Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thankful

We went for a drive this morning-the pictures aren't ready yet so I found this one in my files...God has blessed me with more than I could have dreamed of this year.

I am so thankful for my wonderful family. They continue to want to be together and have fun with each other. That is all I ever hoped for-a family that would look forward to spending time together. Our business had an amazing year -far beyond what we could have imagined. The weather has been great during the last few months, my gardens have been put to bed for the season. This was something that didn't get done last year.

Today I get to spend the afternoon with not only my immediate family but with the family Amy married into and I don't have to cook! Last year I was sick and wasn't able to attend the festivities at Karl and Amy's new home. Luckily I was so under the weather that it didn't bother me too much that they were all together celebrating.

My hope for you is that you are doing exactly what you want, with who you want to be with today.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Weird number game

Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway...
DON'T CHEAT BY READING AHEAD FIRST!
It takes less than a minute.
Work this out as you read .
You may need a calculator or at least pen and paper
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.
1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to go out to eat. (more than once b ut less than 10)
2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)
3. Add 5
4. Multiply it by 50
5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1758... If you haven't, add 1757.
6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.
You should have a three digit number.
The first digit of this was your original number. (I.e., How many times you want to go out to restaurants in a week.)
The next two numbers are- YOUR AGE ! ------ ( Oh YES, it is!)
THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2008) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS

Sundays with Amy

This week we started with a trip to Bridgeport Village in Tigard. Such fun stores and all decked out for the holidays. Found these cute bowls for the new kitchen...Then back to the cottage for crafting. Made up this cute little house from a kit I got at this lovely store-I even left it in the dining room-trying to sneak Christmas in early...some fun happening in the back yard...
Today I'm moving furniture to make room for the tree and the rest of the Christmas stuff.

Monday, November 17, 2008

20 Things

For a Yahoo group I recently joined I had to come up with 20 things about myself-thought maybe you would like to see it too.
1. I love fun
2. I adore my family
3. I have been married for almost 28 years
4. Currently, my favorite color is pink
5. Two words - Red Robin
6. Love the movie Notting Hill
7. 7 is my favorite number
8. Hydrangeas are the bestest flower
9. I have my very own little cottage to craft in
10. Caramel Frappuccino, no whip, extra caramel, dome lid=yum
11. I tend to stay up late and then nap during the day
12. Usually Mondays are my recharge-do no work day
13. I craft each Sunday with my daughter Amy
14. Every Friday my son and his girlfriend come for dinner and fun
15. Christmas starts here the day after Thanksgiving
16. I'm a sucker for Hallmark or Lifetime movies
17. I have been friends with Teri for almost 30 years.
18. I have Psoriasis
19. I get about 6 magazine subscriptions
20. I like to talk but not on the phone
So, did you learn anything new about me?

Here are a couple pictures we took this week while Gary was on vacation this last week.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thrifting day

I spent a day thrifting last week. Even though I didn't find a lot of "treasures", it was still a nice day. The sun was shining and the songs on the radio were ones I actually knew. I found a few things for the kitchen-this cute bowl and a sweet little cup for my rings.
and a few items for the holidays.

I also took some photos of some unusual items...this was priced at $4.99 and it wasn't even complete. Yep, it was cans without top or bottom,glued together and painted-$5 is a bit steep!This lovely may have once been a bridesmaid dress, vintage 70's-and these are wraparound pants, sorta like gouchos.


They say that fashion rotates through the years, but wraparound pants? I hope not!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Portraits and more portraits

It has been awhile since I posted some images of our clients; so here is one of each client I haven't shown before. You need to keep in mind that for every image, there are about 100 more.

It was a very busy month and a half !

Oh, and for those who don't know-the last two belong to me/us. Nick and Amy wanted their portraits taken too.

We do so love what we do...almost as much as the new kitchen the profits will pay for.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Giveaway and studio sale

One of the blogs I visit often is for a gal right in my neck of the woods. (I don't actually live in the woods.) She has some really creative stuff and I love her newest owl picture on her Etsy site.

For all the details check out her blog.
ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE-just for you..
My friend over at paperdoll-co. has issued a challenge for "Mail Art." Send me a note if you want more information.
Did an all day thrifting adventure today and am working on Christmas gifts...be sure to check back soon-I'll have pictures.

7 years

7 years ago today, this woman, my mom-passed away.
An only child, she quit school to get married at 17.
At 23; she had two children and was pregnant with a third when she left her husband and came home to mom and dad. They helped her get settled and back in school. She was resilient and went from one job to another gaining wisdom along the way. I remember her from the years when I was a young mom. Wondering how she ever did it without a husband to lean on. I am thankful that she was able to marry again when I was 12 and had twenty five years with a partner. Someone else to help her. Someone who would love her.

Mom loved words-reading, scrabble, crosswords. Mom loved knowledge-Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit. She was granted a few years to enjoy life without working outside the home. I'm glad, for though she said to me as she lay dying,"I wish I could have been the mom you are," she was the mom I knew and loved. She worked hard, but made sure we knew we were loved. That she cared about us. That we were important. Isn't that the only lesson a mom needs to give?

I am thinking about her a lot these days. I have a dear friend who just lost her dad and a couple school friends who each lost their moms in the past few weeks. It brings the loss to my heart again. So I encourage you to call your mom or your child and tell them they are loved. Let others share your heart and thanks for letting me share mine.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Glitter cottage

That is what I was calling my little craft cottage yesterday. Amy (DD) and I worked on a canvas for over the fireplace for christmas and started on my christmas cards. Oh, I'm so excited - I was out there at 11 pm putting on another coat of paint. I can't show you everything because then the surprise won't be there for December-but you can have a glance.

Brought in the stuff I got on sale last year to create the new tree design. Had to make sure I was using the right colors for the decorations I/we are making.

Headed to the craft stores today to get some more supplies. Seems funny because I have SO MANY supplies already, but they have to be color specific!

I have passed my love of Christmas onto my children...Amy is taking a half day off on Black Friday to come and help set up my house. My guess is that we will follow up with hers too!






Saturday, November 1, 2008

To coil or not to coil?

So we are in the planning stages for the new kitchen. The one we have will be stripped down to the bare walls hopefully in January. We will probably be having new cupboards built and I will finally get the wall oven I have wanted forever! We need to pick out a wall oven and a counter top stove. The question is: do I get a smooth top or one with coils? I have searched the Internet and read pros and cons for each. So please let me know what you use and if you like it? We are thinking of doing stainless on at least these two appliances. Ask your friends to respond too- I just need all the help I can get.

thanks,k
thanks for stopping by...