Ceiling of the living/kitchen area... aaand a sneak peak. :-)

I am behind on posting pics.  Here are the before and afters of the ceiling in the living/kitchen area.  I promise to get updated pics out as soon as possible.  We are almost finished with the interior.. we just have to finish some cabinets.  :) 

Doug checking out what to do about that hideous paneling on the ceiling. 

I said, "Paint it!"

And so he did. :)

After adding the trim boards it looks .. Pretty sweet!

I love how it turned out!

A sneak peak of a corner in my little finished living room.  It is turning out to be so cute!!!

That amazing Plaque on the wall was one of the awards given to my son for his service overseas.  It is so nice but once it was hung on the wall, it reminded me of all that year I didn't get to see him.  Such a long year.  I don't know, it makes me sad to look at it.   Proud.. but sad.  I'm just not ready to see him go again.  :/

Our cottage..The first three weeks

So, how do you you build a sweet little cottage on a very tight shoestring budget?  W-eeeell, you think outside the box. LOL

To begin with, we bought a twenty foot office trailer (to be used for out living room and kitchen combo.  Then Doug added  an additional 20x14 room to that space for a bedroom, small bath and closet.

Here is how it is all coming together..(we will be finished with the inside by the end of the week, so finished pics of the interior are coming soon.  :)

We removed the teeny window and added the

 biggest windows we could fit, to bring light into the space.

Doug added a room onto the office building.

Dark panel walls in the trailer have got to go.. Or I could paint over them for the ultimate cottage feel.

Messy work area.

Doug cut an opening into the bedroom area. 

There will be no door on the opening to open up the space.

Doug working.

 

My finished walls and ceiling in bedroom.

Door into my bitty bathroom.

Bathroom and closet.

Doug  working in our little shower.

 

Checking out the flooring.

So that was the first three weeks.  I think Doug is a super hero..Lots of work for one man in so little time.. working on this after work and on the weekends.

Progress pics coming tonight. :)

Creating my little dream Cottage on a shoestring and a prayer.. It begins

Pics coming in a day or two...

When we moved back home to take care of mom, I knew it would be hard.  I didn't realize the gravity of how hard.  Emotionally I was becoming a mess.  I seem to never have a moment for just me. 

I knew Doug and I could have done some remodeling on our house for the cost of this little house, but honestly, I needed a retreat.  Away (but not too far) from all the hustle and bustle.  My house has ample space for us and some people might think I'm nuts for moving into something no bigger than guest quarters, but I have always been fond of cozy places.  

I will walk right over everyday and do what needs to be done and if Mom needs me at any given moment, I will be right next door.  I promised her I would always be here for her.  She would not be put in a nursing home if I could provide.. and I intend to keep my promise.   She can live in my home forever.. But I really need a space to shut the door and breathe for a while.

When Jarel and Sarah moved in with us, it was a Godsend.  They do help with mom.  And Zach and Hannah are not a problem at all.  I love having my children around me, they are my life.. But I still need my own little cubby.  :o)

We will still have all family events and holidays in my bigger house and all guest will stay in the guest room here as well.  I mean, it's still my house.  I will be in here every day.  But the amazing thing is, I can walk fifty or so steps and shut everything out.  My cozy cottage is going to be like heaven. :o)  

I will still walk over and steal Skylee every chance I get.  She will be my little cottage princess.  LOL

XOXO

Love, Faith and Prayer.. then a miracle emerges...

Me and Skylee

Skylee holding tight to Daddy's thumb.

Skylee Marie, born on the first official day of Summer!  My beautiful, perfect grandaughter!  After raising 5 boys I had given up hope on ever buying little girl stuff, but at 41, I finally got my little girl.  My grandaughter couldn't be more perfect..and well worth the wait!!!  Being a grandmother is wonderful.  We get to love them, spoil them and give them back to mommy and daddy.  It's the bestest! LOL

Goodbye kiddo...

A new friend passed away Saturday night. She was turning into the Buckhorn Bar and Grill and was hit by another car. 

We met a couple of months ago at a club my husband was playing at.  She caused quite a stir when she first came in.  I kept hearing people whispering, "Porn Star. Echo Valley"..  So me being me, I walked over and introduced myself.. and met one of the nicest woman I have known.

She had been in the adult film industry and even had a role in the second Harold and Kumar movie. 

I wasn't put off by her past.  Who am I to judge anyone.  She was nice to me and that's all I cared about.  We would chat over drinks, laugh and joke and discuss more serious issues.  Cyndi, gave me some of the best advice I have ever had.   I will always be thankful to her for that.

  

Goodbye sweetheart.  You will be missed. :( 

Another deployment...

Jack will be deploying again in a few months.  I don't know if I can stand another year like last year.  I wish he would have been able to be stationed stateside at least a year before going again.  He's only been home 2 months. 



A little Cottage..

Doug is building me a cottage.  No, not this cottage (a bit bigger and with a sunporch) but this is the look I love.  I want pink shutters... umm, yes, I am serious. LOL  I will update with pics of the progress.  I am super duper excited!
Update!!!  We have decided to build it on the far side of our property.  Only a hop skip and jump from our house.  :o)

Things I've Learned in My 41 Years..

The presence of God in your life is the most valuable thing to have

Having gratitude for the small things in life will keep you grounded

The laughter of of my grandson is the best thing ever

Empathy is the the most powerful virtue. From it, all virtues flow. Without it, all virtues are an act

A nice cuppa tea is like a little bit of heaven

Nobody has it all figured out

If you look, there is beauty to be found within the messes of your life

The grass isn't always greener on the other side

Blame is the favorite pastime of those who refuse to take responsibility for anything

Wounds heal faster under bandages than they do in the open air

It’s better to sing off key than not to sing at all

Dreaming is essential

Prayer really does change things

Every problem you have is your responsibility, regardless of who caused it

Opportunity does not always look appealing at first

Family and true friends are to be cherished

Human perfection is an illusion but my husband comes pretty close

Unforgiveness reveals weakness of character, gossip even moreso

There really are some things worth fighting for

Rest is essential

When people talk bad about others, it's because they have nothing good to say about themselves

Joy comes in many forms

Cough syrup doesn’t work.

The devil wants to exploit your wounds; God wants to heal them

Words are more powerful than you think

Never give up hope

Genuineness speaks to the heart

Sometimes the answers are right in front of you

Love does cover a multitude of sins

One soft word spoken out of love is more powerful than a hundred screamed in anger

God really does love each and every one of us

Change is a sure and constant thing

People won't always understand

What you do really matters, choose wisely...

The Darkest of Days.....

My Sarah Belle Lost her baby Saturday.  I just do not understand why something so terrible would happen to such a sweet girl. 

I watched her and Jarel hold on to each other and cry, all the time praying they would continue to hold on to each other.  There will be so much sadness in the days to come.  This is something the two of them will share their entire lives.

I love you my little Sarah Belle.  I am so sorry this happened to you baby girl.

I am Happy Happy Happy...pretty much :-)

 I have made some really good friends over here. 

We go out, talk and sometimes laugh until we cry.

We all have a different story to tell and bring something different into our friendship.

Deb owns the Inn in town and is this free spirited woman who loves to smile.  Steven manages a resort outside of town and he never fails to make us all giggle but is right there when a serious conversation is needed. 

 I am secretly hoping the two of them will become more than just friends but even if that never happens, I will be content for all of us to continue as is.

Deb makes this amazing Peanut Butter pie and even though it is a "secret recipe", I hope to one day get her drunk enough to give it to me! hahaha

We are having a birthday party for Steven Thursday. He will be 42. Our friends at the Bar&Grill are hosting it.  It is nice to have friends in high places. *smile*

I do need to get my hands on a Cheesecake recipe.  It is Stevens favorite but I have never made one that didn't come out of the box!  I will youtube it!

I guess this proves you are never too old to make close friends.  Just got to open up a little and let people in.

Update!!!  They got together!... Then they broke up. LOL.. Oh, I still don't have that recipe. :o)

Cricut love...

Those infomercials really do sell poducts! LOL  I watched the one fo the Cricut Expession and just had to have me one.  I am not a scrapbooking type of gal but I cannot wait to play with vinyl.

Aaaaand if I just hate it, I have 30 days to decide if I want to keep it. 

 It is a win win situation.

I aleady have my fist project planned and will post pics after it is done....if my Cricut will ever get here.

Chip! Chirp!

Update!  I sent it back.  Turns out, I am afraid of crickets.. ;)

Goodbye Nirvanna

Nirvanna died today.  I loved that cat.  He lived 12 years and I think this solidifies everything about the past few months.
A chapter in my life has ended.  Going, going, gone.
I told Chelsea to tell Jack.  He will be sad.

My boys are all but grown now.  Logan at sixteen is quite the little man.  They are all such handsome young men and I couldn't be prouder of them.
When we bought Vanna home the boys were all so little.  So many years shared with him.

Rest in peace old man.  I am not sure what God's plan is for pets, but I hope to see you again in my Heaven.

I am tired of being harassed. You are insignificant to me. Troll if you must. I don't care anymore.

Host Name watertownDHCP-2.216-254-228.iw.net

IP Address 216.254.228.2 [Label IP Address]

Country United States

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City Watertown

ISP Prairiewave Cable Modem Dhcp .User Flagged Red Code.

Visit Length 7 mins 40 secs

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Harassment online is just as illegal as harassment offline.  If contacting the ISP PrairieWave (605)753-7430 does not produce results, do the following: Call Police; Call State Police Computer Crimes Unit; Call the FBI Computer Crimes Unit

Leave me alone.

Host Name watertownDHCP-129.216-16-66.iw.net


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Where is the cable guy????

Day 27 of no cable.....

Suds in a bucket...

 I have about three pounds of Goat's Milk soap.  I have had it about two years now and back then decided that I wanted to make soap.  I was terrified to work with Lye so this venture did not last long.

Today I pulled out the soap.  Huge hideous mass of soap.  The perk is that when I cut a tiny piece off, it was so silky and felt awesome on my hands.  Cool!

So I am on a hunt to find a recipe (EASY) that I can convert these big ole chunky bars into liquid soap.

The easiest one by far that I have found is the one on buzzle.com:

How to Make Liquid Soap: Recipe #2

Ingredients Required


•1 Soap bar


•5 tbsp of Olive oil


•Water


Procedure


Here is a easy homemade soap recipe. Grate the soap bar. Now boil 1 cup of water in a cooking bowl or saucepan. Once it boils, add olive oil and grated soap to it. Mix the ingredients well, you can use a blender for this purpose. Heat the mixture again. Add about 3-4 cups of water, stir well and the let it cool down. Fill it up in the liquid soap bottles. You can increase the amount of olive oil if required. You can also add fragrance and colors if desired and mix well, before the mixture cools down
 
Tomorrow I have to be somewhere..busy busy LOL  So Tuesday I am going to see if I do not turn my soap into a gloppy gooey mess. 
 
Muah!

Keep Walking..

I am on a new journey.  I'm entering a new territory. An unexplored place in my faith.

I have taken my walk with God and my faith for granted.  Knowing He is there waiting...but I give a little wave, a nod and say, "I'm going on this other path.  I will catch up with you later"...I walk away.

This new journey is about hurt and anger. About unanswered prayer. About reasons why we go through certain things and have to endure the hard things of life. It's about questions, doubts.  I am doubting what a I really know about this life and those who share the air.

Even as I desire to learn more about God and His place in our hurt and about Satan and his role in causing the hurt. Or, does he even have a role? Have we become so cold, so evil, even Satan looks on in awe? Where is God when it seems like Satan, or if you will, the evil of man, has the advantage? Even though I know full well God holds the ultimate victory?  Don't I?
....I am still so far away.

.....And as I walk down this other path, God is watching...waiting

Colten is talking about joining the Army...Please God, just let it be talk...I am so sad

I'm leaving on a Jett plane..

Actually my Jett landed here today...Jaxon Jett that is!  Chelsea and baby Jett came to stay a few days with us!  I am a happy Gammie!!!

I'm staring at you through the glass....

Zach is asleep.  He went to bed unhappy.  I wish I knew what to say to make him feel better. 

Life is so complicated when you are 18...Damn, it's hard at any age.

I am 40 years old and I wonder where it all went.  I look back at my life, as if looking through someone elses eyes... "For now we see through a glass, darkly"

I can't go back....Even if I could, there would be no time to fix all my mistakes hehe.

I love my Douglas and boys, Chels, Sarah Belle and baby Jett.  But at this point I feel like it is all water rushing over an open palm.  How long before it all falls apart?  What will happen now? 
Then I shake myself out of my solitude, and forge ahead.

Merna completely threw me to the wolves. Wow.  But I knew deep down, she would.  I knew.  Even told Doug what would happen if I stood by her.  But I was loyal to her...until the end.
Maybe it was a positive.  Now that I have taken a step away, I can see more clearly.  I am making a new life here. 

Zach is right...life doesn't make sense.  I won't tell him that though...When two or more come together in agreement and all that..

Sleep Zach...it will be better tomorrow...or it won't..

The more things change....well, the more they change..

Jarel turned 23 today
Jackson is in Korea :-(
Zach is out at a bar playing music with Doug
I have no idea where My Colten is tonight
Logan is off with the church

I am so tired...