tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53773768093295634952024-02-06T23:09:23.975-06:00Measure once and cut twiceA stay at home mom learning to be handy, one mistake at a time.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-60695076053700903672014-08-26T21:14:00.000-05:002014-08-28T21:36:52.104-05:00Ice buckets and Christmas lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was 18 years old, my grandfather died from ALS. By the time he received a diagnosis, he was given only 6 months to live. It was fast and furious. ALS is a horrible disease to experience...and a horrible disease to watch. <br />
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With all of the ice bucket challenges over the past month, I have had flash backs to the 18 years of knowing my Grandad, as well as the 6 months of watching the cruelty of ALS. I am glad more people know about ALS...and I wish more people knew my Grandad.<br />
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Grandad was always on time. He took pride in being awkwardly early to any event. He loved ice cream, Reese Pieces, Wrigley's gum and Lifesavers...with plenty to share. Speaking of sharing, he loved giving to those in need. I could ask him for anything. He had a great smile that went ear to ear. And his frown was a full face scowl that he did without even noticing. He was meticulously organized and loved routines. He kept the TV schedule from the paper in the exact same spot for years...and was livid when someone moved his schedule. His car was his baby. Looking at it, you would think you were in for a nice smooth ride. But Grandad was the worst driver. He drove with his left foot on the brake and his right foot seemed to have a nervous twitch on the gas pedal that made the car jolt back and forth. He adopted a skinny mangy mutt named Casey that became the fattest most spoiled dog you could imagine. Grandad had a meticulous lawn and a garage full of tools, all organized to perfection. But I rarely saw him use any of them. He was not the handy type, except with toy trains. He had the most amazing train set up I have ever seen in a home. He bought conductor hats for the grandchildren and we would sit on our stools and watch in amazement as the trains zoomed on the track. Pure joy would be on my grandfather's face as he ran the trains for us kids. He would drop anything to run the trains for us. Every Thanksgiving he took all the grandchildren to the movies...it was his special treat. My favorite memory is from Christmas. Grandad would borrow or rent an 18 passenger van and pile all of us in for a tour of Christmas lights. He would drive around town for an evening, showing all the grandkids the best lights in town. I vaguely remember having popcorn for the ride. It was a highlight of the Christmas season, and it was all thanks to my Grandad.<br />
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And then came ALS. Slowly, as if working from the tips of his fingers to the inside of his throat, the disease took it's toll. At first he could clumsily pick some things up, and walk through the house with a walker. They built a wheelchair ramp to the house, and he would still go to church. Quickly things changed. When he couldn't stand anymore, he began to loose so much weight off of his already frail body. He would sit in his wheelchair, his recliner, or his bed...and would want to change positions often. The inability to move even an inch was causing horrible bed sores all over his body. I could pick him up and move him from one venue to another. He couldn't have weighed 100 lbs. He slowly lost the muscle strength to eat normally. I would give him tomato slices and he would have to spit out the peel because his body couldn't digest it anymore. For a while he would still play cards...and my grandmother would help move the cards for him. But then it got harder for him to communicate which card he wanted to move. Even though ALS doesn't attack your brain, he was losing all channels to bridge us to his thoughts and desires.<br />
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The night I said goodbye to my grandfather was one of the hardest nights of my life. I had spent the summer living near him so that I could see him more and it was time to head back to college. He and I both knew that he wouldn't make it until my next school break. I stayed as late as I could that night. I didn't want to leave. And when I did, he smiled at me. His big ear to ear smile. He let me know that he loved me. And we both cried. I cried the whole way home and the entire 12 hour drive the next day. My Grandad passed away 2 weeks later. <br />
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I am thankful for his life. I am thankful that he loved the Lord. And I am thankful that I got to spend that summer with him.<br />
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I am also thankful for this sudden awareness of ALS. And thankful for my cousin's challenge. Though a rare disease, ALS is a very cruel disease that is 100% fatal. I am donating in memory of Thomas Franklin Liverman Jr. I hope his battle is one of the last battles with ALS. <br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-61404482359936636382014-03-11T20:34:00.001-05:002014-03-11T20:34:39.261-05:00A few of my favorite things...Hello. It has been a while.<br />
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I want to be honest with you...I have avoided writing on my blog. <br />
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At first, I thought I was avoiding it because I had no projects to share. I have done less projects post kitchen remodel, but I still have some good photos/tips to share. So that wasn't it.<br />
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Then I thought, I don't have time. I have 3 kids, busy schedule, etc. But then I find myself wasting endless hours on Facebook and on random computer games. So, yes, I have free time.<br />
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Once I sat down and thought about my excuses, I realized my excuses are exactly why I haven't blogged. Every ounce of me wants to use this blog as a place to vent. To shout out loud my hardships, my problems, my worries... And at the exact same moment, I don't want to shout out my woes. I don't want this blog to become a depressing forum of Rachel's whining and complaining.<br />
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So I will keep it simple: I have had a crazy year. And it isn't over yet. And I have some really good excuses.<br />
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There. I feel better. Thanks for "listening."<br />
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Now, on to a few of my favorite things. I wanted to share with you some recent finds/purchases that are too good to pass up.<br />
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1. Our new dining room table. <br />
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It is made from 3 different fallen down barns, right here in TN. A father and son duo delivered it put the final pieces together in our house. It is solid oak and it is HEAVY. If you need something handmade, check them out at <a href="http://rustic-horses.com/">http://rustic-horses.com</a> They use reclaimed lumber and love custom orders.<br />
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2. My new Christmas tree topper.<br />
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This is also handmade. I found it on Etsy. It is stain glass, not too heavy, not too light. I grew up with angels on the top of Christmas trees. But every year, I kept thinking I wanted to change something. When I found this star, I knew it was a winner. <br />
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She makes them to fit what size tree you have in your home. There are different styles and different glass choices. I am not from Texas, but I love my Texas star. Check out her site:<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OneStopTopperShop?ref=l2-shop-info-name" target="_blank">One Stop Topper Shop</a><br />
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3. Last but not least, my estate sale dining chair.<br />
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It started like this...a little disheveled. My hubby thought I was crazy when I brought it home. I was so excited at the potential. <br />
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I told him to ignore the old house smell, cobwebs, and the nasty fabric. What he didn't see was the 3 layers of gross fabric underneath this one! I ripped it as far down as I could, gave it some extra batting for extra cushioning, and covered it in some ikat fabric I have been holding onto for a while. I kept it wood stained, because, well, that is just what I like. But I think if I was a little more mid century stylin, this would look really good as a crisp white chair or teal. Or yellow. It has lots of potential. And for $25, I was quite happy. <br />
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I love it. I love it so much, I want to convince my hubby to let me find a set of antique chairs, and put them around our new dining room table. So far, I haven't convinced him. But I haven't given up yet.</div>
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Thanks for reading. And thanks for being patient while I made my way back to this blog. And thanks Karen for prodding me to get back in the saddle. I hope I didn't disappoint. </div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-57151719947112813352013-08-06T21:27:00.001-05:002013-08-06T21:27:25.471-05:00Our NEW (old) house...<p> Finally, a few pictures to share with you...</p>
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<p> </p>
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<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RIgKXHuBIHEWsUc1KivqwWEb9WthqG6ZiWNBF97b6cShZJf1UI4JHavc_KzWD5ruF_8dEmX-v1ANuTmTvDiugJfMJG8m5mRq-N5NSbleSroBzmenoT1KEF3iCDniMOzguK6UAvlF9jM/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RIgKXHuBIHEWsUc1KivqwWEb9WthqG6ZiWNBF97b6cShZJf1UI4JHavc_KzWD5ruF_8dEmX-v1ANuTmTvDiugJfMJG8m5mRq-N5NSbleSroBzmenoT1KEF3iCDniMOzguK6UAvlF9jM/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375842446181.3018" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p> We opened up a few walls...</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiWsHwTHxB7l_Np6ihyphenhyphen_lWWUBa-AtlKC5WFREVauC2_u6RWRd4qKEErj8WXVrLMK7bcOkwm_6J50ZzpAGKfLmYFsTvos5qXVOkUEHtLkwDmBeuhocGauZiHzEyVx9D-k6zr5lTWuPVZA/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiWsHwTHxB7l_Np6ihyphenhyphen_lWWUBa-AtlKC5WFREVauC2_u6RWRd4qKEErj8WXVrLMK7bcOkwm_6J50ZzpAGKfLmYFsTvos5qXVOkUEHtLkwDmBeuhocGauZiHzEyVx9D-k6zr5lTWuPVZA/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375842446231.3293" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkSa7YfrE5R88TTyXvq66HJhg107t_l02i5Mq4I99SimcoSNbUt0nCUOlP742reiPY4qyOfgqqwC5BzHQ-EzwI55GP8xFQAd3wRM_iE_07UvFRAde5dFtlR-YmvDUHhdu9eCueUU1QKY/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkSa7YfrE5R88TTyXvq66HJhg107t_l02i5Mq4I99SimcoSNbUt0nCUOlP742reiPY4qyOfgqqwC5BzHQ-EzwI55GP8xFQAd3wRM_iE_07UvFRAde5dFtlR-YmvDUHhdu9eCueUU1QKY/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A20%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375842446161.2297" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p> We knocked down a few walls, and built a few new ones. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYCMzs4CCGYcGKom9d1JHc091K74HN89r9_2gcQDObDm_SfujvGfBAz5T9SNrXSvPI5VQID0iGq1jCX_i0beZ4thbYpGxKSktix-_Xi_eAtwvSFeKKtvXZ4tNp4RSNSncCfYO8ji-x2k/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYCMzs4CCGYcGKom9d1JHc091K74HN89r9_2gcQDObDm_SfujvGfBAz5T9SNrXSvPI5VQID0iGq1jCX_i0beZ4thbYpGxKSktix-_Xi_eAtwvSFeKKtvXZ4tNp4RSNSncCfYO8ji-x2k/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375842446238.892" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPn8fy-2Y1HFRmyiDnlpQxlbvu4wf1m6XnlouMiHrQvASVv6nYPYtVBJypELgxjP2S2eUsTmQEJ9taz-zMOqQIRnw2zEnLdzsrhoiKcepAapau0xtDpPe8CWptl5H_LdWJ_PGxBYUq1g/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPn8fy-2Y1HFRmyiDnlpQxlbvu4wf1m6XnlouMiHrQvASVv6nYPYtVBJypELgxjP2S2eUsTmQEJ9taz-zMOqQIRnw2zEnLdzsrhoiKcepAapau0xtDpPe8CWptl5H_LdWJ_PGxBYUq1g/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A22%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375842446168.0925" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Goodbye laundry room, hello master on-suite. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM30QPolKj4OY00JDdCep0edYI_WDjpTYVFB95ZWjgk_E2Nr3pENmfKXXB8sX842pQvrrwghs7pdPBraV71wv9zgFIRQAeaQVxXqnDSK7qXUKHB7xcULmMNDtULtgN2FDFBK3oliB16Q/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM30QPolKj4OY00JDdCep0edYI_WDjpTYVFB95ZWjgk_E2Nr3pENmfKXXB8sX842pQvrrwghs7pdPBraV71wv9zgFIRQAeaQVxXqnDSK7qXUKHB7xcULmMNDtULtgN2FDFBK3oliB16Q/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375842446171.7905" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p> </p>
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<p> </p>
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<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNqaErsXcYCF15J_DPwhiQqrdoGYk9GvcE0KdhD26oO6Vh9xMjMnnqVMuhXfnUn2ofq2dv-PlQLHXN0RhOfG_AOrUvCtJFuwJfZeHDQTt0vwfr9Gzc_ovbAW__gUh_h8ACIrs5RKHyc8/s2048/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNqaErsXcYCF15J_DPwhiQqrdoGYk9GvcE0KdhD26oO6Vh9xMjMnnqVMuhXfnUn2ofq2dv-PlQLHXN0RhOfG_AOrUvCtJFuwJfZeHDQTt0vwfr9Gzc_ovbAW__gUh_h8ACIrs5RKHyc8/s500/Photo%252520Aug%2525206%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1375842446179.1548" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<p> It was a looooong summer. But totally worth it!</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-64693435192878352552013-07-01T21:48:00.001-05:002013-07-02T10:48:44.952-05:00Lemonade from lemons<strike></strike>Let me tell you a story...<br />
<br />
On April 15th, tax day, I went about my Monday chores as normal. I got the two big kids off to school, said goodbye to my hubby on his busiest work day of the year, and got Nate ready for Mother's Day out. Monday is also laundry day. So I got all of our family's dirty clothes...at least a week's worth, and organized them on the floor in the laundry room. I started a load of laundry and hurried to take Nate to school. It was 8:45 am. <br />
<br />
After dropping Nate off at school, I took my time at Target and went to Walmart to exchange our propane tank for the grill. I was trying to make my 10:30 am physical therapy appointment, but the darn propane tank was rolling around in the car. I decided to quickly drop it off at home on my way to PT. It was 10:10 am. <br />
<br />
I pulled into the driveway and opened the garage door. In hindsight, I vaguely remember seeing water pooling in front of the garage door but didn't think much of it. As the garage door opened, I was greeted with a sight that would drastically change my summer plans. <br />
<br />
Water was falling through the ceiling of our main floor into our basement garage...Or what I thought was water. My first thought was disbelief; my second thought was that the washing machine had busted. The laundry room was located at the top of the garage stairs. I quickly jumped out of the car and ran into the house. As I ran through water falling on my head, through water in the hallway that connects to the kitchen, and into the Laundry room, I still thought, well, it was water. <br />
<br />
I called Mark to let him know the washer was broken and that the scope of water was beyond my independent handy woman skills. As I was describing the scene before my eyes, I glanced at the toilet in the laundry room. It was overflowing. At that moment, I realized we needed a plumber. But believe it or not, I still thought it was just water. <br />
While I waited for the plumber and my hubby to arrive, I decided to start on clean up. I got my shop vac and sucked up "water". I grabbed all of our towels, soaked up the water, and <strong>rung them out. </strong>And then did the whole process again.<br />
When the men arrived, the plumber took one look at the situation and asked if I had checked any other plumbing fixtures. He told me to go look in the kitchen sink, the next room over. I almost threw up. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYJX3u7UXmmZV39bG2PJVNVdUjwhhvnY2xzQrBT9q-twy0Q8UncgcrYNur0k9QYI49mEI7knV27ShAErb395QiWCxo_FxaUPW09PU0_Ydle3jfvi1Hk3gzm7hp6ojZ9T3NYLOnpNmsEg/s2048/Photo%252520Apr%25252015%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A08%252520AM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="667" id="blogsy-1372733301893.8896" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYJX3u7UXmmZV39bG2PJVNVdUjwhhvnY2xzQrBT9q-twy0Q8UncgcrYNur0k9QYI49mEI7knV27ShAErb395QiWCxo_FxaUPW09PU0_Ydle3jfvi1Hk3gzm7hp6ojZ9T3NYLOnpNmsEg/s500/Photo%252520Apr%25252015%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A08%252520AM.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
That's not water. <br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Yes friends...my washer was just fine. My sewage line had backed up and began a ciphining effect while I ran a load of laundry. I was gone for a short amount of time but sewage is classified as class 3 water. We called our insurance company and within the hour, this is what my driveway looked like. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />
</span><br />
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And our lives were turned upside town. Over the next three days, everything that the sewage water had touched was ripped out. Any personal belonging that had been in the garage was catalogged and hauled away as damaged. And we had no kitchen. No clothes. (I had organized everything by colors in the laudryroom). No washing machine. No microwave (it had been a micro/hood combo above the range). We had a toaster and a mini fridge from the playroom. No stroller (it had been sitting directly under the laundry room...it was soaked). No electic fence for our dog (the wireless base had been in the laundry room). <br />
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Under the first layer of wet flooring was asbestos. So they hooked up fans while the flooring was "tested". <br />
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I quickly pulled a few things out of kitchen cabinets that I might need over the next 2 weeks. Ha. <br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And then reality hit. Everything was coming out. It had even gone into the dishwasher pipes. The kitchen was gutted.</span><br />
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This was done in a period of five days. Not exactly what I had planned for that week. Did I mention Mark had a conference that started on April 20? And I was supposed to join him for a romantic getaway on the 21st, 1 week after D-day? By some miracle, my in-laws graciously came and stayed in our wartorn house so that we could get away. I am eternally gratefull. I don't think I could have lasted this long without the chance to get away. <br />
Even though it has been almost 3 months, we still do not have a kitchen. I can see the finish line, and I am excited at the potential. I want to share all about this process, but for now, I will at least let you know how it started. Hopefully I can share more details as we finish up a major remodel. I have always wanted to design my own kitchen. <br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-1401023691949288522013-02-05T21:20:00.001-06:002013-03-16T23:04:15.460-05:00All I wanted for Christmas...<p>Long time no see.</p>
<p>I have been having technical issues with blogging on my new iPad. I am giving a new app called blogsy a try...so here it goes!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Life has been...well, exhausting. Good but crazy exhausting. But i have been having some fun with my favorite Christmas present.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAj8iS-TXtM8C8O0Dixam3wGYDY8RcE0Y7niuy7PRSmbEZc6arQMOwismMoCmut6VXCS-dtWXe6gdELJoo5BO-ojXWlY82bqcKMDhBx6iWID7V6-vCMdkx9WWxysWowaHezTnB8HsLos/s2048/Photo%252520Jan%2525207%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAj8iS-TXtM8C8O0Dixam3wGYDY8RcE0Y7niuy7PRSmbEZc6arQMOwismMoCmut6VXCS-dtWXe6gdELJoo5BO-ojXWlY82bqcKMDhBx6iWID7V6-vCMdkx9WWxysWowaHezTnB8HsLos/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525207%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525208%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1363493021382.4988" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://9C364F32-157A-494B-BEAB-0E173AC9CB07/imagejpeg" id="blogsy-1363493021442.251" class="" alt=""><br>
My new miter saw. I know...not the most common gift for your wife. But he knew I would love it. We love DeWalt at our house. So I choose the 12 inch non sliding compound miter saw. I wanted precession over cut capacity. And it is so precise. I think I might redo numerous projects in my house. This beats a miter box any day.</p>
<p>For the past month I have been setting up a miter saw table, dust hood and work bench for my new Christmas present. I mean...doesn't your favorite new purse or pair of shoes need a special place? My baby needed to be pampered.</p>
<p>First up, the miter saw table. This was harder than I thought. Our workroom floor is not level, and that is the worst case scenario for making precise cuts. I found these dirt cheap work tables at Home Depot. They were almost cheaper then building them myself. I bought two and left a two foot space in between.</p>
<p>I needed to sink my saw so that the lumber would have a flush surface to work upon. Honestly, it turned out way better than I hoped. I can't believe my measuring skills didn't fail me! I did have to shim up the tables to make everything level.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLAxYPAAqgOdywJbV8Qk6o6fTCxpmaCWITVe6_06tx4HPJMPCG3Irxexg2hBY-H6IuUTuY0d4GmzANkz_W1E2saDWz9efV7EbZEpBlAqtAGz7c4PYH0NrJbw6okX_K3FrhpTgG2YlcG8/s2048/Photo%252520Jan%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLAxYPAAqgOdywJbV8Qk6o6fTCxpmaCWITVe6_06tx4HPJMPCG3Irxexg2hBY-H6IuUTuY0d4GmzANkz_W1E2saDWz9efV7EbZEpBlAqtAGz7c4PYH0NrJbw6okX_K3FrhpTgG2YlcG8/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525209%25253A24%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1363493021450.135" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
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<p>Once I got the saw bolted in place, I made a dust hood. Thanks to a few inspirations that i found on pinterest, I had the forethought to make the board holding the saw deeper than needed.</p>
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<p> Then I took plywoowood and boxed in the area behind the saw. Make sure you measure the full swing radius of your saw before cutting the plywood.</p>
<p>Next I cut a hole for my flange. I ordered a couple on amazon before I found one that fit our old shop vac. If I get good at this, I will set up a full vacuum system. But for now I just wanted to get rid of all of this dust.</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHhkxOl0mVZyEuPXkTyVy0z7sTgababwicabOasfOEQh_wh_rryZTL8YuXiEf7EEwRa0KXsiSVUCwz1qZ2Cq43G9XjBorS9OdsT3EveI5Imuphcvk0E7wZcR4s4OI6Ssm7YmpIN_kxJc/s2048/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A24%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHhkxOl0mVZyEuPXkTyVy0z7sTgababwicabOasfOEQh_wh_rryZTL8YuXiEf7EEwRa0KXsiSVUCwz1qZ2Cq43G9XjBorS9OdsT3EveI5Imuphcvk0E7wZcR4s4OI6Ssm7YmpIN_kxJc/s500/Photo%252520Jan%25252028%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252010%25253A24%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1363493021391.9033" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>Then I connected the shop vac and walla....a cleaner work area!</p>
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Here are a few finishing touches to the saw table a workroom...</p>
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<p><br>
Now for some fun projects! We have done most of the work on a new desk system for the playroom. As soon as I finish the trim, I will post some pictures.</p>
<p>Whew. This has been fun...but really all of this just adds up to set up. I can't wait to dive into some big projects.</p>
<p>Merry Christmas to me! I have the best husband.</p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-51004766868939168772012-12-24T20:29:00.004-06:002012-12-24T20:29:31.068-06:00Christmas lights and burlap<div>
Merry Christmas!!! <br />
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I love this season. Everything about it...it is so joyful.<br />
I have one last project to share with you...burlap covered Christmas lights.<br />
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I had seen this project on Pinterest, but with no help or tutorial. Burlap wrapped Christmas lights...so pretty! So I thought...how hard can this be? I bought some burlap and cut long strips, and sewed a burlap "sock" for my white Christmas lights. Well, to find out, there is a hard way and an easy way. My first try at this took hours of frustration. So here are some tips that I learned along the way.<br />
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1. Don't make your burlap "sock" too long. Burlap is not easy to turn inside out. I ended up making two "socks" and pinning them together. And when I was trying to turn my sock right side out after sewing it, I used a hanger and a large safety pin to pull the burlap through. That definitely helped the process.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAa-x-QRqgV_ndr0uQPm7WMCzoLB-qwm1N0mmQ9Sda2TqQxZZDvH1DLyDfJszoK0L7GIegeML0rHWOgpT2cEDKvl_6NagohyphenhyphenjPxFF0YZa4O2_2IHHTskhTuSxunf5l2BzvK1WZh4LqY4/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAa-x-QRqgV_ndr0uQPm7WMCzoLB-qwm1N0mmQ9Sda2TqQxZZDvH1DLyDfJszoK0L7GIegeML0rHWOgpT2cEDKvl_6NagohyphenhyphenjPxFF0YZa4O2_2IHHTskhTuSxunf5l2BzvK1WZh4LqY4/s400/DSC_0154.JPG" width="400" /></a>2. Use high-end Christmas lights that remain lit even if one bulb gets broken. This was the moment I almost threw everything in the trash. After finishing the entire sewing part of the project, and yanking the Christmas lights through the "sock", I plugged the lights in and discovered that a bulb had broken. And I had used cheap lights. The lights wouldn't work, even when I replaced a bulb. Don't be like me...I had to take out all of the lights and buy a new string to place in my burlap sock. Very frustrating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQb3AhZ_mjyR1EGnlZPinmcRd9meVtJ1T5-Ux2iPk0JWRdFHJYP5HJmB2JXFdQJVhO-AIA2rzwAmLQgNTHU5c84PljgZMWrDelsFBxJ9Th0kYQUC-nFGaK4GIc9S69zKACVrUqDkIfCRM/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQb3AhZ_mjyR1EGnlZPinmcRd9meVtJ1T5-Ux2iPk0JWRdFHJYP5HJmB2JXFdQJVhO-AIA2rzwAmLQgNTHU5c84PljgZMWrDelsFBxJ9Th0kYQUC-nFGaK4GIc9S69zKACVrUqDkIfCRM/s400/DSC_0159.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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3. Use an empty tube of wrapping paper to feed your string of lights into your burlap sock. Once I discovered that the rough burlap would break my light bulbs, I wanted to find a better way to get the sock around the string of lights.<br />
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I used an empty tube of wrapping paper, and placed my lights in the tube. Then I scrunched my burlap sock around the cardboard tube, and fed it along. Granted, it didn't fit the entire length of lights. But this was a MUCH smoother process than my first try...<br />
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4. A string of lights is longer than you think. I was shocked at how long my burlap sock needed to be. I guess I rarely have my Christmas lights strung out in a straight line. I didn't realize how long one string would be. Lets just say that I cut many strips of burlap....over and over and over again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAaBvdBZXr4caxtmBXwhNs4UmEyjzNDMySiWFn-x0AqhrIuH9cYCiZydzFunsM6s6L1jzG6yuaqLte4Ojo3I40h2sVhLQxoZcSvrXPIiqyz_UWeMC7rLuIcDZuI6NnPXMXIj-UC4ilC8/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAaBvdBZXr4caxtmBXwhNs4UmEyjzNDMySiWFn-x0AqhrIuH9cYCiZydzFunsM6s6L1jzG6yuaqLte4Ojo3I40h2sVhLQxoZcSvrXPIiqyz_UWeMC7rLuIcDZuI6NnPXMXIj-UC4ilC8/s640/DSC_0161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. Last but not least, double sew your edges on the burlap. This might be a forgone conclusion, but it is a lesson I am learning. Burlap frays easily. I did a straight stitch first and then I went back with a wide stitch to make sure there was very little fraying. I really don't want to have to do this project again.<br />
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Thats it!! I only finished one of my burlap socks. I am hoping to get one more done before I put everything in the attic for next year. But since my first 2 tries took 5 hours...well, let's just say I am not as motivated as I should be.<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-40618316171570290292012-12-11T21:46:00.000-06:002012-12-11T21:46:46.113-06:00Reflection: Christmas and Elf on the Shelf<div>
I need to be upfront - I am not a big fan of Elf on the Shelf. So if your holiday season begins when your family Elf arrives, you might want to stop reading. I have a strong opinion and I understand that many families love and cherish their Elf. But it has been on my mind lately, and I wanted to share my reflection on the Elf subject.<br />
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First of all, I have a slightly biased background. I did not grow up believing in Santa. My parents decided not to play the Santa game, despite my grandmother's rebellion against my parents, signing all her gifts "love Santa." When Mark and I got married, the Santa discussion was the most drawn out and difficult issue we had to deal with. Would we teach our kids about Santa? I know that sounds crazy, but we had long drawn out *discussions* deciding our unborn children's Christmas fate. In the end, I decided to play the Santa game as long as I could maintain the primary importance of Christmas, Christ's birth.<br />
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For our family, Santa represents unconditional love...through gifts. He comes on Christmas Eve and leaves behind gifts galore with no expectation of reciprocation. We tell the kids that he is showing God's love by giving them something with no strings attached...just because he loves them.<br />
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My kids hear stories about Santa at school, the TV...everywhere. When my kids hear stories about Santa and how they need to be "good", I quickly speak up. <br />
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There is no naughty or nice list. This is a fictitious story that desperate parents and commercialism have jumped upon. Frankly, it ruins the beauty of Santa's gifts. His gifts are unconditional. My children don't have be good or nice to receive anything from me at Christmas. And quite honestly, they would never receive anything if it was based on their behavior. And neither would I.<br />
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And thus my dislike of the Elf. He watches you. He makes sure you are being 'good.' He appears in different places around the house...which I imagine is the fun part for parents. He tells Santa how you are doing...and helps determine whether you have been naughty or nice.<br />
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But the Elf misses the point of Christmas. Jesus Christ is an unconditional gift. You don't have to be good. God does see us and his gift of love does not change based on what he sees. Ever. (Phew!) Santa should be a chance for us to proclaim the gospel to our children...the best love story ever. Unending love and grace - with no strings attached. The greatest gift of all. And it doesn't matter how badly I mess up, I still get the amazing gift of grace.<br />
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That is what I want my children to grasp and relish during the Christmas season. Elf on the Shelf might be fun, but it negates the beautiful message that Santa can show my kids. He brings gifts that have no rhyme or reason or need to be reciprocated...gifts that are there to show them the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. </div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-32017374662642679902012-12-10T12:12:00.000-06:002012-12-11T21:31:21.989-06:00Decorating for Christmas<div>
I dropped my computer.<br />
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There, I said it. That is my excuse for my lack of writing. I just wanted to get my excuses out of the way.<br />
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Once I dropped my computer, it died. Or should I say, it went into a coma and all of it's memory had to be erased in order for it to wake up. The good news is that I had backed up my computer in October. The bad news is that I hadn't backed up my computer after downloading pictures from Nate's 1st birthday. Sigh. I guess that is the curse of the 3rd kid...no pictures.<br />
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In the meantime, I have worked on a few projects. Of course, most of the pictures that detail the process have been lost. I have been busy on the sewing machine here at home and at my friend's house.<br />
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The first project I worked on is a surprise gift from Santa for Abby...so please don't spoil the surprise. She innocently still believes in Santa despite her big brother urgent need for her to "know the truth." Numerous times this month I have heard Caleb informing Abby, "I know the truth about Santa. I want you to know who he REALLY is." Abby's reply..."Caleb...stop telling me stuff. I don't want to know." Love her.<br />
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Her main Santa gift is doll sleeping bags for Kit and Ruthie. Abby has declared her new favorite color to be green and her favorite animal to be owls (with spiders as second!!!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi300Eh6dCUZ62UUs_NMrgUVlwlCiVAdzT1lwXy_sK6ibv-GfXpR-OwxsQPz4_CjqABQ4Phhyphenhyphen1heLHAYWsmqSnbVggSiYRBUrYtxVggTfib21JTP8qze9BULu8VUYlax4m7A-GuL1CfzRw/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi300Eh6dCUZ62UUs_NMrgUVlwlCiVAdzT1lwXy_sK6ibv-GfXpR-OwxsQPz4_CjqABQ4Phhyphenhyphen1heLHAYWsmqSnbVggSiYRBUrYtxVggTfib21JTP8qze9BULu8VUYlax4m7A-GuL1CfzRw/s640/DSC_0160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was really fun. I even put batting in the middle to make it feel like a real sleeping bag. The biggest help was <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/10/sewing-tips-installing-a-basic-zipper.html" target="_blank">this tutorial on zippers</a>. It was my best zipper work yet. Well, until I made a big mistake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7z-rT1hhgiRUmx8zU6aINwYIS5BG66dnlXiHLjSWBA9s2K0gkmD7BLLfYAMemgNH6DmyMKMoKr6FckNqnfMZ1HqZ1gw5Y2Rkhn-ebCO-5G_GBpaKCICuVpjxUUPBSo9qcLxYeh2SH8w/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7z-rT1hhgiRUmx8zU6aINwYIS5BG66dnlXiHLjSWBA9s2K0gkmD7BLLfYAMemgNH6DmyMKMoKr6FckNqnfMZ1HqZ1gw5Y2Rkhn-ebCO-5G_GBpaKCICuVpjxUUPBSo9qcLxYeh2SH8w/s640/DSC_0159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My really big mistake? Ironing on the patches at the end and forgetting that I had a PLASTIC zipper. Yep...I am really smart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCjDcdPKZmugsqwMHXms5BObLQdsVsGN8DihtvzR-BxtGy8V_LoIJeZ6Xtepo13Wx_jDVXwyHcLy1RYQopZyIL9NeT1psNeyGxSkrssYw8uhEXoPikATeARMF0pmrJBgbpFiTixYaCMs/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCjDcdPKZmugsqwMHXms5BObLQdsVsGN8DihtvzR-BxtGy8V_LoIJeZ6Xtepo13Wx_jDVXwyHcLy1RYQopZyIL9NeT1psNeyGxSkrssYw8uhEXoPikATeARMF0pmrJBgbpFiTixYaCMs/s640/DSC_0161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So Kit's bag has some....character. On Christmas morning I will have Kit and Ruthie waiting in the sleeping bags. I hope she likes it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDrGdD9AOR057OtQsuP9vTRNZ5wg67D8WxDrzBPZKVDkj_Djt4RTOPoo29kK2rUsqzdPrmipuR2mVWqd759oWkn-RoB0Lgc25sfjx8PmtN-JJSrzw5w0Qf5N5RSqDQrITvvZdN9dzWRk/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDrGdD9AOR057OtQsuP9vTRNZ5wg67D8WxDrzBPZKVDkj_Djt4RTOPoo29kK2rUsqzdPrmipuR2mVWqd759oWkn-RoB0Lgc25sfjx8PmtN-JJSrzw5w0Qf5N5RSqDQrITvvZdN9dzWRk/s640/DSC_0162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My next project was decorating some tomato cages with Christmas lights. I had seen this project on pinterest and thought it looked cute and easy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU4pOTkGR-h0s6oaJmhgSTVlmTwnL1_UfVl7vSFbV5sR0Km6qNJLKXR76Q-TXSU2CrBIFaDGQt06E0hfbCTy1rP0zu8sZhSncEQUZJjFnTA1vgJSTK2Hx2maKJ_mXP-YsUCaSA2Ythqg/s1600/DSC_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwU4pOTkGR-h0s6oaJmhgSTVlmTwnL1_UfVl7vSFbV5sR0Km6qNJLKXR76Q-TXSU2CrBIFaDGQt06E0hfbCTy1rP0zu8sZhSncEQUZJjFnTA1vgJSTK2Hx2maKJ_mXP-YsUCaSA2Ythqg/s640/DSC_0145.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
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I took 2 tomato cages and tied the tops. Then strung white lights all the way down.<br />
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It was super easy. And I found this great star to put on top.<br />
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I love having some sort of outdoor lights. And Mark likes that he didn't have to hang anything.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNOPLD386QmWHKPlldbb6TXZ_bytQFRrbNYlDZ9p3CVpf0OxPSumtr-2Y_yskJv8dvxY2z4JM5I-bOs1mhWWDWsDDV197acea8UmixsqVWhjo83MnW0bSrE2JFXLj5ifixR6Hd6nRbCE/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNOPLD386QmWHKPlldbb6TXZ_bytQFRrbNYlDZ9p3CVpf0OxPSumtr-2Y_yskJv8dvxY2z4JM5I-bOs1mhWWDWsDDV197acea8UmixsqVWhjo83MnW0bSrE2JFXLj5ifixR6Hd6nRbCE/s640/DSC_0153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKHFF-0C-BdsAzWJ6g1tX_seccNgkfHCcpqCRYVcE4Unl6s19rIOQ8TXvgra3QGqhO1qKcav0Ihx2ejCCfKo3NhjMV-UcScqcU8_LCOlj8rmc4RoqE3kvV2DZ3WDx9JcE30VriBrDmqo/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKHFF-0C-BdsAzWJ6g1tX_seccNgkfHCcpqCRYVcE4Unl6s19rIOQ8TXvgra3QGqhO1qKcav0Ihx2ejCCfKo3NhjMV-UcScqcU8_LCOlj8rmc4RoqE3kvV2DZ3WDx9JcE30VriBrDmqo/s640/DSC_0156.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
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The last project was an act of love from my friend Rachel. She is an excellent seamstress and I asked her to help me make a tree skirt to match some stockings I had ordered off of Etsy. And she didn't just help...she sewed a beautiful tree skirt.<br />
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This picture does not do it justice. My camera's flash died as I was taking these pictures. And by the time I had new batteries, the tree skirt was covered in presents. I will give an update after Christmas because it is the cutest tree skirt I have ever seen. I think Rachel should start taking orders. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ccLuP6-uecYUQMj1mjQMY0J-V5lJ6vL0YUz4v_FUJABUoQ6o5M5posjHJKcelK8FrXJjfhJu426HEmG-HoOBpH4A9CTboMJqbDG6yriiJFtpljjYhul22rn5nBQYxsgpHHiZiSdYyk0/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ccLuP6-uecYUQMj1mjQMY0J-V5lJ6vL0YUz4v_FUJABUoQ6o5M5posjHJKcelK8FrXJjfhJu426HEmG-HoOBpH4A9CTboMJqbDG6yriiJFtpljjYhul22rn5nBQYxsgpHHiZiSdYyk0/s640/DSC_0162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are the matching stockings...using It's a Hoot fabric by MoMo. I don't know why I love this fabric so much. I used it on <a href="http://measureonceandcuttwice.blogspot.com/2012_09_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Abby's chair cushion</a> and I am about to embark on another project for my Christmas set up. <br />
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This is only the 2nd time we have been home for Christmas...in our entire marriage. That is almost 10 years! I love decorating our home for Christmas and being here to enjoy it. I think it is my favorite holiday.<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-28754400441478723352012-11-08T20:56:00.002-06:002012-11-08T20:56:41.908-06:00Quick and easy glass etching<div>
I have had the supplies for this project for months...and finally got to it this week. Glass etching is so easy and fun. And I love using letters around the house...I don't know why. Ask any of my friends...grammar is not my speciality. You would think I would have a "thing" for numbers. Nope. Letters. And the "&" symbol. I find myself drooling over interior design with the "&" symbol used somewhere in the design. I need to get me one of those.<br />
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This particular project is going to be part of my Christmas decorations. I can't believe that Christmas is around the corner. Wow.<br />
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Joy...real joy...is at the heart of Christmas. Christ's birth brings joy to earth. I love Christmas.<br />
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Imagine these vases with white lights, pine cones...or maybe some burlap. I didn't have the energy to dig through my Christmas decorations *quite* yet. I have an "after Thanksgiving" rule.<br />
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My project took very few supplies...these 3 vases, stencils, a paintbrush, and Armour Etch.<br />
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Armour Etch is easy to find at Michaels or Joann Fabrics. It is a small bottle but it goes a really long way. I hardly made a dent with this project. **side note...I just read the warning label as I uploaded this picture. Yikes...use with caution!**<br />
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I placed my stencils, or should I say stickers, on my vases. Because I was using the outside edge of letter stickers, I didn't have much of a margin. I used tape on the edges to make sure my etching 'goo' didn't get anywhere else on the glass. You can also use contact paper and pre-cut any design that you want.<br />
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I put the 'goo' in my letter area and tried to keep it even. Remember that this etches the glass very quickly...you only have to leave it on for 5 or 10 minutes. So don't let it get outside of your stencil area.<br />
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After 5 or 10 minutes, just wash it off. That is it! I did do a second coat on a few spots; I think my first coat wasn't as even as I would have liked.<br />
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That's it! So easy...and endless possibilities. I might have to try this again sometime soon.</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-1824637831191222652012-11-02T08:52:00.001-05:002012-11-02T08:52:57.215-05:00Dr. Pepper and baby mittens<div>
I promise...I am still alive. I have been meaning to sit and write a blog post, but life has gotten ahead of me. <br />
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I have started a new medicine for migraines...and I don't know which is worse, the migraine or the side effects of the medicine. Well, actually...I know which is worse. I wouldn't wish a migraine on my worst enemy. But my current medicine has some funny side effects...like loosing the taste of carbonation. Seriously. I didn't even know that was possible until I tried my favorite beverage, Dr. Pepper, and found myself searching the can for an expiration date. <br />
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Despite the lack of luster in the beverage department, I have been a busy bee preparing for my first student art show. I must admit...I am a little nervous. I did not major in art or anything close. I was a theology major who is now a stay at home mom who likes to be handy! Being handy and artistic has become my "therapy", so I agreed to have a table at the art show.<br />
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We are encouraged to sell any art or craft, not just our pottery from class. I made some clay birds for stemware and a few wine stoppers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHTEd5RYp1Rl_5Vd6M0WZiLeuO2cLzsZCGhDJ888jXG5uR-oA8yJmgKSqHc9F27btjl8hLvW4H9rIohy5SFOZRioB4QlpufSI0FpkdK6D41P6vl-i8-YbrmVI-ZdZV3kfTNZPMkg6uL0/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHTEd5RYp1Rl_5Vd6M0WZiLeuO2cLzsZCGhDJ888jXG5uR-oA8yJmgKSqHc9F27btjl8hLvW4H9rIohy5SFOZRioB4QlpufSI0FpkdK6D41P6vl-i8-YbrmVI-ZdZV3kfTNZPMkg6uL0/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am also going to sell some of my bowls and vases...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QiAGjd5RQC8GQTGIOoAK2YVmsDRm_cNHsE_9Bo0wXEdHVa67L77eSGLatSTyelRChMP8Nb-1iNRrn2mOvwIVOQDhFmIHeAASR4sy7Km8rLz5mFZ7xk9xmVJE79mjGUR5xFcnooc_LOs/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QiAGjd5RQC8GQTGIOoAK2YVmsDRm_cNHsE_9Bo0wXEdHVa67L77eSGLatSTyelRChMP8Nb-1iNRrn2mOvwIVOQDhFmIHeAASR4sy7Km8rLz5mFZ7xk9xmVJE79mjGUR5xFcnooc_LOs/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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I also decided to frame a few of my charcoal drawings. Here are my 2 favorite -<br />
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In all honesty, I got a little nervous that I would just sit at the table all day with my pottery and drawings without a single sale. This is the first time I am opening up to the public (on the blog and at the art show) some of my drawings, and it makes me nervous to be at a show surrounded by "real" artists. Soooo, I decided to sew a few things as a fail safe. I wanted at least one sale.<br />
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When Nate was born, a good friend gave me a burp cloth with this adorable robot fabric. I had been searching for some newborn hand mittens to protect him from scratching himself, and decided to try to make them to match the cute burp cloth. Here is the end result from last year -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ35nmy_lxEzOteRXxEpioi2MYNr9eNbwdpeJ6mpfBrlMnXngQgwNbvi1D4W-CRLcGE1fRx_nnmOz9gCyyzx-IMPfEUkFaMicyzpTpyI7n8EqHaK_pPOEpwDrHbR8vTwqWLW2Gh444MkU/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ35nmy_lxEzOteRXxEpioi2MYNr9eNbwdpeJ6mpfBrlMnXngQgwNbvi1D4W-CRLcGE1fRx_nnmOz9gCyyzx-IMPfEUkFaMicyzpTpyI7n8EqHaK_pPOEpwDrHbR8vTwqWLW2Gh444MkU/s400/DSC_0189.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Aren't they cute??? Every nurse at the hospital asked where I had gotten them. And I must say, Nate looked awfully cute. So I decided to make a few mitten and burp cloth sets to sell at the show, just in case my real art started to collect dust.<br />
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I cut the form big enough for little hands...keeping the bottom wide enough that new moms won't feel stressed about squeezing their babies hands into the mittens. I cut 4 matching pieces.<br />
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I folded over the bottom edge to form a hem.<br />
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Then I cut a small length of ribbon, and sewed the ribbon on 2 of my mitten "forms", about 1/2 inch from the bottom edge.<br />
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Then I put 2 forms together with the fabric pattern side in, and stitched myself a little mitten. 2 important things to note - first, I chose to do a wider stitch to give the mitten a little strength and to guard the fabric from fraying. They won't be wearing these when they are 2 years old, but you want them to last. Second, be careful where the end of your ribbon is when you are sewing the two pieces together. Make sure it is tucked "in and down." And then turn it right side out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemaOjJMOu-FTOCKgJQKFLAbvWSeoryaAligUfzuZLnmuu20AZHX3LsjLKmXbCarEAMzcatVbzmg1M5DA94-6NacCR_NiyJmwuRKh6PF-1ReAwnYEsnmcHDxGw3NJms_GXewA09hPHcCY/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemaOjJMOu-FTOCKgJQKFLAbvWSeoryaAligUfzuZLnmuu20AZHX3LsjLKmXbCarEAMzcatVbzmg1M5DA94-6NacCR_NiyJmwuRKh6PF-1ReAwnYEsnmcHDxGw3NJms_GXewA09hPHcCY/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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That's it! I paired the mittens with 2 burp cloths...and I must admit, it is pretty cute. Here is a baby girl's set...<br />
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Wow, I guess I have been busy. I just haven't had a chance to write about it. And if you are family member, or a friend that is pregnant...you might see a few of these items again around Christmas. Just act surprised.<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-10000144415659057862012-10-16T20:06:00.001-05:002012-10-16T21:59:10.248-05:00It is fully operational...<div>
September and October are celebration months in our household. In the span of 4 weeks, we have Caleb, Nate and my birthdays, and our anniversary. I love the fall. <br />
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Caleb recieved birthday money this year that put him at his savings goal for the Lego Death Star. He had been saving for a long time for this very expensive lego set. Mark and I had promised him that if he saved up half (tax included!) we would match him. And he did it. I took him to the Lego Store and he proudly counted out his coins. The clerk was very patient.<br />
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As soon as we got home, he started to build the Death Star. It has 3803 pieces and there are 261 pages to the instrucion manual. Even though it says it is for age 16+, my seven year old son built the entire thing by himself.<br />
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Here is the end result. Very impressive...especially to Lego fans.<br />
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It has 3 main levels with an elevator shaft down the middle, surrounding by rooms. Each room displays a famous scene that takes place in the original trilogy on the Death Star. It even shoots a missle from the death star.<br />
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Here are some of my favorites rooms:<br />
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The trash room, complete with moving walls and a very cool lego trash creature. It also has an entrance to the trash room from the prisoner level...<br />
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Speaking of prisoner level, here is detention block AA-23, as well as Princess Leia's cell...<br />
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There is a command room...<br />
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The famous scene of the dual between Darth Vader, Luke, and the Emperor...<br />
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Obi-Wan dismantling the tractor beam...<br />
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Luke and Leia, swinging their way back to the Millenium Falcon...<br />
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Can you tell I like Caleb' new toy? It took him 10 days to build...he spent every extra minute working on it. He also spent his money on a lazy susan that fits perfectly under the Death Star. The funny thing is that he thought the lazy susan was electric. That it could be turned on and just spin the Death Star with no human involvement. Needless to say, he was very disappointed in the lazy susan reality. He told me to return the lazy susan and asked me to get an electric one. Do they make such a thing? I will have to research that one!<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-36516906067478848892012-09-30T08:08:00.001-05:002012-09-30T08:08:53.601-05:00Recovering chairs<div>
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In the midst of a busy season of life, I have kept busy recovering a few chairs. I am not an expert in this area. In fact, this was my second attempt at recovering the same rocking chair. </div>
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Here is the end result, round 2 -</div>
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I love the blue and brown combination. I used the fabric from my shower curtain collection.</div>
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This is the fabric I choose the first time....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYcIt6klfC8yOQdxvRsUvM-YazRmVtQtcR4dX3O2O9tQRxmNprJTrXCvRRt5jlZ-MV5hR9XsLh-oxAUyinu_UJ2r3qyzxXuFl2Q-VBFFFZHBCpQROMIxfedXgvxC6uSJvX3fOH84RM0k/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYcIt6klfC8yOQdxvRsUvM-YazRmVtQtcR4dX3O2O9tQRxmNprJTrXCvRRt5jlZ-MV5hR9XsLh-oxAUyinu_UJ2r3qyzxXuFl2Q-VBFFFZHBCpQROMIxfedXgvxC6uSJvX3fOH84RM0k/s640/DSC_0001.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC8TwVmvG1v9L1MeHBBCWWFBfvZb9XkuroNP15d-gsdaldmXyLY9OJdNbXjdoBE4FWMeqnICpv8KcZxcT5-EzHz-YNV09NgRVzKnxPGeSA1zD113VuWbVNMMbloj_Kg-udXC5irni6-U/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC8TwVmvG1v9L1MeHBBCWWFBfvZb9XkuroNP15d-gsdaldmXyLY9OJdNbXjdoBE4FWMeqnICpv8KcZxcT5-EzHz-YNV09NgRVzKnxPGeSA1zD113VuWbVNMMbloj_Kg-udXC5irni6-U/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Why in the world did I choose this fabric? I have no idea. So, I used one of my fabulous shower curtains and attempted round 2 of recovering the rocking chair. I used <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/fabric-paper-projects/diy-chair-upholstery-guide/" target="_blank">this</a> site to guide me. I don't feel knowledgable at all in this area...so I have no recommendations other than choose fabric wisely. That way you won't have to pull out millions of little nails - twice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM_utFKPO3YBc1v5j2N1qE8BuvZTz9wEEUtI47xHs09ntzg9sLT_CV_8fQbr3rPgS3QOcYjvOC-r3KPrzeL6641Q2ySQ6hGBvrgnRpT4ItOlIx42iuPT4o5ozdhmFlMT_tdZ4QGsKTi0/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM_utFKPO3YBc1v5j2N1qE8BuvZTz9wEEUtI47xHs09ntzg9sLT_CV_8fQbr3rPgS3QOcYjvOC-r3KPrzeL6641Q2ySQ6hGBvrgnRpT4ItOlIx42iuPT4o5ozdhmFlMT_tdZ4QGsKTi0/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="427" /></a>This is the same fabric I used on my <a href="http://measureonceandcuttwice.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-new-mud-room-bench.html" target="_blank">mud room bench</a>. I love this color...and I am a sucker for tree and leaf patterns. This rocking chair was a $20 find at a yard sale. It is an antique "nursing" rocker. With the new fabric, it looks bright and cheery in the guest room.</div>
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Next, I made a cushion for Abby's desk chair. Lately I have fallen in love with It's a Hoot fabric by MoMo. I don't know why, but I LOVE IT! There are a bunch of fabrics, but this blue owl scene is one of my favorites.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ahTbYbJ5YL_MIAEcBjeVLa4Aa8uem99BWgUDRJoCNG3SWhdSZqS4yoKyCvA1x1MKOkyg7ski2xcffeqaRRTeGK7v9mtIMLe3924c0WiJNb0d2mnB_E1MD9iPxPxk8PJPHC5WlPfdmso/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ahTbYbJ5YL_MIAEcBjeVLa4Aa8uem99BWgUDRJoCNG3SWhdSZqS4yoKyCvA1x1MKOkyg7ski2xcffeqaRRTeGK7v9mtIMLe3924c0WiJNb0d2mnB_E1MD9iPxPxk8PJPHC5WlPfdmso/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is the chair. Nothing fancy; yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEP2tknotiQablj4_ugbb0-I3RauElLZtH9qgkGgE7hqcT4WstkKnKQW4HwvdMaNQpeeTyizMk3ZlnXiQtxOYLvw3ZBIWsi2s2f6fGpkFyqquM2hFTOlcKzWYtuu8K0cvbyoiX_3CS5w/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEP2tknotiQablj4_ugbb0-I3RauElLZtH9qgkGgE7hqcT4WstkKnKQW4HwvdMaNQpeeTyizMk3ZlnXiQtxOYLvw3ZBIWsi2s2f6fGpkFyqquM2hFTOlcKzWYtuu8K0cvbyoiX_3CS5w/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRTVujeRS7euq2mjojRlPP0t69I2bY-HnjFeWdtZQm01ihU8WhwQA793J35ttUz4oPHh3kT0HmEubwp3vf_Y7rmnspkODCZCKQcVkALdqjU10yG9fTZvAze8TWiaiTyuN8xLfbiEmKbs/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRTVujeRS7euq2mjojRlPP0t69I2bY-HnjFeWdtZQm01ihU8WhwQA793J35ttUz4oPHh3kT0HmEubwp3vf_Y7rmnspkODCZCKQcVkALdqjU10yG9fTZvAze8TWiaiTyuN8xLfbiEmKbs/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" width="400" /></a>I cut a piece of foam to fit the odd sized seat to my old Ikea chair. I think we got these 9 years ago as newlyweds...these were the cheapest dining room chairs that we could find.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7aErjvF3mEJ-3C1dH6e6zIIzhj13_H-kWBdDV3-IjdpChTFMo6IO1oHNjsdSsUslFrjIu5w-M7_Pf9KvvG1bZMyr35YwuvFQHZBZMn2VwujPECqocsB63ijNAbqmdpVtApJ_zgVxR84/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7aErjvF3mEJ-3C1dH6e6zIIzhj13_H-kWBdDV3-IjdpChTFMo6IO1oHNjsdSsUslFrjIu5w-M7_Pf9KvvG1bZMyr35YwuvFQHZBZMn2VwujPECqocsB63ijNAbqmdpVtApJ_zgVxR84/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a>Next I cut two pieces of fabric aproximately 2 inches bigger then the shape of the foam. I also sewed a nice hem all the way around each piece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kE7faEfMxF83bpYEnOpfmtudzeRL6tCO-ad1vz1ThnlmzBBF6iEYhUAUw6e3eeAz7Fc2DrUVAy8wAhkyXa79xpJmItLeL0wp_lE7sUk-qc9OIf2E5cw5jWYB8VRT2uWiErerjhns3qc/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kE7faEfMxF83bpYEnOpfmtudzeRL6tCO-ad1vz1ThnlmzBBF6iEYhUAUw6e3eeAz7Fc2DrUVAy8wAhkyXa79xpJmItLeL0wp_lE7sUk-qc9OIf2E5cw5jWYB8VRT2uWiErerjhns3qc/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" width="400" /></a>I layed the peices of fabric back to back, and sewed 3 sides. Then I put it on the cushion, and placed a pin where my corners fell along the front of the new cover. I removed the cover, and sewed a vertical line where I had placed my pin. It creates a small triangle on the corner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLqW81tAMIW6N1Q5iO9P0t498poekZI3dO_fASwTujYVVYlvj-j6TOpNLAiPA1c1OZtUjxF2kXyyg3xLsMBStD1N-oCM2lFHFcTwDAFGRNn_I0FuaMzbWHrmyCcQkPSLZGgAYxDjd11Q/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLqW81tAMIW6N1Q5iO9P0t498poekZI3dO_fASwTujYVVYlvj-j6TOpNLAiPA1c1OZtUjxF2kXyyg3xLsMBStD1N-oCM2lFHFcTwDAFGRNn_I0FuaMzbWHrmyCcQkPSLZGgAYxDjd11Q/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a>Then I slid the cover back on my cushion and viola...two nice corners!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDmPB4sbD_XExoLLAAGAo2iPNe-1HufHlIQEOPE6BEF_Edfr5YzAEFyO3cMaf36HHaDbvA5XXZn6pG9sLHMc1lLcAeAwQ4Nb0kPboSUo5-fS2Y2A4PvipL5ou9DBQog5K3kNetQ4GtI8/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDmPB4sbD_XExoLLAAGAo2iPNe-1HufHlIQEOPE6BEF_Edfr5YzAEFyO3cMaf36HHaDbvA5XXZn6pG9sLHMc1lLcAeAwQ4Nb0kPboSUo5-fS2Y2A4PvipL5ou9DBQog5K3kNetQ4GtI8/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" width="400" /></a> Once I knew that I had the sewing in place, I took my cushion and sprayed it with adhesive, and wrapped the entire cushion in batting. It gives it a little bit more 'umph.<br />
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Next I worked on small ties for the back of the cushion to attach to the chair. I used scrap fabric and made 2 10 inch strips, and attached them at the corner seam at 5 inches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XDKRktbvqzJ_Y8kbbECT6uCRJ8LHKolgaGpA_JUMceBLP29BEZeC_4MRduPanjFyNc_5B3ea8tEpHZiA18lyTTGOK8vR42qXhqJNkfSs5iQO2BoWzfM9URuWZOkNLgNbLm9rv8nv2Hc/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XDKRktbvqzJ_Y8kbbECT6uCRJ8LHKolgaGpA_JUMceBLP29BEZeC_4MRduPanjFyNc_5B3ea8tEpHZiA18lyTTGOK8vR42qXhqJNkfSs5iQO2BoWzfM9URuWZOkNLgNbLm9rv8nv2Hc/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a> Lastly, I dealt with the third side. I wanted to create a pocket opening so that I could wash the cover when needed. But I was too lasy to sew on a zipper. So i folded it like a present and stiched it numerous times on each side. The flap stays put *most* of the time. If I were to take more time with the details, I would add snaps or buttons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCvkoCVBzVnfdkOJH0ZL3Pb2hEKFgeiwO1RauH8j7bdTXIcs8rNmalbqxydrRCH4Ess1i7S2SJpr0f1XpT_JEGlIY8Y0lygpIhHDeyIRwBX0FTqm9iRC-fHmqggc1Q1mMW0YQb2TYB0w/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCvkoCVBzVnfdkOJH0ZL3Pb2hEKFgeiwO1RauH8j7bdTXIcs8rNmalbqxydrRCH4Ess1i7S2SJpr0f1XpT_JEGlIY8Y0lygpIhHDeyIRwBX0FTqm9iRC-fHmqggc1Q1mMW0YQb2TYB0w/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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After spray painting the Ikea chair white, Abby's new desk chair is done! She loves the fabric and she has declared blue her favorite color. I love it!<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-3545974890631446212012-09-17T13:30:00.000-05:002012-09-17T13:30:12.468-05:00ReflectionMy life is busy. I may have mentioned that once or twice...but I have been reflecting on our busy lives over this past week. I know that my typical post is more practical than reflective, but this is where I am today.<div>
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When is busy too busy? I have 3 kids, 2 of which are in school. Life is supposed to be busy. We have church commitments, soccer for the 2 older kids (practice and games weekly), martial arts for the big kids - twice a week, my weekly art class, and my husband's men's group, etc. All of these things are good things. And on a perfect week, I feel on top of this schedule. But not this past week. The baby was sick all week, Abby seemed to have an enormous amount of homework (Kindergarten???!!!), and we added doctor appointments and the HVAC cleaning to the list. </div>
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How do people do this crazy life with 3 kids without family around?</div>
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I asked my friend this question on our way to pottery class. I didn't even get dinner that night because I went straight from martial arts to my class. I ate some Oreos at 9:30 when I got home. So maybe I shouldn't complain about no dinner...they were pretty good.</div>
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She gave me a good answer - a lot of people don't do this. The don't have the ability to be super involved at their church, and don't have the time for every kid to have an activity. And then some people hire backup. And Nashville seems to be the place for nannies. I have been mistaken for one at our YMCA pool!</div>
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What if I really want all of these activities for my kids but I don't want to hire a nanny? Where is the balance with my sanity? I know some of my desires for my kids is what I like to call rebound parenting. Each generation tries to change something that they did or did not have in their childhood. I want my kids to have the chance to stick with one sport or activity and to do it well. To find their niche and blossom. I didn't have this chance until high school when I found music. I moved a lot as a kid, and often missed soccer registration or just didn't have the chance to stick with one program and blossom. I often think that I could have played soccer into college. I played my eighth grade year, but ended up going to 3 high schools. By the time I got to my last high school, I wasn't at the same skill level as the girls trying out for the team.</div>
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So am I creating a busy schedule for my kids out of my own regret or because of what is really best for each kid? They love everything we are involved in...and I want them to learn from a team sport as well as individual sport/activity. I think there are benefits to both. But I didn't have both activities my entire childhood, and I turned out okay. Well, most days I turned out okay. </div>
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Balance has been on my mind this week. I find myself encouraging my kids with all of the opportunities that I can give them - but trying to learn when to push them forward and when to get out of God's way.</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-69319048292475506062012-09-10T09:54:00.002-05:002012-09-10T09:54:38.250-05:00The kid's bathroom - part 2<div>
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Whirlwind. Fall means back to school, soccer and martial arts...with 3 kids. It has been a little crazy in our household. Fun...but crazy.<br />
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I have been meaning to write this post for a few weeks. The kid's bathroom is done. Or, I should say done for now. One day I will do some upgrades that will take a little construction. But the current bathroom is light and bright.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu2BTImNSscc0LARmYcy0LEdm_Ns7M7NfCjrgQRU1160GoIl5ssKTHdb4vraK6hb1QRDN4MvXGicBLTsnaGISAbInyeCu_JfVkCXwhXNFR5k4QzLA2pVaY49EY1CfsXA-_pyahJRn4OE/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu2BTImNSscc0LARmYcy0LEdm_Ns7M7NfCjrgQRU1160GoIl5ssKTHdb4vraK6hb1QRDN4MvXGicBLTsnaGISAbInyeCu_JfVkCXwhXNFR5k4QzLA2pVaY49EY1CfsXA-_pyahJRn4OE/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
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I started with this fun shower curtain and kept the "wood" theme going.<br />
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I built a shelf out of scrap wood. It was fun having Abby help me "distress" it. We beat it up with any tool we could find.</div>
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It took me a while to decide on an art piece for the bathroom wall. I considered a stain glass piece, but never found anything I liked. I finally made a framed bible verse for my kids...all about growing. We have been talking a lot about growing in our house; not getting everything right, but learning through God's grace. Just growing.<br />
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The kids now have an easy place to keep their towels...and keep them organized.<br />
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My fun project was a few mason jar soap dispensers. It was so easy.<br />
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Just poke a hole through the lid, and slide your pump through. I actually used a pump from an old dispenser.<br />
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Eventually, I want to add a rubber seal by the hole to protect the water from rusting the mason jar lid. I plan to hit up Home Depot later this week.<br />
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I love the "new" kid's bathroom. From dark and drab to bright and cheerful...<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-28960358343590113292012-08-20T21:16:00.000-05:002012-08-20T21:16:26.792-05:00Treehouse inspiration<div>
Our family spent Saturday afternoon at Cheekwood Gardens. Currently, they have a tree house exhibit. And they are not your average tree houses.<br />
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This is a conk shell tree house from Lord of the Flies. I humbly admit that I haven't read the book...but some people were a little wierded out by this treehouse theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBOw8dOyelxuRpb5Gj2Gcb787Tnkv0FNTxc0T-SM-Y0jIc-jLKuMPwrtvKJP7wV3u9N-6i__nKPLH7pAYDYlo-WdwGuNowVYwSSO0z8PvEg74eudGK0PvvPoFoS8wPSWgIDk5ajNKG3o/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBOw8dOyelxuRpb5Gj2Gcb787Tnkv0FNTxc0T-SM-Y0jIc-jLKuMPwrtvKJP7wV3u9N-6i__nKPLH7pAYDYlo-WdwGuNowVYwSSO0z8PvEg74eudGK0PvvPoFoS8wPSWgIDk5ajNKG3o/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75UNcTwwD_PX-XQrDp5nlVyI_oyYXEhoZFwAhsEgIrHyJbyRbAVcTJKSMgD2m_7E5ROQlT9eO1r9WioND-aoQEJsJ-K3M4P898ZkvVgq_DQwGahOK43fjZS-BI7HbMy11NpCq7yT2rsk/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75UNcTwwD_PX-XQrDp5nlVyI_oyYXEhoZFwAhsEgIrHyJbyRbAVcTJKSMgD2m_7E5ROQlT9eO1r9WioND-aoQEJsJ-K3M4P898ZkvVgq_DQwGahOK43fjZS-BI7HbMy11NpCq7yT2rsk/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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Abby loved it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFqZofY9_JSI1NBVLdIaE_6NCD-4pnN0Wbkg9cZLaUMkaeN22gvnoKfvpKrornMZQ8CFxaaP5ArxhCCXcXCrZnLsZZP_PnyE29gfSrICp2VUgCxUttLOitD409hvrVQoXL1ouMJ8AOlc/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFqZofY9_JSI1NBVLdIaE_6NCD-4pnN0Wbkg9cZLaUMkaeN22gvnoKfvpKrornMZQ8CFxaaP5ArxhCCXcXCrZnLsZZP_PnyE29gfSrICp2VUgCxUttLOitD409hvrVQoXL1ouMJ8AOlc/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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The "Jolly Roger" pirate tree house was a huge hit. It had the most transferable ideas for our treehouse. As soon as Abby saw the pirate ship, she ran to climb aboard. <br />
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Caleb was our navigator...he wanted to check the map, and decide where we would go after the pirate ship.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJAUbopJEgkz9zgrFQGJURbj694M2_nfbWrCpek3HpDKVQrxgQFiERBUTfBwdidx2nN1enMDYdpczJuYS9Yi28ofmyMRIo0UcDrvqcdlgLGXKL0TsB7cp4kLOwy0dIrCECR6j9sJXjzE/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJAUbopJEgkz9zgrFQGJURbj694M2_nfbWrCpek3HpDKVQrxgQFiERBUTfBwdidx2nN1enMDYdpczJuYS9Yi28ofmyMRIo0UcDrvqcdlgLGXKL0TsB7cp4kLOwy0dIrCECR6j9sJXjzE/s640/DSC_0019.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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This was a fish tree house made out of CDs. Who thinks of these things!<br />
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The last tree house was...well...Caleb's favorite. A rubber band tree house, in the middle of water, connected by "rubber bands" to surrounding trees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpQ2KDxLSqg8sqfcpcyD7NOlKDW7xYAIY5S2XmazSe6BJGeKKCk5O4GqaTxDXDAiwm7V_SKoGrX9HGbgZa4N92L9JRMO0DC26ApKkkcJNGZbkRb1xpINzkR4eIomun0X3lg7sr87uG1U/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpQ2KDxLSqg8sqfcpcyD7NOlKDW7xYAIY5S2XmazSe6BJGeKKCk5O4GqaTxDXDAiwm7V_SKoGrX9HGbgZa4N92L9JRMO0DC26ApKkkcJNGZbkRb1xpINzkR4eIomun0X3lg7sr87uG1U/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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The kids ran ahead of me, and by the time I got close, I noticed a pair of shoes sticking out from the top. I looked closer, and it was my son, hanging upside down in the middle of the rubber band ball.<br />
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Then he found a "window" and stuck his head out. I was still thinking he was safe...and so cute...so I told him to smile for a photo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg9lwOgi5nh0hX67jSVgFp4BgCKv0Y0r_xI380N54znmMywsY9BTVgAFbSXD6yg0Qtw7NHmA6g5bWyRIrbmzT6o5JCaHoPfuIz53VtXnMagNxpDdBQnOTV48nR_6wCrddVuHyMISzEvc/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg9lwOgi5nh0hX67jSVgFp4BgCKv0Y0r_xI380N54znmMywsY9BTVgAFbSXD6yg0Qtw7NHmA6g5bWyRIrbmzT6o5JCaHoPfuIz53VtXnMagNxpDdBQnOTV48nR_6wCrddVuHyMISzEvc/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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A little more nervous..."just hold on, smile...okay, get back in the rubber band ball!"<br />
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I turned around for a few minutes, and when I glanced back, my heart dropped.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5n66iBYCtT_vXbCd6UDcDSUAO2m0QA0rf7NQx7gOn7BaUIrKZODwtr34m3YmB52WbiREgvboRrl0UbW4y5at3Sgdx4W45KNKmL51LjXDNYAmANwEi8Awo2_hark3JOWY4eD5wvtU_oc/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5n66iBYCtT_vXbCd6UDcDSUAO2m0QA0rf7NQx7gOn7BaUIrKZODwtr34m3YmB52WbiREgvboRrl0UbW4y5at3Sgdx4W45KNKmL51LjXDNYAmANwEi8Awo2_hark3JOWY4eD5wvtU_oc/s640/DSC_0028.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Have you ever felt proud of your child...and scared to death at the same time? I wanted him to get down, but I really wanted to take a photo of him. Even strangers were starting to take photos of Caleb on top of the rubber band ball. I didn't want him to see me happily taking pictures, so most of the pics are when he turned his head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuVnIMgTtULahsvFOazpNtom1v5tzEMiPoWCL-tGYPSCahwIJlHSi0ku_O230Br-S5Er7GkPyRK6gL7Z0zzGgd5XdhfVdWMMWf1IjDgiKAQ4g5ZJyJtc5Z2P9N600j7XYZHeLL8EVPEo/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuVnIMgTtULahsvFOazpNtom1v5tzEMiPoWCL-tGYPSCahwIJlHSi0ku_O230Br-S5Er7GkPyRK6gL7Z0zzGgd5XdhfVdWMMWf1IjDgiKAQ4g5ZJyJtc5Z2P9N600j7XYZHeLL8EVPEo/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had to walk away. Mark was watching him...and I knew that Caleb was an excellent climber. But my heart was racing. <br />
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But he is a pretty good climber, don't you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnSHc66pxF75cJYHEB2c0bedQvOX0i8fyVFZHhx7VtMhcn4t6nUn85lYY8huAKxzxElgE2KEZQN68BP3n7hdtnz5RC5iKcNW2r13-CGuPRdqCetyYjER_s6HWo9dVG2U5Z8x6R-5__og/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnSHc66pxF75cJYHEB2c0bedQvOX0i8fyVFZHhx7VtMhcn4t6nUn85lYY8huAKxzxElgE2KEZQN68BP3n7hdtnz5RC5iKcNW2r13-CGuPRdqCetyYjER_s6HWo9dVG2U5Z8x6R-5__og/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a great day. We loved all of the tree houses, the weather was beautiful, and even Nate had a great time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5-yrxEDsYvo6HYdrNRprJG4QaI9Si4kIWuJVajbxHhdSE5t-yIp-UaqFsoBSOw2qgLSfPeTaWbrMqz6U9GH1qVJaRG2ZNbnUPAceW3Evl2XmqDeTQ5XdOz8F8kDHlhnl6FKhcVb2XYE/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5-yrxEDsYvo6HYdrNRprJG4QaI9Si4kIWuJVajbxHhdSE5t-yIp-UaqFsoBSOw2qgLSfPeTaWbrMqz6U9GH1qVJaRG2ZNbnUPAceW3Evl2XmqDeTQ5XdOz8F8kDHlhnl6FKhcVb2XYE/s640/DSC_0050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-82123445020588655512012-08-17T09:27:00.000-05:002012-08-17T09:27:40.186-05:00My dog and mayonaise<div>
This is our dog, Rusty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqXk_lrhvzJANhfewSHk1QzJmGIv8bqfjE_IpCoTMmmaMnhUKBbmZXCMHKji-pkrMhS3PTf47hOUHUj8QMOICysiYXHjNIqcTcyRewQdDog8fzBJ-8DbRcqxFeET8-8lnzPG__scZLVQ/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqXk_lrhvzJANhfewSHk1QzJmGIv8bqfjE_IpCoTMmmaMnhUKBbmZXCMHKji-pkrMhS3PTf47hOUHUj8QMOICysiYXHjNIqcTcyRewQdDog8fzBJ-8DbRcqxFeET8-8lnzPG__scZLVQ/s640/DSC_0047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He is a 9 year old Vizsla. There are times that I love having a dog and there are days when I swear we will never get another dog. The past few days fall into the latter category.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsWBeGPAIVEW5uLRQaRFrcbNq5GrFIzD8lLhFAYryJ1Y4F4F2c7GaTkdYlhd4djUMbVOInnPw-OVsTiFQmdnRbbjqfjCSvKd04Bh7WEak0UJc_0206AHeRaUaRDNnWHCTM_iZvdw28Z8/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsWBeGPAIVEW5uLRQaRFrcbNq5GrFIzD8lLhFAYryJ1Y4F4F2c7GaTkdYlhd4djUMbVOInnPw-OVsTiFQmdnRbbjqfjCSvKd04Bh7WEak0UJc_0206AHeRaUaRDNnWHCTM_iZvdw28Z8/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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This is an antique desk that belonged to Mark's grandmother, Grammie. When we got it, it already had numerous scratches. And I think we added a few more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1zBxmoBulzzu8wnW9aeJkkScpa-FVyhhSdNLpWqksJbM9SaAjDaYLxZouTyl6_KHBqJL_drPRDGhXJIR1xUaW2Bunqtk-wfSD0r48J1LnFXvhKDgPXiVDX-REi6-AZ9jRmxike18Tz8/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1zBxmoBulzzu8wnW9aeJkkScpa-FVyhhSdNLpWqksJbM9SaAjDaYLxZouTyl6_KHBqJL_drPRDGhXJIR1xUaW2Bunqtk-wfSD0r48J1LnFXvhKDgPXiVDX-REi6-AZ9jRmxike18Tz8/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxFXdhp0ss1lkvPlJBH8aFA9032ISYitZtAhkxGdrAYogdXru8n0WjID2V1l9zkGi2C7OXioAvgIFjSKX1hFpJYuby7NlWOtzagcVukJ22Slf_lwwIEQ5mDm9xzjJiQPGyyvte3Z1QGU/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxFXdhp0ss1lkvPlJBH8aFA9032ISYitZtAhkxGdrAYogdXru8n0WjID2V1l9zkGi2C7OXioAvgIFjSKX1hFpJYuby7NlWOtzagcVukJ22Slf_lwwIEQ5mDm9xzjJiQPGyyvte3Z1QGU/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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My friend Amy inspired this project with this post on her <a href="http://shoutingforha.blogspot.com/2012/01/removing-water-marks-from-table.html" target="_blank">amazing blog</a>. Go check it out. <br />
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I took mayonnaise and slathered it all over the scratches and water marks. It needed to sit for at least 1 hour. After about 15 minutes, I noticed that it started to smell a little.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HllD3bQW_q7jFwYW8nyHj7VivXCvOWLPq6f65ZPqUPTAj-XFX2l6fVD92nEEw2JqO7Eh5dsSBixVhgQybmWrDuXRtSZuD7uMWeDQ_dZa7fJwfDEbXWClzsw2LM7Gay-E-PeyMaE24Zs/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HllD3bQW_q7jFwYW8nyHj7VivXCvOWLPq6f65ZPqUPTAj-XFX2l6fVD92nEEw2JqO7Eh5dsSBixVhgQybmWrDuXRtSZuD7uMWeDQ_dZa7fJwfDEbXWClzsw2LM7Gay-E-PeyMaE24Zs/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The smell peaked my dog's interest. I had noticed on Amy's blog that her dog had licked the mayonnaise off the table. So I thought I would be ahead of the game and lock Rusty in our playroom with the big kids while I took a shower. I told them not to let Rusty out. <br />
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When I came back to check on the cabinet, this is what I found.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xNwrh3Fo_k5qQd9AZoluRdiHhWFGxF_4UJs3wUkj90gcisDBgLPUv3KQWZsEuiREXT5bcILcUxKJE-pNT8q995h-zJdZ6SPqd965Jg30mwgypvo5JSDVyY1z2F-KmL8cSGs_TAiest8/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xNwrh3Fo_k5qQd9AZoluRdiHhWFGxF_4UJs3wUkj90gcisDBgLPUv3KQWZsEuiREXT5bcILcUxKJE-pNT8q995h-zJdZ6SPqd965Jg30mwgypvo5JSDVyY1z2F-KmL8cSGs_TAiest8/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tons of deep claw marks all over the front of the desk. I was so mad. Not only had Rusty decided to lick the mayonnaise off, he jumped up on the desk and clawed away.<br />
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I am never getting a dog again.<br />
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Even if he looks like this as a puppy. I swear I won't cave.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iZGjrG1YcafmO-2ui7atFNVzavD-jqd07s18JN6OOAdNN-T8wnucyEZqfCQbfA8WN3HJDVJED0MaS-JH4zkJa6hs9ZRhA3r-QhfFjUHZpd1q5S49R8IjAoNiNcWczOVbab9gzKMgStw/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iZGjrG1YcafmO-2ui7atFNVzavD-jqd07s18JN6OOAdNN-T8wnucyEZqfCQbfA8WN3HJDVJED0MaS-JH4zkJa6hs9ZRhA3r-QhfFjUHZpd1q5S49R8IjAoNiNcWczOVbab9gzKMgStw/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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I will remember my cabinet and try really hard to ignore those floppy ears and big paws.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC77S6EaSbn9ocburNmTLTyu90dXCi2rvVTFWK7DkqM-5l2yLHSkb1RhR1JTI0qS9FOFkOE7tV5emLEFmao99wbwi_bP1KCVwPkAafOmR-mpSgou8npik0qxi6XDVTPkW0saflYdtfmN8/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC77S6EaSbn9ocburNmTLTyu90dXCi2rvVTFWK7DkqM-5l2yLHSkb1RhR1JTI0qS9FOFkOE7tV5emLEFmao99wbwi_bP1KCVwPkAafOmR-mpSgou8npik0qxi6XDVTPkW0saflYdtfmN8/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sigh. He was a cute puppy, right?<br />
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Well, I went back to the desk. The scratches blend in after another coat of mayonnaise. But I can still see the claw marks. Life goes on.<br />
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Here is what it looked like before I started...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1zBxmoBulzzu8wnW9aeJkkScpa-FVyhhSdNLpWqksJbM9SaAjDaYLxZouTyl6_KHBqJL_drPRDGhXJIR1xUaW2Bunqtk-wfSD0r48J1LnFXvhKDgPXiVDX-REi6-AZ9jRmxike18Tz8/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1zBxmoBulzzu8wnW9aeJkkScpa-FVyhhSdNLpWqksJbM9SaAjDaYLxZouTyl6_KHBqJL_drPRDGhXJIR1xUaW2Bunqtk-wfSD0r48J1LnFXvhKDgPXiVDX-REi6-AZ9jRmxike18Tz8/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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And here is the top of the desk, even after Rusty's mayonnaise feast...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH-EenqmdSqgxCat-B7YCNBRI2dQSHzgecRA39yaUTbTFM0TsZxeOOlSLlAbNU3_N2Xx84OKvNOM7aExhUdlXRSN0_e1fTCxl6NQl0NMwwXB9Du5MVvtlzlOuY6EG-dY6UaZF6auN-NM/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH-EenqmdSqgxCat-B7YCNBRI2dQSHzgecRA39yaUTbTFM0TsZxeOOlSLlAbNU3_N2Xx84OKvNOM7aExhUdlXRSN0_e1fTCxl6NQl0NMwwXB9Du5MVvtlzlOuY6EG-dY6UaZF6auN-NM/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The end result - the desk looks better than ever. The mayonnaise works...just remember to keep your dog far away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z7Nb96mO-dvIwewP3u-h_CGtSwDsOoZHlzP7ouo4e4SLvWOtAapsKuWKuUT0e7gw_cKJD7LATpqRCPFxezBYGN0YKxxrso5BvZSwoi0EvrGPdtMB9sF8LpXGIZ4HkqLkYr09VmiA5u0/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z7Nb96mO-dvIwewP3u-h_CGtSwDsOoZHlzP7ouo4e4SLvWOtAapsKuWKuUT0e7gw_cKJD7LATpqRCPFxezBYGN0YKxxrso5BvZSwoi0EvrGPdtMB9sF8LpXGIZ4HkqLkYr09VmiA5u0/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-83847981615244311842012-08-10T20:20:00.000-05:002012-08-10T20:20:45.415-05:00Mommy therapy round 2.<div>
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I just finished my second pottery class. I don't know what I am going to do for the next month as I wait for the fall session to begin! Even though I learned a lot during this session, I still have soooo much to learn. <br />
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Here is an example. This is the first mug I ever made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkwQWUrpEc-AxzRJz_BSZ6CMqDbFWA5_xw_wALbL9Jtxd3A8NrwHYlusmq53gBJKV9KrpBlccJr_oPv-ukAgVTSWPjFKfhQlm5kvURRm-DqtZMFqGEhLlhqHV84bIS_19FU2-bzvMBl8/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkwQWUrpEc-AxzRJz_BSZ6CMqDbFWA5_xw_wALbL9Jtxd3A8NrwHYlusmq53gBJKV9KrpBlccJr_oPv-ukAgVTSWPjFKfhQlm5kvURRm-DqtZMFqGEhLlhqHV84bIS_19FU2-bzvMBl8/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sad. Lopsided and lumpy. Now...here is the progression of the next 4 mugs...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyroZMmZuCYOQWASZ-bgjhMOd0A02sUc54F3O6_4AnLe_79lRa3td-G-K16x5TxfOR1GeHXJ5JG6opIoZq_znUyZWw3P-9q9kEBUdzn8FpFSDmn_YVYLPfs98Uk3jiEgr99VE8Bc1fuA/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyroZMmZuCYOQWASZ-bgjhMOd0A02sUc54F3O6_4AnLe_79lRa3td-G-K16x5TxfOR1GeHXJ5JG6opIoZq_znUyZWw3P-9q9kEBUdzn8FpFSDmn_YVYLPfs98Uk3jiEgr99VE8Bc1fuA/s640/DSC_0032.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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You can't tell from the photo, but this green mug is a child size mug. I love the glaze, but wish the handle was angled different.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_51jBC5dlDVWwo5dZEDOPurZP5ty4y9x7p1Zi1-88aVG32XzBIpWEju7DoHrtvCmx8slv55hWN1MeAoio8rGuS2suRzRkF4M4MnTJNyvBxnL26KxRWCX_YrpcSkltHsHRUQt0xsLVh4Y/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_51jBC5dlDVWwo5dZEDOPurZP5ty4y9x7p1Zi1-88aVG32XzBIpWEju7DoHrtvCmx8slv55hWN1MeAoio8rGuS2suRzRkF4M4MnTJNyvBxnL26KxRWCX_YrpcSkltHsHRUQt0xsLVh4Y/s640/DSC_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This cute red mug is Abby's mug. The handle can only fit 2 of my fingers. I love everything about it; just wish it was twice the size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoetOpGVvwgpD5hNP5Tgnd0PdVJo7IFjwMOfUf_n-A5J1ExJWfClecbfMynvW5yEq5OAc_oZKnoxIzVjnQxVD61-o3nB3Md7ENnRJksf1ofDXSQyddW-1jDqlH5jqXr3XEXpxw9P5EXU/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoetOpGVvwgpD5hNP5Tgnd0PdVJo7IFjwMOfUf_n-A5J1ExJWfClecbfMynvW5yEq5OAc_oZKnoxIzVjnQxVD61-o3nB3Md7ENnRJksf1ofDXSQyddW-1jDqlH5jqXr3XEXpxw9P5EXU/s640/DSC_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next up, a giant blue mug. You can't tell from the photo, but this one is a beast. Mark likes to use it because it is so big. Next time I will choose a different glaze combination. This blue on blue isn't my favorite.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzkvvju4vQvdIBJK4J3mrXzp5mWG6v52z44gBFV-xvqo64Xs_ZJQsSuYRvVY0aaadpzKgV0eQzCJKQniFW_BcHGp1Ia-lvU-LzGigi9u5ZLJRfE4NwoJuVofwsC1mKE2c2qPMeq7QZfY/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzkvvju4vQvdIBJK4J3mrXzp5mWG6v52z44gBFV-xvqo64Xs_ZJQsSuYRvVY0aaadpzKgV0eQzCJKQniFW_BcHGp1Ia-lvU-LzGigi9u5ZLJRfE4NwoJuVofwsC1mKE2c2qPMeq7QZfY/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a>This last one is *almost* a success. The glaze ran in the kiln, and a little spot on the back had to be hammered off from the kiln shelf. But I LOVE this mug.<br />
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I look at the mugs and see all the mistakes. But I must admit, I am not as bad as I use to be!<br />
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<a href="http://static.zoovy.com/img/raku/-/N/firerakuart" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.zoovy.com/img/raku/-/N/firerakuart" /></a><br />
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I always love bringing home a piece of pottery knowing that I created every aspect of it. And I love throwing clay on the wheel. It is methodical, artistic and calming all at the same time. And I need all of those things.<br />
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My favorite part of this particular class was our Raku night. Raku pottery is very unique. We heat the pieces in small propane kilns, and then light them on fire. Literally. Here is a picture from <a href="http://www.raku-art.com/" target="_blank">Raku Art</a>.<br />
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Next session I am taking my camera. The class got to choose crackle, horse hair or copper. I chose to make a copper Raku piece. Here it is!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrMAEeIaoMAEtgeOZFjjOQ90XQnUxaK1MEXBk9dx12h8awAwDFooZjfbcms335e8cuIyKn_2KXv3RyEBYaTvRWLQ8l652-UpGpW7A3VnnAF5vVWGsSsuUKsp7MSBCqfEGwok9rvGaIiE/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrMAEeIaoMAEtgeOZFjjOQ90XQnUxaK1MEXBk9dx12h8awAwDFooZjfbcms335e8cuIyKn_2KXv3RyEBYaTvRWLQ8l652-UpGpW7A3VnnAF5vVWGsSsuUKsp7MSBCqfEGwok9rvGaIiE/s640/DSC_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It turned out EXACTLY how I wanted. The copper glaze can look different based on how fast you dowse the flames with water and how much water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCAO_fKBkM8ZJ0NqrLvj3s80ArUX9o6BvV0Tp2gVU4w0pjn5z0AHK_FaPH2sw0Fv3zYS4lDzP1kC-f650DUqbra08xKLy090KmPxMEqqYiIlTj1juGJXStKyILGrAdvT78wmtLYZHdhY/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCAO_fKBkM8ZJ0NqrLvj3s80ArUX9o6BvV0Tp2gVU4w0pjn5z0AHK_FaPH2sw0Fv3zYS4lDzP1kC-f650DUqbra08xKLy090KmPxMEqqYiIlTj1juGJXStKyILGrAdvT78wmtLYZHdhY/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love that this clay luminary looks like a hammered copper piece. I can't wait to get back on the wheel!<br />
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<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-89047556546279812862012-08-05T21:36:00.000-05:002012-08-05T21:36:03.367-05:00School has begun<div>
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School has begun. I know that seems crazy, but our district is moving towards a year round school calendar. I must admit, I am a big fan. Our family does best with routines and structure. The summer is fun, but the last 2 weeks have been a little crazy. Not crazy busy...but stir crazy. It was time for routines.<br />
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Here is a flash back...5 years ago, I snapped this picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxCRJpRhOsNxwBOPv2Puxt9NHX4nHVQSt2oU-8EU6dtT0H8lhggXPhywUoXMJtXvC0KO1JlMUV-1paG0BNZshWwyfQewOpM7ErvkbToVT_3y51-AJNwBQhHclgNfMOdbRyeS5NXNmoYo/s1600/P3210010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxCRJpRhOsNxwBOPv2Puxt9NHX4nHVQSt2oU-8EU6dtT0H8lhggXPhywUoXMJtXvC0KO1JlMUV-1paG0BNZshWwyfQewOpM7ErvkbToVT_3y51-AJNwBQhHclgNfMOdbRyeS5NXNmoYo/s640/P3210010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now, I have a 1st grader and a kindergartner. Wow. Here they are on the first day of school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1lPB5r97hJGjVNXAjrOdm2CZMczHGc81DmOHeyutU1ojPvWnQZaPEbrWpEtWlw2c1J4GlvhAdOFXrNrZ9Qb6UTspgzJ-0bHXC4Y24VKK73LK5yrPeE3YRCwA8ER_we3HQvxV3oVyIwA/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1lPB5r97hJGjVNXAjrOdm2CZMczHGc81DmOHeyutU1ojPvWnQZaPEbrWpEtWlw2c1J4GlvhAdOFXrNrZ9Qb6UTspgzJ-0bHXC4Y24VKK73LK5yrPeE3YRCwA8ER_we3HQvxV3oVyIwA/s640/DSC_0036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx2nWbEl-gp5nQzFeWZuftNkZbANZF2cwg6oXyiiTdkX4s6q7y8ZdDVXwtHvskUgPYYfHcyW-keCGSkbRacuOOvPjXOnRzYJ0P8nuKAbLr_QTqTt6iXLuCgES7wiAC8duSN71Ae9VC30/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx2nWbEl-gp5nQzFeWZuftNkZbANZF2cwg6oXyiiTdkX4s6q7y8ZdDVXwtHvskUgPYYfHcyW-keCGSkbRacuOOvPjXOnRzYJ0P8nuKAbLr_QTqTt6iXLuCgES7wiAC8duSN71Ae9VC30/s640/DSC_0044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tomorrow is Abby's first full day of school. She was a little disappointed that the kindergartners only had 1/2 days in the beginning. I think she just wanted to experience the real deal. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXp633mZxf7gZf3k38UUSUhUDhdPkYlGVufs504W9TXYlS7hJZip4VfZCt7VziJVGyOhZjgZJOJ4rh4P_7RhQvprzwr8D4up9XrhqLrCfwKnxDcmrRBeNCrpW8vnQza01A6Un56pau4g/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXp633mZxf7gZf3k38UUSUhUDhdPkYlGVufs504W9TXYlS7hJZip4VfZCt7VziJVGyOhZjgZJOJ4rh4P_7RhQvprzwr8D4up9XrhqLrCfwKnxDcmrRBeNCrpW8vnQza01A6Un56pau4g/s640/DSC_0014.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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A new school year brings new backpacks and more clutter. I wanted to create a place for backpacks and all of those lovely papers that come home from school. When the kids walk home from school, we go up the garage stairs. Just behind the door is a little nook that serves no real purpose. Until now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZJL24Jd7IGD0gPo9vql9txaGyBuJb1YA8q_hF-OVhyVCLmpWfo8mjGlWzgB-pJTQO-Be517totNbBkEn6LGekX-xFKY_0Rr8ZJNFpwpntuffF4GTcOXWCqW4DBM5zTVmprQUf8wNGjo/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZJL24Jd7IGD0gPo9vql9txaGyBuJb1YA8q_hF-OVhyVCLmpWfo8mjGlWzgB-pJTQO-Be517totNbBkEn6LGekX-xFKY_0Rr8ZJNFpwpntuffF4GTcOXWCqW4DBM5zTVmprQUf8wNGjo/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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I was tired of the backpacks laying on the kid's floors. I found a few pieces of wood in the discount section at Home Depot. I love that barrel. It is always full of goodies. I decided to try spray paint this time. It actually worked really well for this project.<br />
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I didn't like the selection of hooks at Home Depot so I went to Lowes as well. I personally prefer the orange box store because of their better selection of building supplies and employee knowledge. But if I need something more in the "design" department (lamp shades, shelves, hooks, etc), the big blue box store is my choice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl74nEk60aP3m1bDHytdpHt5CdpUGrH5alK70Ka4lwp3ub5lfRSqQXXK0L4Y_QXorJViJWVBLHmNhquu5VlX6tRSkJEqStevNAnSlp9PBur6sub4v00VCTz1ZXcg1iWx66H9OPK6q-O8/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl74nEk60aP3m1bDHytdpHt5CdpUGrH5alK70Ka4lwp3ub5lfRSqQXXK0L4Y_QXorJViJWVBLHmNhquu5VlX6tRSkJEqStevNAnSlp9PBur6sub4v00VCTz1ZXcg1iWx66H9OPK6q-O8/s640/DSC_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, I couldn't do this project with out a few mistakes. The board and hooks on the left wall went surprisingly well. The studs were in the perfect spot and I was able to hide where I screwed the board into the studs behind my hooks. The right wall was a different story. <br />
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As soon as I tried to drill my screw into the board, the wood split. Ugh. I could have avoided this by taking the time to drill a hole with a drill bit and then putting my screw in the pre-drilled hole. But I was going too fast, as usual. <br />
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My next frustration was not caused by my hand, but by my old house. When I put my board on the wall, I realized that my wall is not plumb. Not even close. Not only were there NO STUDS in the whole length of this wall, the drywall buckled in the middle. I tried to take a picture, but it might be hard to see. There should not be a shadow behind my board.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK4Z2xKXHZ8K-_zt-7coWvkFC2AxBtiHnsBp04SqJNBZK4H3vPBriWuOeSSWraFtzJ7YD5ZaVkIiEAmm6BUPzR8-Ji64aOqrl8z6zkSfNPvfvuop67pSHyYwPlYmWkbL-JCX_ehMLqrY/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK4Z2xKXHZ8K-_zt-7coWvkFC2AxBtiHnsBp04SqJNBZK4H3vPBriWuOeSSWraFtzJ7YD5ZaVkIiEAmm6BUPzR8-Ji64aOqrl8z6zkSfNPvfvuop67pSHyYwPlYmWkbL-JCX_ehMLqrY/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had to drill drywall screws through the board and into the wall. Then I took spackle and covered my nails, and I plan to paint the spackle with the same white paint as my boards.<br />
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So now my little nook looks like this. And I am happy to report that the hooks are pretty strong. I have a spot for Mark and for Nate. I have a plan for a basket for all of those lovely papers that come home from school, and for Mark's mail. Maybe this week I can get to the finishing touches on this project.<br />
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I think I am just as excited as the kids are about school starting again. I am ready for routines. <br />
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<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-28210740100693372032012-07-19T09:45:00.001-05:002012-07-20T14:08:09.724-05:00You can freeze anything.<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3Mm7ruAP_uriDPwi-8Piobqhv-NmwG71afUZPLH48aLkRaNAzklujLosmUlBpTuwdsqwyTm3v3TeDF0OQWFO1VQi5kHVga_sQQM-N_YREmK7SAeymvsS5_g6NlLcisDIhXD1dfRsNFs/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3Mm7ruAP_uriDPwi-8Piobqhv-NmwG71afUZPLH48aLkRaNAzklujLosmUlBpTuwdsqwyTm3v3TeDF0OQWFO1VQi5kHVga_sQQM-N_YREmK7SAeymvsS5_g6NlLcisDIhXD1dfRsNFs/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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I have been working hard on the kids bathroom, part 2. Here is a sneak peak...<br />
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Lots of white and wood. Next weekend is the Nashville Flea Market, and I am hoping to pick up the last few pieces. Then I will be ready to show it off.<br />
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In the meantime, life has been crazy and fun in this HOT summer. And I am proud to say that I have survived life with 3 kids...all summer long. Without a daytime babysitter, or family nearby, I have had 1 or all of the kids with me during the week, all summer. For me...that is a huge accomplishment. For some moms, this comes naturally. The older I get, the more introverted I become, and I am always having to work on patience. And a hot summer with three kids takes a lot of patience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYfduAaXKHpEmwpDZw1VacQAnOpKWcHx-P5vSAis2wOBUpBV4kuDjPfruswa-p4cK2z4scR8Myj9EHf8slvMMMN0jB8Kpj16GyKGb7OuI-mCWOZo2-bIuIlomcpUXswBwTFvDMofJ4KM/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYfduAaXKHpEmwpDZw1VacQAnOpKWcHx-P5vSAis2wOBUpBV4kuDjPfruswa-p4cK2z4scR8Myj9EHf8slvMMMN0jB8Kpj16GyKGb7OuI-mCWOZo2-bIuIlomcpUXswBwTFvDMofJ4KM/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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We did find one fun way to cool off...homemade frozen yogurt popsicles. They were actually pretty yummy!<br />
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We used bathroom dixie cups, and did one layer pink lemonade, and one layer homemade blueberry yogurt with popsicle sticks in the middle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuDjyit81ji-_8_F7oBem24ok3uDtqyPll43p2RuM0x2DDImq6bYHqPr3shlCTJiH0E1ocuAU5SWuI5ShGDkXTYgxO6PfBkVZAzl_Xlsa9B62MVvNEfB0PPm6jcNpf1cIKUcM9MMw43E/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuDjyit81ji-_8_F7oBem24ok3uDtqyPll43p2RuM0x2DDImq6bYHqPr3shlCTJiH0E1ocuAU5SWuI5ShGDkXTYgxO6PfBkVZAzl_Xlsa9B62MVvNEfB0PPm6jcNpf1cIKUcM9MMw43E/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wish I could say that we even made the plain yogurt from scratch...but who am I kidding, I have three kids. Caleb and I took plain yogurt, fresh blueberries, and honey from a Jacksonville, FL bee-man - and blended it together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTYUHDsOGd8Xu5cQqesdXHi9bITbqWq7811L4ItogtBpuHe5mq8fomnc9c24ZuTRzT6Y5M5fJSDUPOyJ5J-nmmRtVBQpS5zZMHuowGltYbLU_okT2D0-pg4Ri5FGlajsgKZLNHk0fEAs/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTYUHDsOGd8Xu5cQqesdXHi9bITbqWq7811L4ItogtBpuHe5mq8fomnc9c24ZuTRzT6Y5M5fJSDUPOyJ5J-nmmRtVBQpS5zZMHuowGltYbLU_okT2D0-pg4Ri5FGlajsgKZLNHk0fEAs/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the lemonade had frozen, we added the yogurt layer. If I do this again, I would reverse the layers. The frozen yogurt was soooo good...everyone tried to eat it first.<br />
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Once everything is frozen, just peel off the paper cup. **The bottom of the cup is reinforced with extra paper and it is a little harder to remove. I had to let the popsicles start to melt a little, tear off the paper, and then refreeze.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYfduAaXKHpEmwpDZw1VacQAnOpKWcHx-P5vSAis2wOBUpBV4kuDjPfruswa-p4cK2z4scR8Myj9EHf8slvMMMN0jB8Kpj16GyKGb7OuI-mCWOZo2-bIuIlomcpUXswBwTFvDMofJ4KM/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYfduAaXKHpEmwpDZw1VacQAnOpKWcHx-P5vSAis2wOBUpBV4kuDjPfruswa-p4cK2z4scR8Myj9EHf8slvMMMN0jB8Kpj16GyKGb7OuI-mCWOZo2-bIuIlomcpUXswBwTFvDMofJ4KM/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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And just so you know...they were delicious. I think next time I might float blueberries or strawberries in the lemonade and freeze. I think these would be beautiful for 4th of July.<br />
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A lot healthier than popsicles from the grocery store. And the kids had fun helping me make them.<br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-48929312103950870352012-06-28T18:45:00.001-05:002012-06-28T18:45:18.666-05:00The kid's bathroom...part 1<div>
I am FINALLY starting on the kid's bathroom redo. If you missed the "brainstorming" post, check it out <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5377376809329563495#editor/target=post;postID=6037417562858064608" target="_blank">here</a></span>. My kids have some strong opinions about decorating their bathroom. Caleb wants nature, Abby wants stripes. I want wallpaper and my husband wants nothing to change, and has banned wallpaper from the house. Argh. But what about Nate? He is just plain adorable...he can have whatever bathroom design he wants.<br />
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I decided to attack the new shower curtain first. And of course, I couldn't just go buy a shower curtain. I had to be difficult and fall in love with this fabric during my last visit to Ikea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tEsTY9ayCBkJ4WHb6wO_R5GBhUIKdayaHp7srgBPI0qqueb-rl-clUz3MrAkuikGzzq80L6l-OICi15Gx1QlCxYB_b9i9MZ6aqjEuuHd_UZfq7_dr6mZfY3LU6uHBXaquaN7niBGipM/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tEsTY9ayCBkJ4WHb6wO_R5GBhUIKdayaHp7srgBPI0qqueb-rl-clUz3MrAkuikGzzq80L6l-OICi15Gx1QlCxYB_b9i9MZ6aqjEuuHd_UZfq7_dr6mZfY3LU6uHBXaquaN7niBGipM/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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I had orginally bought the fabric thinking that I would make curtains for the kid's treehouse. But alas, curtains were voted out. I had bought 4 yards and a standard sized shower curtain is 70 x 72. And my fabric was 59 inches wide. So I cut it at 2 yards, and laid the two pieces side by side, and found where the pattern repeated itself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6dn79NShogkwIghuqbhh2fG-_G_E8SaCfzVils1iR5BbnsU6AfyBt19OLmJ01_eISFId6HBafrMkoWj8-PHhcE0EahoFn9T6HmS-UaFc8FVCV8aTVoqgpOdVYkHqQ1o7D6z4lWuINCU/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6dn79NShogkwIghuqbhh2fG-_G_E8SaCfzVils1iR5BbnsU6AfyBt19OLmJ01_eISFId6HBafrMkoWj8-PHhcE0EahoFn9T6HmS-UaFc8FVCV8aTVoqgpOdVYkHqQ1o7D6z4lWuINCU/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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I pinned it very carefully...I really wanted the seams to be lined up perfectly. I pinned them overlapping, instead of back to back. The good news, my trees are perfectly lined up. The bad news...it was really hard to fit all of this fabric side by side in the sewing machine.<br />
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This is the moment I changed from boring shower curtain to fun shower curtain. I decided that I wanted an extra long shower curtain. And with grommets. But there is no Ikea in TN, so I couldn't go buy more fabric. So I grabbed one of my clearance shower currains from Target.<br />
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I cut as much white fabric as I could, from the top.<br />
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I like grommets but I don't like installing grommets. This seemed like a good way to cheat.<br />
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The sides were already hemmed, so I just needed to hem the bottom. I decided to do a wide stitch, since this thin fabric would be holding up a much heavier fabric. I really don't know if that helps anything...but I'm going with it.<br />
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After hemming the tree fabric on top and bottom (and trimming the fabric since I made the pattern line up), I attached the white top and tree bottom. I wanted my seam in the middle, and I pinned the fabrics back to back.<br />
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All I had left was to hem the extra wide tree sides to fit the size of the white fabric. I could have cut off 5 inch strips from both sides...but I opted to create huge side hems. Three reasons...one, I thought it was pointless to have 5 inch strips of wasted fabric. Two, I noticed that the tree fabric was fraying easily on the sides that I had cut. The fabric had a nice finish edge on both existing sides. Three, I'm lazy. So I folded the fabric over and made huge hems on the sides.<br />
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I headed down the hallway to hang it up. My helper came with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgokFKWUPUHEiP29DQM3qkUZaCQaObdzdf8wsewS1gI2fq69H9O3nfEWO3q73pzgFpasHxA-gr1UVnclfC_IxtWuc5njswGVEUDHQbzqgcqVHkFTciATOp0pYhEQGYmnKsd7mNHTphU5k/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgokFKWUPUHEiP29DQM3qkUZaCQaObdzdf8wsewS1gI2fq69H9O3nfEWO3q73pzgFpasHxA-gr1UVnclfC_IxtWuc5njswGVEUDHQbzqgcqVHkFTciATOp0pYhEQGYmnKsd7mNHTphU5k/s640/DSC_0042.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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And here is my awesome shower curtain. I really wish I had a better picture. The bathroom is long and narrow, and it is really hard to get a picture of the shower curtain hanging up. Everyone loved it! (Win!!) Even Mark said that it brightened up the bathroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70TrmM8QONfbi6EplUy899aK70xR6YRiouN1gH4Q0N5RdiHD1zWo-DezsPIoZEF0pwRFWOfhBSgCtyOjHxfiEaat1dvw_-rdCTp-V99Qa8vk5Sfvp5QCcYJ7l7qM5la3xlE1y1VZuOIc/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70TrmM8QONfbi6EplUy899aK70xR6YRiouN1gH4Q0N5RdiHD1zWo-DezsPIoZEF0pwRFWOfhBSgCtyOjHxfiEaat1dvw_-rdCTp-V99Qa8vk5Sfvp5QCcYJ7l7qM5la3xlE1y1VZuOIc/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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This is a picture from the sink - literally. I am standing/squatting on the sink. The picture doesn't do it justice. It really looks awesome.<br />
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Next up, painting the walls. Caleb still wants me to paint the ceiling blue...and they are talking about painting clouds on the ceiling. Hmmmm, I am going to have to work my design around that request... without painting clouds. I am not too excited about that idea. But a blue ceiling might work.<br />
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<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-53221623673734293682012-06-27T14:02:00.002-05:002012-06-27T14:02:58.602-05:00Pinterest reality.<div>
Pinterest has so many fun and enticing projects...just waiting for me to try. And when my hubby left me at home with all 3 kids with no car on a Saturday, I got a little board. I don't blame Mark...he was running the Muddy Buddy race (which he rocked!!) and needed the car with the hitch. Maybe I blame the kids for all of their argueing and whining. Maybe I was just plain board. But I decided to bake some of my cups.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08d3BDcahcYJPNZTcSN3XZwNEf-UJV3VcwaMBwFksi4WymFN1WCMY5PtcJNYLVqgA-zlOHdR359vyKE1iTNLY4gLS0_bCdQ5s3-awHq2LaPYW4850DmPzwfTZmlqaeC3pqxKNKCiTbXY/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08d3BDcahcYJPNZTcSN3XZwNEf-UJV3VcwaMBwFksi4WymFN1WCMY5PtcJNYLVqgA-zlOHdR359vyKE1iTNLY4gLS0_bCdQ5s3-awHq2LaPYW4850DmPzwfTZmlqaeC3pqxKNKCiTbXY/s640/DSC_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are the cups that came with the plate set we registered for at our wedding. I rarely use them. Mabye twice a year...for book club. So I decided to "spice" them up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNNt_f0G6jIXvVpLGOpPctrYKzPSmHEDdQVG1RfcANyIFr5R9YlWaZSF5Ik0XVGv5ia_voeM3jl-dqhOZAW5XjOs-2vOSm6M9gsjeZm0PvLoCS39VwpQa1qEibySNdMIPJa5xx6qjJJs/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNNt_f0G6jIXvVpLGOpPctrYKzPSmHEDdQVG1RfcANyIFr5R9YlWaZSF5Ik0XVGv5ia_voeM3jl-dqhOZAW5XjOs-2vOSm6M9gsjeZm0PvLoCS39VwpQa1qEibySNdMIPJa5xx6qjJJs/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I grabbed a sharpie, like all of the pictures I see on Pinterest. They tell me to go to the dollar store and grab a cheap mug or cup. Like I said before, this set of dishes needed to be "spiced."<br />
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See below...simple, safe...dishes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKolaurkbNhGE9nE15n_fPGNc3ZKquOIjTbD3rqIrgXgsTFhBbV1M9BL4wE8L1x-7bLWg97Q_rKzbUzvyO2LGvemUKBiJTm7SwGvgAMWd-EigwV3_hPgeZ_HHwszIONg22mipJgZNcbT8/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKolaurkbNhGE9nE15n_fPGNc3ZKquOIjTbD3rqIrgXgsTFhBbV1M9BL4wE8L1x-7bLWg97Q_rKzbUzvyO2LGvemUKBiJTm7SwGvgAMWd-EigwV3_hPgeZ_HHwszIONg22mipJgZNcbT8/s640/DSC_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The instructions say to write whatever you want with a sharpie, and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. At first I thought it was immediately permanent. But when I made a mistake, I could remove the writing with a little elbow grease. <br />
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Here are the beautiful plates, already "baked..."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4_5GajZcF-nvI2tNztC3H7NCOjTemonAmJbInxI-GFSiSz0vx9V8sRejXX-g5GXXLrMgbsZHzUiJIElJFOkjIAQYveKCb4rv-IOUoJV1LZ7F-YA6QAYCPAi9zqRsRyaBXeaBRfciqgw/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4_5GajZcF-nvI2tNztC3H7NCOjTemonAmJbInxI-GFSiSz0vx9V8sRejXX-g5GXXLrMgbsZHzUiJIElJFOkjIAQYveKCb4rv-IOUoJV1LZ7F-YA6QAYCPAi9zqRsRyaBXeaBRfciqgw/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And after they were "baked", I couldn't rub off the writing. I decided to use our verse (Proverbs 3:3, 5-6) on the dishes. They were a wedding gift, right? And I must say, it looked pretty good.<br />
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The only problem...I washed my dishes. I know, crazy. Here are the bowls...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsLkwxV3HRauPw7y_5bzgtYYFRHLu00aDrpHIWfzS_2MTE-_YmVTF5BvnBkH6Tk3VbTfBtnUtR8NK2C7Ic31lxYQv7xSF8t73wr7GUYRUUg07iu6Y_HlJF-waqo0EEvdexR5jup8FGwY/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsLkwxV3HRauPw7y_5bzgtYYFRHLu00aDrpHIWfzS_2MTE-_YmVTF5BvnBkH6Tk3VbTfBtnUtR8NK2C7Ic31lxYQv7xSF8t73wr7GUYRUUg07iu6Y_HlJF-waqo0EEvdexR5jup8FGwY/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We used the plate tonight. Here is the view after washing...<br />
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So, lesson learned. Pinterest is fun and full of projects. But the pictures aren't always the real story. I wonder if it would have worked on a cheap mug from the dollar store... Speaking of mugs, my cups still have the writing on them. I guess they won't be washed until next book club. <br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-74279553090085755102012-06-24T22:22:00.003-05:002012-06-24T22:22:53.089-05:00Tree house - update<div>
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Here are a few pics of the finished product...come on over and try it out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU0wRQD7jVv-Qf4O0xa4Gyzq8nPJlD0PEqiD2DidpKaHTgRDH5p-RKxCmVHDVzlMiDxvKo-HP_GNvWrS2sFh9lMhnHhGl1IKF5ouPQ6HwhuHVoaqVANfOMdZp1mKbhfKBk_66A0hju2E/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCU0wRQD7jVv-Qf4O0xa4Gyzq8nPJlD0PEqiD2DidpKaHTgRDH5p-RKxCmVHDVzlMiDxvKo-HP_GNvWrS2sFh9lMhnHhGl1IKF5ouPQ6HwhuHVoaqVANfOMdZp1mKbhfKBk_66A0hju2E/s640/DSC_0049.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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We added a swing under the deck of the tree house. This swing use to have a home in the kid's playroom...but the playroom walls were starting to look a little "worn" from the spinning swing. So it has found it's new home.<br />
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The gang plank has a hinged bottom. If we find the proper crank, it could be a fully operational draw bridge!<br />
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The kids were given 2 bells for their tree house...and of course they insisted on using both.<br />
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The silver bell has an eagle handle and a bull frame. Our sweet 85 year old neighbor gave it to the kids...I need to ask him where it is from! I haven't been able to figure out the eagle/bull association.<br />
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I made a rope railing...Caleb was my big helper on the project.<br />
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The pulley and rope have been upgraded to what the kids call the "chunky" pulley. This is a source of endless fun. I already caught Caleb trying to lift himself up in the pail. I still have a scar on my head from my childhood "fort", where I also tried to hoist myself up in the pail. Maybe it is a right of passage...<br />
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This awesome plaque is from a naval ship and was given to Caleb by his Great-Grandfather. The kids have a sign in list for the "crew."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eJZkbODwua3EcJd4oLgT80704xAV4BPrtjAD8fyYW-KArw7E5kAaf7m_LPkwqJ3y5cd_gDhwEd2MoOKTgEZo5leXhnwkMeMnvUYPv3HJ3oKLw3yzQz5I2M__2qKnk-RCaokSGGF756s/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eJZkbODwua3EcJd4oLgT80704xAV4BPrtjAD8fyYW-KArw7E5kAaf7m_LPkwqJ3y5cd_gDhwEd2MoOKTgEZo5leXhnwkMeMnvUYPv3HJ3oKLw3yzQz5I2M__2qKnk-RCaokSGGF756s/s640/DSC_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last but not least, Mark put roofing material and fascia board on the tree house. It is officially waterproof. When the temperature cools down, the kids are going to camp out in the tree house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNB86X74dk7V9KVy74ivK8GMOxrMSba_qmvKQzoOavf4xS6wQnA04ApD5d17y996Ek_PixhdTuxM_fjC-V6qvgdq9bPH0sF3wWekyXFJ-toGXE5MbLU7Hot9EInp6g-s7WLh9usDZy30s/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNB86X74dk7V9KVy74ivK8GMOxrMSba_qmvKQzoOavf4xS6wQnA04ApD5d17y996Ek_PixhdTuxM_fjC-V6qvgdq9bPH0sF3wWekyXFJ-toGXE5MbLU7Hot9EInp6g-s7WLh9usDZy30s/s640/DSC_0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also have a secret trap door...we are hoping to add a slide one day. Everyone needs to have an emergency exit. <br />
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Anyone want to come play? We love our tree house! Thanks Mark!<br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-88575272303901504932012-06-14T10:26:00.000-05:002012-06-14T10:26:12.056-05:00Patio - update<div>
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I haven't had very much time for updating my blog. Summer is here, and having all three kids at home is a new experience. Fun, but busy. <br />
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Every spare second has been spent on finishing touches for the patio and treehouse. The patio is so wonderful. We are so glad we did this project. Here is a reminder of what it use to be...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnhBG8VIswPjMG0dsI6D1Jfpvua2l1IHwtaw37kYo56J4FdDBkqLdmJerpJhhr5iFTvYqMmQQFeUVC8JmVPQGBQeHlyYq04txuthJyWFB-2hXf2G33_Bq28kpWKDlvEr7p7MQ0i864I4/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnhBG8VIswPjMG0dsI6D1Jfpvua2l1IHwtaw37kYo56J4FdDBkqLdmJerpJhhr5iFTvYqMmQQFeUVC8JmVPQGBQeHlyYq04txuthJyWFB-2hXf2G33_Bq28kpWKDlvEr7p7MQ0i864I4/s640/DSC_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sN0r_wyp5kdn4e2kN7oQfA2ViAXGrrKxqdhL6vy8vv-LMK3HeqRPvPjmNeJJ9OpVwe8SBXNZyQFnlBQs699LkkmAeAzacws2B2ZCEriywUidbHvY313_-NpQZXl3Vjb9lhfygym3-fs/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sN0r_wyp5kdn4e2kN7oQfA2ViAXGrrKxqdhL6vy8vv-LMK3HeqRPvPjmNeJJ9OpVwe8SBXNZyQFnlBQs699LkkmAeAzacws2B2ZCEriywUidbHvY313_-NpQZXl3Vjb9lhfygym3-fs/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can this be? This crumbling brick was turned into this beauty:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTExXhAixnbXTeCoOAY6dUrK_6psTfOnB_TlEjytZ2-26B43pUN6AedgUAuhuZxAXl-iAFkvf-qeAomtaVoWkjDnpOpjihY6pJRDQbx2F_ev1GLwXkBlwH7i5wdWOawehJf7AaXkSgdPM/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTExXhAixnbXTeCoOAY6dUrK_6psTfOnB_TlEjytZ2-26B43pUN6AedgUAuhuZxAXl-iAFkvf-qeAomtaVoWkjDnpOpjihY6pJRDQbx2F_ev1GLwXkBlwH7i5wdWOawehJf7AaXkSgdPM/s640/DSC_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiJaB62XDBB5b0pSKDRq9C-R8mVscMCLXIZRzsvyIuU-A_g-wyG5FcRJ6BUbbRmTy9tKOddVGOAMgqBtJHH0nUOZ19rtdWT3S6CRAQzqMIVnq_1BiEl1_-nb56q-Sa-02Yd9APWmslzs/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiJaB62XDBB5b0pSKDRq9C-R8mVscMCLXIZRzsvyIuU-A_g-wyG5FcRJ6BUbbRmTy9tKOddVGOAMgqBtJHH0nUOZ19rtdWT3S6CRAQzqMIVnq_1BiEl1_-nb56q-Sa-02Yd9APWmslzs/s640/DSC_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We got an AMAZING deal on a teak patio set on craigslist. I think I want to grill out every night.<br />
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And flowers are blooming...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdfLYX3f8kvmdMlZmPbXIN95zxs2n3cffYbU-KeuW5ukQI-3oFg7h4dQsfXwxmhj3-arkBop-ZDtg0rBCWTdhCjkb6uKlpAbPnjWYjIe3AQ3Db5rJWipO5OaeXD4mMR4STbgnQPkAO2I/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdfLYX3f8kvmdMlZmPbXIN95zxs2n3cffYbU-KeuW5ukQI-3oFg7h4dQsfXwxmhj3-arkBop-ZDtg0rBCWTdhCjkb6uKlpAbPnjWYjIe3AQ3Db5rJWipO5OaeXD4mMR4STbgnQPkAO2I/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6zhknatZbJbSfyk0-pLWEVfzQixLlNllGwQkk2vDDd1MnhxkKiPOFXkMYSUUrywPO8LvC86_CLtCO_VXguOFT2yRmDCqtcwu0hfbQZ95ZTldWxu_YMGLBmnGQgUPlBERFAyLGVRircc/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6zhknatZbJbSfyk0-pLWEVfzQixLlNllGwQkk2vDDd1MnhxkKiPOFXkMYSUUrywPO8LvC86_CLtCO_VXguOFT2yRmDCqtcwu0hfbQZ95ZTldWxu_YMGLBmnGQgUPlBERFAyLGVRircc/s640/DSC_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_4tQ58aNE_fvO4SGu4KjflKdiUbPFvr1dGJR2DdjFC20cTkeKCFB_bzg2zDeswfkHGd2OoH1KmgLfrmUZ32lSKH52SDx4VCNPnxXIbNqZQtV9AT2_bUV1hqaVEOeiqTUFW1_SPX_rKE/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_4tQ58aNE_fvO4SGu4KjflKdiUbPFvr1dGJR2DdjFC20cTkeKCFB_bzg2zDeswfkHGd2OoH1KmgLfrmUZ32lSKH52SDx4VCNPnxXIbNqZQtV9AT2_bUV1hqaVEOeiqTUFW1_SPX_rKE/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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I have my swing up...and I love this cozy spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd-wh6SJpqNtd7h-vyY4NR_5jm7Z1Qqrlk016zSEsOI09VcCex5JAOI7dpm6TwZw0KNX7EQ_97JYKzp9Z70CnIAWYF9wkFC3dd9WmLqLELqAvcGCLw2GhnbvCf03kFHLE5ehnl40qXPE/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd-wh6SJpqNtd7h-vyY4NR_5jm7Z1Qqrlk016zSEsOI09VcCex5JAOI7dpm6TwZw0KNX7EQ_97JYKzp9Z70CnIAWYF9wkFC3dd9WmLqLELqAvcGCLw2GhnbvCf03kFHLE5ehnl40qXPE/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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And Mark has his grill. An awesome grill.<br />
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I love our new patio. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiJaB62XDBB5b0pSKDRq9C-R8mVscMCLXIZRzsvyIuU-A_g-wyG5FcRJ6BUbbRmTy9tKOddVGOAMgqBtJHH0nUOZ19rtdWT3S6CRAQzqMIVnq_1BiEl1_-nb56q-Sa-02Yd9APWmslzs/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiJaB62XDBB5b0pSKDRq9C-R8mVscMCLXIZRzsvyIuU-A_g-wyG5FcRJ6BUbbRmTy9tKOddVGOAMgqBtJHH0nUOZ19rtdWT3S6CRAQzqMIVnq_1BiEl1_-nb56q-Sa-02Yd9APWmslzs/s640/DSC_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-28303549129814484552012-05-31T20:03:00.001-05:002012-05-31T20:03:51.667-05:00Building a treehouse is a lot of work.<div>
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I don't think I knew how much work it would take to build a treehouse. Maybe that is why I kept pushing my husband to build the kids a treehouse...niavely thinking that it would be a 2 day project. And he is so wonderful. Even despite his better judgement, he took my prodding and invited his dad to come for the weekend to build a treehouse. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxDXi14c7SpoZXfsjA-X_NVZXog5dajHssOTQqwK7P9IEb57mH0z3BNfLJYDTL9-bZ0Ky-HGF8k3xpINtIdeg64RG4YJ5nbX7_JydCg7gLPCxrNza8USX_hcJlbSTDlm4yCq-g_Jqf7g/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxDXi14c7SpoZXfsjA-X_NVZXog5dajHssOTQqwK7P9IEb57mH0z3BNfLJYDTL9-bZ0Ky-HGF8k3xpINtIdeg64RG4YJ5nbX7_JydCg7gLPCxrNza8USX_hcJlbSTDlm4yCq-g_Jqf7g/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="428" /></a><br /><br />
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If you missed my earlier post,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5377376809329563495#editor/target=post;postID=5847754668144140045" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a></span> is some of the planning that went into the treehouse. Again, I HIGHLY recommend<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Treehouses-Playhouses-You-Can-Build/dp/1586857800/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338219725&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">this</span></a> </b></span>and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Houses-You-Actually-Build/dp/0395892732/ref=pd_sim_b_1" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">this</span></b></a></span> book by Stiles. They were so handy - they covered every detail from lag screws to rope bridges. One of the books had detailed plans for a tree house that used only 1 tree. It even had a lumber list. So we began our long weekend of tree house building.<br />
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First up was building the brace on the tree. This might look like a simple job, but the guys would say it was one of the harder aspects of the treehouse building process. Even though the book walked through the measurements, you have to account for the curve and branches of your particular tree. This brace will get stronger over time, as the trunk grows around the lag screws.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0YQCpRRfF5Lv5bYaOj0c-a_mdrefbF1s0geilJv-r9twiNbSJOCIbaoMWwWxiowDLnyf2f0UQKEceu4volPSv4tehu_cmReru4jFactAWtPr-SDCKL0Vxawy1CGqPHFyAq5H6sv2H0k/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0YQCpRRfF5Lv5bYaOj0c-a_mdrefbF1s0geilJv-r9twiNbSJOCIbaoMWwWxiowDLnyf2f0UQKEceu4volPSv4tehu_cmReru4jFactAWtPr-SDCKL0Vxawy1CGqPHFyAq5H6sv2H0k/s640/DSC_0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next game digging for the corner posts. The book instructed us to dig down 30 inches. Have you ever tried to dig 30 inches straight down? I think Caleb was the only one who found it "fun."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3mVRcjd20mZ-t0S3rISqtAWZutFVB9PJOhcZRX445yARiFXivFevFl1LbC4cg-aE_KPFFtI3kM5SDqxfbpmnGLw8POFszPWLBAPU08-Uu3sN5uf7m7VP3HzoW_1EVIhPb-sc0DVf1P0/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3mVRcjd20mZ-t0S3rISqtAWZutFVB9PJOhcZRX445yARiFXivFevFl1LbC4cg-aE_KPFFtI3kM5SDqxfbpmnGLw8POFszPWLBAPU08-Uu3sN5uf7m7VP3HzoW_1EVIhPb-sc0DVf1P0/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Once they had the posts dug, the deck frame was built. This beast was heavy. The framing used 2x6 boards, eight feet long.</div>
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Lifting the deck frame and the 4x4 posts at the same time was a 5 person job. Our kind neighbors came over, as it was begging to rain, and helped lift the load. We had to lift the frame has we lifted the 12 feet long 4x4's into their 30 inch holes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nBj6StzgeGhI-Smc1c9Pgqy3Un3F4mckz0Np7x6Y1wmnNonp71R68kiV_cXaA-wn201DXFgHMNmt5RPzCnPdnH5NzpxNvu0Fsecw_qucRv3HrhZTwX7vtO5wp8PtDSTZpX-9mtaKh7o/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nBj6StzgeGhI-Smc1c9Pgqy3Un3F4mckz0Np7x6Y1wmnNonp71R68kiV_cXaA-wn201DXFgHMNmt5RPzCnPdnH5NzpxNvu0Fsecw_qucRv3HrhZTwX7vtO5wp8PtDSTZpX-9mtaKh7o/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is the moment the men realized that the holes weren't in the right place. Night had fallen, but they kept digging until they got the frame in place and level. The guys were tired that night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_g_YzOA7TqR78JiwJ2KV4usltRlr7tPtcjlNk2B_KU7pL5OsYL1-v_REOGuy0_XW9zQS1NeK4LfYwGUPVEpI9CAA-EHLd6ew6tBFCwuGZN6qQurtAzeGPpLTDe3yHE-IOCM8JChxT1U/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_g_YzOA7TqR78JiwJ2KV4usltRlr7tPtcjlNk2B_KU7pL5OsYL1-v_REOGuy0_XW9zQS1NeK4LfYwGUPVEpI9CAA-EHLd6ew6tBFCwuGZN6qQurtAzeGPpLTDe3yHE-IOCM8JChxT1U/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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The next day was mother's day, and everyone took a break from treehouse duty. <br />
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On Monday, the rain had stopped, the deck was level, and it was starting to look like a tree house. I think this is when it started to be fun. The men had much happier faces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NRrMNCG4qJPk4s0NkcyyjeftSn3Tk_pMKm3kW0NUMSGXJ0WyTFqiEjXfMjgKuTL6G0KcODjAt2VzTE_PKuEbU-Ehpc2L4hECqHOT0RxW95UxUTE9VbS_d7VT734WU7z3DIRAQBlNAS4/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NRrMNCG4qJPk4s0NkcyyjeftSn3Tk_pMKm3kW0NUMSGXJ0WyTFqiEjXfMjgKuTL6G0KcODjAt2VzTE_PKuEbU-Ehpc2L4hECqHOT0RxW95UxUTE9VbS_d7VT734WU7z3DIRAQBlNAS4/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZi7NGV1gCx3JYrKreNrvpf_aCHYOfvSGI-uQKGzFacZBKcT90ZLDLeVqs7nj1V7_rgqRpF0eWb-SumV-1Gj3AXPa2u92ApbuTySxor-SetmcPh_qd_jBwsnVj4hSQnt0t5q8f-vD9G4/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1nZb4GSU3RUwkABj9bQ08R4rbmSga0uCdb7J0xwUALeopBPca5vfj8xug3PCjUb7xH-guEtPa2kH2SoZ6R7SjB0Kra2c-KuYSh2vcmpvJdm4rptvSy6dwIfFMlQScts0ygmYG9dy8Xg/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1nZb4GSU3RUwkABj9bQ08R4rbmSga0uCdb7J0xwUALeopBPca5vfj8xug3PCjUb7xH-guEtPa2kH2SoZ6R7SjB0Kra2c-KuYSh2vcmpvJdm4rptvSy6dwIfFMlQScts0ygmYG9dy8Xg/s640/DSC_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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It seemed like things moved a lot faster after the posts were in the ground. The guys started working on the frame for the "house" of the tree house. As you can see, it was tight quarters. <br />
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Again, the guys worked until late at night. The nail gun was due back the next day, and Tim had to drive back home. Thanks Tim!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZi7NGV1gCx3JYrKreNrvpf_aCHYOfvSGI-uQKGzFacZBKcT90ZLDLeVqs7nj1V7_rgqRpF0eWb-SumV-1Gj3AXPa2u92ApbuTySxor-SetmcPh_qd_jBwsnVj4hSQnt0t5q8f-vD9G4/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZi7NGV1gCx3JYrKreNrvpf_aCHYOfvSGI-uQKGzFacZBKcT90ZLDLeVqs7nj1V7_rgqRpF0eWb-SumV-1Gj3AXPa2u92ApbuTySxor-SetmcPh_qd_jBwsnVj4hSQnt0t5q8f-vD9G4/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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We took a break for a few days so that Mark could get back to his real job. And I could stop driving to the hardware store. Did I mention I was the errand girl for this project? They did let me use the nail gun a little - but I think my main duty was lumber. I believe I made 12 trips to Lowes or Home Depot. And yes, you can fit a 12 foot board in an Acura MDX.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hga-V5A2GpclC52gddw8hcFXwRF3a-Ntjg88YOq0IPaN8-MwVwPzlcRTS3Wyv5ylyUc6CyFjWbJXGpbbXlbBUyXFjsWICbvt1mek4OHOOmRqjmIfcNly7z35M87O-pwyDFMzHeCJ1FE/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hga-V5A2GpclC52gddw8hcFXwRF3a-Ntjg88YOq0IPaN8-MwVwPzlcRTS3Wyv5ylyUc6CyFjWbJXGpbbXlbBUyXFjsWICbvt1mek4OHOOmRqjmIfcNly7z35M87O-pwyDFMzHeCJ1FE/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOMJFNBZQdTUatf-xMnnv-NWnEGTYyD4zU0gzZr8RqrWWwJTodixl97bnSucqLMmcvKeBa5ORaYxLe0TrRYpisaC2evP6ZATyWaHLaCAh2uu8DUR_lYqtLIxCdvSoKFLRFYWbTJ08Ock/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOMJFNBZQdTUatf-xMnnv-NWnEGTYyD4zU0gzZr8RqrWWwJTodixl97bnSucqLMmcvKeBa5ORaYxLe0TrRYpisaC2evP6ZATyWaHLaCAh2uu8DUR_lYqtLIxCdvSoKFLRFYWbTJ08Ock/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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Here is the progress after one very long, hard weekend of work. The kids couldn't wait to get in the treehouse. I had to watch them carefully during the week while they played in the fun tree house with no railings and no ladder. <br />
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Details, details.<br />
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Mark also made them an old school rope swing - with a little board to sit on. I think this is one of their new favorite outdoor activities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_ppaSZ4tRmC2adu35RqgGocLHSLRw_7yQKmklSh4oacyEbyHLH-PZrgzUT54_2T6JKCYZoP3mUN4lEWt4dAz0keRkoEFL56ozlgTEN6qAq8z-0HIaDX4K_DMZlPEL_w54pUc8c_Jiis/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_ppaSZ4tRmC2adu35RqgGocLHSLRw_7yQKmklSh4oacyEbyHLH-PZrgzUT54_2T6JKCYZoP3mUN4lEWt4dAz0keRkoEFL56ozlgTEN6qAq8z-0HIaDX4K_DMZlPEL_w54pUc8c_Jiis/s640/DSC_0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc1NZHoUL_pPAp-C8Ejj8he98MtJlt0gtVX4lq_HEdqQcSIoUzcO0QvRkoJRffkHVqeRmJPWxSYEQl4wmkETcN-8AmxsfQp7ZroKdY0klEJOCDTYpTMVqSoZbg91hiQo0IfItX9bFfw4/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc1NZHoUL_pPAp-C8Ejj8he98MtJlt0gtVX4lq_HEdqQcSIoUzcO0QvRkoJRffkHVqeRmJPWxSYEQl4wmkETcN-8AmxsfQp7ZroKdY0klEJOCDTYpTMVqSoZbg91hiQo0IfItX9bFfw4/s640/DSC_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the next weekend, we hired a babysitter to watch the kids while we worked as hard as we could to make some headway on the finer details of the treehouse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc4UP5nBnniBcjUievLVbFS7hMTVlxOOV2ez_SymZtQ-pWKD9W5f_7B2UWS0d04myWtvIw0stlgzB45Y6Jd4FD-1SQF6bVURjw5NTfC3nvHTDJXvinTu-gpx6pJYql5xu0Etcc6AuACo/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc4UP5nBnniBcjUievLVbFS7hMTVlxOOV2ez_SymZtQ-pWKD9W5f_7B2UWS0d04myWtvIw0stlgzB45Y6Jd4FD-1SQF6bVURjw5NTfC3nvHTDJXvinTu-gpx6pJYql5xu0Etcc6AuACo/s640/DSC_0028.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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My priority was a ladder for the kids. I made this "bridge" out of two 2x12 boards, with 2x2 cleats. I am going to attach it to the tree house and let it be a bridge to our retaining wall.<br />
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I also attatched 2 handles to help lift up the bridge. It is too heavy to be a draw bridge, but we might need to move it for mowing the grass. I still have a few cuts to make - but I had to call it quits when my babysitter had to leave.<br />
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Mark added some more supports to the decking, using lag screws and carriage bolts. This is one solid treehouse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjH60GTe5a63wT2qf_6NbdnN_yEDqNUird8oZSfzL-PMLUKfDUA4f6LhVt5IdrAedgQ7nF_I_iNPR6oyZyXQuPfdPzGpainP6EBDr5sAy3EbX8nygB-KzXn17qEiX5_qGA5FE4LFkX9s/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjH60GTe5a63wT2qf_6NbdnN_yEDqNUird8oZSfzL-PMLUKfDUA4f6LhVt5IdrAedgQ7nF_I_iNPR6oyZyXQuPfdPzGpainP6EBDr5sAy3EbX8nygB-KzXn17qEiX5_qGA5FE4LFkX9s/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, Mark attached a roof. The boards are pretty close together - this thing should be pretty rain proof. I think the kids will be camping up here soon!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguywgIhiHodZHkjTyodU7c5qvR1Vk8d7wWX3AssL_3E3DYhimq3lFhu7XbP1v79qCG2eMN26zT8d3m1Xhxw-5978XKHQjNW2wOIo5NIvaMTNvM1UZFuOMCRFj0kUHZKJXPTb4webT8xm4/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguywgIhiHodZHkjTyodU7c5qvR1Vk8d7wWX3AssL_3E3DYhimq3lFhu7XbP1v79qCG2eMN26zT8d3m1Xhxw-5978XKHQjNW2wOIo5NIvaMTNvM1UZFuOMCRFj0kUHZKJXPTb4webT8xm4/s640/DSC_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0jM96sP5rZMXiWb3mxOntUcJBfb1I3RzuLm2ja4Drnn5l8O4bQao3Goe-p7e58SmXZ6A5GpK1IBrG7CEG4jFNVHiizdfXxWCwaX6TAS1oilBKXsW1Dmn6mkyZwSBhr6CgB-OaNrp9ok/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0jM96sP5rZMXiWb3mxOntUcJBfb1I3RzuLm2ja4Drnn5l8O4bQao3Goe-p7e58SmXZ6A5GpK1IBrG7CEG4jFNVHiizdfXxWCwaX6TAS1oilBKXsW1Dmn6mkyZwSBhr6CgB-OaNrp9ok/s640/DSC_0032.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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I was in charge of the railing. This took some help from Mark since one person had to be on a ladder drilling the holes for the carriage bolts into the frame, while the other person held the 2x4 in place for the railings. I am still going to add rope in between the railings. This took a lot of measuring and a lot of cuts. <br />
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Not too shabby, huh?<br />
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This is the view from the back of the tree house. Because we live on a hill, the tree house feels like it is 40 feet in the air. The front is only 5 feet off the ground, but the hill is steep behind the tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gSMyg9jkRIIb0MczYh0ri1PO5nvmGZhQQtjECJyeKDikxTi_V_GrRp7XS83eegN1ySf3hg2pbg8UvOsLenSHugB1rA82goKM9QF_Uc_E7t80g3wHTHeJExAp_bbLYwbHbHrEXb0i79w/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gSMyg9jkRIIb0MczYh0ri1PO5nvmGZhQQtjECJyeKDikxTi_V_GrRp7XS83eegN1ySf3hg2pbg8UvOsLenSHugB1rA82goKM9QF_Uc_E7t80g3wHTHeJExAp_bbLYwbHbHrEXb0i79w/s640/DSC_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv7xn9rBbvzntvdXcF68wAaicUV0j8ypxXb-0bm1B1joLrXg9j4wFP5gpbMgihzoAP_eXYQ3ArSkC60_eNg2Rc-xwhBs-xZ2d1pc-n1DxGREuwz2wDS-82_bORJfVnJYdFwJ9NTtuNRU/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv7xn9rBbvzntvdXcF68wAaicUV0j8ypxXb-0bm1B1joLrXg9j4wFP5gpbMgihzoAP_eXYQ3ArSkC60_eNg2Rc-xwhBs-xZ2d1pc-n1DxGREuwz2wDS-82_bORJfVnJYdFwJ9NTtuNRU/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="428" /></a><br />
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This is our AMAZING treehouse! We aren't finished yet - but I couldn't wait to show everyone what my hubby built. Thanks to Tim and Mark (and DeWalt) for a very fun place to play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNKzYtsDEECF5M6w3yUq0ClkYEInyEbvdDczODn2k4qR0FrGWmrOPEDn_dD1F64tcUHU-2KWzxvxt6bXy1-mYNINId0V-6IjUBAYkAqfVRRMVQBaw9cO2EWlr5swMYjWomQKQK7nIAyg/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNKzYtsDEECF5M6w3yUq0ClkYEInyEbvdDczODn2k4qR0FrGWmrOPEDn_dD1F64tcUHU-2KWzxvxt6bXy1-mYNINId0V-6IjUBAYkAqfVRRMVQBaw9cO2EWlr5swMYjWomQKQK7nIAyg/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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This is what it use to look like...<br />
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Now we have this...<br />
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Can you tell that Abby likes it? She doesn't care if there is no rope on the railings. Her daddy made her day already.<br />
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Next up - swings, trap doors, rope railings and of course a pulley. I will post more pictures as we progress with the finer details.<br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5377376809329563495.post-85622165815438223152012-05-26T19:12:00.001-05:002012-05-26T19:12:59.884-05:00The new patio<div>
The past few weeks have been a little crazy at our house. Mark and his dad have started construction on an amazing tree house. I am at awe of there patience and skill. Especially their measuring abilities. Perfect. Meanwhile, a landscaping crew has started working on our new patio. I have tried to take pictures at the end of every day - but these guys have been working hard. The patio wasn't in great condition to start with.<br />
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This was our patio:<br />
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Someone had constructed their own hand laid brick patio - maybe 10 or 15 years ago? It has been sagging and crumbling since we moved into this house.<br />
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First step - we rented a pressure washer and "we" (Mark) cleaned the steps for our sun room. Wow. What an amazing difference. The contractor kept asking if we had just hired someone to put the steps in. They look so great. We wanted to be ready for the "hard scape" crew to begin the project. Then they arrived...<br />
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Day 1 of patio work - demolition.<br />
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Goodbye brick patio.<br />
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The crew also put concrete footers on our stairs and raised one side an inch to make it more level. Needless to say, things are a little "sagging" at the back of our sunroom.<br />
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Day 2 - concrete discovery. Once they removed the brick patio, they found another concrete patio underneath. We had decided on cobblestone pavers for our new patio - but Darren, our landscape designer, gave us the option of a flagstone patio once he discovered the concrete. At the same cost. Yippeee!!!! (that is what I really wanted - but the pavers were cheaper)<br />
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We also have a sprinkler system in our yard - that we have never been able to turn on. And with the demolition, we discovered that the sprinklers went through out our grass area. Wow. Now we need to see if they work.<br />
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Day 3 - more concrete and rain. The guys spent a lot of the day leveling out the area and pouring concrete. Then dusk hit around 7 pm and the guys were forced to stop. Not only were the deck steps slanted, so was the concrete that had been poured...20+ years ago. So they put in more concrete to make the patio bigger as well as leveling the old concrete slab.<br />
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Oh yah - I made Mark get one of the big rocks they dug up. I wanted it for the kid's rock garden. Isn't he a great husband?<br />
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Day 4 - beautiful flagstone arrives. I love flagstone. The crew started placing the flagstone and designing the curve of the patio. Unfortunately, this is when the rain began. It lasted a few days, making progress pause on the patio. They came back a few days later and cleaned up debris. But there was no progress on the patio for a few days.<br />
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Day 5 - I should say day 5 of work. They made a lot of progress on laying the stone. It started looking like a patio!<br />
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Day 6 - For some reason there was only one guy working for the past few days. Our dog was getting a little tired of being cooped up in his crate.<br />
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When they removed the old ugly brick step, this ugliness was left behind. The crew designed a little ledge to hid the ugly foundation.<br />
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And here you can see the ugly old brick patio under our sun room. Remember that our old patio was crumbling and un-level? Yep, that is what is holding up our sun room. Let's not think about that...<br />
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Day 7 - This is the "completed" patio. They still need to come back and pressure wash it in a few weeks, and lay grass seed on our dirt mound. But we can't wait to use this space!!<br />
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They even put patio steps in for us. Obviously, they need to fill in the few cracks. This is a huge improvement over the cinderblocks that were left by the previous owner as "steps."<br />
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And that is our patio! Next post - our new tree house. I still can't believe we did both things at the same time.... I will take another picture once it is washed and has some kind of furniture on it. Come on over and enjoy our patio!</div>
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<br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12788338211049807760noreply@blogger.com0