Wednesday, March 30, 2011

After

I'm not good at "before" pictures. I'm usually too pumped up to get started and remember 1/2 way through the project that I didn't get any before pictures.

But "before"....11 year old berber carpet in the bedrooms that used to be an off whitish sort of color, that had become a brownish sort of color.

In our bedroom....11 year old paint in a grayish tone that I had the desire (but not enough apparently) to paint into a warmer color.

Not pictured: A VERY hard working husband, who gave up 4 Saturdays to rip out old carpet & refloor our bedrooms. A job that he was willing to do with only the payment of a new saw and a steak dinner.




And don't even ask - OF COURSE I make our beds each morning ;)



Saturday, March 26, 2011

Family Guidelines

I came across this list today of Duggar House Guidelines that is posted on their fridge.
I thought it was a pretty good list to try and implement, whether you have 19 children or none.

1. Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.

2. Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.

3. Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.

4. Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.

5. Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.

6. Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.

7. Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)

8. Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.

9. Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.

10. Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.

11. Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.

12. Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).

13. Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)

14. Never raise a hand to hit. Never raise a foot to kick.

15. Never raise an object to throw.

16. Never raise a voice to yell.

17. Never raise an eye to scowl.

18. Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!

19. Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.

20. Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)

21. Amendment J.O.Y. - Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Is Heeeere!

Yellow Iris

 Coreopsis

 Knockout Rose

Amaryllis

(and the most beautiful thing in the garden)
Erin Grace

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Watch Out Andy Roddick

Mr. "I can do this ALL day" Luke
is in spring training!




Tuesday, March 22, 2011

~Country Bouquet~

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Yay for Registration!

Friday was kindergarten registration at Erin's school, so that meant she had the day off!
And oh how we enjoyed ourselves!

She woke up in an organizing mood apparently, because she made her bed & straightened out her closet. Then she did a bit of um...sorting. These are all beads she sorted just because she likes to. I asked if she wanted us to make a bracelet or necklace, but nope, just sort.


She was quite proud!


Next up - a wonderful picnic outside!

Oatmeal with a side of  "spicy cheese" for Luke
PB&J for Erin
Turkey & pepperjack for Me

My little helper picked the spot, spread our blanket & brought our food outside.



Game time...a round of Old Maid.




It was lots o' fun! Even if I was the Old Maid!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Super Star!

Each Friday at Erin's school, someone is selected by the teacher to be Star Student.
The requirements are: being a good, helpful, respectful student...and staying on green card each day.

It was nearing the end of the 3rd nine weeks of school, and Ms Erin was starting to get concerned!

Green card every day (all year). check.
Always helpful in class. check.
Good grades. check.

Finally! This past Friday she was selected as Star Student and I think I heard the sigh of relief from home! She got to make a special poster about herself to hang outside the classroom.





She also got to bring home Puff (the class mascot) for the week & log in a journal what they did together.


I have to say their first evening together was grand.
Day 2, he sat on the ottoman all by himself. Sad, lonely Puff. :(

And if you can't remember the words to the song....