View from the Windshield

Back to school

2011-08-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

This is Aaron's first official back to school. He started kindergarten on Wednesday and I now have a new back to school tradition.

And he made this handprint his first day of school.

Getting Organized

2011-01-03T07:54:00.001-08:00

I am trying A Bowl full of lemons 21 day organization challenge. Hopefully I can get soem things back on track.

Absent no longer!

2010-07-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

I have been absent for way too long! I have a new project. We sold Aaron's crib and the dresser with a hutch today. They never were my style but they were an excellent deal from my brother. We bought this dresser to replace it. One drawer needed repaired and the top piece had to be put back on. We are picking it up tomorrow. It would be too much labor to refinish it (what husband wanted) so, I am going to paint it navy blue and distress it.

The second hand store we bought this from is really creepy and dirty but things are very cheap! I'm glad my husband had the day off to go with me.

OMG!

2010-01-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this Wal-Mart commercial? I laughed and cried so hard. This could totally happen at my house.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsvAj6qfmFQ&feature=player_embedded

God Bless Little Boys

2010-01-22T17:33:00.001-08:00

This little boy will be 4 tomorrow!

I can't tell you what time he was born or any details of that day because I wasn't there. The first time I held Aaron was a warm September afternoon. We got the call earlier that afternoon that after a long interview process, we had been selected to become Aaron's adoptive parents. We went to the store his foster family owned and his foster dad called and arranged for Aaron to come meet us.

He brings so much Joy to our lives! He is uncertain about getting bigger. This morning he told me he was almost big like me and then he said he wanted to stay little. He is excited to have his first non-family birthday party.

Happy 4th Birthday, Aaron!!!

AWOL

2010-01-09T19:04:00.001-08:00

I have been absent from blogging and I blame things like this

and this

I am going to try to blog more in the upcoming months but it is difficult to make the time when I have Aaron, and work and good reads calling.

Sometimes we understand a message when it is simply illustrated

2009-09-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we understand a message when it is simply illustrated..

....and you question God - 'why me?'.....
always look at the bigger picture....

A day without the Lord - Is a day wasted.

God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

Thank God for the stuff that didn't hit you!

School pictures

2009-09-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Kelly is showing school pictures this week and since I happen to have some scanned in, I thought I'd join!

Longaberger Super Labor Day Sales

2009-09-04T15:49:00.001-07:00

Check out the SUPER sales this week from Longaberger! Go to www.longaberger.com/juliehumphrey to order. These will make great gifts for teachers!

So this is love......

2009-08-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

I found this bedding when I was searching for fabric to make a window treatment for my dinning room. I am in love. Hmmm....wonder if this is ever discounted?

Photos from Neiman Marcus.

I had intended to photograph my roosters but I have been so busy this week that I didn't get to it, so I guess this will have to do.

Thrifty Treasures

2009-08-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

WE got this Pottery Barn Sectional FREE....yes, FREE!, this weekend. It was advertised on Freecycle and my husband traveled 45 miles to pick it up. It is 5 years old and in excellent shape except for some sun fading on the back. We have washed the slipcovers and they look great we just have to vacuum the rest of the upholstery and it will be ready to bring into the family room. I am so excited about our good luck! We have been looking for a denim section for 3 years. I'll post photos once it is in the familiy room. It retails for between $4,429.00 - $6,279.00.

First Day of School

2009-08-17T16:11:00.001-07:00

Decorating with Longaberger

2009-07-31T16:52:00.001-07:00

Check out all the great new Longaberger Products coming out in September.

Lots of work!

2009-07-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

I've been hard at work this week, in between trying to make visits to child care programs and trying to get ready to be gone next week for an Early Language and Literacy training, getting Aaron's clothes and outgrown toys ready for consignment. We are participating in the Rhea Lana's consignment sale the second weekend of August this year. I am excited to clear out the fall and winter clothing that is outgrown as well as some toys and other things he is too big for. If you have a Rhea Lana's near you, check it out. I found some great stuff there last spring.

New Photo

2009-07-18T16:26:00.001-07:00

Aaron had his photo taken last week at the Calotype Belly Buttons event in Jane. We love Calotype!!!!

Whew!

2009-07-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, I finally did it. Have you ever been so burned out that you just can't function? That's how we have been feeling.....for a while now. We have taught Sunday School for 6 years and we have really been quite tired for the last year. We haev really needed a change but have held on for the kids...well, this fall there is only one child in our group and we decided now is the time to make a change. I am taking on two other projects at church and I just need a break.

Blog Hop favorite Photo

2009-07-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

These are two of my favorite photos. Aaron Christmas 2008. Julie at Calotype did a great job capturing the real Aaron. He is pushing the train I got for Christmas the year I was 2.
Our first family portrait, taken at Calotype. We won their give away at Barnyard Days one of the first weekends Aaron was transitioning into our home. This photo was taken in Dec. 2007 when he had been living with us for about 2 months.

***Replace this line with your content. This week, on TUESDAY, 7/7/09, the theme is A FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH. Post up one of your favorite photographs and a caption that tells the audience about it. Here is a sample: http://mcklinky.blogspot.com/2009/07/mcklinky-photo-blog-on-tuesday-sample.html Do not change any part of this snippet of code except for this paragraph only.... replace the text that falls between (and includes) the opening and closing asterisks. Be sure to enter your own link to your own blog hop post as soon as the blog hop starts!***

Travel in style

2009-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Travel Mugs Perfect For Vacation Season!
Just in time for you to hit the road for summer vacations, Woven Traditions® Travel Mugs are just $12 on Wednesday, July 8 only. At this price, everyone in the family can have their own color.
Our sturdy Travel Mugs keep coffee hot for the grownups and soft drinks or juice cool for the kids. For a longer lasting cool, chill a Travel Mug in the freezer before adding your favorite beverage. For warmer sipping, fill a Travel Mug with water and heat it in the microwave and then empty it just before adding your drink. Tasty!
Here's a delicious idea: If you're planning a "stay-cation," have a "make your own sundae" get-together and give everyone a Travel Mug to fill with favorite ice creams and toppings.

Go to www.longaberger.com/juliehumphrey to order. Order early for best selection.

Super Great Longaberger Horizon of Hope Deal

2009-06-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Longaberger Horizon of Hope baskets and pottery will be available beginning July 1. $2 from every basket and $1 from every pottery piece will go to breast cancer research and education. To sweeten the deal, you can receive a free tote July 1 - 17 when you purchase a basket. Go to www.longaberger.com/juliehumphrey

Busy social life of a 3 year old boy

2009-06-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

We've been invited to a swim "meet". What a fun idea! Our friends S & SE invited Aaron to a pool party this week and again in two weeks. I bought a new suit for the event and Aaron got a fish swim ring. Hopefully he will actually get in.

June 24 Longaberger One Day Sale

2009-06-18T16:38:00.001-07:00

Available for this price on June 24 only. Go to www.longaberger.com/juliehumphrey to order. Contact me to see how you can get an extra $10 off this basket.

Male Bonding

2009-05-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

I walked in on Joe and Aaron watching a movie the other night. Aren't they cute?

I submitted this pic to the local paper for father/son photos for father's day.

Finally the end of the month is in sight!

2009-05-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

What a month! College classes are out for the next week (who ever came up with the new schedule where we have a week between regular session and summer school.....it sucks!) but I am working on updating my syllabus for my summer course and then setting up my website for the 8 week session.
We renewed our foster care license this month which meant filling out paperwork, re-do finger prints, discovering that the state of Missouri lost our original file and now we have to provide all of those copies too......cleaning the house for the inspection, etc.
I am hoping for a break in June. I am working this June for the first time in 5 years. It is a huge adjustment to go from a 10 month contract to a 12 month contract. I dislike working in July more than June but it seems weird to not be preparing to shut down for several weeks and regroup.

Difficult week

2009-05-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

In Loving memory

Gary L. Crouch

Feb. 18, 1955 - May 9, 2009

My Uncle Gary was killed in a motorcycle accident on Saturday. Today was the memorial service and graveside service. One of my other uncles said it was fitting that it poured rain because my Uncle Gary was always trying to dunk someone in the lake.

I went to college in Springfield where my Aunt and Uncle live. My Uncle always took care of any car trouble (or any other trouble for that matter) that I had. I am so lucky to have such a large and caring family. My mother is the oldest of nine children. My Uncle Gary was married to the fifth sister in the family. Please keep my Aunt and my two cousins in your prayers as they deal with this loss.

Porch & Patio Party

2009-05-05T10:41:00.001-07:00

Grits & Glamour is having a Porch and Patio Party today! I finally got my front porch cleaned off this morning (it just started raining again while I was taking photos). This is the view of our front porch from the street. Please excuse the tall grass, it has been raining here for 2 weeks! I got a few plants out in between rain but nothing major has been accomplished. We started painting the trim work a dark green and have painted the larger portions a golden color. You can't see it very well, but we added an Uppercase Living http://expressyourself.uppercaseliving.net "Welcome" above the house number on the porch.

We put a small pond in front of the porch for Father's Day last year. It has a fountain and a pot with a waterfall. It also provides sushi for the local cat and racoon population.....no more $12 pretend koi for us! The window baskets on the ironwork will get filled with moss rose as soon as I can located new coconut liners for them.

This is the new "wicker" love seat and end table we purchased for Mother's and Father's day this year. We have a cushion but since it is raining, we haven't brought it out. I have a small bakers rack that I fill with bird houses and plants. The blue bird house on it was made by my grandfather when I was a kid. I'm still thinking about what to put on the table. Since there is no cover on the porch it makes choices limited.

Here is a side view of the child size chairs our son uses. I will probably put some of my collection of old garden cans out here in a few days.

This is a poor old chair by the front door that I put a basket of flowers in. Hopefully once it stops raining, my flowers will take off and cover the basket. Please excuse the spot at the base of the entry way, we are in the process of replacing some rotted wood.

Give away at the lettered cottage

2009-05-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Check out this post at the Lettered Cottage http://theletteredcottage.blogspot.com/2009/05/coastline-contest.html
And check out http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7044601

A Rain Barrel

2009-05-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have been reading about ways to conserve and save money and we decided to give a rain barrel a try. We set up a space in our back yard and used a couple of cinder blocks that were hanging out in our basement to raise the barrel off the ground.

My husband brought home a huge barrel from work. It has two small openings on the top, one we left the original size to use an an overflow and the other we made larger to fit the down spout. He drilled a hole in the side for the spigot go in. The he covered the top with landscape cloth to keep those pesky mosquitoes from finding a new place to lay eggs. It was too dark to photograph the finished product when he finished so I will have show it off tomorrow. We will also see how well it works tomorrow with the forecasted rain.

New Porch Furniture

2009-05-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

I got a new love seat and end table for the front porch today. We decided to get it for Mother's Day and Father's Day. These are made by Hampton Bay and made of resin wicker. As soon as it stops raining, we'll put it on the porch and I'll take some photos of the porch with the furniture and my flowers.

Whew!

2009-05-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a week! I put together my "basket" for our Curves Relay for Life team and delivered it on Tuesday. I used an ivory Longaberger pie plate, a Longaberger small serving basket, a Longaberger entertaining cookbook, a Longaberger apron and a woven reflections longaberger bowl (see a theme here?). So glad to have that done and delivered.
We left Wednesday for a meeting for my work at the University of Missouri - did I mention that I work from home? Sometimes it's wonderful, sometimes not. Aaron and Joe went with me. We had fun at the hotel and even got Aaron to get into the pool just a little bit. We managed to squeeze in some shopping and found Aaron some great clothes in the next size up at a huge savings.
I'm hoping to post my kitchen photos for http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2009/04/show-us-your-house-friday.html

Child Care Provider Appreciation - May 8

2009-04-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Remember to appreciate your child care provider on Friday, May 8. Go here http://www.providerappreciationday.org/about/ to read more about it.

Too cute!

2009-04-10T20:11:00.001-07:00

I just read the funniest blog story. Go here to check it out http://thestonerabbit.typepad.com/the_stone_rabbit/2009/04/the-pink-escape.html

Bad, bad blogger!

2009-03-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am a bad blogger. I have thought about blogging over the past week but I haven't done anything except look at everyone else's blog. We have been busy. I was in charge of a children's lenten event that was yesterday. I was in charge by default, our youth and family director asked me to help and then did nothing except get volunteers who did not show up. Luckily, it was a crummy day and our numbers were down so my one volunteer and I weren't too swamped.

My niece and nephew have been in town for several days and have been with us part of the time. They spent the night last night. They talked and giggled until late. My nephew was the first one out. I dont' know what time my niece and son went to sleep but they were still up at 10. She was singing to him.

Our town has the city wide garage sale coming up on April 4. I am super busy getting ready for it. Please come and take some of these treasures off our hands!

Meltdown

2009-03-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Mommy had a meltdown ths morning. Too many toys strung across the house, hubby is addicted to Facebook games and has totally neglected his share of the housework (how hard is it to unload and load the dishwasher and put your own laundry in the hamper?), Aaron is not staying in his own bed and this morning when he was hitting me, I shoved him to the other side of the bed and he his head on the headboard and now he has a black eye......seriously. I had blood drawn this morning and they took is from my hand and it left a huge knot on my hand. My morning daycare forgot I was coming and I had to reschedule them.....now I will need to reschedule the afternoon one. I feel like I am just one big ball of stress! My friend, Jess, is visiting this week and I can't find her number to call and get together. Does anyone else feel this way?

Update - Prayer Request

2009-03-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

This is just an update on my friend I asked you to pray for in January. The tests have shown that her brain tumor is cancer and she is taking chemo to reduce the size of the tumor. She hasn't been at her job very long so she doesn't have any insurance. A fundraiser is scheduled for her in April. Please keep praying for her and her family.

UGH!

2009-03-06T15:21:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had one of THOSE days? We have had one all week. Aaron has been sick with the flu. We switched our checking account to a "green" account to get a better interest rate. With the "green" account, you get 3 paper checks a month and everything is on-line. Not a bad deal, right? We thought so until two large payments were paid twice out of the account this week. We called the companies to ask questions were bounced around to multiple locations because no one seemed to understand our problem with paying the car payment twice and paying the mortage twice.
Now the new UGH! We just discovered that the social security number FSD gave us telling us it was our son's.....IS NOT HIS. We discovered it when the bank called to tell us that they couldn't open his savings account with it. Thank goodness I hadn't been to have our taxes prepared yet. Now we have to find out how to get him his Soc. This is just crazy!!!!

Cleaning Out

2009-03-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

The husband and I are both home today and it seemed to be the perfect time to begin working on our garage sale. Actually, we are just in the middle of the prep work.
We happen to live in a town that boasts the largest garage sale in Missouri. We have a city wide sale the first weekend on April. We start selling on Thursday. We try to do a total clean out to prepare for the event.
Today we are cleaning out bedrooms. If you're near Neosho, MO stop by there is always lots of stuff!

Lost!

2009-03-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

Don't you hate it when you lose something? Right now I am frantically hunting for some paperwork I need to send in to the main office. It should have gone out on Friday. I know the work was done....I have the sheets with the scoring but no forms. Working from home has it's ups and downs.......upside, you can do paperwork while you watch The Biggest Loser.......down side, some times you forget to put your paperwork back where it really goes.

I must complete my search so it can go in the mail!

Edited: I found my paperwork and all has been taken to the post office and shipped to the main office.

I'm Back

2009-03-02T12:50:00.001-08:00

It has been very busy around here for the past few weeks. I had a huge Basket Bash on Saturday. I went in with 9 other Longaberger Consultants to sell our retired products. There were some awsome deals there! I picked up a pumpkin crock that I have wanted for a long time for $15. I haven't seen it that cheap any where else! I sold a ton of my stuff and made enough to buy new product from the new wishlist that began yesterday.

Aaron stayed home today with a bad cough. He is watching Ghostlight right now. It is his favorite short film. He loves anything that lights up and has found a lantern that looks like ghostlight to play with. When he gets older, we'll take him to see the spooklight that the story is made from. We live pretty close to the Spooklight. I saw it once when I was in college and it scared the crap out of us!!!!!
We are trying to get ready for a sales event in Joplin March 13 - 16. Rhea Lana Children's Consignment event is coming to Joplin and we got a booth for Longaberger and Uppercase Living. We are working on some really cute UL demos that I hope to post on here in a couple of days. Speaking of UL, check out Shannon's post about the UL design she got from us http://thedavisfamilynwa.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-cannot-get-enough.html
It looks so cute on her platter!!!

Almost caught up!

2009-02-16T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am finally almost caught up with my grading. Teaching two on-line classes requires quite a bit of grading and if I get behind it takes a bit to catch up. I am nearly there. Now, I just need to finish my paperwork to get our taxes done. I put it off for much too long this time.

Thanks for the kid words when I was down last week. I am moving on. I have to see that person tomorrow but I have a plan to just do my job, get in, get out and schedule for next time. There are lots more clients who appreciate the work I do for them and I just need to focus my time and energy on them and not worry about this one.

My Sweet Valentine

2009-02-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we picked up Aaron's valentine photos from Belly Buttons on our way to NWA to do some shopping. I think Calotype captures his personality perfectly. If you are any where close to the southwest corner of Missouri, check out Calotype and Belly Buttons. We found a cute outfit for Aaron when we were there for the Valentine photographs. I hope it stays cool for a while so he can wear all of his clothes!
We went to Fayetteville and ate a AQ Chicken. Aaron entertained the other diners with his singing in the booth and then making a mess on the window. We also stopped in Rogers to shop and drop off discount coupons for Longaberger and Uppercase Living for the Just Between Friends consignment sale. If you are one of the first 500 at the sale, you can get a discount from us.
We didn't find much on Friday. Aaron got a Thomas DVD, but we didn't find anything else on our list, maybe next time.
We worked on Aaron's room this evening. He finally has curtains and I hope we will have everything in place soon. I'll post some photos soon. I think he is enjoying his big boy bed now.

One of those days

2009-02-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

Its been one of those days. I have a theory about stray dogs and it has proved correct again. My theory is not to bring home stray dogs (people) because they either bite you or pee on the rug. I picked up a stray dog that I felt compelled to work with through work..... I knew the person from other situations and I had an opening. Never again. I feel betrayed and I really am considering dropping this person from my work load. The person is no longer a friend.

Yea!!!! - and please continue to pray for friend

2009-02-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

My friend Kim posted on her Blog (A Blissful Heart) http://ablissfulheart.blogspot.com/2009/02/we-got-call.html that they received a call today about 2 children they will soon adopt. A 5 year-old girl and a 2-3 year old boy. They are waiting the official notice which can take a few weeks. Please keep them in your prayers. They have been waiting a long time to get this news.

My other friend it still waiting for news on her brain tumor. She will hopefully find out on Thursday. She is in good spirits. Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Traveling

2009-02-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

I am on the road this week. I am in Jefferson City for a meeting for work. I work for the University of Missouri (did you see last night's game?) but I work from my home almost 5 hours away. Every so often, we all get together for a meeting. The good thing is seeing my co-workers (it's lonely working from home and not having a co-worker to grouch to) and I get to go to the outlet mall in Osage Beach. I stopped today and found a few deals but the prices should be lower on Thursday on my way home because of President's Day weekend.
I am comfy in my hotel room keeping an eye on the Biggest Loser and the tornado watch...thank goodness I am on the first floor......and trying to get motivated to do some grading for the on-line classes I am teaching this semester.

The Winner is......

2009-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry I was so late posting. I had a doctor's appointment this morning and then worked this afternoon.

The winner of the Uppercase Living $10 gift certificate is..................

Shannon!!

Email me for details.

50th Post Giveaway!!!

2009-01-30T15:34:00.001-08:00

I have finally made 50 posts!!!! In honor of that, I am giving away a $10 gift certificate to uppercase living. Just post a comment to enter once, follow my blog to get two entries, post a link on your blog to get three entries. These are just a few examples of Uppercase Living designs. Check out the Uppercase Living catalog http://expressyourself.uppercaseliving.net/
A winner will be selected on Monday February 9.

A funny from my brother

2009-01-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

My brother sent me this very funny tutorial from a place called Holy Taco.

We here at HolyTaco, we're big sports fans. And we're also big fans of eating piles of snack foods while we watch said sports. So, in honor of the Super Bowl and our need to cram our faces full of processed foods with funny names, we created this football stadium made entirely out of snack foods.

Ingredients:

The Field:
1 Pound of Guacamole
15 Oz. Queso Dip For The Steelers End Zone
15 Oz. Salsa For The Cardinals End Zone
2 Oz. Sour Cream for the Field Lines

The Players:
15 Vienna Sausages
Helmets - 3 Oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The Goal Posts:
1 Slim Jim for Each Goal Post
1 Oz. Monterey Jack Cheddar To Anchor (each)

The Stands:
58 Twinkies
1 Pound of Bacon
1 Bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
1 Bag of Cheetos
1 Bag of Corn Tortilla Chips
1 Bag of Chex Mix

The Blimp:
20 Oz. Football-Shaped Summer Sausage (optional) (on second thought, no, this isn't optional. Go buy one.)

TOTAL CALORIES: 24,375
TOTAL GRAMS OF FAT: 1,285
TOTAL COST: $86.47
TOTAL DELICIOUSNESS: 1 Billion trillion, dude. One billion trillion.

STEP 1 - Ingredients:
Put all your ingredients on an empty table and take a really crappy photo of them.

STEP 2 - The Field:
Take one pound of guacamole and smear it on the center of a baking tray, leaving a section on either end for the end zones.

STEP 3 - The End Zones
It's important here to fill one end zone with one filling, and one end zone with another, so that neither team receives home field deliciousness. We chose salsa for the Cardinals, and Queso dip for the Steelers.

STEP 4 - Yard Lines
Take sour cream and put it into a turkey baster, then squeeze gently to make the yard lines across the field.

STEP 5 - The Players and goal posts
Vienna sausages make delicious players, and tiny cheese wedge helmets help keep them from getting concussions. Two different types of cheese helps to distinguish the teams. The goal posts are made from Slim Jim's, that we cut up, then stuck together with tooth picks. Monterey Jack cheese was used as an anchor to keep them standing, with a tooth pick linking the two together. At no point was it necessary to "snap in to" any of these slim jims. Cutting worked better

FIELD REVIEW
Now that the field is finished, you can begin constructing the stadium around it, which you will also eat. It's important to lay down some paper towels, so that no food comes in contact with your disgusting table top. (Because if you're a person who makes this, you definitely have a disgusting table top.)

STEP 6 - The Stadium
The twinkie is nature's brick. You can make your stadium as large as you want, depending on how many twinkies you have at your disposal. We had 58. And probably could have used 90. Use tooth picks to secure the twinkies to one another. This outer stadium wall will provide a delicious dessert when the contents of the stadium have been eaten.

STEP 7 - The Bacon Wall
The bacon wall is the most important part of the stadium, because it keeps the throngs of screaming fans, in this case chips, from falling on the field, in this case the guacamole and salsa. Insert tooth picks into the first row of twinkies, and then weave the bacon in and out of them, so that it forms a pliable wall.
STEP 8: The Fans/Chips
Without the fans, there would be no game. It's no different in your snack stadium, so select four different kinds of snacks to fill the stands. Be sure to use pieces of bacon to separate your crowd into sections, as you can see in the corners of the stadium in this photo.

STEP 9 - The Frenzy
As you can see, the chips give the feeling of a crowd of crazed fans. Especially the cheetos, who can barely contain their excitement at Vienna Sausage Roethlisberger and his delectable team.

STEP 10 - The Sausage Blimp
At any major sporting event, a blimp shows up. In this case it's a 20 ounce summer sausage, that's shaped like a football. It doesn't float, we just took out the wire in photoshop, so don't get freaked out.

Check out this Bloggy Give away

2009-01-30T07:29:00.000-08:00

The Shabby Nest is having a give away http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2009/01/grand-opening-giveaway.html

Prayers Needed

2009-01-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine (I've know her so long I can't remember when I didn't know her) had a seizure last night and they are running tests. They believe she has a brain tumor. Please pray for her and her family. She is a single mom with a little girl in first grade.

Update: My friend is being transfered to St. Louis for more tests.

$5 Foot Long

2009-01-28T19:42:00.001-08:00

Aaron is obcessed with the $5 foot long jingle. He walks around the house singing it to us all the time. The other night he went with Joe to pick up dinner and he sang for the girls at the counter.

They thought he was so cute that they gave him two cookies!!!! He was really full of himself that night.

Cabin Fever!!!

2009-01-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

It all started with some sleet around 1:30 on Monday and My husband decided that he better pick Aaron up early from day care. As he crept over there, he hit a patch of ice that spun him around and put him in the ditch on the opposite side of the road.

We got a couple inches of snow last night on top of the sleet. These are just a few photos of our new truck (less than a year old). My husband is bruised and sprained but not hurt other wise. I am so thankful that he was wearing his seatbelt, we had a fatality at about that time on the other side of town and the person wasn't wearing a belt.

I crept across town and took another route to pick Aaron up and then crept to where Joe was in the ditch and rescued him.

I am thankful that I have a job that allows me to stay home when the weather is bad. But now Aaron has cabin fever. I wish he knew the meaning of "sleep in", especially since the bruising and sprains caused Joe to toss and turn and groan all night. But no.....I had to get up early to fix Aaron this

First Blog Awards!!!!

2009-01-24T15:10:00.000-08:00

My friend Jenn (http://meaghanmariepretties.blogspot.com/) Beautifying the World One Clippy at a Time gave me a blog award. Jenn's blog is so funny!! She loves vintage furniture.

I also received an award from http://thecrownedcasa.blogspot.com/ I love her toile decorating.

Here are the rules of the game...For Bloggers who show great attitude/gratitude:1. Post the lovely picture 2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show Great Attitude and/or Gratitude.3. Link to your nominees within your post.4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.5. Share the love and link this post to the person from who you received your award.

Thanks so much guys!!! I am excited to receive my first awards.

Here's the story behind this award:
The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming. This blog invests in the PROXIMITY in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."So, now it's time to pass on this award and 'propagate' some friendships!

To pass it on, I'd like to send them to:

My longtime friend Jess (I knew her when she only had 2 lovely daughters) http://jessicamommyof4.blogspot.com/

My bloggy friend Carrie who just had a beautiful baby boyhttp://buzzingsofaqueenbee.blogspot.com/

My bloggy friend Shannon who is an incredible decorator http://thedavisfamilynwa.blogspot.com/

I love her projects and her photographs http://19butternut.blogspot.com/

Melissa has awsome projects! http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/

My friend Kim http://ablissfulheart.blogspot.com/

Liz Ness......she has awsome projects too http://lizness.typepad.com/a_little_life/

Another Missouri girl, Pat.......she has great decorating ideas and takes wonderful photos, too http://backporchmusings.blogspot.com/

Kasey at a Beautiful Mess http://qkhunt.blogspot.com/

Kacey at Chronicles of a Mommy http://chroniclesofamommy.blogspot.com/

http://glitterandbliss.blogspot.com/

I know, I should be able to do the pretty links, but I haven't had time to read up and little guy is still sick. Had to totally postpone the birthday party until next week. He did open a couple of gifts which I'll show later. He's napping now. Better late than never!

Join a Children's Book Swap

2009-01-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

Reading to Know and Library Hospital are hosting a children's book swap beginning on Feb 1. You are matched with a partner and swap a favorite children's book.

What a good way to introduce new books to your children.

Classes start today

2009-01-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Whew! It has been quite a busy couple of weeks!!! My grandmother passed away last week and we had lots of family in and out for many days. While it was not unexpected, we are recovering from the loss and trying to get laundry and housekeeping caught up.

College classes start today and I am busy trying to get all of my course info posted on the class websites. I am teaching a 16 week Health, Safety and Nutrition in Early Childhood course and an 8 week (I must be crazy!) Foundations of Early Childhood course. I had thought I had all of my material ready but my Health and Nutrition power points have disappeared! I am busy trying to recreate the presentations.......hopefully they will be much better.

A's 3rd birthday is Friday and we will be having a train party. We found a silcon cake pan similar to this one that I will be busy baking and decorating later this week. We will have a small family party on Friday evening.

And, if that's not enough, we have having an open house for our Uppercase Living business. The new book just came out and there are lot sof new designs and new colors. If you're interested, check it out here http://expressyourself.uppercaseliving.netWhew!!!! Now I have to get back to tmy power points.......some of my students may be reading this.

Prayers for Harper

2009-01-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

I read a blog called Kelly's Corner and Kelly had her baby Harper earlier tonight. Harper is in trouble and needs your prayers. She is being flown to children's hospital. Please pray for Harper and her family. http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

Our Creative Life Give away

2009-01-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

Our Creative Life is giving away a rug....go check them out! http://ourcreativelife.blogspot.com/2009/01/100th-post-and-giveaway.html

Lola B's Give away

2009-01-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Lola B's is having a give away. Go to http://lolabboutique.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-year-older-giveaway.html to enter.

Nesting Place

2009-01-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Nesting Place is having an awsome give away. Go check it out.

99 things

2009-01-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

I saw this on imperfect earlier today, its a list of things i've already done, want to do and never want to do. join in if you'd like!
Things you've already done: bold Things you want to do: italicize Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland/world - visited both
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty - you'll only do this once
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice - does the one in Vegas count?
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person.
96. swum in the great salt lake.
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

Whirl into Winter Give away

2009-01-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

We Have a winner! Debbie at die Steppdecken des quilter please email me your address and I will send your prize!

I am participating in the Whirl into Winter Blog giveaway between now and January 14. A winner will be selected on January 15.
I am giving away the 2008 Longaberger Holiday Helper Basket, liner and protector pictured below and a "welcome" expression from Uppercase Living.

All you have to do to win these great gifts from me is post a message on this blog telling me what your favorite winter time hobby is along with your email address if you do not have a blog. Check out the reset of the give aways at http://www.whirlintowinter.blogspot.com/ There are more than 60 giveaways listed.

New Uppercase Living Book & $10 UL savings just for contacting us

2009-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

The new Uppercase Living book is available on Monday and has tons of new stuff! Uppercase is doing a limited offer of the "Little Hands Keepsake" for $25 with any $50 purchase. You are going to want to place an order to get this fabulous gift package worth $50 for only $25. It is perfect for Mother's Day or for any mother or Grandmother. Just contact Joe princecharmn2u@sbcglobal.net to order. And to sweeten the deal, tell Joe you saw the offer on my blog and receive a $10 discount. Check out our UL website at http://expressyourself.uppercaseliving.net/Home.m The new book should be available around noon on January 5.

Christmas wrap up

2009-01-03T14:09:00.001-08:00

Things have been busy at our house over the holidays. Here is an over view of some photos from Christmas. This is Aaron's first visit with Santa. He was afraid to visit Santa last year. He got to see Santa at his day care Christmas party.
This is our 2008 Christmas tree. It fit much better in the other house so we have purchased a shorter tree for next year so the angel will actually fit on top.

A lovely photo of cousins all looking at something in the corner of Grammy's living room. Both of my nieces are 7, my nephew is 4 and A is almost 3.

Sorting trains into the train case on Christmas morning.

Daddy making silly faces at the camera!

New Additions to Etsy Shop - Stone Cottage Gifts

2009-01-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

Freedom on weathered barnwood. $16.00
Coaster Sets terra cotta, white and cream (set of 4) "believe, love, hope, dream"
$10.00 a set

"Lil' digger" sign $23.00

"yes, you are the fairest of them all" perfect for your little princess $25.00

Check out our Etsy site http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6010427

We are happy to do custom orders. We will have more posted soon.

Resolutions

2009-01-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

New Year's Resolutions

I always hate to think about resolutions but this year I am making a couple and I am hoping that you can help keep me focused.

1) Spend more time doing family things

2) Keep my Etsy store stocked and refresh inventory often

3) Reduce the family debt load (reason to keep Etsy stocked)

4) Plan weekly menus in advance

5) Lose 50 pounds (I know its a lot but I am trying to avoid some health issues I could have in the future)

The Wii's have it

2008-12-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Image from Flickr

Both of my brothers' families received Wii's for Christmas and hubby was very sad so he bought one on Sunday. My life will never be the same. He has played for at least an hour every day and now he is complaining that his arms hurt....I wonder why? He did take ALL the games from the previous system to Game Station and sold them today so I am sure we will own some Wii games very soon. My husband loves gadgets. I hope this is one he will use for a very long time.

P. S. No animals were injured to create this post.

P.P.S. This is not our cat. She would have not part in posing for a photo of this nature.

Very Vintage Valentine Swap

2008-12-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

I joined Heidi's Very Vintage Valentine Swap. She is still taking names. Go here to sign up! http://foxglovesfabricandfolly.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-timea-very-vintage-valentine.html

It looks like lots of fun!

Have you seen these?

2008-12-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

These are cards from a website called flattenme.com. You send your child's photo and you can have a personalized book or invitations created. These are soooo cute! You can also create thank you notes. I may have to re-budget the birthday gift budget to create a book. Too bad there isn't a train book!

Christmas Photos

2008-12-19T15:20:00.001-08:00

These are Aaron's photos for Christmas. Calotype does a great job! We love their photos. I think he is the cutest boy ever but I am a little biased. The top photo is Aaron with the train I received for Christmas when I was two. We won't go into how long ago that was :)

Check out their work http://calotype-photography.blogspot.com/ If you live any where close to Anderson, MO you need to visit them. If you do visit them, tell them I sent you!

Cutting the Christmas Tree

2008-12-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share a Christmas memory this morning.

Each winter, when my brothers' and I were kids, we traveled to my great-grandparent's farm in a small community about an hour away from home. I always hated the trip there because I am not a good traveler.

My great- grandpa would load us up in his pick-up and take us to a neighboring relatives property to find a tree. My brothers brought their wooden guns to shoot any bears they might encounter and they always discussed the ghosts that more than likely lived in the dilapidated building on the property.

We walked forever until we found the perfect trees to cut, load up and bring home.

Christmas was always a magical time. On Christmas day, my great-grandparents would come to us to have dinner and tell us stories. My Papo always told the story of the Christmas tree catching fire in the school house when he was a child and my Mamo would recite stories from a book. One year my parents made a tape recording of the stories. I was 11 when my Mamo died and 15 when my Papo died but I will always remember going to pick out the tree.

Now we have artificial trees mainly because of allergies.

What memories do you have of childhood Christmases?

Garland Party

2008-12-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Nester http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/12/your-garland-is-showing.html gave a tutorial a few weeks ago on how to create a fab garland. I was inspired to update the living room look.

I used a semi cheap pre-lit garland (half off at Lowe's and super skinny!!), another cheap garland from my collection and a really great garland on a twig base that I have used for fall decorating in the past.

I added star light covers that I found in the ornament box and 1/2 price berry twigs from Lowe's and some sparkly pieces.

I put my Longaberger Holiday baskets on the mantel with a collection of deer I have had since I was little and a collection of santas that we started when we first married.

I also added an old window. I think it may need a wreath or a swag on it. What do you think?

Can't stop Laughing

2008-12-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Photo

2008-12-05T12:09:00.001-08:00

I took A. for his Christmas photo today at our favorite place Calotype Photography in Anderson http://calotype-photography.blogspot.com/ If you live within driving distance, you seriously need to check them out! We won a family session there last fall and we loved them.

A. work up at 5 this morning and was in quite the mood when we went for photos at 10:30. Julie, the photographer, commented that "he is very kinnestic." He was in rare form. They will probably charge double the next time I book a session. He is active on a good day but today he was super hyped up and he only had milk and cereal for breakfast......no sugar in the cereal.
He is FINALLY asleep!!! Now maybe I can finish my monthly paperwork and get it sent to the office and then I am truly going to work on a garland for the fireplace. I was inspired by the nester .http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/12/garland-show-and-tell.html.....heaven knows I have enough of that stuff in the basement!

Out Sick

2008-11-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

Image from Flicker.

We have had a nasty bug at our house for about a week now. Hubby got sick last Saturday and was sick for 5 days (lost 20 lbs!), then A. was sick on Thanksgiving and I was sick Friday and Saturday. I hope to get some decorating done today. We are so behind. We have scrubbed most of the house and washed lots of things. Hopefully this does not happen again this winter.

We had our first snow fall last night and this morning. Not a lot but it is pretty and cold!

A new friend

2008-11-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

We took a short trip to Bella Vista this afternoon to pick up a set of dishes and a Longaberger Basket I found on Craigslist. I'll post a pick soon. They are the cutest white on white dishes and I got place settings for 11 for $10. It was a huge deal!

I was visiting with the lady and we discovered that we were both foster parents and she had just adopted her babies a few days after our adoption was finalized! I brought hubby and A. in to meet them. She was so nice and we had a good time visiting her and the babies. She asked if we could keep in touch. I hope we do. It's nice to make new friends who have similar experiences.

Homemade Christmas idea

2008-11-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

My brother sent this to me earlier today and I just had to share it. It really makes you think twice about Homemade and Handmade.
My dear friends, Somewhat embarrassing to admit, Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers :

You need four maxi pads to make a pair.

Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.

The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.

Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.

Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing ), etc.

These slippers are:

* Soft and Hygienic

* Non-slip grip strips on the soles

* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh

* No more bending over to mop up spills

* Disposable and biodegradable

* Environmentally safe

* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.

I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty slippers for yourself.... Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.

Yippie!

2008-11-14T17:18:00.000-08:00

I just sold my first tassel on Etsy! I sold this cutie here. Whew! Now I can order my January Longaberger fliers. We are trying so hard to stay on a budget and I am not suppose to use family money to fund my business.

My Etsy store is http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6010427

I hope to add some new items this weekend.

Train Crazy

2008-11-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

Just TRAIN Crazy!!!!!

Our little boy is just CRAZY for trains! This is what the living room looked like on Sunday night. Daddy built the track and A. had fun lining every train he owns up. Then he decided the track should be put together a different way.

My family is having a train themed adoption party for A. in a few weeks! He says it is a birthday train party.

The odd Alcove

2008-11-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

We have this tiny alcove off the kitchen with a door to the side porch and the door to the basement. I was really tired of the plain wall so this is what we did. I had a window frame I rescued from the trash about 7 years ago. I am surprised that it moved with it because husband was not a big fan. He thinks my rescued projects are a bit weird. I asked him to cut a thin piece of plywood to size and we painted it with chalkboard paint and attached it to the back of the frame. I had distressed the frame several years ago. We attached it to the wall with screws so wit would be sturdy. I moved A's chair to the kitchen (it will keep him from dragging it all over when he wants to help me cook). I need to find a little bucket I have stashed and add the chalk to it. Now A can write while I cook and be a safe distance from the stove!

I'm not sure what to put above the shelf. Any suggestions? I have my booking basket collection on top of the shelf....I love the tiny baskets!!!

We made the "Bless our Home" sign with Uppercase Living decals. I'm not sure if this is the final home but I do like it here.

The Great Pumpkin

2008-11-06T08:28:00.001-08:00

This was the view from my windshield the week before Halloween. I drive by a little general store out in the middle of no where in McDonald Co. several times a month when I am making my visits. I noticed the pumplin when I drove by the other day. It was HUGE! I am posting the article from the local paper by my friend Kay Hively. I travel three counties and I never know what I might see. Makes the day more interesting!

Powell, Mo. -
Many people enjoy carving a pumpkin in October and November as they celebrate Halloween and the end-of-season harvest. And most carvings are of the traditional jack-o-lantern face.This year, a pumpkin carved into a jack-o-lantern graced the front porch of Sims’ Store, located four miles south of Powell in McDonald County. But this pumpkin / jack-o-lantern was a bit unusual, attracting great attention from people who passed by or shopped in the store.This pumpkin, which was grown by David D’Amico, weighed in at 1,041 pounds. Planted on May 1, the pumpkin was harvested on Oct. 3.D’Amico, who lives only a half mile from the general store, always raises pumpkins, but this year he got a really big one.According to Bob Meuhlebach, owner of the general store, D’Amico started out with a regular pumpkin patch, but one pumpkin seemed to be doing much better than the others. That prompted him to clear out all the others and nourish the “cream of the crop” pumpkin. When it reached maturity, D’Amico entered it in a pumpkin contest in Republic and walked away with second prize.When he walked away from the contest, D’Amico brought the pumpkin home but had no good place to show it off. He asked Meuhlebach if he could bring it up to the general store for people to see.“He brought it up in the back of his pickup,” Meuhlebach said, “and it was displayed there for three days. Lots of people came by to see it and take a picture.”After three days, however, D’Amico needed his vehicle.“We got a skid loader and lifted it off the pickup and put it on the porch,” Meuhlebach said.The big pumpkin stayed on the porch for several days getting lots of “lookers.” Much of the attention came from motorcyclists who ride past the general store, located at the junction of Missouri Highway 90 and Route E.Then, a couple of days before Halloween, Meuhlebach’s son, Monty, carved it into a jack-o-lantern.“We turn out the lights at dark,” Meuhlebach said, “and just leave the light in the pumpkin. It’s really noticed that way.”Sims’ Store is a popular stopping spot for people in that part of the county. Besides groceries, the Meuhlebachs also serve barbecue and sandwiches, as well as breakfast and lunch each day (their Wednesday noon special is cornbread and beans).Meuhlebach hopes the pumpkin will last until the weekend. It has been so popular that Meuhlebach hopes his neighbor, David D’Amico, will come up with another one next fall.“If he grows one next year, he’s welcome to display it here,” Meuhlebach said. “So everyone can be watching for it next year.”Any sightseers who get down to the store to see the pumpkin might want to time their visit to the lunch hour. If so, check out the dessert menu and see if, by chance, there is any homemade pumpkin pie.

Tassels, tassels and more tassels

2008-11-05T18:21:00.001-08:00

I just listed these yummy tassels on my Etsy store, Stone Cottage Gifts, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6010427 Check them out! They would make great Christmas gifts.Sugar Plum Dreams
O-la-la

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

Mad Hatters Tea Party

A whimsical Santa

Hurry! Buy them up so I can pay for our Anniversary trip the first week of December. We sooooo need the break!

Holiday Shopping Expo 2008

2008-10-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

Join Us for Holiday Shopping Expo 2008

November 1, 2008

CBT Southtown (in front of Wal-Mart)

Neosho, MO

9am - 3pm

Uppercase Living
Longaberger

Annie's Place Baby Boutique

Southern Living at Home

Mary Kay

Silpada Jewelry

Handmade Craft and decorating items

2008-10-22T03:43:00.000-07:00

The Nester is encouraging a Handmade Holiday this year. I think this is great and most of my family is getting handmade from me. Check out my Etsy shop to see some of what we have been doing. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=16033413 (I'm still figuring out the linking thing between work, teaching and a 2 year old it's sometimes a challenge).

We are hosting a Holiday Shopping Expo on November 1 here in Neosho. Some handmade items, some from home businesses. Husband and I have been busy working on things. I'll add some photos here later today. My alarm is going off and I am sure it is going to wake up the little guy!

Halloween Decor

2008-10-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of my Halloween Decor. Halloween is my favorite holiday. It has always been my father's favorite holiday so we all grew up enjoying Halloween and Halloween decorations. This is my mantle. I will try to take a photo with the lanterns lit. You can't see it very well from this photo but there is a super cute black and silver garland that I got from Oops! woven around the mantle. This is my collection of Gurley candles that belonged to my Grandmother. I have always loved these candles and I looked forward to her putting them on top of the tv every year. Any suggestions on how to get the pumpkin man to stand up? I tried sticky tak but it didn't help.
I found the stacking boxes at the Longaberger Bee in July. I thougth they were too cute to pass up. I love the cute witches, too.

I finally made my Halloween wreath last night. I intended to make it last year but A came to live with us in October and we had a lot of adjusting to do. I'll post the wreath tomorrow.

We haven't done much outside yet. Usually that is completed a few days before Halloween so it doesn't get torn down. My husband goes all out for the outdoor displays and this year we have a coffin to add to the display! We are very excited to see how it turns out.

Steal of a Deal!

2008-10-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

I have been ocasionally looking at FourStates Home page classified ads to see what other have for sale that I might "need". I found this dresser listed yesterday. The owner wanted $10.00 for it......you read it right $10! I called and husband is picking it up now. The middle drawer is missing the bottom which should be no problem for our fix-it friend. The mirror is perfect. I am not sure where we wil end up using it but it was too good of a deal to pass up. I'll show you what we decide to do with it.

Trip to the corn maze

2008-10-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

We went to the corn maze, near Newtonia, on Sunday with our third and fourth grade Sunday School class. A had a wonderful time running through the maze! It was a beautiful day to be outside. Look at that smile!
Keeping up with the group.
Are you coming?
The sandbox was a huge hit!

Virtual Uppercase Living Open House

2008-10-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

We had our first Uppercase Living open house tonight. Welcome to the virtual portion of the open house. If you see something you like, leave me a message.

I made the "freedom" sign by staining a piece of barnwood with diluted navy blue paint. $15.00

The Trick or Treat plate is one of my favorites.
We sold the Love, Laughter, & Friendship plaque to our neighbors.
These pebble magnets are so fun. the magnet sets are $1 per letter.
The Joy frame set is perfect for up coming holiday decorating. $25.00
The Dream plaque is made on an artist canvas. I love the Play ball plaque, it's perfect for any little ball player.

After seeing all the white pumpkins this year, I had to make some. These turned out so cute. The orange Jack'0 lanterns are also Uppercase products.

PS. You can order any of these items and lots more from our Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=16033413

Making extra cash.

2008-10-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

I found a super easy way to make some extra cash. I read in my mom's Woman's Day magazine about a website called Cash4Books. It is easy to do. You send in the books and they send you a check or deposit the money in your paypal account. I have already made $50 from text books that companies send me to preview for classes I teach. I am going to hunt up some more and see if I can add to my stash in paypal. I could really use some fun money for the weekend!

http://cash4books.net/index.php?ref=74003

Update

2008-10-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

After I posted the blog on Monday, I contacted our son's previous caseworker at her new job and asked for her help. She contacted the current worker who put her in touch with our atty. and she was called to testify. She was really good on the stand!!!! The judge terminated the rights and granted our adoption. We have a 45 day waiting period where the parents can appeal. Hopefully they won't. I was very worried that our little boy would be put back in harm's way because of caseworker changes. Our county does not have a CASA program but that will hopefully change. I was the coordinator for a CASA program for 4 years in another state and I have seen how important they are.
Thank you so much for your prayers. It means a lot to me. Please keep praying that the 45 days will go quickly and uneventfully.

Adoption Hearing Continued

2008-09-29T14:56:00.001-07:00

Our adoption hearing was continued to tomorrow. Apparently when caseworkers changed things were not completed and the termination paperwork was not filed so it did not happen. The bio parents showed up today to contest the termination and adoption. We are before a different judge who doesn't have all of the history. Our son hasn't seen his bio family in 15 months. Please pray that the new caseworker will be able to read all of the file and be prepared to testify why the parents rights should be terminated so our son will not have to begin visitations again.

Update: Just got a call from our adoption specialist and after I called the previous caseworker earlier today, she called him and offered to testify!!!! Keep praying.

A very Dirty Boy!

2008-09-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

We have been painting our trim work this week. Our house is around 70 years old and the trim was in need of a new coat and we decided to add some color to it. (I'll slip out in a bit and add a photo)

Last night while I was setting up for a garage sale and Joe was cleaning up the paint, our son located some cars to drive in the gravel. He was playing so nicely that I wasn't paying much attention to what he was doing until he showed up in the garage looking like this!

Longaberger small tip and mix bowl on sale

2008-09-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Putting up privacy fence

2008-09-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a very lazy Sunday afternoon. After church and a visit to Mema...my little man was way too wound up to stay very long. I have been helping my hubby, Joe, to make some items for his Uppercase Living open house.

We are also putting up a privacy fence. I want to use an old door for the gate. I just need to find one! Let me know what you think of the idea I nabbed from a gift shop in Dresden, Ohio earlier this summer.

Super Savings with Longaberger this week

2008-09-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

www.longaberger.com/juliehumphrey

We have an adoption date!!!!!

2008-09-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

We went to the mailbox this morning and discovered a notice from the juvenile court that we have an adoption date for September 29. Our little guy has been in our home since last September as an adoptive placement and we may finally be at the end. The county suddenly realised that we needed the adoptive parent training (we've been asking for a year) and we begin that a week before our adoption date. Keep your fingers crossed that this will be the final court date.

Cleaning up

2008-09-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

There haven't been many views this week. Rainy weather and duties at home have changed my schedule quite a bit. I am trying to get myself re-organized so I will be able to travel for the next few weeks. The beginning of the school year always presents a challenge for making visits to child care programs. We are preparing to paint the windows on our old home and gearing up for the Holiday Season with out Longaberger Business and out Uppercase Living business. We are still waiting for adoption to go through and hoping it will happen soon. It seems like everything with this process has been hurry up and wait, wait, wait!