but I won't. I don't like winter that much. But, this song is soooooooo absolutely wonderful and sweet that I might actually consider a winter wedding. lol.
The Avett Brothers sing this song and they are wonderful musicians if you ask me. I know you didn't ask me...but let's just pretend you did. Plus, there is something about the way the lead singer sings his songs that makes me believe every word and that he thoroughly enjoys what he is doing in that very moment.
The Avett Brothers - January Wedding
Keep on Keepin on.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Home Is When I'm In Love With You
I started out my morning by telling Sparky that he needs to start searching for love songs. So this morning, while I got ready for work, Sparky diligently started to search for love songs. It was a great way to start the morning!
I thought I'd share with you my favorite love song choice that I found...not Sparky. This song is my favorite right now that will definitely be included in our wedding...considering we're probably more than likely going to have it at our home!
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes - "Home"
I hope it brings a little jig to your step this morning!
Keep on Keepin on.
I thought I'd share with you my favorite love song choice that I found...not Sparky. This song is my favorite right now that will definitely be included in our wedding...considering we're probably more than likely going to have it at our home!
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes - "Home"
I hope it brings a little jig to your step this morning!
Keep on Keepin on.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Planning Blues
So I've started to forge full speed ahead on my wedding planning and have quickly come to an exhausting-totally defeated-don't want to deal with it anymore...mini mental hault.
First of all - I've never really had a "dream wedding" mindset. So, I knew this whole figuring out what I want thing would be very difficult for me. I mentally started to prepare myself months ago and I'm still dumbfounded with myself. I warned Sparky that I would need at least a year to just figure out what kind of wedding I'd want... let alone plan a wedding.
So, with many incredibly useful wedding blogs and sites literally at my finger tips, I feel like I've developed my style in my head. I chose a dress long ago that I felt would be absolutely perfect and still to this day, even after considering many others, I return to this one dress. So, at least I am consistant on that one thing...so far.
I'm a nervous wreck when it comes to being the center of attention or speaking in front of even one other person. So, obviously, the thought of a big wedding ABSOLUTELY wigs me out entirely. My palms and forehead begin to sweat just thinking about walking down an aisle with hundreds of eyes staring at me. Totally not for me.
I'm a frugal freak. That is a pretty big darn element in this whole process. Sparky and I are trying desperately to stay under a particular budget; and although I'm creating this stress ball for myself, our budget is one thing I really want to be successful in keeping. I'd much rather spend our extra money on our honeymoon! ...which btw, I think we're doing a honeymoon registry rather than a traditional registry.
I've decided I need more support, advice, and ideas. I'd like to flirt with the idea that many of you may know me A LOT better than I know myself, and with me jumping on the wedding band wagon so very late, I'm sure there is a wealth of wedding planning exprience out there that I can utilize. So feel free to share your enthusiam and ideas everytime I post about all this wedding mumbo jumbo.
But for now, I thought I might share with you my wedding planning start-up. I know some of you will totally get a kick out of this and admittingly relate to my planning/organizational woes. So, what was the first thing I JUST HAD to create for myself before I moved full speed ahead??
come on...you know...
A wedding planning BINDER!!!!! yay!!!
So far, creating the actual binder has been my favorite part.
The process of actually findingnarrowing down stuff to put in it has been a completely different story...and causing me to eat a lot of chocolate.
Binder Beginnings!
Outside of my binder. I haven't had time to make an official cover...yet. So for now, an 8x10 photo of Ruby's backside brings me happiness...and Sparky slipped in a little piece of his two cents in there as well. awwwww....
Inside of my binder. Open up this gold mine to find the most important thing...our budget sheet. woot woot!
This is the "Gown" tab. Yes. I have very specific typed up tabs that coincide completely and in order with the budget sheet. I probably shouldn't be showing you this tab as it reveals my most consistant dress choice...but I just don't get all ba-jiggidy about that stuff. I have a print out of the dress I love because my moither is actually going to make it for me. So, obviously, I have material and specifics underlined as well as the local fabric store information.
What the heck is this you ask? This is located under the "Reception" tab. This is a very detailed and measured CAD drawing of our backyard. Oh, yeah, baby. Tables, chairs, yard dimensions, decks, pergolas, tree, house. yup. It's all there. So, as you've figured out by now, we are seriously considering having this small shin-dig right in our own backyard. More power to us right? We must be crazy.
I have few other tabs with a few little things here and there...photographer options, rental places, guest list (actually, our guest list is a working excel sheet that automatically adds my numbers for me), food menu..blah blah blah blah and...
More details...and I'm sure changes...to come!
Keep on Keepin on.
First of all - I've never really had a "dream wedding" mindset. So, I knew this whole figuring out what I want thing would be very difficult for me. I mentally started to prepare myself months ago and I'm still dumbfounded with myself. I warned Sparky that I would need at least a year to just figure out what kind of wedding I'd want... let alone plan a wedding.
So, with many incredibly useful wedding blogs and sites literally at my finger tips, I feel like I've developed my style in my head. I chose a dress long ago that I felt would be absolutely perfect and still to this day, even after considering many others, I return to this one dress. So, at least I am consistant on that one thing...so far.
I'm a nervous wreck when it comes to being the center of attention or speaking in front of even one other person. So, obviously, the thought of a big wedding ABSOLUTELY wigs me out entirely. My palms and forehead begin to sweat just thinking about walking down an aisle with hundreds of eyes staring at me. Totally not for me.
I'm a frugal freak. That is a pretty big darn element in this whole process. Sparky and I are trying desperately to stay under a particular budget; and although I'm creating this stress ball for myself, our budget is one thing I really want to be successful in keeping. I'd much rather spend our extra money on our honeymoon! ...which btw, I think we're doing a honeymoon registry rather than a traditional registry.
I've decided I need more support, advice, and ideas. I'd like to flirt with the idea that many of you may know me A LOT better than I know myself, and with me jumping on the wedding band wagon so very late, I'm sure there is a wealth of wedding planning exprience out there that I can utilize. So feel free to share your enthusiam and ideas everytime I post about all this wedding mumbo jumbo.
But for now, I thought I might share with you my wedding planning start-up. I know some of you will totally get a kick out of this and admittingly relate to my planning/organizational woes. So, what was the first thing I JUST HAD to create for myself before I moved full speed ahead??
come on...you know...
A wedding planning BINDER!!!!! yay!!!
So far, creating the actual binder has been my favorite part.
The process of actually finding
Binder Beginnings!
I have few other tabs with a few little things here and there...photographer options, rental places, guest list (actually, our guest list is a working excel sheet that automatically adds my numbers for me), food menu..blah blah blah blah and...
More details...and I'm sure changes...to come!
Keep on Keepin on.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Our Proposal: Simple and Sweet = Perfect
Ok. I’ll get to it.
Sparky only made me wait what seemed to b a VERY LONG week. I did my best to keep mum about when he would officially ask me if I would marry him. I am an extremely impatient person at times.
Sparky and I are extreme creatures of habit. We normally dine every Friday evening out our very favorite place, The Wedge Pizzeria on Western Ave in OKC. We love the outdoor patio and pizza!
Sparky had asked me months ago if I had any special requests for a proposal. My request was simple. I said I’d really prefer it to be very quiet, intimate, personal, private, and us. I didn’t want anything embarrassing or cliché. I just wanted something simple that represented something he and I do regularly. Thankfully, he listened. One week ago, last Friday evening; we of course went to The Wedge as usual. We sat on the patio at a small two person table amongst many strangers. We did our normal; ordered two waters, a large Trois Pistole with two glasses, and a personalized pizza.
After we ordered our pizza, our normal conversation time started and in the midst of it, he officially asked me if I would marry him. He reached into his little pocket and pulled out the sparkling antique ring and slipped it on my finger. We both reached across the table to give each other a sweet “we are engaged” kiss and it was perfect. Sweet and Simple.
Shortly afterward, the GM of The Wedge, Elena, came by our table like she normally does to just say hello and check how we are doing. We told her that we just got engaged minutes before and she was surprised and ecstatic! She went and told one of our favorites waitresses, Heather, and she came by shortly afterward to give us a congratulations and hugs. They really are just sweet people there and it helps that we see them once a week! Haha!
Now, I normally say I do not like surprises, but Elena and Heather surprised both Sparky and I; and I will never forget them for it. After Sparky and I finished our dinner, I jokingly whispered to him, “Hey, I think we might get free gelato out of this!” - btw...I love their gelato. I love gelato period, but their gelato is extra super delicious to me for some reason. Anyway, then, Elena and Heather came from around the corner. Elena was carrying a HUGE plate of various gorgeous decadent desserts and Heather was toting a bottle of champagne and four small glasses! The desserts included red velvet cake, carrot cake, strawberry cake, chocolate cheesecake, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, another type of really tasty cookies with vanilla icing and chocolate drizzle, and fruits! They popped open the champagne and toasted to us, “To our favorite Wedge couple!” We were so flattered and so incredibly delightfully surprised! I said to them that I didn’t even know they had all those desserts available! And they don’t. They went down the street to another restaurant under the same owners, call the Deep Fork, to get the desserts!
Elena and Heather get super uber kudos from both Sparky and I!
So, there you have it...our ring search and our simple and sweet perfect engagement evening.
And what you all have been waiting for...the ring...
Now, let’s plan a super fun and chic wedding!
Sparky only made me wait what seemed to b a VERY LONG week. I did my best to keep mum about when he would officially ask me if I would marry him. I am an extremely impatient person at times.
Sparky and I are extreme creatures of habit. We normally dine every Friday evening out our very favorite place, The Wedge Pizzeria on Western Ave in OKC. We love the outdoor patio and pizza!
Sparky had asked me months ago if I had any special requests for a proposal. My request was simple. I said I’d really prefer it to be very quiet, intimate, personal, private, and us. I didn’t want anything embarrassing or cliché. I just wanted something simple that represented something he and I do regularly. Thankfully, he listened. One week ago, last Friday evening; we of course went to The Wedge as usual. We sat on the patio at a small two person table amongst many strangers. We did our normal; ordered two waters, a large Trois Pistole with two glasses, and a personalized pizza.
After we ordered our pizza, our normal conversation time started and in the midst of it, he officially asked me if I would marry him. He reached into his little pocket and pulled out the sparkling antique ring and slipped it on my finger. We both reached across the table to give each other a sweet “we are engaged” kiss and it was perfect. Sweet and Simple.
Shortly afterward, the GM of The Wedge, Elena, came by our table like she normally does to just say hello and check how we are doing. We told her that we just got engaged minutes before and she was surprised and ecstatic! She went and told one of our favorites waitresses, Heather, and she came by shortly afterward to give us a congratulations and hugs. They really are just sweet people there and it helps that we see them once a week! Haha!
Now, I normally say I do not like surprises, but Elena and Heather surprised both Sparky and I; and I will never forget them for it. After Sparky and I finished our dinner, I jokingly whispered to him, “Hey, I think we might get free gelato out of this!” - btw...I love their gelato. I love gelato period, but their gelato is extra super delicious to me for some reason. Anyway, then, Elena and Heather came from around the corner. Elena was carrying a HUGE plate of various gorgeous decadent desserts and Heather was toting a bottle of champagne and four small glasses! The desserts included red velvet cake, carrot cake, strawberry cake, chocolate cheesecake, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, another type of really tasty cookies with vanilla icing and chocolate drizzle, and fruits! They popped open the champagne and toasted to us, “To our favorite Wedge couple!” We were so flattered and so incredibly delightfully surprised! I said to them that I didn’t even know they had all those desserts available! And they don’t. They went down the street to another restaurant under the same owners, call the Deep Fork, to get the desserts!
Elena and Heather get super uber kudos from both Sparky and I!
So, there you have it...our ring search and our simple and sweet perfect engagement evening.
And what you all have been waiting for...the ring...
Keep on keepin on!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Our Proposal: The End of the Search
My heart was only broken for a split second. The wonderful Randy Parsons of the Antique Avenue Market quickly showed me his newest addition to his jewelry collection. It was almost exactly identical to my previously thought dream ring...but this was even more beautiful! This new ring had a band slightly older dating back to the 1880’s rather than the 1890’s, but it was still 18k white gold. The band also still had beautiful engravings on the sides but this time the engraving included very delicate little flowers. It was still a single diamond, but it was slightly larger being 0.67 carats rather than 0.52 carats and this diamond was a mine cut diamond also dating back to the 1880’s. oh, dear. On top of all that...it fit my ringer.
Btw...I have pretty fat fingers. I’m not proud of this; it just is what it is. I never find rings that fit me without needing extensive sizing. Therefore, I just don’t really bother with them. Plus, my fingers swell a lot. I know TMI. But, I just need to stress the fact that this ring already fit perfectly. So this one fact is amazing all in itself.
Anyway, I went home to break the bad news to Sparky that my ring was gone...but he lucked out that there was another I loved that was bigger and even more beautiful. He felt bad, and a bit embarrassed that the other one got away, but relieved that I was so easily satisfied with the new find.
...so I waited...
And waited...
And did even more waiting.
I didn’t dare go back to the to the antique store in fear of the ring being sold again.
I was starting to get frustrated and was just going to scrap the whole idea all together and accept the fact that I’d be searching for another ring soon.
3 months total had passed since he first told be to start searching...sigh.
So, two weeks ago, Sparky and I went on one of our weekly lunch dates and I suggested (jokingly) that we should stop by the antique store. He surprisingly agreed because he wanted to see this ring and see if it was still there or not.
I was so nervous. I was so afraid that we would walk in and sweet Randy would tell me we had missed out again. My palms were more sweaty than usual.
And...it was still there!!
I tried it on with Sparky there beside me, and he absolutely loved the ring also. He agreed that it was a very special ring for a very special lady (wink wink). Haha. just kidding. But, seriously, he too thought it was just perfect and the right fit was an absolute anomaly for my tree trunk fingers.
And he got it! Right there. During our last minute stop before we headed back to work. He first asked me if it would ruin the surprise for me if he went ahead and got with me there. I, of course, said “heck no! I hate surprises. This is perfect!”
But he wouldn’t let me have it.
He tucked it away and hid it from me...
To be continued...again... :)
Keep on keepin on.
Btw...I have pretty fat fingers. I’m not proud of this; it just is what it is. I never find rings that fit me without needing extensive sizing. Therefore, I just don’t really bother with them. Plus, my fingers swell a lot. I know TMI. But, I just need to stress the fact that this ring already fit perfectly. So this one fact is amazing all in itself.
Anyway, I went home to break the bad news to Sparky that my ring was gone...but he lucked out that there was another I loved that was bigger and even more beautiful. He felt bad, and a bit embarrassed that the other one got away, but relieved that I was so easily satisfied with the new find.
...so I waited...
And waited...
And did even more waiting.
I didn’t dare go back to the to the antique store in fear of the ring being sold again.
I was starting to get frustrated and was just going to scrap the whole idea all together and accept the fact that I’d be searching for another ring soon.
3 months total had passed since he first told be to start searching...sigh.
So, two weeks ago, Sparky and I went on one of our weekly lunch dates and I suggested (jokingly) that we should stop by the antique store. He surprisingly agreed because he wanted to see this ring and see if it was still there or not.
I was so nervous. I was so afraid that we would walk in and sweet Randy would tell me we had missed out again. My palms were more sweaty than usual.
And...it was still there!!
I tried it on with Sparky there beside me, and he absolutely loved the ring also. He agreed that it was a very special ring for a very special lady (wink wink). Haha. just kidding. But, seriously, he too thought it was just perfect and the right fit was an absolute anomaly for my tree trunk fingers.
And he got it! Right there. During our last minute stop before we headed back to work. He first asked me if it would ruin the surprise for me if he went ahead and got with me there. I, of course, said “heck no! I hate surprises. This is perfect!”
But he wouldn’t let me have it.
He tucked it away and hid it from me...
To be continued...again... :)
Keep on keepin on.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Our Proposal: The Search
Sparky and I have been discussing getting married since probably around last October...so, for about a year. We've been talking about where, when, and how and are pretty much on the same page for our perfect nuptials...small, intimate, personal, casual, fun, and very us (which is a whole ball of separate adjectives in itself).
Just like the proposal...
If anyone knows me, you know I do not like being surprised AT ALL. I always think it's so cute when others get surprised because most people enjoy it to some degree, I'm guessing. But not me. I am in no denial that this is the control side of me out in full force, but I just feel the need to be in-the-know of what is going on at all times if it has to do with me. Sparky knows this about me and totally "gets it". Thankfully.
This past July, Sparky told me during one of our weekly Sunday morning breakfast outings and wedding discussions that I have full permission to go search and choose the perfect engagement ring for myself. I could go pick it out and then he would go buy it. Perfect! I'm incredibly particular about jewelry... and don't like most of it to tell you the truth...so to be able to pick out a LIFETIME ring that I would enjoy wearing was the perfect strategy.
I instantly knew that I wanted an antique. I definitely want this whole wedding exeperience to include themes with recycled and re-used elements. I love antiques used in modern and chic ways, so I did not hesitate to head over to my favorite antique store, Antique Avenue Market in OKC located on N. Western Ave. My mother was with me on this first visit and I tried on and got used to the idea of having to wear a ring from my Sparky. I narrowed it down to three very different and distinct rings and pondered on it for awhile. A week later, I took a girfriend with me again to the same antique store. At this visit, I realized the perfect ring and style for me. It was an 18K white gold ring from the 1890's with delicate engravings on the sides of the band and a single 0.52 center diamond. After I made my final decision, I told Sparky about my most perfect find and the waiting began.
...and continued.
...and went on...and on...
I told Sparky that the ring would be sold quickly if he did not act SOON. His mother told him the same. He kept saying that the ring would still be there and to just be patient. He didn't think anyone would beat him to it. He truely believed that this unique and gorgeous and perfect ring would just sit there in the glass casing with no other buyers to fall absolutely in love as I did.
until finally...
I went back to the antique store with another girlfriend to find baby furniture for her...and my perfect ring was...
SOLD. Gone. Forever. and. Ever. and Sparky was NOT the one who purchased it...
To be continued...
Keep on Keepin on.
Just like the proposal...
If anyone knows me, you know I do not like being surprised AT ALL. I always think it's so cute when others get surprised because most people enjoy it to some degree, I'm guessing. But not me. I am in no denial that this is the control side of me out in full force, but I just feel the need to be in-the-know of what is going on at all times if it has to do with me. Sparky knows this about me and totally "gets it". Thankfully.
This past July, Sparky told me during one of our weekly Sunday morning breakfast outings and wedding discussions that I have full permission to go search and choose the perfect engagement ring for myself. I could go pick it out and then he would go buy it. Perfect! I'm incredibly particular about jewelry... and don't like most of it to tell you the truth...so to be able to pick out a LIFETIME ring that I would enjoy wearing was the perfect strategy.
I instantly knew that I wanted an antique. I definitely want this whole wedding exeperience to include themes with recycled and re-used elements. I love antiques used in modern and chic ways, so I did not hesitate to head over to my favorite antique store, Antique Avenue Market in OKC located on N. Western Ave. My mother was with me on this first visit and I tried on and got used to the idea of having to wear a ring from my Sparky. I narrowed it down to three very different and distinct rings and pondered on it for awhile. A week later, I took a girfriend with me again to the same antique store. At this visit, I realized the perfect ring and style for me. It was an 18K white gold ring from the 1890's with delicate engravings on the sides of the band and a single 0.52 center diamond. After I made my final decision, I told Sparky about my most perfect find and the waiting began.
...and continued.
...and went on...and on...
I told Sparky that the ring would be sold quickly if he did not act SOON. His mother told him the same. He kept saying that the ring would still be there and to just be patient. He didn't think anyone would beat him to it. He truely believed that this unique and gorgeous and perfect ring would just sit there in the glass casing with no other buyers to fall absolutely in love as I did.
until finally...
I went back to the antique store with another girlfriend to find baby furniture for her...and my perfect ring was...
SOLD. Gone. Forever. and. Ever. and Sparky was NOT the one who purchased it...
To be continued...
Keep on Keepin on.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Engaged!
Yup. That is my super duper announcement that I have been impatiently waiting to reveal to everyone! Sparky and I are engaged.! Yay! We made it super official over the weekend.
This will be us in about a year's time! (via Max and Margaux's Wedding from OnceWed)
Details of the Engagement moment and of course "the ring" are soon to follow.
Keep on Keepin on.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Good Times: Baby Style
Babies, Babies, Babies. Doesn't it seem like they are everywhere lately...or at least on their way? I'm thinking that with all the snow blizzards and ice storms this past winter, there were a lot of homebound people trying to prevent cabin fever...if you're picking up what I'm throwing down.
Any-who-bee. I have one friend who has her baby girl due this upcoming Tuesday, September 14, 2010. Miss Piper will join us in this crazy beautiful world and I can't be more excited for this little bundle to arrive and to hopefully be priviledged enough to show off her beauty on this blog!
Another precious baby girl, yet to be named, will join us in early to mid October. I'm so anxious to see what name her parents choose for her. I think it is so wonderful that her parents are going to try to wait until the moment they meet her to choose her name. I think that will be so amazingly memorable for the family!
With all these sweet little girls on their way, of course there is also one little boy. Mr. Jaxen is probably anxious to meet all the older women that will be in his life! tee hee. Mr. Jaxen will arrive in mid-November, probably just in time for a Thanksgiving feast. Did I mention Mr. Jaxen will be my kind-of cousin since he belongs to my kinda-cousin through marriage who is also my co-worker who sits two--ish cubes away? Yeah. fam.
Actually, I kind of consider all these girls kinda like fam. Even though they're all super white.
hahahaha! kidding!
Ok. Seriously. They will all be wonderful and beautiful mothers to precious little babies and I'm so excited for all of them. Since I don't really think I will ever be ready to have my own little wee person, I've been kinda vicariously living through all them. Trust me. It's much easier this way.
We've already had two baby showers and another final shower for the mister is in the works. The two pics below are from Meghan's shower who's baby girl is due in October.
From left to right: Myself, Bree (preggo with Jaxen), Meghan (preggo with soon to be named chicky-poo), Julianne (preggo with Piper due on Tuesday!!), and Natalie (not preggo, obviously, and super cutie pie with baby plans in the distant future. She also like to play bingo. Just sayin.).
Of course there are always fun little baby games at these showers. I normally lose them all because I know NOTHING about babies. But this time I rocked the don't say the word "baby" game and gathered quite a few close-pins. As you can see I only had two close-pins at the time the above photo was taken, but by the end of the shower, my dress had close-pins clipped all the way across. Oh the powers of eavesdropping and keeping yourself silent. Muah-ah-ah.
And of course, I'm a sucker for a challenge and I'm normally willing to do the unthinkable and embarrassing things that others won't do...and I'll do anything for chocolate. Seriously. Another game was the "guess the melted candybar in the diaper" game. I just made up that games name by the way. But that's what the game is. Anyway, someone wanted a photo of someone pretending to eat the melted chocolate candy. Of course the "ews" and gags filled the room and then I was like, "OK. I'll do it." So, here you go.
Julianne's facial expression and disgust is the best part. Totally worth it.
P.S. A very big announcement is in the works! To be continued...
Keep on Keepin on.
Any-who-bee. I have one friend who has her baby girl due this upcoming Tuesday, September 14, 2010. Miss Piper will join us in this crazy beautiful world and I can't be more excited for this little bundle to arrive and to hopefully be priviledged enough to show off her beauty on this blog!
Another precious baby girl, yet to be named, will join us in early to mid October. I'm so anxious to see what name her parents choose for her. I think it is so wonderful that her parents are going to try to wait until the moment they meet her to choose her name. I think that will be so amazingly memorable for the family!
With all these sweet little girls on their way, of course there is also one little boy. Mr. Jaxen is probably anxious to meet all the older women that will be in his life! tee hee. Mr. Jaxen will arrive in mid-November, probably just in time for a Thanksgiving feast. Did I mention Mr. Jaxen will be my kind-of cousin since he belongs to my kinda-cousin through marriage who is also my co-worker who sits two--ish cubes away? Yeah. fam.
Actually, I kind of consider all these girls kinda like fam. Even though they're all super white.
hahahaha! kidding!
Ok. Seriously. They will all be wonderful and beautiful mothers to precious little babies and I'm so excited for all of them. Since I don't really think I will ever be ready to have my own little wee person, I've been kinda vicariously living through all them. Trust me. It's much easier this way.
We've already had two baby showers and another final shower for the mister is in the works. The two pics below are from Meghan's shower who's baby girl is due in October.
From left to right: Myself, Bree (preggo with Jaxen), Meghan (preggo with soon to be named chicky-poo), Julianne (preggo with Piper due on Tuesday!!), and Natalie (not preggo, obviously, and super cutie pie with baby plans in the distant future. She also like to play bingo. Just sayin.).
Of course there are always fun little baby games at these showers. I normally lose them all because I know NOTHING about babies. But this time I rocked the don't say the word "baby" game and gathered quite a few close-pins. As you can see I only had two close-pins at the time the above photo was taken, but by the end of the shower, my dress had close-pins clipped all the way across. Oh the powers of eavesdropping and keeping yourself silent. Muah-ah-ah.
And of course, I'm a sucker for a challenge and I'm normally willing to do the unthinkable and embarrassing things that others won't do...and I'll do anything for chocolate. Seriously. Another game was the "guess the melted candybar in the diaper" game. I just made up that games name by the way. But that's what the game is. Anyway, someone wanted a photo of someone pretending to eat the melted chocolate candy. Of course the "ews" and gags filled the room and then I was like, "OK. I'll do it." So, here you go.
Julianne's facial expression and disgust is the best part. Totally worth it.
P.S. A very big announcement is in the works! To be continued...
Keep on Keepin on.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
A Note from Chewy
Chewy wanted me to tell everyone that he wishes you (human and canine) a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend! Hang out on a porch somewhere!
Keep on Keepin on.
Keep on Keepin on.
Yay! It's September! Which Means....
It's almost Autumn!
Oh, Autumn, how I miss thee. You have been in hiding entirely too long. This past Summer has been brutal with its relentless heat and is just now beginning to show signs of mercy. The mornings and evenings are slightly cooler with signs of a nice breeze here and there.
Are you just as excited as I am about this upcoming Autumn? It just seems like it will never get here for some reason. I'm ready to dig out my boots from hiding and wrap my neck with scarves. Oh. wait. I'm so excited that I already whipped out a scarf today and am proudly sporting my Autumn anxiousness. Judge all you want. Yeah, it's still supposed to be about 96 degrees today, according to my Weather Channel app, but I'm pretty confident it's about 65 degrees at my work cubicle. So, since the majority of my life is spent at my work cube, then I will live by it's climate.
I was perusing the local Tar-jay yester-evening and got all giddy when I came upon a row of Autumn decor. I'm pretty confident that I released a big loud sigh of relief. I'm ready to get out the pumpkins and hay bales!
Oh, Autumn, how I miss thee. You have been in hiding entirely too long. This past Summer has been brutal with its relentless heat and is just now beginning to show signs of mercy. The mornings and evenings are slightly cooler with signs of a nice breeze here and there.
Are you just as excited as I am about this upcoming Autumn? It just seems like it will never get here for some reason. I'm ready to dig out my boots from hiding and wrap my neck with scarves. Oh. wait. I'm so excited that I already whipped out a scarf today and am proudly sporting my Autumn anxiousness. Judge all you want. Yeah, it's still supposed to be about 96 degrees today, according to my Weather Channel app, but I'm pretty confident it's about 65 degrees at my work cubicle. So, since the majority of my life is spent at my work cube, then I will live by it's climate.
I was perusing the local Tar-jay yester-evening and got all giddy when I came upon a row of Autumn decor. I'm pretty confident that I released a big loud sigh of relief. I'm ready to get out the pumpkins and hay bales!
So, here are some Autumn sneak peaks and inspirations for your day.
from Jcrew
from Jcrew
from Pottery Barn
from Jcrew
from Pottery Barn
from Jcrew
from Pottery Barn
from Jcrew
Happy early Autumn, Ya'll!
Keep on Keepin on.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A Crush and A Little Attitude
As usual, there has been a lot of ruckus around our household the last few weeks. As you all know, I sold my dining table and chairs (aka my first big girl purchase) and we have been without one for a little over a week. We have looked at many options and have decided suddenly that a trip to Ikea is well overdue.
Sparky and I will head south this upcoming Friday, about 3 hrs to the closest Ikea, for a day of wonderful dining table shopping. We are hoping that the table we are crushing on will fit in my car! It's the Norden Dining Table in Birch for $399.00. It extends to fit up to 10 people! I'm in L.O.V.E.
We are pretty confident it will fit in the good ole Subaru hatchback with a few ties...but I'm hoping this trip doesn't turn into another desk, bookcase, chair fiasco from earlier this year. We are "attempting" to plan ahead on this trip but I'm sure there will be a story or two to share upon our return.
In addition to all our forever-to-be-continued household to-do's, we also acquired a little "houseguest" in the beginning of August. For the past three weeks, Sparky and I have had a “houseguest” living in our spare bedroom. We will refer to this person from this point forward as “HG-funk” or “him” so that I do not ever embarrass “him” with my postings. But being that this is my personal blog diary and my place of happy refuge in the blogosphere, I will more than likely either "need-to" or "want-to" post about HG-funk on a regular basis. I hope that future HG-funk posts will be on a want-to basis rather than a need-to basis...I’m crossing my fingers.
Here is a quick re-cap of HG-funk:
Moved in Sunday, August 8, 2010. HG-funk’s 4 year relationship officially over. Since then, he started a new job 30 minutes away and started his first day of school another 30 minutes away. The car he had been driving did not belong to him and was taken away by EX-person (aka a really bad break-up). This past weekend, HG-funk sees EX-person dating someone else. Monday, August 30, 2010, fired from job.
Downward spiral of self-denial, self-pity, and uber self-consumption had already been in full swing on move-in day ...and is continuing with full throttle. Sparky and I have offered to purchase a very CHEAP 3rd Subaru vehicle (of course) so that HG-funk will have some means of transportation to get to schooland work. We have not asked HG-funk for money in rent or food and Sparky is letting HG-funk use his own car to get to school and work for almost a week and further now until we get him another car. Because of this, Sparky has been without a car and instead been riding his bicycle, his scooter, or car-pooling with yours truly to get to work or anywhere else.
HG-funk is family. HG-funk does not have a drug problem. HG-funk was not raised under-privileged by any means whatsoever. HG-funk does not have a drinking problem...yet and hopefully not ever. I think HG-funk attempted to have a drinking problem. As of last week, alcohol is STRICTLY prohibited in our home...even by Sparky or myself until we can figure out this situation.
For all parties considered, I am looking to this quote that I have framed and sitting on my desk everyday. Most of the time I overlook this wise framed quote, but I have been staring at it constantly lately.
Attitude by Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our Attitudes."
I love and embrace this quote as fully as I possibly can and I ask that everyone else who reads it to do the same and pass it along.
Keep on Keepin on.
Sparky and I will head south this upcoming Friday, about 3 hrs to the closest Ikea, for a day of wonderful dining table shopping. We are hoping that the table we are crushing on will fit in my car! It's the Norden Dining Table in Birch for $399.00. It extends to fit up to 10 people! I'm in L.O.V.E.
In addition to all our forever-to-be-continued household to-do's, we also acquired a little "houseguest" in the beginning of August. For the past three weeks, Sparky and I have had a “houseguest” living in our spare bedroom. We will refer to this person from this point forward as “HG-funk” or “him” so that I do not ever embarrass “him” with my postings. But being that this is my personal blog diary and my place of happy refuge in the blogosphere, I will more than likely either "need-to" or "want-to" post about HG-funk on a regular basis. I hope that future HG-funk posts will be on a want-to basis rather than a need-to basis...I’m crossing my fingers.
Here is a quick re-cap of HG-funk:
Moved in Sunday, August 8, 2010. HG-funk’s 4 year relationship officially over. Since then, he started a new job 30 minutes away and started his first day of school another 30 minutes away. The car he had been driving did not belong to him and was taken away by EX-person (aka a really bad break-up). This past weekend, HG-funk sees EX-person dating someone else. Monday, August 30, 2010, fired from job.
Downward spiral of self-denial, self-pity, and uber self-consumption had already been in full swing on move-in day ...and is continuing with full throttle. Sparky and I have offered to purchase a very CHEAP 3rd Subaru vehicle (of course) so that HG-funk will have some means of transportation to get to school
HG-funk is family. HG-funk does not have a drug problem. HG-funk was not raised under-privileged by any means whatsoever. HG-funk does not have a drinking problem...yet and hopefully not ever. I think HG-funk attempted to have a drinking problem. As of last week, alcohol is STRICTLY prohibited in our home...even by Sparky or myself until we can figure out this situation.
For all parties considered, I am looking to this quote that I have framed and sitting on my desk everyday. Most of the time I overlook this wise framed quote, but I have been staring at it constantly lately.
Attitude by Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our Attitudes."
I love and embrace this quote as fully as I possibly can and I ask that everyone else who reads it to do the same and pass it along.
Keep on Keepin on.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Changes in Dining
For the last few months, I have been wanting to get a new dining table. With all the other changes going on around our home, a new dining table chosen by both Sparky and I just seemed like the next best thing.
You see, Sparky never really liked my dining table and chairs. When we moved in together, my dining table and 8 chairs were one of the few things I was adamant about having in our home. I loved my dining room table and 8 chairs because a) they are pretty awesome in my opinion and b) they were my first big grown-up furniture purchase when I bought my own house 3 three years. When I put my house up for rent and moved in with good-ole Sparky, my big dining table and all 8 chairs were coming with me... our first big compromise I guess.
This is a pic of the the dining table in our home. We only have 6 chairs set out but there are actually 8 chairs.
So, after a year and 4 months of living together and me perusing furniture stores online constantly, I found a few dining tables I really like...and decided it was time to compromise in return with Sparky. Our first big furniture purchase chosen TOGETHER...aka...me putting together a list in which Sparky may choose from only that list (tee hee). It's only fair that we can dine together at a table we both thoroughly enjoy, right?
In preparation of our new dining table purchase, I decided to post an add on Craigslist for my dining table and 8 chairs. I had actually been procrastinating with this task until I was fully confident about my decision. This afternoon around 1:00 pm, I actually did it. I posted my dining table and 8 chairs for sale on craigslist thinking that it would take a few inquiries before it would actually sell. Nope.
My for sale ad went up at 1:50 pm and my first interested buyer contacted me at 2:19 pm. She scheduled to come over to see it around 5:30 pm, showed up exactly on time, walked around it once, and was sold. She bought it right there and had someone on their way with a truck to come get it. Now it's 6:52 pm and my first big grown-up furniture purchase from 3 years ago is gone.
Let's have a moment of silence....
chirp
chirp
chirp
burp (oh, excuse me)
I know it's just a table and chairs and it's just stuff, but I was actually slightly sentimental about this ordeal. I'm glad it happened the way it happened. Quick. No real time to think or hesitate.
But...
Now we don't have a dining table!!! I didn't think it would sell that quickly! So, now Sparky and I need to narrow down our new dining table choices...and you can help!! Here we go...
First off, I love West Elm. You have to check our their modern and earth friendly (green living) items. Plus, all their items seem so natural and beautiful while still being so incredibly inviting, luxurious, and comforting all at the same time! I have a serious crush on them and have been looking for a reason to buy something from them for some time now...so why not a dining table??!!
My first favorite is the Terra Dining Table for $499. This table is "Eco-chic dining. Simple, clean-lined table crafted of FSC certified woods with a raw, textural ash veneer."
)
The next table option is the Modern Farm Dining Table for $599 (available in natural and chestnut). This table is "The classic farm table, updated with clean lines and the rich, smooth grain of sungkai wood veneer. The grain differs from piece to piece, making each piece totally unique."
)
(2))
Our last choice...and is Sparky's fave...is the Slab Dining Table for $499 from CB2. This table is "not so vanilla. Spare slab on slab design reflects a softer shade of modern in hi-gloss oat (think white + the color of cement). Seats six easy. Wood composite with hi-gloss lacquer finish."
.jpeg)
I would have to say that I am actually also leaning toward the Slab Dining Table from CB2 even though I so desperately want to buy something from West Elm because of their green living and natural attitude. But, I've been trying so desperately to lighten up all our furniture that the slab cement color seems like it would fit in the very best...with that said, the other two tables would still look beautiful in our home! ugh.
Please share you opinion! Which do yo like best?
Keep on Keepin on.
You see, Sparky never really liked my dining table and chairs. When we moved in together, my dining table and 8 chairs were one of the few things I was adamant about having in our home. I loved my dining room table and 8 chairs because a) they are pretty awesome in my opinion and b) they were my first big grown-up furniture purchase when I bought my own house 3 three years. When I put my house up for rent and moved in with good-ole Sparky, my big dining table and all 8 chairs were coming with me... our first big compromise I guess.
This is a pic of the the dining table in our home. We only have 6 chairs set out but there are actually 8 chairs.
So, after a year and 4 months of living together and me perusing furniture stores online constantly, I found a few dining tables I really like...and decided it was time to compromise in return with Sparky. Our first big furniture purchase chosen TOGETHER...aka...me putting together a list in which Sparky may choose from only that list (tee hee). It's only fair that we can dine together at a table we both thoroughly enjoy, right?
In preparation of our new dining table purchase, I decided to post an add on Craigslist for my dining table and 8 chairs. I had actually been procrastinating with this task until I was fully confident about my decision. This afternoon around 1:00 pm, I actually did it. I posted my dining table and 8 chairs for sale on craigslist thinking that it would take a few inquiries before it would actually sell. Nope.
My for sale ad went up at 1:50 pm and my first interested buyer contacted me at 2:19 pm. She scheduled to come over to see it around 5:30 pm, showed up exactly on time, walked around it once, and was sold. She bought it right there and had someone on their way with a truck to come get it. Now it's 6:52 pm and my first big grown-up furniture purchase from 3 years ago is gone.
Let's have a moment of silence....
chirp
chirp
chirp
burp (oh, excuse me)
I know it's just a table and chairs and it's just stuff, but I was actually slightly sentimental about this ordeal. I'm glad it happened the way it happened. Quick. No real time to think or hesitate.
But...
Now we don't have a dining table!!! I didn't think it would sell that quickly! So, now Sparky and I need to narrow down our new dining table choices...and you can help!! Here we go...
First off, I love West Elm. You have to check our their modern and earth friendly (green living) items. Plus, all their items seem so natural and beautiful while still being so incredibly inviting, luxurious, and comforting all at the same time! I have a serious crush on them and have been looking for a reason to buy something from them for some time now...so why not a dining table??!!
My first favorite is the Terra Dining Table for $499. This table is "Eco-chic dining. Simple, clean-lined table crafted of FSC certified woods with a raw, textural ash veneer."
The next table option is the Modern Farm Dining Table for $599 (available in natural and chestnut). This table is "The classic farm table, updated with clean lines and the rich, smooth grain of sungkai wood veneer. The grain differs from piece to piece, making each piece totally unique."
Our last choice...and is Sparky's fave...is the Slab Dining Table for $499 from CB2. This table is "not so vanilla. Spare slab on slab design reflects a softer shade of modern in hi-gloss oat (think white + the color of cement). Seats six easy. Wood composite with hi-gloss lacquer finish."
.jpeg)
I would have to say that I am actually also leaning toward the Slab Dining Table from CB2 even though I so desperately want to buy something from West Elm because of their green living and natural attitude. But, I've been trying so desperately to lighten up all our furniture that the slab cement color seems like it would fit in the very best...with that said, the other two tables would still look beautiful in our home! ugh.
Please share you opinion! Which do yo like best?
Keep on Keepin on.
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Long Time Coming
I know I've said more than once that I need to post pics of the house now that it's "done"...complete? Yeah right. It's as complete as it is will be until the heat subsides a little.
Below is a pic of the front of the house with the new Terra Cotta roof and the driveway and walkway painted black. Sparky was determined to have a black driveway and decided to just do it himself. I was a bit skeptical about the black driveway but I will have to admit that I actually really like the black driveway. It makes the Terra Cotta roof and white house pop more (in a good way) than I had imagined. Point for Sparky.
Before (ack)
After
Below is a pic of the backyard with the two new pergolas, new deck....and uninstalled french doors just chilling out like the big eye sore it is...it's taunting us everytime we walk past the big energy sucking sliding glass doors. But, it's just so hot that changing the doors will need to wait since Sparky will be doing the work himself. We need to consider the time it will take him to change out the doors since he's never done it before and we need to prepare for any mishaps...just sayin. We've learned by now to try to prepare for the worst.
Before
After
So you can see the french doors hanging out. Not installed. This means that there is still a lot of work to check off our honey-do list. We purchased an espresso colored stain for the deck (which we have not stained yet) and have yet to make a final decision of the color of the pergolas.
The past two months have been filled with work work work, but it's so satisfying to sit on our new deck in the hot evening looking over our backyard and conjuring up what else we could do to keep ourselves busy and improve our home.
Keep on Keepin on.
Below is a pic of the front of the house with the new Terra Cotta roof and the driveway and walkway painted black. Sparky was determined to have a black driveway and decided to just do it himself. I was a bit skeptical about the black driveway but I will have to admit that I actually really like the black driveway. It makes the Terra Cotta roof and white house pop more (in a good way) than I had imagined. Point for Sparky.
Before (ack)
After
Below is a pic of the backyard with the two new pergolas, new deck....and uninstalled french doors just chilling out like the big eye sore it is...it's taunting us everytime we walk past the big energy sucking sliding glass doors. But, it's just so hot that changing the doors will need to wait since Sparky will be doing the work himself. We need to consider the time it will take him to change out the doors since he's never done it before and we need to prepare for any mishaps...just sayin. We've learned by now to try to prepare for the worst.
Before
After
So you can see the french doors hanging out. Not installed. This means that there is still a lot of work to check off our honey-do list. We purchased an espresso colored stain for the deck (which we have not stained yet) and have yet to make a final decision of the color of the pergolas.
The past two months have been filled with work work work, but it's so satisfying to sit on our new deck in the hot evening looking over our backyard and conjuring up what else we could do to keep ourselves busy and improve our home.
Keep on Keepin on.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Snack Alert: Stoneyfield Yogurt and more
I'm sitting here having my afternoon snack and realized I should probably share its wonderfulness with you. One of my favorite snacks is Stoneyfield Farms Strawberry Yogurt mixed with fresh fruit. Today I have mixed fresh blueberries with the wonderful organic strawberry yogurt splendidness. Yum Yum!
Stoneyfield Farms is wonderful in many ways and has so many wonderful, tasty, organic products...including ice cream! eeee! Below is Stoneyfields Farms "Yogurt on a mission" statement from their website:
Yogurt on a mission
We’re no greenhorns when it comes to green business. We were on a mission to make the planet healthier even before we were making yogurt. Today, we make it our mission to work towards all sorts of healthy.
Our mission:
We’re committed to healthy food, healthy people, a healthy planet, and healthy business.
Healthy food. We will craft and offer the most delicious and nourishing organic yogurts and dairy products.
Healthy people. We will enhance the health and wellbeing of our consumers and colleagues.
Healthy planet. We will help protect and restore the planet, and promote the viability of family farms.
Healthy business. We will prove that healthy profits and a healthy planet are not in conflict, and that in fact dedication to health and sustainability enhances shareholder value. We believe that business must lead the way to a more sustainable future.
Their range of products include various yogurts, probiotics, smoothies, ice cream (yay!), milk, yo baby, yo toddler, yo kids, oikos (organic greek yogurt), and o'soy.
They also have coupons and offers including a Racheal Ray giveaway!
You should definitely check out their website for recipies, tips on organic living, and information on what you can do for a healthier you and planet!
If you live in the OKC metro area and want to find Stoneyfield Farm products, I have always had luck at most Homelands and Akins Natural Foods. I've found some yogurts at some local Wal-Marts but it's hit or miss. I haven't been able to find the ice cream at Homeland yet, but AKINSseems to always have it in stock! You can also search the Stoneyfield site for locations that carry their products.
Happy organic shopping!
Keep on Keepin on.
Yogurt on a mission
We’re no greenhorns when it comes to green business. We were on a mission to make the planet healthier even before we were making yogurt. Today, we make it our mission to work towards all sorts of healthy.
Our mission:
We’re committed to healthy food, healthy people, a healthy planet, and healthy business.
Healthy food. We will craft and offer the most delicious and nourishing organic yogurts and dairy products.
Healthy people. We will enhance the health and wellbeing of our consumers and colleagues.
Healthy planet. We will help protect and restore the planet, and promote the viability of family farms.
Healthy business. We will prove that healthy profits and a healthy planet are not in conflict, and that in fact dedication to health and sustainability enhances shareholder value. We believe that business must lead the way to a more sustainable future.
Their range of products include various yogurts, probiotics, smoothies, ice cream (yay!), milk, yo baby, yo toddler, yo kids, oikos (organic greek yogurt), and o'soy.
They also have coupons and offers including a Racheal Ray giveaway!
You should definitely check out their website for recipies, tips on organic living, and information on what you can do for a healthier you and planet!
If you live in the OKC metro area and want to find Stoneyfield Farm products, I have always had luck at most Homelands and Akins Natural Foods. I've found some yogurts at some local Wal-Marts but it's hit or miss. I haven't been able to find the ice cream at Homeland yet, but AKINSseems to always have it in stock! You can also search the Stoneyfield site for locations that carry their products.
Happy organic shopping!
Keep on Keepin on.
Blog Crush
I absolutely heart with a passion Apartment 34 blog. She always seems to be thinking, loving, and crushing everything in my brain and heart...she's just so much better (and consistant) at conveying all her wonderfulness.
This post and photo are exactly what I am doing in my head and wanting to do at this moment. Sitting in front of a window and contemplating always seems to lead to a little more clarity. Plus, I love comfy, baggy, chic clothing and hair placed in a bun. Just sayin.
Keep on Keepin on.
This post and photo are exactly what I am doing in my head and wanting to do at this moment. Sitting in front of a window and contemplating always seems to lead to a little more clarity. Plus, I love comfy, baggy, chic clothing and hair placed in a bun. Just sayin.
Keep on Keepin on.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Dresser...check. Life...to be continued.
Two Sunday's ago was completion day for the dresser and nightstands in our guest bedroom. If you remember from this post of the first nightstand test project, the furniture is/was a nasty dark cherry brown. Now at least the dresser and nightstand are a new white with new hardware. The sleigh bed and armoire are next for transformations. Since the room is all miss-matched, all you get to see it the dresser for now. lol.
Dresser all done. Yay! You can see the footboard of the untouched bed in the bottom right...ew.
I will have to say, that making over furniture is not the easiest project for a beginner...especially me. I give uber props to those that have mastered furniture makeovers. High five, yal'll! I'm not a naturally crafty person. My creativity is normally restricted to a pen and paper, but even that seems to be seriously lacking lately.
I am in need of extensive motivation, inspiration, and change. You may experience overwhelming randomness on this blog due to the beforementioned necessities. I apologize now or you can thank me later. We shall see.
Keep on Keepin on.
Dresser all done. Yay! You can see the footboard of the untouched bed in the bottom right...ew.
I am in need of extensive motivation, inspiration, and change. You may experience overwhelming randomness on this blog due to the beforementioned necessities. I apologize now or you can thank me later. We shall see.
Keep on Keepin on.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Pergola! Yay!
This past month has been super uber busy and crazy. My last post told you of our new roof and I have yet to get a final shot to reveal it...because there were some additional changes that Sparky had to get done. In the past month we have completed the following: two pergolas, a deck, changed all hardware on exterior doors as well as add a deadbolt, painted the driveway black (yes, black!), painted the front door black (sorry awesome red door), and started and almost finished the dresser and nightstands for the spare bedroom. We also ordered a new french door to replace the energy sucking nasty old sliding glass door that leads out to the new deck.
In addition to all these great honey-do's, we worked (a lot) at our day jobs, celebrated my 28th birthday, I went to my 10 year high school reunion, and we took a five day vacation to North Carolina for my cousin's wedding.
whew. I'm tired.
I caught myself saying to Sparky this morning (while getting ready for work), "I can't wait until tomorrow morning so that I don't have to wake up to an alarm. I'll probably only sleep in until 7:30 am, but I can't wait to sleep in."
We still have to get the french doors installed and I need to finish the dressers and nightstands so that I can start on the headboard and footboard of the guest bed. (I'm so excited about this project!!! It's looking so good so far!) We also plan to head to TLC (a local nursery...for plants!) to start looking for vines, flowers, and bushes to plant on the new pergolas and the back yard to prepare for next year....(that's a hint for something exciting happening next year).
PLUS, Sparky has to study for his engineering exam. His second test comes up in late October, so we have to start limiting our honey-do's for some very necessary super uber studying like last year's test in October. The test coming up will be the last, so we have to be diligent!
For now, here are some pics of our first pergola when it was in process and the beginning of the deck. I'll try to get some final pics over the weekend!
The first post to set up for "squaring the posts". "Squaring the posts" may have been the most difficult process of anything ever! If you ever decide to build your own pergola, do a lot of research and asking around about squaring of the posts if you have never done it before yourself. We did ask around and did research, and it was still a time consuming ordeal. ...or maybe we just suck. Of course, Ruby had to sniff out the situation as well.
In addition to all these great honey-do's, we worked (a lot) at our day jobs, celebrated my 28th birthday, I went to my 10 year high school reunion, and we took a five day vacation to North Carolina for my cousin's wedding.
whew. I'm tired.
I caught myself saying to Sparky this morning (while getting ready for work), "I can't wait until tomorrow morning so that I don't have to wake up to an alarm. I'll probably only sleep in until 7:30 am, but I can't wait to sleep in."
We still have to get the french doors installed and I need to finish the dressers and nightstands so that I can start on the headboard and footboard of the guest bed. (I'm so excited about this project!!! It's looking so good so far!) We also plan to head to TLC (a local nursery...for plants!) to start looking for vines, flowers, and bushes to plant on the new pergolas and the back yard to prepare for next year....(that's a hint for something exciting happening next year).
PLUS, Sparky has to study for his engineering exam. His second test comes up in late October, so we have to start limiting our honey-do's for some very necessary super uber studying like last year's test in October. The test coming up will be the last, so we have to be diligent!
For now, here are some pics of our first pergola when it was in process and the beginning of the deck. I'll try to get some final pics over the weekend!
The first post to set up for "squaring the posts". "Squaring the posts" may have been the most difficult process of anything ever! If you ever decide to build your own pergola, do a lot of research and asking around about squaring of the posts if you have never done it before yourself. We did ask around and did research, and it was still a time consuming ordeal. ...or maybe we just suck. Of course, Ruby had to sniff out the situation as well.
We had this old nasty concrete pink-ish colored patio that was a nasty eye-sore. We built the deck over the patio but the pergola had to go in first. We had to screw in and concrete two of the posts into the concrete patio. Chewy too is keeping good watch on the progess.
After the four posts were squared perfectly enough for us, Sparky added the main beams to support the smaller cross beams. He was also able to get a friend over to help for a few hours with some of the heavier lifting that I just was not willing to do built for. But little Harley thought she could show me up in the strength category. Pompous chihuahua.
Then there was the addition of the smaller cross beams. Sparky had a specific idea in mind of the shape he wanted for the ends of the beams, so he measured and cut all the ends himself. He was trying for a more simple modern look.
I thought this was a cute little shot. It started pouring down rain in the middle of trying to screw in the smaller cross beams. Both Sparky and his friend were sitting at the top with their legs hanging down getting drenched. Poor guys. (You can't see the rain very well at all.)
Afterward, we started framing the deck.
And Ruby loved it.
I'll get some shots over the weekend of the final products to share with you!
Keep on Keepin on.
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