 2 sons ages 9 & 4. Most of the time it's utter chaos, a few fleeting moments of bliss and then some moments where my mouth drops open and I don't know what to say. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Here are a few of those funny moments...</em></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268957783460384978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqqwthwmV8GEb8ELW7tJU12EkUbUScer8cLdiUzoMLTUF06dH_15oRIQESX_OHxuYfiHMwgmcYClsHV0JyGIDj-lvMkbq08-p5E3Um_W6WhmzsGHoySZ6bGueliiluF_cwqacxDNrUic/s400/camera+phone+2006+134.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Brotherly Love - at least half of the time anyway!)</span><br /><br />A few weeks back the 4 year old threw our 9 year old's hand held video game device (i.e. Nintendo DS) and unfortunately it broke. This was just <strong>torture</strong> to my 9 year old because he likes to spend as much time on it as possible. My husband claims he can fix it.<br /><br />So in the car the other day my 9 year old says to me "I wish Dad would hurry up and fix my DS!"<br /><br />..and I say "no, I like you much better without it!"<br /><br />To which the 4 year old pipes up in the backseat just seconds later "<strong>well, it's a good thing I broke it then</strong>!"<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>I tried really hard not to laugh on that one!</em></div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268973971437862354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1rrpHimE1UWS3JTBQgSz81qQ6QXrrnS7x9Z82BqXA__K7mFzhIr8kkmK-eIzFf8B60S5HzS4etJX8fWT5qgRDuM-aCQdJv5zOpIVIuW2-SGOT2w9xG1K88ElGwRCwRZQZIuUibpHHF8/s400/gabealex2.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(My second born - about 3 years old)</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268957790387149106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphwTJMhAHZWPzesljPOE5wR7q0kWVBxwak5sclVbeueN9WdA1_mURdpnZGRl7CAWE53LPoBH_Lv1dBz0Cqhg2dpdK8F2HWdmIVZo73qBgptIsGduWxZTxdvhT7rBxMZDAL-pr8Lt0lnk/s400/camera+phone+2006+217.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Our youngest when he was about 2 putting a bandaid on his "boo-<em>bie")</em></span><br /><br /><br />When my 9 year old son was much younger, around 4 he was fighting something awful with his older sister who was about 6. So I turn to my son and say "Now you apologize to your sister and say you're sorry!"<br /><br /><div align="center">So my son turns to his sister and without any emotion or remorse in his voice says in a sing song voice " <strong>Sor </strong>- <strong>ry</strong>"<br /></div><br />And I turn again to him and say "oh no, you say it with feeling!"<br /><br /><div align="center">So my son turns again to his sister to apologize and says in the same monotone sing song voice <strong>"with feel -ing!"</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Oh that one still makes me laugh!</em></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268965967992161666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaF-400SPEOUE7DO1I3I3tdauHk5rAtrtX8O3v9gNlvRdh5JKY8Rjduwsh6soCRZQcrp4Zvmyp8pVJmGrlxFko1pqG_Dd_XwpsaQugTD_vgAJcylZTmavzA2ywRgBveqI3LKJtW-WH68/s400/scan.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Is it obvious he did NOT want to pose for this picture?)</span><br /><br /><p><br />My daughter was 2 years old when my second child was born. After about a week of us being home with the new baby and the changes that come with a sibling, my daughter turns to my husband and innocently asks "When do you take <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">IT </span></strong>back to the hospital?" :)</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268961395428947618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TCm6s_15pGb1gc0apOkUcAcpWcMcie8c83fd5OlM7LCQUqNqg0zRU6tulqoXjSAUsrTuUC0nZMSleJbex1OAb-lOPm5SxoKPgiVixgx9oGDW_R4o3VgZg78oR5rjqJHaHkLMCf-cQKk/s400/gabe&isabelasleep2.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(about the time frame that my daughter wanted to return her brother)</span><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268973979017998722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf2yztmFFNyodWcRCvGgaBhyphenhyphenIutwOZsawj6W9P0BTvfCiuAi4IMePwYGCICxRotC4KYxt_1b7oqO8HoImCs2G-dHugJN5vrdyWEF-r3-pqgbf8mBxD8zO-U-V08PgftT-1XXJzpZvkps/s400/Kids+%26+Belle.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(My first two - posing with "Belle")<br /></span><p>Another time that stands out in my mind was when my middle child was about 4. He came running into the room urgently trying to explain something to his Grandma and I, but wasn't getting to the point. You know alot of "ums..."<br /></p><br /><br /><p>So I turn to him "What is it Gabe? Come on, Spit it out!" Do you know that my son took me literally and turned and <em>spit</em> on the floor?! Oh we laughed for he was only doing what his Mama told him to do!</p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268957781209001218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_cjRMzo6p3yXuMLB1Og2vhP9dn2ZgdUuEvBVPrDctRQDU-grgZ53GlAP8bnbdYTxdO2hs_Cxosslw7Psq-zgi6z1pMx2g32UBnNl465rk9jGhl7PMdpE4np4c1kzzXidJDp1WqoHj_w/s400/camera+phone+2006+110.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Our youngest and what 3 tiny M&M's can do on a long car ride.)</span><br /><br /><p>Just this morning my four year old and I were talking about Christmas and he told me that it came after Thanksgiving and after Grandma's birthday. He then said "I am going to get Grandma something <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">breakable</span></strong> for her birthday!" For my son knows that pretty things are often "breakable"!</p>Those are just a few of the stories that make Motherhood memorable!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268961403253942290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5K4xbsaZl2kc0lE3izLSTVShApQgVktD9kOepvZpI6eejFIkEwA9QZBZaxr3kotH0jpk6_m5c3Sr6S-Gh5IOqC-o_rXYa1c2L4t2nkYnylTVXOocu8UyoCqOh4EpDHo9HqUPWzqGMbQ0/s400/scan0008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268964729754228514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJEG9n4GS4-aobGVorlmdnTbCqW69ShhSf0iC3ICErh0bptBp6_yhox9i5soqaYU6uLNV0guOsbarZ6rk6x2dQC0H4tWGAb8x-ERtvpsosKOqAXjb1b0FPGDXpXEZLxoln3SM1qwCZeE/s400/scan0001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /></div></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-38071305860366327522008-11-13T12:25:00.000-08:002008-11-13T12:30:40.829-08:00Using What My Mama Gave Me....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pxvLk1UcRd-XU_KPOCAXnhop7fp-BU59vJ0vf4wHTFRamxLHMI3QmTZX-gsGZc6CDULbmRVwqSxKJHLRaBcesgwD6WlKhsfRU8LZUWYftCncl823MvmrLYBvDh3BhL_Ab_Z0bcTCPS4/s1600-h/new+desk+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268223797994091714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pxvLk1UcRd-XU_KPOCAXnhop7fp-BU59vJ0vf4wHTFRamxLHMI3QmTZX-gsGZc6CDULbmRVwqSxKJHLRaBcesgwD6WlKhsfRU8LZUWYftCncl823MvmrLYBvDh3BhL_Ab_Z0bcTCPS4/s400/new+desk+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Well,</span> she only <em>gave </em>it to me after I hounded her a little bit. She had this old secretary desk that my Dad had given as a gift to her in the 80's. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268233585958882226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXQDgJVrYfeXajMKhDFLKcm-0WhzFmgsb5RLMLXOoVieLTdb2feAhi0yDB21i4Hpq42B6IyWr69pUmNY8x6cupbVPD8g5D7hB7aDMgINYV8m_GbHYqhTLyiyZDDcISqN9tGTUorf7b1U/s400/new+desk+022.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>And I had this big chair in my bedroom - <em><span style="font-size:85%;">only due to the fact it was about an inch too big to fit into the tv room, which as comfy as it was, just "bugged" me. I always felt like it had a neon flashing sign pointing right at it!</span></em></div><br /><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268214996149861122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdXJu9COhNswL9rzecWOmBUABOZrE3ueJqpeAuQnRCgvonXoZsN7xd5I-Mb7u_YtTrz-vcQPFBOiagxXSqBEEYc6gCYZHLHoawttRvx0KoW6ccqeAUyRLNjtYYkD2BiW0Zy8nI6cxbwc/s400/bedroom+pics+010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>So after months of me <em>politely</em> <em>asking</em> (ha!) she agreed to give it to me. It was special to her and while she didn't really use it, she wasn't ready to part with it completely... Well, it needed a little work. I am not a fan of "golden oak" as testament to my dining room table and hutches that I restained & repainted (another gift from my Mama!)</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268218947938665650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlYvwXW0cPSk_vlcfLCraLdtiyErSmk6hP1QGjbHlUH0fhV8SiPnOpDA4-w7GMSzmQ-39nBqCoqBGW2wSGwcnGI7-rak0MYEeNmKhKZm0BlQd6oDz2VDv4fiYdTUCMJie7d_jlxeDGFs/s400/front+door+037.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>So after a few weeks of it sitting in our garage - I finally got the husband and his brother to drag the chair out to our guest room and heft this <span style="font-size:130%;">HEAVY</span> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">little lady</span></em> up the stairs. <em>Then I decided </em>to refinish it <strong>IN OUR BEDROOM</strong>. Not such a good idea but with open windows and a tarp underneath, I went to work...<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268218962918175042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUVZC8fJYtBt9vXUOIZmzQdbOmaNtS8YgdDR4dH-CYyEn2dAZz9xKjiSYvOFXr9fS6Kdqn54Vfr8HXa5WqZRzlnj1rVJGNiBIvKg1WfduIMABk_kYME0U5omti-fwg_BVPKhCXM6LeqE/s400/front+door+032.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268218935590047186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIZFa6HD9lJ9rub_OY5ECcYy-SCwn4u3MUPE6hknythk2msjUewB6y7ArEx21ck5OK4Q9GQaG06XPv5C_WBoVfSKGZn-eB0OAkHA4iIzh7p7lMkAwekMeVfSTd_8zHcuP9qdOKi43_NI/s400/front+door+022.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Which is probably why I have a cold now - we had to sleep with the windows open for a few nights for fresh air and two fans on! This little lady wouldn't dry with the colder weather.</span></em></p><div align="center"><br /><br /> </div><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">And Ta Da!.....</span></strong></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>(But I guess it's not such a shock since it's already been posted as picture no#2. Forgive me, I am on cold medicine!)</em><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268225933953707442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLFoNWF92qYT465yvNyRmWgTrZeRF3urekHp8SvsnueR5L42-d3vdVvu647nEYlwl3h5WIWC1Q9gcc0DNREoUXhx-DS-KVKHKAtH6xNHesdN2yUYdhDruFFFaT9hnaoQqGMyD29p-A14/s400/new+desk+007.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268223784615345266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8IRZFKdpokHfPAAH6OGtPTk2tGH5SD8r4bgQTxA49MeJAv3r3D59kGQu18J2rPxnQY9VBpKGrj9yFhmv0ONG7VB8cUHVf8Rfw2mtXti7fER4P-KGsUsrcgJLK0nnt8yVFBkzkR5Iywc/s400/new+desk+001.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268233590601394978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqyL-CLXeNM-79TW7uM5-ytArAezPSyU4bujG3Rn6VLnY1ecexDl-LYRKYrKQDc__9kL-nEtDhXP8h-E-mgmyJxEqIqOGgMpneXKWkPUjkH9reKQwDlj28KEYX4MseLspY3X31wM1-hk/s400/new+desk+023.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268223827679604002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCGUv7d2FCVxEG6pX3HWqs80_zbUx2zrdSoftF6vUQe0i3VBB_AWq46Zk0e8o3lAOSukSqQRBzaRj9NGmUAenPLDKW99hjYsG1HROjwyiFPN3ku5OFObLLLMTOAHAULyr8NXsr-C7Ea4/s400/new+desk+017.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I picked up this chair in an antique store - I need to recover the bottom "cushion"</span></em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268225948456178962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qf-g24-JJtzC4ozeC5Od9ZPS-preHrINSCMW0KN-3z9S1W84m6yRL3n5c-7W-gjK2ewRL8mxe6vFAkLjFLrA1YA2GXIsviOPE0oeStEBUz70fOR7WuYE8tfhztFubvT_5OVAItpCVx8/s400/new+desk+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="left"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">And again, I am happy I took pictures of this desk b/c no one had noticed that I had put 3 out of 4 handles on upside down! Of course I fixed it!<br /></span></em></p><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268223809299579650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV7-ITr4JhE-1Q_HAoxuA8MAzEoO_pxzql08PbBFAG3kSYzEKbj-lWR7CCudpUsprZDgOkNXL9_lzkQFJ2xjxVsJ7jKDV43gGTeNJJzMPvDcwsru9rxO2YDxJMbQFoAdnkR-6HcaSams/s400/new+desk+015.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Cute little lamp from Homegoods. you can't see it but it has little birdies carved in it!<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268223819244878978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYisSdVwXjJPJyyTwJjrCMVhzWSpyJ_cW_jfxhz1zucAlwsqO4A7ZQHJ0Lu47iDwGc6YP2_sOs3JIplbOSBQjB8KlcneWPvHq-dAqEi7CIogE6Ve4xVNd7phubxTvqgZljDaAFJq8wjdk/s400/new+desk+016.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Just some other things around the room...<br /></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268230504613138514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPQNNBWPTC4OOyEVQjnQkKR3Bz-B7TeZ1FTr4LuV-YOA2XE4ZAgwA4MVZu2WOBG4uC7XnLDahZma1QNEnfmgRVcjP3qe55D1PIC6YbKR6i4ocgXdc-oVMsAaIp-spKGlSQQiK0jMsLmo/s400/bedroom+pics2+007.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">This painting was $29!<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268230495759888290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLRxMp5olqFzG-9g3CHzvRiKFvC9vJxh-gkT4urXyyx8ivwc58bQ-aGWuHR131BHPy5Qaqmnz2AAtdGyfr9N38GNBV5-whzq5uyxfZvSAS9uGzXhlCaLdl086_kjs2BGIqypXT3ei094/s400/bedroom+pics2+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I saw this lovely high back victorian chair with velvet upholstery in an antique store that would look "STUNNING" in that corner but trying to convince the hubby that while we got rid of a "comfy" chair in the room to only replace it with one that I would be yelling for him to <strong>get out of</strong>! would go even beyond my persuasive skills! ...sigh..I can dream though....</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268241003902599602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_q2mkcB3L4BGSvSycHSGbd5j6NLJNNsqD7ExagohmwIPRtQyvZN7F-2mabdj4Hwaqg6VE_wuqZJfGSJpEtSJGd9J1AM9ouRPkBgosyk2HOioZfyR4b7EAiucx6VCkYjKdoZjDWEO5Av4/s400/bedroom+pics2+025.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268230484986556850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MXYQMqv-o4u13zM1zL3oMT5W0tfwsIhVHVa608nTLiGNnX5bZgdJluy9gFpuG4V7G9XJiB_TJSTqwBYoo1dTpv2BySMnPb4LU9GX4O_nvVAwIswRTpZQieLoGh7_llod6xozZlcbw64/s400/bedroom+pics2+017.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">The tv cabinet that was bought in the "nude" and has seen many shades of paint and as for the design - I first penciled in the stencil and then went back in with the gold paint. I like that it wasn't "perfect". </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268240996373301698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDEhzJLkS7Gd_D9g8A4L8GAAqtP_XN4sUvs1sFBUThhGxxTqIoWIlkiXsOn0twVXmQ2geT-rKb1Iykj3wPXYrr0KoixB9kXy5I-EPxdGEykFD8qUhkmytrGJJ45jQ5iNgSbtGSXSPGgg/s400/bedroom+pics2+024.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many things around the house are "recycled" items. Hand me downs, curbside finds & garage sales. I think it's more fun to repaint, refinish or any other way to "rework" furniture than go out and buy it from a showroom </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(at least that's what I tell myself anyway! If I ever get the opportunity to compare the difference - I will let you know! ;)</em></span></p>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-16011807414585143762008-11-10T11:15:00.000-08:002008-11-10T11:20:14.937-08:00Um...Another House Tour..?Hello again!...Welcome !..I wanted to show you one of my favorite rooms in the house.....Now quit dragging your feet and try to keep up...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl3Zug9ugfEAWB0HQdNUKJAs-ZlCpApFkH1f3wY2CaV05oBtKmnx6z5TZtTTCBQRX7gQMHygVXt-BR5ZAyUNtJZfpS-IUsLaPrpart3ZjsBhpFnNreuzJImiup1PhSikk81Jmp-O-sxE/s1600-h/Front+door+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266496900452957618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl3Zug9ugfEAWB0HQdNUKJAs-ZlCpApFkH1f3wY2CaV05oBtKmnx6z5TZtTTCBQRX7gQMHygVXt-BR5ZAyUNtJZfpS-IUsLaPrpart3ZjsBhpFnNreuzJImiup1PhSikk81Jmp-O-sxE/s400/Front+door+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It's not really a room at all..an entry,... a foyer,... a hallway...but it's one of my favorite places.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266501170907684850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrpPQGD8PnEWEYgIW5b5UGe06gMFYvByCHa5kcVs46j-O4wm41DMVdopv8Q9ZPrFvD5_XK6q411yLPtGJF_cSwELyG75sjAuV7XVfIfFZZ-xIRKq5AbAcBua6E9I92c9mibIaeGav8_M/s400/Front+door+009.jpg" border="0" /><br />Perhaps it's because it is more muted than the rest of the house. The other rooms are filled with color but the walls here are a soft, creamy, vanilla. It's sort of soothing.... Did you HEAR me? I said it was SOOTHING! just making sure you were paying attention. Now then...<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266506625221436818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZFUD3b9yMBHGFwOTZEtlt6P6_kJpXGLQ5-3sEZ_jqZkbZ_OW5zqzo7JeO52yCvhJjaIzZemZU2vHIMCe8iZaoXZshD4Yzz9uv_1_8GEbyv_VL_oYaNV4LW8dx1byLFw4jl-cDXJKOr4/s400/Front+door+012.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(She supposedly came from a church.... )<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266723547437500466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8Ck31gYV3UoL-W_L-5gnKCZB5kX01wvKDi69dGd7Y-TO7dEg_vOOYExlkJY3gWQlDhLVkITmEQIx7G1DlJpnVFrmf7I00qc2UcQ1IuhkXzw4WG5FUREtKrtIT02ZZW-tBVO_ICnCQWo/s400/front+door+044.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(I recovered the bench in this wonderful embroidered fabric I had found in an eBay auction. I don't know what the name or brand is but my heart goes pitty pat whenever I see it....)<br /></span></em><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266790067512849810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtUxX30abPgBAUEbHEZSbfggamBxQLqlYkXowixoIJMMJc1m4S30rYF7dA_sWFzyxZFc2Hs7U3AmfuU2lbWiMc9yipNCEOoDjsSdj0K6_cB-XY-EsauD9Yrk7dxWLqiqUV4ECjpwaQBE/s400/front+door+039.jpg" border="0" /><br />It might also be that this room houses my most favorite possession. How can anyone have a love affair with lamps? But I do!.. and I always joke that in an emergency <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(aside from the family & pets of course )</span> </em>that I would run back in for these lamps.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266780204841231570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlcIG2OPdcbF1mv2BkEoRA05ct-nn7QF1rli2lAS92GnIBdMSvEkymhsXnCCU6kZqjTynlfgRRUUP0qxkuT5QTP3cSpJBCPdYof4HSTHU2ae6-N6a8wNckCPXnoEJYvtQ-Z-ZS9PVyVg/s400/front+door+042.jpg" border="0" /><br />I think they were meant just for me....<em><span style="font-size:85%;"> (sigh)<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266501181620388450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aHCTYZBmZnDAYIq8YumOoCKyC5ukBt8yAKjSIxxqmo_LE8-kaTrrczlxAroWJAXZzQfiE0oN2eh1iN8-n_GkZBHOmuTHe6qv_WQbHD2iuDo225RS2DZyQsFhLMKjWHbRNTMCOPB_t-c/s400/Front+door+013.jpg" border="0" /><br />Is all of this confusing you? Let me start at the begining of the house. Come on now, up off that bench! Try to keep up with the rest of the group...<br /><br /><br /><br />If you walk in through the front doors...<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266496910216953154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK08SHUxpxKPdV_PdqwjhhInsUfOnINbJg1sQTdYqJRnNIXdUyxnjtIcNyJqNmfoRPS0FfrWwaBVqZUWIpiiAcE0J3QT5vVaOIiBlYPvrS0P0BJrt8WBhxyYMXsYM8PSLSeiy2uoBGV9o/s400/Front+door+002.jpg" border="0" /><br />You will see the Living / Dining room on the left...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266739726906755586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpvqFS5dNj-Ai3Wl1_4pYFOS2AfzHiPXPdSqPoww6tKPUu69uehVkcQ-YDdgvNj5hy9Z71l3USvjGNE3NIKL1kL1ZYfrwgF54hkjmzQx8SjDQkA47M4D26aOFBPAbKI4wN-mbeZIDeeg/s400/front+door+048.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />And thru this little door on the right...<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266790074381870754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLQIl-MVP8n89atQOyg_CxS73E9g1XncKb6wwrUpURCgaxdjeddicKHOlLUKNNtpAWl9Mdl_KN7DXFwrKum6c4pa6Xjt8PiDfMkt-ny4GlACXESXBf0uo6ejFC4U7sL97jzbIO-aO4M4/s400/front+door+024.jpg" border="0" /><br />Is the office.....<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266750522958262674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtvEbk5MeGgdj43P2f_dLHNNc5G6ER3NrdKczbyYTN6NlgxD9DJt2Vyv4bsHEUJLnoD3iKlC5fj8dZQyvMQD2i2njeN42s-yaP6ObCUjhcE_nhq8GahxeHrl_6RqZAy038HWDW1oLrWU/s400/study+075.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />If you venture up the stairs ......<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266729476578586034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfYKMHcyw5WUqnQ7gm-UWJ12mGp08k5o37z5X7cLOyaaZ9wt9IlLtcbhhRUchmrFExQRTCoTL86IzJ0xnZxmopH-yhY4LOCQaipG_QE_uid21fKfh6NhoPoY5vt7SrhwbLKm7Of9Kz5I/s400/front+door+062.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266748569972141410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC8UJOez-xicYlJ84KRRFkVqWbvYrtpzt8M8aNSiYgECBGuqAE5XoaJ1QFygEhcdWue9K3mrJJpMwDducoay4QJnEoKqXELVHkh0NQbBHjJnCOLf1Rn7skkJS4UK13iK-Imp_Oens29Y/s400/entry2+010.jpg" border="0" /> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(Another favorite of mine - Chandelier courtesy of the Kathy Ireland Collection - who knew a swimsuit model and I could have the same taste? )<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266799928176156146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EpfhWbVq8uUvQU7mWHKXhQPIUHN5XbF24-tJewQiK6l50153lK2IEHjJsQEPXyOag8bv-ExXZ_DHKy2laXII1cmTb2OEaeFDi8u0Qo1suZkzOtachgtyq9AEh1ENrpXAU7CxqW6gc08/s400/entry2+015.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">You will come upon this sweet little corner chair....<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266506640586297762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKyPZKIfrizoRlWIPSnT0epjNWQ4VNwMTZIvyQ29lG9yn1polTCFaOKL6dQjaMMMz9ONkWtiXTApzZbhV6X_q_sVKPerdE858E8ll4ofeX9BwHIGSB0nEDhyL-FBIeM8m7AIGLAX_8z8/s400/Front+door+004.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266496907993286786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FsA17HfK2vNmexX_WzhA5auqqNxn2pQZxcWmLhtwQnx6WCc4XfI1beqJMEPT6NKNe04vTLQoUJYQc1mvTwJZB5FZh3d6Asl4zOfSPzICJRiMY2RKySvEFbigjC2a3SMS0d-dDSatk0g/s400/Front+door+001.jpg" border="0" /><br />But if you don't feel like hiking upstairs and you walk thru the entry......<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266795873913417634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Y5b-cHCqrQ_d6K-l6d7IcMnYJY8s0X_dCWfy4Iyhh6dA3So79WlFYkNYRIplGugnu7haEB1Y97OgtX30Eznuh6gwLuLAe1yRJzUHoZ-u2KtVmP3sV4G5vTWejcgGdEidZ2yOpfpDFm0/s400/blog+pictures+013.jpg" border="0" />You may or <em><strong>may not</strong></em> notice this....<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266795888412891570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1UEmxPw2j2EgWeIy9ManUg8MC0BJD2M0I5X8c-mUKNOHz8cx8ia5o6Fqeopb_KGMsELw_nywVBmYh71k6ICsSaUKMqfRMGUyWitkwNSUNv52Q7OYtA5Q8g2yqmpmKxgEFHZed_xnvS4/s400/front+door+045.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(It's a raised plaster stencil. I wanted something there but nothing really jarring out at you.....)<br /></span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266799938416119426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QsV34UsbwtbcigqIn5TF4cgBwP37DfSvmn4GDiXeSnD8ckh7xSBu_bbaol5eja0bobZtBaLY9Gjo3GLrZus_ftmPIbsIjVr0ODWoIS0t_AIR4wdLRK1_5wSv0g3Yaq7Ce7BBSyKe0iw/s400/wall+stencil+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Oh! <strong><em>you will</em></strong> <strong><em>see</em></strong> these too....<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266795902134470306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n3jT_BaAFm11hzrm9ch_QWIzZeSf0YfUGd_j6ar3LvvxjevoZVwBl5p1XxtyCta34LK2ErPmDJfQbV0Iech1E1qHmIFcZ8biWOh4PlskHCxQW6z4l9s3rvlzhitEV66CAbarJ0kxgvA/s400/blog+pictures+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Then you will come across this little table.... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266748569337704706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaYz2WyzdrUhLZd6bHpxEh8PbnHhxJMA0XOkfx8k_dojniOTSh9xYw9mP1CTu7e2kOEy6t_byqrCNEIO8Nin2PuCjf-PrF_EFK_81aQgvLgweZrirUwq9MtZT6yGIxWMqG4mafr3jrs0/s400/Front+door+014.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(That I am trying to update seasonally....but even I have to admit it needs a little help! I'll be off to Michael's shortly!)</em></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266790091267568306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJe_il5fOwYgEP_GO_2hYIcrisQLbcM56b_N77jx3IF2paev3AiAEjhdNkqky5foBRJtVlTH6nh7nKcEloq_ked-9qtEQz19A1djdIhRDDlkiXFyV7UbZ4SH6NjuCynnUNE9caryV-AQ/s400/more+stuff+045.jpg" border="0" />( <em><span style="font-size:85%;">I don't really know what you call this...it's some sort of framed "book"...)</span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266795885015233362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk352_PKo33n_sQTEyO42daGjOSepq9mnstk2l7Kv2YFitM4YtMImg60yRF3nLMcAwAW4fzk6YIVVUVAGAFl-2eGm3cBVpeZqtCAUprsaGCiJYubSWDY-uSRjltyGEs8dfLhNBF6Gw_u0/s400/front+door+020.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(This little lady was $14.99! I am looking forward to filling the basket she carries on her back - currently with wheat - to suit the seasons.</em> )</span></div><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266506631565636242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQUvAJSdhEWTvHPfn6WwsudXXfOmlBpHRZwimaBztfC5ojTw2gl1bVmEzeC7RoPsQOHnRj92jlTzjLl2_7vSBT6B9OggH0DUy9uEfABK496qvAOiWa_KeKvKjgGJ_UMNbR9nUOXTO_YM/s400/Front+door+015.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(These plaques were my Great Grandmothers....)<br /></span></em></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266790076017631010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPKSvdpI6DiXJzyXE_5tSpOzynTO5KkdHaIbjsADv2krwXxN-aGm03zu8-l1iNM60F8cG-oN2-td3EZzeV2LRdQ2zr4UFIBXa__BT225iDAQk5V-9pDJ__J9mGksjIEe3lVkKPFM4dQE/s400/front+door+017.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">An opening into the dining room is on the left......Tea will be served <em><strong>later</strong></em>.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266735749018333426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBUMox_qWB8PhP2UL8W07CIUDx_glbD0ycgHXGKnaHaPnmzlUINBk8TvfH1L8iAP5dYSXxxZoG_fMobaTjMLQOMFiT6PKiYNB-uclDqtNodN28vsvbFUrNlkkwh-e4_AkUBHEyrgG8_0/s400/front+door+063.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br />But if you turn to the right....<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266748564279172866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkgS34zD5kWpsmlR3mvq61odKUmZka8Wpagsk5gY2jdaee38evXBDCuh6giUbTAwAE5hDmsthugJpgchlkw7_RKXPaBb0ViY7i62Gp9X2op6ZcaNHVe6du5zotnU-YgRwre7BdS0LQvk/s400/1108081909.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">You can either dash into the kitchen on the left.....</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266723559360596786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGxUoDeM4ij7CiKpSbHFvYD9KDkEP_cVmHPRZjEP1PFz0jCycGbkF2P3eLJlambvArCfqod3oJNE_rpR0tHcMfmB2K4aoADStpnnGvMj6hgznRGHlMCXGJFKqZ08w0kChmP_x9XY5zPw/s400/front+door+050.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(A little bit of a view on the way......)</span></em></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266729490619046594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocOtkA7ig7astsDzj85DPnaYUZyOJ3V_HRNp4Exljj-4ZohGDYJyRrB6N4H96mPS-6-ITcgrhL811ofLa86JDOGyIghDn95wy7Z8xTjT8WlXm-_sZGKlurFCD-0IVA91ToHXOeU5H_ds/s400/front+door+057.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266723571043840930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-5RHGyB3EqEPB4AtSDkJBHwfX2WpXB4QksMPDeQgqDp9SsXBa8ewjSJbOiai_GMVvpNYwcmtPNPAy-HfLAHWY6g1nv08AefNRm4kCWkA_FV04HGf9o3UmQrCjgeURwJXdULjCKc1YUY/s400/front+door+054.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Or continue down the hall to the sitting room....<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266739739033806946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9_p8QmLXPABjPzuUokPpv776qLwVBjliriwjZ8VuqZgfXCwhNWVKBnDFgR7VS6jzAQsDT2BUjqk792my6FB8uxnL1DvWOZaipnxFGMTnobbFSvLCYoqMhntocB_43wzPedxKyHTP-00/s400/front+door+053.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />....and if you turn around you are looking at the kitchen!</div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266833104233446114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7nrHmD1DdDm5aVVntwlPqQ6n5phOX2dS2SgkuGAiE3e0MWntuALlVHVPpgT860ffQUEY9zwv4l2uAvxsNY5Nhdu1DNe63nlTJJf_KM1dubHXqTi2CNcXbHjlbSqsJBSNxpZ8DLlffjA/s400/red+room+021.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Confusing..? I know, I apologize. Did I mention there is a second set of stairs..? it's off of the kitchen...now if you follow me...hey wait! Where are you going? ..What?! You don't want to follow me on any more of my house tour?...well okay, you don't have to go running off screaming like that! But you might have to ask me for directions on how to get out of the house...and <em>no</em> <em>refunds!</em></div><br /><br /><em>(I apologize if my posts lately are a little redundant and you are probably banging your head against your desk over me doing another house tour but I am just trying to stall until I can finish up my latest project : ) but it kind of involves the same thing - Decorating!)</em><br /><div align="center"></div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-59305256240435454272008-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:002008-11-09T06:00:00.995-08:00The Kitchen.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qnsORX882ZktUZEYWtD5vvFemwOX7WSP9OYZblG5hICRxGd9__jYMqEm1lSMzpBKd8YOihY_VREjmThuMmVbSckPH3Wyl6g21LutxtBRaZfNPwFixOClNiWu59eTWhyphenhyphensgHPb1VzUuBE/s1600-h/red+room+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265297996273526946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qnsORX882ZktUZEYWtD5vvFemwOX7WSP9OYZblG5hICRxGd9__jYMqEm1lSMzpBKd8YOihY_VREjmThuMmVbSckPH3Wyl6g21LutxtBRaZfNPwFixOClNiWu59eTWhyphenhyphensgHPb1VzUuBE/s400/red+room+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">I am</span> not crazy about cooking. Seriously. It's one of my <em>least</em> favorite things to do - but I do enjoy it more when we have a crowd - isn't that strange? I've got a few picky eaters in the house but when you've got people over who <em>enjoy eating what you cook</em>, then it's a pleasure and not a chore.<br /><br /><br /><div>But I LOVE to bake! Sweet muffins on a Saturday morning. Ooey Gooey Cinnamon rolls lulling you down the stairs on Sunday. That's more <em><strong>ME!</strong></em> All about the baked goods! </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265298002355512274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT6CQo4kPiQHZUzSfCm77UE6wv5gfCq8LfJLY3TrrFOieRqMet64fr_DERpwQAY3-Ho8DG78jeDNPfBh6-VHoNizw-v1oUSgtb_0nnhMpu5qujZpvUaukQgRA2iL4hjFQhyphenhyphen9-HjnRlyU/s400/red+room+021.jpg" border="0" /><br />The kitchen is open to our sitting room <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(previous post)</span></em> and as with any other room in my house it was an opportunity for decorating! </div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265331374963314642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz-PHsZAqUyQiAihy2JXwRFZgNYfRMvzyZjsIniva0M0rl-NbRn1dOS6MlPQo9fuhP4zmDfStwcpG43BsphU3vFSRF-GEQ-WSR4cLFM1tC1XeouNuquVdKEMC9USEWP_YytrNpx8JVz0/s400/red+room+036.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><p>Let me give you a little tour.... </p><br /><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The butcher block that makes it so convenient to pour yourself a glass of milk to go with those baked goods</span>! </em><br /><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265301524815268754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZUHuiYN5fR87fAzH3jMHDyp5eRbvKdY-zOIB1phA-QDlKBRYoZSzDhnmTqaUHmw2oS-1zgB9tr2b_Mlw3oFQbLYDebp9oq0YVdeM4LrPVX5dRCQvWge94v0VML7tVtRbbVIcq3DjUbo/s400/red+room+022.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p>Over here is a glass front cabinet that stores my "pretty" dishes or as my 4 year old calls it "Show & Tell". <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Doesn't matter that I have to stoop down to the cabinet below to get our "everyday" dishes but as long as I have something nice to look at then I can deal with the back problems this causes....;)</span></em></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265306820945708882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbLx7MHJS5r8Anf7bQGJl5RP6A4mlxQVdOkbPShxl2bB8rYgfoXRBYXj1MA_Nvp6f1bun1hFO9XmsrKXdizi5BT0D0I8Jrm_eYCpjOWk8ZPAe5Fzxuh5Z50MJhk8darsk6cfx_6MdpT0/s400/red+room+029.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>To further enhance my "pretty view" -I lined the back of the cabinet with a subtle fruit & bird toile wallpaper. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">It makes the dishes stand out a bit more and it appears that I have more than I really do!</span></em> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">another wink! ;)</span></em><br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265309053057040706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc3o272ABI5Okz3wAM8lBtjHaV5TcXhislWdR1l6cNuziv2VAttm9q11H1CoM9zMpOzcbfnEEE4RT5R1asYeM764NDFwYA71eG97KO5DtIDMLQmWJDUv_u3c57XOwM-c8hXkShATQdfQ/s400/red+room+031.jpg" border="0" /></p><br />Uh Oh! Do you spy another Rooster lamp...? Don't you just love HomeGoods!?......<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266014055209047090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku8BtvItcRgLzQOCIuTKLId7DBNQjADyYr0o9Bm715I7SSqrvQ6INWbzNjOf2cADrpHx5OlmZr00BI-FnwpUq6zAovekZWgZrMew6Sn3slRHO4HtCjXJyW2H09xgZdTi6yAx9fa_D6Gg/s400/rooster+lamp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Then to address the looming space above the cabinets <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(but I was the only one in the house to think this)</span></em> I think I have made the most of the soffet..no <span style="color:#cc0000;">Wasted</span> decorating space in <em>this </em>house!</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265297988804208626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYG2dUiYXDgTs2oN6bQo15t2RjWcYZCd8-xjDUnk1kGTu6v-BisQJ1oqO0vy2ENpA07OvmNkU2uPlm8snOsbC6QSBYcdoO9sqi4kGCfbP4zOTQ9guQoM_u6CF8JM8BWEWq30q1TZjUGg/s400/red+room+019.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p>An old painting that I carried from room to room for months trying to find just the right spot for...how about above the pantry door?! I enjoy looking at when I am lounging on the couch in the adjacent room...and I do like to <em>lounge!</em></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265325004415233042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMc6Z1fePsLc89ncaoIohYsKTkaznJen1jCre7z6Lkf-x6KXs5vh4U8983TGJp6tHpy2HVQAdBIze6jDwUVNYubC2ZfB4jw46Crj34YFEzPju3nt9XQLvW65UIb9zGQtqPBvB0wNgHxxk/s400/rr1.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>A pretty antique platter above the stove.... <em><span style="font-size:85%;">it's mounted with a plate hanger attached with wire to a nail that I hammered into the cabinet -my hubby wasn't too happy with that part! - then I used that poster putty on the backside so it doesn't shift all around.</span></em></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265325019654279554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg_U7nvMmUwIKpTPU0eUgIoDXerEm0NZ8lFSC23NhERA5mYtKB39hk0q4bUB679S90UuSIJSUR9d-jSE815lMEyV3YmsWWOOBOWrUJUFFEmw2GsYVuQTACJ5rwFJAEfNMgNMqTPmjtM0/s400/rr3.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p>An iron bull's head that my kids get a kick out of!<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265309049530156306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_prGI2onLuDoWbbtqxB2P_xHJ-Sa5x9tXaPxHfU9Svj-Byu1kYHmZVZFbQDAOVSnAY74a2NNVSAGAoFKDOmZCFMLDlQYCxyIqTk-OjgSSxnXRMd8T9xsW1Bqk3vex1OCtCllZfzrVzy4/s400/red+room+032.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>I wish I had some exotic story about him being from a <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>French Boucherie'</em></span> as an advertising sign... but (sigh)... no... He was originally a towel rack with a huge ring through his nose! I would have used him in his original condition but I don't have wall space by the kitchen sink. So we hacksawed off the metal ring and I puttied up his rather <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>large</strong> </span>nose holes and dabbed on some paint. So <strong><em>now</em></strong> can I "fib" about his origins?</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265309053761081970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_QlnXGrZEpqqPYyq895bemrebk4cV4ZeOK2SpyD4Dmd04xVxekfOTZYse4LKcQ3keCoSm2gycsokQDpT8rs8a3cmUvs0CciyXA68IbIHBjWS1Yv5YKvw2vnAkelMRbTHKRC1eRlhVnI/s400/red+room+033.jpg" border="0" /><br />A little transferware here and there.....<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265301533402235074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hi98aeirvPw-KWMO94jp75FWqQ5AxVrM5FleENCUidCFG8bglY_wccydQ9ZG-wJubqH1URnNS3OQ1_VKSgzsoCr2eAdvi-Td2g-Jm7ZeZ6vYN4ithyphenhyphenezUR6oY2iMsSS9WaDXm7V35Ug/s400/red+room+024.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>And my sweet hubby brought me back those copper pots from a trip...<em><strong>Now</strong></em> he's finally getting the real me after 12 years of marriage!</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265304290376015538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZiAHiq6vGidmxKb_SqFxZrVuR_iB6FYNM_zFUZdrMt-ZBlrfYugDSlix0xTSxV5ys_9Bby8kOaneqX_4llLiu58wo7cBaqTOCBzoXz2prpfNbS_WQiYmSGszxhXieygwoFirp_HAmW0/s400/red+room+025.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265304292090052930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp2_9aiVRonaKKbrrInUz2KnX6VYF98nM7aGbjrfTtmLp5mdmhvg9YSHbJZQhXO-WnfKaZ2r5IaIgHDdeuqGxvQGtYEen3HT8II3zTAMYJASntP-BbO-qnOdhz_cRlafTiCpWBy1tk9g/s400/red+room+026.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><br /><p>The nook that my husband and I spent one <strong>loooonnng</strong> weekend building benches for....(can you say marriage counseling?)</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265304296826451634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PfpQte8XNTyAfEhdtf_ClVA5O39NGzJxEWewcTC8QyakaowWhgDfg-8ifLTpZSUj8lkzhjh6QjCD_yALxTfHDLQLxRNGl0fMAezCQWXSp1gUCWtjRMRtSUvzFz9zY3Xoxioc7kOurEE/s400/red+room+027.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265339023298894098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhwqwy0AWwo6BvEgefFrAYm6qMwOrO3ztXYzMn-OulQzH5qkYGHGL8zVYcWXVuSPLDqdSPv8NJI9DVqU5CEgWJMNZcLPhxs5TfpSNpJir0tJBSp_2W9CoBgu5bJuW9WeP4daatc3nAbw/s400/red+room+018.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>Had to throw in my favorite pillow - there is a hen & chicks one down at the other side of the bench - the kids know <strong>NOT </strong>to wipe their grubby fingers on these! Still working on the husband...;)<br /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265306818105566322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AE7h-l6HOISB8kso_KmTUjM4c3PIjCRPpa6caUW8XCAhmGk_StbMZRHqMywEthxNSD3hH7wp8rMOFI0Kwf62X2ySoyneF8GWPBPEH5Eh_NzTB1MDqhLp7zX4RvvqOLLLriEF78y-AMI/s400/red+room+028.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p>And finally back around to the sitting room....<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265339031184533618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPWp_BEtVXrumUhmTknvoJT-sb0uVOV0p7vfEnEbE59n5Y_RIlyHvuVFwK03nUL7Vgc4Nk22nfn40OaCFBD0lvsyxKZsj74_s8mvtyo2lai0iYi0c8vTWeteUR3EmXPlwjAEPCit0Tsg/s400/red+room+035.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br />Oh! one more thing before you go - How many of you have stainless steel refrigerators? Then you know you can't attach any little notes or cute magnets to it right?<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266314880203881426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kixp0HA72t-exeGRbeD8wUq4Vgi8P157XoMV0ymW4BL8IZWqWtL346Pr6flHN9Qur1KIsQat-C0zrU5hrPbTz51QdvlPFBgcNT-0FUGWWXhu2HVJs5juKC6NPEOqvYfX14RU2_jitXM/s400/fridge.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Well I applied a couple coats of magnetic paint & then chalkboard paint to the <em><strong>other side</strong></em> of the fridge cabinet <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>(gasp! I know I had reservations at first too!)</em> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">to make a sort of message center.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Had my husband install some trim around it and I painted it to match the cabinets. </span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266021837760137954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZb4f5slX5YEJyahm2lMKitE0cUjQPcT9XjHqgPUoHL4CGZr_IboE2LxKx933ZQrhsws_DfNdtD1klPQow0yJV56OcNJfMxS9YrO-3h70GN1nZq4qzCKhvZ4-3-J0nm-FHLj7RXwXg9Ok/s400/chalkboard.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266021841370638466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvms4gOZu8L1Z3FkdBvtsE55eAZsVfV5fK2gPAlTS7KwTTnBqQJidr3_hpvifkD35oACkWRjb-srjK4MElpJK5eb04s2gr2hVDPlmpslvJ8S99Gb352EkwlHFyUZ0Npe3_eo-Tkrpdlo/s400/chalkboard2.jpg" border="0" /> It looks like it was always there... I get a little more organization and the four year old usually doodles up the lower half and leaves us little masterpieces! </div><div><br /><br />Well, I think that about concludes the tour - Now I've got some <strong>Baking</strong> to do! See you next time!</div>Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918250889911101047.post-26562349023906798992008-11-07T21:00:00.000-08:002008-11-07T21:26:49.184-08:0065 Years of Wedded Bliss!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRRHTvISjOdCxYDVHsunB2O5_wS0ct8-RIpA1IX6Fz3ozcz0HCx4_2LP_FrhLCpMHTiYkeCGZjlbApXg1-oHPNuVrNwWRVChYeIuABx9yqU1sagyc0drWJcFw3aV7nDMioDGMMKzhP54/s1600-h/G+%26+P+wedding+pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266152303898908674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRRHTvISjOdCxYDVHsunB2O5_wS0ct8-RIpA1IX6Fz3ozcz0HCx4_2LP_FrhLCpMHTiYkeCGZjlbApXg1-oHPNuVrNwWRVChYeIuABx9yqU1sagyc0drWJcFw3aV7nDMioDGMMKzhP54/s400/G+%26+P+wedding+pic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Tonight we celebrated my Grandparents 65th Wedding Anniversary!</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266148394868062434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQWhU0iYS1DmueJ_GyXFREOycmSzMaLyD5xHDxUI_1Zom0KUHL1ZJp2UtI8aZy4OyMO5sua5zMwH8AtF6KS-zkULGNKKfdxrMPdR3u7ab7leFQ_02qJkEOXkmyTCwAo_zJMSlELzvTXQ/s400/G&P3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>A few months ago I posted a prayer request. My 90 year old Grandfather, whom we call "Poppy" had fallen and broken his hip. After surgery and a very long stay in a rehab center he has been home for awhile now and doing well. He can't walk without a walker but he still has his sense of humor and my dear Grandmother, "Granny" has been taking good care of him. He will be 91 in January and "Granny" will be 90 next June.</div><br /><div>We enjoyed a wonderful evening of them telling stories about the good ole' days and the ups & downs of married life. One involving my Grandmother throwing a glass baby bottle at my Grandfather's head when he once proclaimed <em>"just because YOU had a baby doesn't mean I have to stay home"</em> . Needless to say he didn't get to go out that night and I don't think he ever tried that again!</div><br /><div>Another story that had us all laughing,was of them on their Honeymoon to Niagra Falls, when my Grandfather had awoken to the shadow of a man looming over the bed. He jumped up to defend his bride and tackled the "man" to the floor only to discover that he had defeated his coat hanging on the coat rack! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266148400045734978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWqRdnAK_Kx1su9Khrx_TUsZDc1dVOtw4e_TeMaxCosK-imskGjI_RJh3_wDJGJ_B1m9wqWryxoXB6dQCk-6BqnVkSQBhokb7znCj5oYInwN495kn7xdVfj6caa5U85wU7ms4hgxX4Cc/s400/G&P4.jpg" border="0" />Yes, there have been many ups & downs in this couple's life but they are an inspiration to us and I see many similarities within my own marriage - except I haven't had to throw any baby bottles! But I only hope that my husband and I will make it to our 65th!<br /><div>Please help us wish these Love Birds many more years of married bliss!</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266148398107783426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC_kSZBjb7RUqZ0SYzXZ6zNz2MS3G-ARIbdT09UEbzLz9F0US6Y7fuTJ2lMvVOd02EZEkAlk6Gxrwd1qCjOXxntWBdqFc_hH3wJN9vagZv2HPjElNNus3msa6OM6_bu-WXUZwb78vrEs/s400/G&P5.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266148408415340594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmW4lKgYI4HJrpKxpcbpfvTMezH4Yx0G37Y6Q0IILJbY-FiAlYz2bGFc8yWXNr8v82U7CTPYmoEQ2JB2eIVvM6ceImHx6xSS8ZpCZ3iIABE6NRraTb8EIL20bgVD6y64aUwMTsyCOivo/s400/G&P7.jpg" border="0" />Laurie - Decorating Fanatichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323176068301988190noreply@blogger.com7