Sick and Tired

Literally. I've come down with a cold that has knocked me on my hiney. My "froat" hurts, my head hurts, my nose is all stuffy and I've got a cough (which goes SO well with the aching head). Poop.

Combine that with baby-growing, returning to work, working my tushy off this weekend, and not sleeping well, and well, I'm beat.

I had desperately wanted to wax rhapsodic about Hannah's Tree, but that will have to wait. I want to give it my full attention and this evening that isn't going to happen. Instead, I'm going to type up an English quiz and hit the hay. I might even take some Tylenol first--we'll see. I know I need to listen to my body and it's telling me sleep is key.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I've got quite a bit of work left to do to have the house ready for company Thursday. Eek!

Christmas Decorating Has Been Completed--WHEW!

First thing this morning, we trimmed the tree.

It took me close to two and a half hours last night to get the lights on the tree. I have to say, although I LOVE this tree and think it is among the prettiest we have ever had, putting lights on a 9' tree is trying and tiring. Of course, if I didn't insist on trying to burn the house down with lights, it might not be so bad...

You see, I put 2400 lights on the tree--and still think there is a need for more. However, B has balked, so the tree is as it is to stay for this year. I'll be buying more next year, though. ;o)

I seem to get the same reactions when I tell people how many lights are on the tree. The men are always thinking (or giving me the), "ARE YOU CRAZY?!?!?" and the ladies typically seem awed and astounded--even a bit jealous. :oP

I think it's more of the former--I am crazy. I toyed with the idea of a pre-lit artificial tree but couldn't go through with it. As arduous a process as lighting the silly tree is, it is SO worth it. :o)

Lily was so enthusiastic about helping this morning. AND, it was easy to see where she had hung her ornaments. ;o)

Overheard whilst she was decorating, "I'm a good hooker!" Oy.

Lily and Daddy put the finishing touches on the tree and I managed to snap a quick pic. Whew!


I also finished the rest of my holiday decorating (the bells found a new home this year).

This is new this year--Lissie gave it to me when she was moving this summer.

Our countdown Advent calendar.

My sweet snowmen. I'm looking for another to add to the collection. :o)


We also have two nativities this year. They are both living on the entertainment center below the tv. It really is a perfect location for them.

For those of you with small children, we LOVE this nativity. Lily has played and played and played with it (I'm beginning to get a bit tired of "Away in the Manger"...). It's child-friendly and yet still depicts the birth story beautifully.

Here are the reindeer cans awaiting their filling of holiday goodies. I keep hoping they'll fill themselves this year, but somehow, I don't think it's going to happen...

Kat, we're thinking of the 12th as the candy day. Are you available? Jessie, we're going to make fondant while you are here so you can take your rolls home with you. :o)

Also pictured is the Advent calendar that led to the christening of "Number Fives" three years ago. ;o)

And, the glow from 2400 mulit-colored lights. It really is such a pretty tree.


As we were decorating this morning, I decided I needed a separate tree for our Hokies ornaments. We found this little lovely at the 'Jay. I'm thinking of putting some maroon and orange ribbons on it.


We also picked up some outdoor decor while at Tarjay. I've been coveting lighted deer for some time and now I have them.

B was a darling and helped me the entire day, even though he was REALLY wanting to finish Jellybean's room. I had him so busy he didn't get in there until almost dusk and then realized it is nearly impossible to paint white-primed bead board with white paint--no contrast.

So, he helped me make the turkey soup (recipe found here) and hung the garland along the banister of the bridge.

Nana and Pop joined us for supper and then we put up the Hannah Tree. It is so unbelievably perfect and gorgeous. (Terena, your ornament arrived and I almost had to wrest it away from Nana, lol! It's PERFECT!). I'm going to write about it tomorrow. Just know, we are so appreciative of all the love for the Monkey that has been showered on us. Thank you!

Anyhow, if I'm not mistaken, I only have a few more items to cross of my "To Do" list for Christmas. I still need to finish the Christmas cards and get them sent out, make the candy, and finish the deep cleaning of the house (I still need to do the upstairs carpets before Jessie and the kiddos arrive). Oh, and I still have five gifts to pick up for my list and two for Mom. Not too bad. :o)

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Weekend Sparklies:

1. Lily:

How funny is this child?!? She was jealous because my antlers had jingle bells and hers didn't. So, she fixed it. Hee hee!
2. Fauxgiving was wonderful and we'll have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
3. The house is looking SOOOOO festive and perfectly wonderful!
4. I have three Christmas trees in my house this year. WOW!
5. My Thanksgiving Break has been wonderful--if not exactly the most restful. But, we sure did get a lot accomplished!
6. Our dinner company. Thanks, Nan and Pop. I hope the soup wasn't too scorched tasting to you... (don't ask).
7. Analgesics. My HEAD is killing me and the Tylenol is actually working. Woo hoo. :o)
8. Have I mentioned just how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Christmas season?
9. The Hannah Tree. Just wait until I post pictures tomorrow. :o)

Milestones:

It doesn't hurt as much to decorate this year as it has the past two years. I miss Hannah's laughing and twirling, I miss having two out-of-control-with-excitement little girls, but it was easier somehow. Lily hung all Hannah's ornaments on the tree, and we admired those she had made in school. It's so wonderful having these treasures.

I also realized I'm going to need to get a new set of stocking hangers as the ones we have won't work next year. You see, ours currently spell out "Noel", allowing for a hanger for everyone's stocking. Next year, we'll be one short and I REFUSE to not hang Han's stocking. I'm therefore going to purchase the "Peace" set from Pottery Barn for next year. I can't imagine NOT including the Monkey in our holidays, nor can I imagine the Bean not having Han around for Christmas.

So many memories assail me this time of year. I'm not having a down yo, just some introspection.

Chaos Reigns

What we've done so far:

Wednesday: OB appointment for the Bean and me--nice strong heart beat and a weight gain of three pounds. Not too shabby. Nuclear stress test for B. We received a call from the cardiologist's office on they way to the 'burg telling us all is "normal" and they saw nothing alarming. Hallelujah!

Thursday: Turkey Day with the family. People present: Mom, Paul, Aunt Susan, Aunt Robin, cousin Emily, Grandfather, Jessie, Bob, Ella, Gabriel, Brien, Lily and Rachael. We cooked most of the day and have eight varieties of pie awaiting us for dessert. Be still my heart!

Friday: Begin the day with snow flurries and driving wind. Holy cow it was COLD! Drive home. Unpack, make grocery list, do laundry. Dinner with Nan and Pop and surprise guests Miles and Kelsey. Get a Christmas tree (8'-9' this year! WOW!), get groceries, get tree in stand (no fighting or nuthin'!), finish laundry, get a good night's sleep (sleeping in a hotel room with Lil is NOT restful...).

Saturday (so far): Make breakfast, vacuum and steam clean carpets (the house still reeks of white vinegar and ammonia--an excellent cleaning combination, yet quite stinky until it dries) downstairs, Clean out/declutter dinning room and candle closet (don't ask), bring Christmas boxes downstairs. B has been feverishly working on finishing the Bean's room. We'll paint tomorrow and I'll do the carpets upstairs.

Later this evening I'm going to put lights on the tree and decorate. And, one of the sad things of having Thanksgiving out of town is the lack of leftovers. I'm CRAVING stuffing and mashed potatoes, so we're having a "Fauxgiving" this evening. ;o) I'm making stuffing, mashed chetties, and green bean casserole and one of us (oh please please please not me) is going to go to the store to pick up a "woast chicken". Mm. :o)

Now, however, is rivalry weekend and my Hokies are about to play the 'Hoos. I'm going to try to get a bit of rest for a few minutes. ;oP

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you and your family and friends be blessed this special day. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Guess What Lily Did!

Lily has NEVER been interested in sitting on Santa's lap. She's been content to say hi and wave from a safe distance, but NOT sit on his lap. So, you could have knocked me over with a feather when she said to me on Sunday (we were going to the candle store), "I hope Santa's dere. I need to tell him what I want for Christmas."

WHAT?!?

I stood in line with her, holding her hand, reassuring her if she got scared she didn't have to sit with Santa. She not only sat with him, she told him exactly what she wanted ("Calico critters, and a house and rooms, and dis fing to hang over my bed"), she gave him a hug.

I KNOW she was scared, and yet, she was so brave. I'm quite proud of her. :o)

Then, she just wanted to be funny. I thought this was cute. OH, and the reindeer antlers? Pop picked them up last week and Lil LOVES to wear them. Who wouldn't? ;o)

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Last night I made thirty cards. Yup. I really did! :o) For Christmas I'm making 10 packs of note cards for Grandma, Bill and Grandfather. I would rather not wait in line at the post office to ship these items for Christmas so I worked my tater off last night to get them finished to take with us tomorrow. These are the ones I made for Grandma:
I'm thinking I my need to make a set for myself. I still LOVE this stamp set ("Inspired by Nature"). I used Summer Sun, Garden Green and Chocolate Chip and they are so cheerful. :o)


I found these boxes on Papertrey Ink's site. They will hold 10 simple cards (no ribbons I'm sorry to say) and envelopes. I think it packages the cards beautifully and they'll be a snap to wrap this evening.

I made the same cards for Grandfather and Bill:
Again, quite simple, but elegant.

I don't write letters and notes like I should (email, blogging, etc. seem to have replaced the simple handwritten note), but these fine folks sure do. I hope they like them!

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I've got to make some pie crusts and pies tonight as well as some cranberry relish. Tomorrow is doctor day and then we are heading for the 'burg.

I'm not thrilled to be traveling tomorrow--a bit antsy because of the heavy traffic there is sure to be--but I desperately want to see my family. :o)

I've had a wonderful birthday and will be back tonight to post the sparklies. :o)

*******************ETA*****************
Today's Sparklies:

1. This has been the most delightful birthday. Lil didn't hesitate to tell EVERYONE today was my birthday. ;o)
2. Lil made me a "gift card" to "Barnes and Oval". Smart kiddo knows her mama loves books. :o)
3. My students were all such dolls today. I received so many birthday wishes and some even brought me gifts. I couldn't believe it!
4. Other gifts from family: B gave me a gorgeous garnet necklace, Nana and Pop gave me beautiful silver earrings and a funky/fun necklace.
5. Dinner was delicious. I'm to the point where my stomach is being a bit squished by the Bean so I can't eat as much as usual. Still, things were yummy.
6. I now have a five day break. HOORAY for sleeping in!

Milestones:
Another birthday sans the Monkey. Somehow "Happy Birthday" just isn't the same without Han's ad libbed lyrics, "You look like a giraaaaaffe, and you smell like one too!" followed by fits of hysterical belly laughter.

I miss my girl.

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B and I have our doctors' appointments tomorrow. Prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated. :o)

I've About Had It!

Blogger won't let me upload the photo I want and I'm getting pretty grumpy about it. >:o(

In other news, we didn't get to finish the Bean's room last night because B had to spend about an hour and a half helping the next door neighbor cut up the tree that took out his fence. Okay, he didn't have to, but he's a good man, so he did. All of which put us behind and you know what, I don't care. I'm tired once more. Go figure.

I'm going to hit the studio tonight instead of working on the nursery because I'm feeling the need to have a more creative outlet.

I heard today that two families I know well won some sets of the cards in the auction. I'm so tickled! :o) Apparently they didn't know I was the artist until they were won. Hee hee!

I've got my birthday tomorrow (33 years and counting) so we'll have birthday dinner at Carrabba's. Wednesday morning, I'll meet up with Lisa--today was a wash because of the cold rain and Lil's H1N1 booster this afternoon (she was SUCH a brave girl, ya'll!)--and then have a doctor's appointment at 10:40.

Brien also has a doctor's appointment Wednesday. Here's what's been going on:
Back in April, when the DVT was diagnosed, the doctor was trying to find any and all culprits and decided the strange break in B's s-wave needed some attention. So, the doctor ordered an echo cardiogram. B was referred to a cardiologist who diagnosed an ascending aortic aneurysm as well as a slight defect in his valve where there is a gap between them, allowing some back flow. The thought was this was most likely something he had had for quite some time, but we wanted to monitor it anyhow.

Six months later was two weeks ago. Once again B went for an echo. The results were the same as April and no change is definitely a good thing. However, he has begun experiencing some fatigue and other small physical issues that have led him to be cautious (remember, I have the man who listens to his body). When mentioning these at his appointment, they decided he needed to wear the 24 hour heart monitor last Wednesday and last Thursday he went in for a stress test.

Well, folks, he didn't quite pass the stress test. The person administering the test said false positives are actually quite common and there was nothing to become distressed about, but that they would need to do the radioactive stress test this coming Wednesday as it is far more accurate.

The current thought process is there is nothing actually wrong, they just want to cover all their bases. After all, B is only 33 and has no other health history indicating there could be a problem.

Needless to say, I've been a bit nonplussed by the entire situation, and have kept mum at B's request. However, he has now told all individuals who he feels need to be told and I'm free to tell you all. B has been on lifting restrictions for some time (he's not to strain when lifting anything and he's quite frustrated by it all), and is working hard to take good care of himself. That's all I can ask.

I tell you what, our family sure has had its share of ups and downs the past few years. I'm beat.
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Today's Sparklies:

1. I broke out the Christmas music yesterday and have been listening ever since.
2. We also watched "Ralphie" for the first time this year yesterday. Hee hee! :o)
3. Lily was so brave for her shot today. I don't think I could have been any prouder.
4. Tomorrow is my "birfday" AND the last day of school until next week. WOO HOO!!!
5. Oh my do those mulling spices smell GOOD!
6. Did I mention the incredibly AWESOME ornament hangers I picked up at Pottery Barn this weekend? I found some about five years ago and had been unable to locate them again. While shopping this weekend I decided to see if they had them and they did! These are the Cadillac of the hanger world and if you have a chance to get to a PB, I highly recommend you check them out.

Milestones:
Isn't it funny how certain memories are attached to certain things. I was listening to my Christmas music yesterday and "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano came on. The first memory that popped in my head was of the year we purchased Han's "cave" and putting it together in her blue bedroom with the windows open. We must have heard the song no fewer than four times that day and Hannah laughed and laughed each time because her Daddy would be a complete goof ball. :sigh: Happy times those.

Ah, Monroe Bisque

While I was out shopping with Sarah yesterday, Lily and Brien went into Jellybean's room where Lil declared, "It's PINK!" in rather enthused tones. Well, that confirmed it. The room was indeed pink and the Valspar paint wasn't going to work. Last night, I sent B to Ace to pick up the Benjamin Moore Monroe Bisque and knocked the room out in about an hour and a half.

I had to chuckle. B said he went to the counter and said he needed Monroe Bisque and added he thought is was number A36 (or some such). The lady behind the counter said, "Yup. It is." and began pulling the appropriate levers without looking up the recipe. B, assuming it must be fairly popular for her to have the number memorized asked her and was told it is their most popular color around here. Huh.

The moment I popped the lid off the can, I knew it was the right color. Whew! I included this photo so you could see the faux Monroe Bisque next to the true hue. I love the golden tones of the "real" color. It is such a beautiful neutral. :o)

The wainscoting is coming along. B wanted to wait for me to get the painting done (I'm most appreciative) before he began. I believe he's moved his entire workshop into one small bedroom. ;o)

He has one wall left to finish and will then put up the trim and caulk the seams. From there, I'll brush the bead boards and we'll clean up. We should be finished by this evening. :fingers crossed:

While he finishes off in there, I'm going to put some Christmas gifts together and work on our Christmas cards. I couldn't stand it any longer and put on the Christmas tunes (it's about a month to Christmas, right? RIGHT??) and have begun to pull out the Christmas candles. I have a pot simmering with Williams-Sonoma mulling spices (one of my FAVORITE smell-good tricks), and I'm about finished with my Christmas shopping. I just LOVE on-line shopping! You can find stupendous deals that are tax-free and often include free shipping. Then, within a few days, the gifts arrive in boxes on your front stoop via the USPS or UPS. :o) SOOOOO easy. :o)

The only folks left on my list are Pop, Jen's kiddos, and Robin and Lawrence. Not too shabby, huh? I'm hoping to have finished Grandma and Bill's and Grandfather's gifts by Tuesday so I can take them with me to the 'burg on Wednesday and won't have to stand in line at the Post Office to ship anything. :fingers crossed again:

In other news, I should be meeting Lisa in West Viriginia tomorrow as she and her family are in town for a few days. We're to meet up for a bit of dessert or some such tomorrow evening. Tuesday is my birthday so we'll be heading to Carrabba's for dinner with Nan and Pop. Wednesday, I have a doctor's appointment and two pies to make and then we'll hit the road for the 'burg.

The week ahead is going to be packed! I wish I could just be like these two:

Or, maybe this one:

Alas, that's not the life of a mama, is it? ;oP

Progress

Well, the man at Lowe's may say he mixed Benjamin Moore's Monroe Bisque, but I can tell you, this color is NOT Monroe Bisque. I'm afraid it's going to be a bit fleshy and not the nice golden-toned color we have in our room. We'll have to wait and see it in the sunlight tomorrow. Crud.

I couldn't paint yesterday as it was too dark. You just can't see how well you are covering an area if there isn't enough light. So, as soon as I got home this afternoon, I changed into my painting clothes (a bit more difficult as I now must wear maternity type clothing and who has maternity clothing to throw away?) and rolled the room. Lil insisted on helping.


She knew her space to paint was in the green and she painted accordingly. She painted Ts and Js and kitties and doggies and overall had a good time. She was patient and waited for me to reload her brush and sang a painting song while working. :o) I think I've found a new painting grunt. ;o)

In other Lily news, she has had a few more funny-if-it's-somebody-else's-kid moments. Yesterday we were going over what her jobs are at school. She was running down the list, "Take a nap. Listen to da teacher. Use good manners. Play nicely wif my friends--and don't scratch."

:insert scratching record noise here:

"Um, don't scratch anyone? Um, Lil, have you scratched someone at school???" Oh, Lordy, please say no. PLEASE say no.
"Yes, I scratched Ichie the other day."
"Where?" Not the face, not the face, PLEASE not the face.
"On da hand." Oh thank goodness.
"But Lily, why would you scratch a friend? WHY?"
"He was jealous of me and made me sad."
"Um...? I don't think you mean 'jealous', Lil. Did he hurt your feelings?"
"Uh, huh."
"What did he say?"
"Dat I couldn't come to his house."
"So? Next time just say, 'Okay' and walk away. Got it?"
"Okay."

Insert a small conversation wherein I explain that Ichie's mommy probably was not happy to see her son with scratches on his hand and that I wouldn't be too happy if I saw she had scratches from one of her friends. Then, I went on to ask how she felt about being scratched, if she liked it. I'm working on teaching empathy, but boy is it a tough job.

I mentioned the scratching to Miss Tanya--who hadn't told me about it, I do so love my child's honest streak (which will last all of another four weeks and then we hit four...)--and she shrugged it off, saying it was an accident. Alrighty then. :shakes head: She then went on to mention that Lil has been known to throw a punch once-in-a-while. Greeeeeeaaaaaaaaat. I have the class bully. :sigh:

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Today's Sparklies:

1. Dinner tonight with Pop. Nan had to work and he and she are heading into town for the ballgame tomorrow so we'll miss our Friday dinner date. It was nice to have our Friday on Thursday this week. And yes, I did change back into decent clothes. ;o)
2. I got all the quizzes I gave today graded and the grades put in the computer. I'm staying on top of things and this makes me SO happy!
3. I've been feeling Jellybean more and more lately. I'm getting SO excited!
4. Working on the nursery. I know some people don't like home improvement chores, but I really do enjoy them.
5. Did I mention Lily helped her daddy use the nail gun yesterday? He gave her ear and eye protection, held the gun, expected she would pull the trigger once and be done with it, as it can be loud and a bit intimidating. Ah, we once again misjudged our child. She LOVED it. In fact, I even heard this, "Okay, Daddy, you can do dis one, but dat one is mine!" So, there ya go. And, now, B has to make sure the nail gun is no where NEAR the air compressor and is not loaded because even though Lil is a good girl (when she's not beating up her friends that is), temptation is a terrible thing.
6. I got the cards bundled, packaged and off to the auction today. Woo hoo! Our Christmas cards are next. The adhesive arrived and I'm ready to roll. :o)

No milestones.

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The paint was a bit streaky when I was edging the other night so I'm off to do one more coat along the ceiling. Oh boy...

It Begins

Jellybean at 17 weeks 6 days--the reason we're working like fiends this week. I'm only going to get BIGGER and this sort of work won't be so easy.

Lil and I are painting this evening so this is it for tonight.

Thank you all SOOOO much for the helpful links and info about the vinyl. When we purchase the bedding, I'm going to look into them. :o)

********************ETA*******************


The room "Before". It's a wreck, that's for sure. Bob, bless his wonderful heart, came down the weekend we moved in and painted the room for me--I was about 36 weeks pregnant with Lil at that point. The green worked PERFECTLY with her ladybug bedding and I loved it. However, it's definitely time for a change.

Lily was so anxious to help she was forcing her way in to tight places.


See? ;o)


I finally gave her some paint and the sponge brush. She did a great job and got paint on nothing but the wall. The wainscoting is going to go over this, so the quality of the job doesn't matter. What matters is she feels like she's being a big helper. :o)







While I painted the trim, Brien removed the baseboards and other trim. Tomorrow I'll be ready to edge and roll the Monroe Bisque. I'm a fairly quick painter so I should be able to knock it out in a couple hours. We're listening to HP Book 7 so the time is flying. :o)

Thursday, I'll touch up any thin spots as painting in the dark isn't quite that easy.

I also painted the inside of the window frames and cleaned the windows. I noticed these strange smudges on the outside of the glass and realized they were imprints of a tree frog's body--tracks where it had moved. They made me smile, thinking of my Monkey, wondering how she would feel about all this.


Lily's handiwork. It really wasn't that poor a job, all things considered.


As is typically the case, when we begin working on one room, another one (or three) fall apart. Our room has become the staging room for the nursery for the time being. The boxes will live in JB's room until Christmas, and the toys and such will be returned once the room is finished. I'm anticipating great and wonderful things for that space. :o) Now, to live with the chaos in my room until then...

Getting Ready

Christmas and the winter holidays are quickly approaching. Boxes are beginning to appear on my front stoop and I'm getting giddy with excitement. It's no secret this is my most favorite time of the year. :o)

I'm already making plans for my Christmas decorating, but unfortunately, there is so much that needs to be done before I can even begin. My things to do list keeps growing and growing, lol! This weekend I'll shampoo the carpets in the dining room, living room and on the "bridge" and stairs. I need to go through the playroom and help Lily decide which toys to keep and which to donate to needy children. I would like to get my windows cleaned (still haven't managed that one yet...) and I need to get my Christmas cards finished (come on Discount Office Supplies, get that adhesive here!) so I can address them and ship them out before too long. :o)

We'll be with Lissie and family for Thanksgiving. We will return home Friday for a number of reasons. First, I need some time to rest before heading back to work. Second, I don't want the dogs to be kenneled any longer than necessary. Third, Friday is Rachael-gets-the-Christmas-tree-and-tries-to-burn-down-the-house-with-1000s-0f-lights day. The holiday season is so short as it is, I want to enjoy it for as long as possible. In fact, I may begin decorating on my birthday (Tuesday the 24th for those interested), since that is one month to Christmas Eve.

I'm planning my typical cookie/candy making routine (yes, Lissie and Jessie, you'll get your fondant :oP) and need to talk to Sarah, Bridget and Kat and see if any of them are interested. It's far more fun to do it in numbers than alone. :o) I'm also wondering about doing some cookie decorating with the little girls--Erin and Lily. Jess, wanna come down for a weekend and let Ella and Lil make and decorate some cookies together? Just an idea to get you out of the house...

Top this off with some last minute gifts/stocking stuffers I need to get and a nursery to finish (details in a moment), and I'm a busy girlie!

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Brien is out purchasing the items necessary for doing the baby's room. He agreed the wainscoting is such a beautiful, clean look, and that it is worth the time and effort. So, he's getting the appropriate items, and my Monroe Bisque paint and we'll be working on that this weekend as well. In fact, I'm hoping to begin painting tomorrow afternoon. I can paint the top half of the room before B installs the bead board--and it will be far easier than edging. ;o)

Lily is desperate to help so I'm trying to decide what she could do to lend a hand.

And, while I'm thinking about it, does anyone know of anyone/place that does custom made wall vinyl? I'll stencil if necessary, but would prefer the easy of slapping some vinyl on the walls instead. :o) Could you PLEASE let me know if you do know of someone/place? Thanks!!

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Today's Sparklies:

1. Everyone was so happy this morning--even though it was a Monday. That day off recharged ALL of us. :o)
2. B is out getting nursery goodies. Woo hoo!
3. Lily was my cleaning buddy this afternoon. We did all three bathrooms and two loads of laundry. While she had dinner, I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes. Oh, and paid the bills too. I'm beat!
4. Brien had a good visit with the cardiologist today. Well, sort of. I'll give the details tomorrow.

No milestones.
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I'm an evil evil teacher and gave a quiz today. The kids have another tomorrow, one Wednesday and a test Thursday. This means I MUST get today's quizzes graded tonight, so I'm off!

Rested

Friday was absolutely what I needed. I feel refreshed and regenerated and ready to roll some more. :o) I spent ALL day in the studio working on our Christmas cards and the cards for the school's auction. This top one is one of ours.

Recipe:
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Whisper White, Soft Suede
Stamps: Dasher, Signature Christmas (from Paper Trey Ink--I LOVE this set!)
Embellishments: Soft Suede Ribbon--I turned it over so the polka dots wouldn't show.

This is our other Christmas card. Don't worry, it's a mock-up, so the finished product will have the string actually lined up with the ornament. ;o)

Recipe:
Inks: Night of Navy, Brocade Blue
Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Brocade Blue
Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Signature Christmas (PTI again)

And, here's the stack of paper, cut and ready to be put together. Too bad I ran out of adhesive...ACK!


And, now, for the auction cards:

I made twenty of these and will be packaging them in two groups of ten.

I only made one set of ten of this card.

There will be two sets of ten for this card.

And two sets of ten of this one.

See this box? There are 70 cards in this box. That is why I'm out of adhesive! ;o) When my order arrives, I'll be putting my Christmas cards together and can then begin working on Christmas presents for certain someones. :o)

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Yesterday, B and I traveled to Farmville to visit Green Front. Nana and Pop volunteered to keep Bitty for us so we could make a day of it. We visited five different buildings, found the crib we wanted to look at, and wound up picking up a rug for a song. The next time I need an area rug, I'm heading to Green Front--they have an entire building with stacks and stacks of rugs (all qualities from low-end to oh-my-goodness-I-could-never-in-a-million-years-imagine-having-that-in-my-house-with-kids-and-dogs. We paid less for the really nice rug than we paid for the el cheapo one I purchased from Target a couple of years ago. Wow.

We also dined at Charley's Waterfront Cafe' and had the best carrot cake I have ever had. Holy cow what a cake!

We decided since we are going to be investing in a nicer crib this time around (we want a convertible so we can have a bed for the Bean when s/he is big enough), and since the nicer crib is definitely an investment (it will be a headboard and footboard after all), we should shop around until we found something we LOVED. So, we stopped at a Babies 'R Us in Midlothian to check out their offerings. We decided this is the one we like best.

While there, I fell in LOVE with this bedding! I had decided no bedding sets this time, and then I saw this. :sigh: It is PERFECT and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. :o)

This means I'll be redoing the painting in the baby's room after all. We're discussing plans this evening. It is the only room in the house without a chair rail, so I'm thinking we'll put up a chair rail and I'll do Monroe Bisque above (such a lovely neutral--thanks, Jessie!) and antique white below the rail.

Meanwhile, while we were in Lowe's today, I saw the wainscoting beadboard and I decided I wanted to do that instead. I think Brien may be ready to murder me... I'm waffling a bit because I know it is going to be more work and a bit more pricey. But, I REALLY like that look.

Then, I'm going to create a stencil of the bunny and the grasses and stencil right above the chair rail/top of the wainscoting as if it's the ground. I was going to try to have some vinyl custom-made, but B said he'll make the stencils for me so... I truly believe this is going to be one cute and soothing room. :o)

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Today, B and I picked Lil up from her sleepover with Nan and Pop and ran some errands. Holy COW the Outlets have already turned into a NIGHTMARE this year! I'll have to remember to visit on a weeknight evening when things aren't quite so insane. Whew!

We got some goodies from Harry & David for Thanksgiving and searched out some clothes for Miss Bit. Her 2Ts are finally getting too short. Alas, Gymber let us down (B anyway, not me) so we visited Target and found some clothes there. We do like the Genuine Kids line from Osh'Kosh. We also purchased some boots and new tennies.

When we got home, it was warm (may I just tell you how ridiculous it is that it was 75 degrees today--the MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER?!?) and time to finish our outside work. Things were a bit messy from the nor'easter, as you can see:

That would be a tree down in the neighbors' yard.

Leaves and debris everywhere.


Lots and lots of leaves.



Lil and I worked for an hour and 45 minutes and finally got things cleaned up.


This is two huge sacks' worth of leaves. Shew!

We also found this fun creature on a leftover tomato vine in the compost bin.

And here is a "kyooge" 'pider. :o)

And now, my body is aching and I still have two loads of laundry left to finish. I also need to hustle Daddy and Lil upstairs so she can go to bed. Eek! They are playing on the internet, searching out images of x-rays, CAT scans, PET scans, MRIs and 2D and 3D ultrasounds--of EVERYTHING. Oy. :shakes head: They've been at it for over 40 minutes now and Lil is showing no sign of her interest waning...

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Weekend Sparklies:

1. Our new rug:
It's just like yours, isn't it Nana? Oops!

2. Dinner--nice, simple, comfort food: "red meatloaf", mashed chetties and broccoli. Mmmmm. The house still smells delicious. :o)
3. Getting all that outside work finished.
4. Before and after of the front of our house:

Still shrubby--you can't see our downstairs windows. When we finally removed the red tips, they were touching the second floor windows.

The nekkid front of our house. No, there is certainly NO curb appeal. We'll be putting in sun and heat loving shrubs come spring (since the front of our house is literally baked in the summer), and that should improve the front of the house quite a bit. We have been improving the landscaping in stages. We'll fill in those beds this year, and then take out those rocks and put in plants along the sidewalk next year.
5. Time with my sweetie yesterday. We had such fun together. :o)
6. Lily making me laugh so hard I get tears in my eyes. She did it to me three different times today. Boy did I miss her silliness yesterday. Boy she is a funny kid. :o)
7. My long weekend.
8. Card making. Woo hoo!
9. We finished HP Book 6 and have finally begun Book 7. Please know, B and I only do two chapters a day (we pace ourselves so we don't miss any details--yes, it's arduous, but SO worth it), so it will be a while before we've finished.
10. In spite of the unseasonable weather (I would dearly LOVE for fall to arrive once and for all), we had a wonderful time outside today.
11. Having a list of ten things to be smiling about. Woo hoo! It has certainly been a while since I had such a lengthy list. :o)

No milestones.
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I think this post has run away with me, lol! I can always tell I'm feeling better when I start running off at the "fingers". ;o)

Oh, and before I forget, to the sweet lady I met in the Michael's in Midlothian (Michelle, maybe?) I'm SO sorry I have forgotten your name, but it was so lovely to meet you and your daughter. I hope those ornaments are a hit with the fourth graders--I'm sure they will LOVE them. :o)