Keeping it Bella

Ruffles and Rust

2010-10-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. Time marches on right? Well time marched right over the top of my head. One minute it's summer the next we're buying Halloween candy and planning Thanksgiving.

My new and exciting news is that we will have a booth at Timi's Ruffles and Rust show in Monroe this weekend.

Whew, I've big working my hinny off getting ready for that. We're very excited! I know it will be a blast and a real adventure. When Timi does a show she does an amazing show!

If you are there please come by the Bella Country booth and say Hello!

I also am making some changes around here. Come back in a few days and we should be ready with some new things.

I'm off now. I'd love to say I'm off to enjoy the most fabulous fall weather. Truth is, I'm off to get ready for work and a very busy week.

Have a great one

Finally

2010-07-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have ~~coveted~~ admired my neighbors Trumpet Vine for years now.

10 plus years ago I broke down and bought one.

I lovingly brought it home and planted it in the perfect spot in the corner of my yard.

And waited.....

And waited....

For years I have waited for a bud, or blossom, or bloom

any color at all. Besides green

Nothing... Nada...

A few years ago ~~in a~~ ~~fit throwing moment~~ I tore it out.

It came back.

I figured if it loved me enough to come back, then I'll keep it.

At least its green. Right?

We were gone on a mini vacay last week.

I almost died when we pulled into our driveway and what did we see....

The most beautiful shade of orange standing out

Just one cluster of heavenly orange.

Gorgeous

Summer Fun

2010-07-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

I love summer!

We've been busy running around, enjoying very last second we can.

Unfortunately in the blink of an eye it will be fall.

Here are a few pictures of what our summer fun has been

Entertaining

Hiking

I was even convinced to go fishing.

Just a peek of what we have been doing.

We have 6 to 8 weeks of summer left

I plan to enjoy every last day.

I hope your summer is a fabulous as ours

My Baby Daddy

2010-06-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

That's what I call him, because he is my babies daddy.

I refer to him as and introduce him as

My Baby Daddy.

Some people think its rude.

I think its HILARIOUS

He just rolls his eyes and keeps on moving.

I met My Baby Daddy in 1987.

Of course that was long before he became My Baby Daddy.

We were mere babies. I was 13, he was 16.

We instantly hit it off.

We soon became pretty serious, too serious for our age. We ran pretty wild and within a few years

surprise.... I became pregnant.

I was 16 and still in high school, he was 19 , had already graduated and was working full time.

I've always felt that at this point it was his chance to run. I know for a fact most boys would have.

He didn't. Never even budged.

So at the very young age we started our "grown up" lives together.

When everyone said we couldn't do it, he was the one standing at my side whispering in my ear "WE CAN".

And we did.

My Baby Daddy rented us a little tiny house and we had our baby girl.

He worked to support us while I finished high school.

As soon as I turned 18 we got married.

Now here we are a lot of years later and were still kicking it.

Every Father's Day I think two things...

How much my heart aches for the loss of my own father

and

How grateful for I am for My Baby Daddy sticking around all those years ago.

He is an amazing husband and Father. We are so blessed by him.

PS ... This is a test..

My Baby Daddy says he reads my blog. I think he lies.

We'll see...

If you do read this...

Happy Father's Day.

You are amazing and I love you more each day.

Weekend Plans

2010-06-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about what I will do this weekend.

The girl has plans.... The boys are going fishing....

What's a Mama to do with a whole Saturday at home by herself?

I believe I will park my behind in one of these chairs in my backyard

Right next to my great big ole' rhubarb plant.

I will be reading the newest copy of

Flea Market Style.

I've been carrying it around in my bag for two weeks and Saturday will be the

perfect time to read it from cover to cover.

I hope for sunshine and no rain!!!!

Summer love

2010-06-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

I've held onto my Grandmother's sink from her home where she live for over 60 years. It had to be torn down years ago, the sink is one of the things I kept. I took it out of storage last year determined one way or another I was going to put it to use.

Use # 1.... drink station for our girls graduation party

We served Iced Tea and Lemonade in vintage jugs. I filled the sink with water bottles on ice.

Pulled out a drawer, lined it with a red napkin and stacked cups in it.

I just found the vintage red cooler from Elaine at The Farms Chicks Show.

It worked out perfect. Just the look I was hoping for.

Just a quick look at our party and first BBQ of the summer.

More fun to come....

Changes

2010-06-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of changes going on around here.

I've been having a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach....

I'm pretty sure its stems from the fact that my girl graduates from high school in 5 days

Geez.... it was one thing when she turned 18

but now she is starting her future....

It's a scary thing for a mama.

It takes a village

2010-05-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Let"s talk parenting...

It's flipping hard sometimes!

So as a Mom of teenagers I feel like we all need to stick together.

Therefore when I find something good I feel the need to share it.

So when my boy won't stop pestering me I figured out a fool proof way to ~~shut him up~~ get him to stop.

Here's a average ~~argument~~ conversation we have...

I may paraphrase..

Son: Mom Can we have pizza for dinner?

Me: No

Son: Why

Me: Because we have a kitchen full of food, were not eating out

Son: Blah blah whine whine

(you get the point)

Me: NO

Son: Whine, beg, blah blah, blah

Me: NO

Son: why do you get to make all the decisions

Me: Because it's MY birth canal you came through!

Son: walks away totally disgusted!

End of conversation!

Works every time!!!

Just keeping it real

I never claimed to be Mother of the Year....

but I'm telling you it works.

Try it.

It's awesome

I need one of these!

2010-05-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

While on a walk through our small town Saturday morning I saw this...

A purple hearse pulling the back end of a Cadillac!

I'm sorry...

I may be the most tacky person around, but I wanted to take this baby for a spin.

Can you imagine going junking in this?

I bet I could fit a lot of ~~dead bodies~~ treasures and yard sale finds in the back of this wagon!!

Are you going?

2010-05-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Will you be there?????

The Farm Chicks antique show is coming up in a couple weeks.

Oh... I cant wait.

Every time I think about it I get a little flutter in my tummy!

My Mom

2010-05-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Meet my Mom

She is awesome

She taught me so much, although she never sat me down and taught that way.

She led by example. Lets be honest, some examples I learn what not to do.

No one is a perfect parent.

She was married for 32 years, then became a widow.

My father and her raised 5 kids, while both working full time.

We struggled growing up.

My Dad had many health aliments, she taught me to stick it out.

Even when things are not rosy.

That is the most valuable thing she passed to me.

We had a few rough years,

her and I did.

We were intentially not nice to each other.

It was not good.

Not good at all.

Thanks be to Jesus.... We've moved past that.

She is an amazing Mom and great Grandma to my kids.

Better yet she now is my friend!

I LOVE that.

She is who she is... take her or leave her.

I love that she has embraced her beautiful gray hair.

I love that she lives with her BOYFRIEND!

(like she's 19)

It's kinda funny...sometimes she drops the F-bomb.

Meet my ~~67 year old~~ mom, who raised 5 ~~normal~~ kids, lives with her boyfriend

and her new fav word is the F-BOMB.

Gotta love her!

Beach time

2010-05-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we packed up and headed for the beach.

Husband, Wife, daughter, son and to 2 spoiled wiener dogs loaded ourselves up for the 3 hour drive.

Husband took care of the reservations this time, to be honest I was a bit worried. Bless his heart he could stay in a PIT and he would be happy. He did very well though, we had a cute little cabin to ourselves. Two bedroom, full kitchen, all the basics from home.

The best part was we could walk down a tree lined path

Right to the beach....

I love this picture below of my family with the boat in the background

We had a great 4 days. The weather was beautiful except one day. Which considering we were at a Washington beach, that's pretty darn good.

Reason 98,456 you should not asked a 13 year old boy to pose for a picture...

this is what you may get...

This is the same boy that is obsessed with Earl. The boy has never seen the show My Name is Earl.

He just wants his name to be Earl!

Oh dear me... what a dork I gave birth to.

I'll leave you with a few pieces of eye candy.

I love love love the beach!!

Saturday Morning

2010-04-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

I love Saturday mornings when were not rushing around.

Happy days

The Poineer Woman

2010-04-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

Just tell me... Who doesn't love Ree ~ The Pioneer Woman?

I've finally got my hands on her cookbook

The Pioneer Woman Cooks

It's a great cookbook, lots of pictures and easy directions.

The family went on an outing last week. The boys went to look at boy stuff ~ guns, ammo, stupid stuff like that. Anyway the girl and I talked them into dropping us off at the mall while they went to do their thing. We ended up at the book store, where I scored the cookbook and the girl snagged another vampire book. (thank you Twilight)

I snapped this picture of her and I engrossed in our books.

(I love those chubby sausage fingers)

I bought all the ingredients to make her Red Velvet Cupcakes.

I'll let you know how they turn out.

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

I've been thinking back to my childhood memories of Easter.

We always received new dresses and shoes. The "Easter Bunny" every year left us a basket of candy. My entire childhood our Grandmother lived right next door to us. I can remember every Easter morning there was always a big basket hanging in her tree for us, filled with candy.

Then men's Lion's Club in our town puts on a Easter egg hunt at our park each year. They have done this since I was hunting eggs. My siblings and I went and then we took our kids, now all our kids are too big. We spent many Easter afternoons in our new outfits running down the marked eggs.

Marked eggs = more candy

I guess next time I'll be at the park for the Easter egg hunt will be when we have grand kids.

(considering my kids would rather NOT hunt eggs in public)

I was able to talk them into coloring eggs with me though

Not sure who Hank is....

While I was thinking back about my Easter past, I got to thinking about the meaning of it.

I didn't grow up in church. I had heard that Jesus died on the cross for us, but I figured it was just something those churchy people believed. For me it was just about eggs, candy, new dresses and a family meal together.

Well praise God I know now! I am one of those churchy people and I know that Jesus died on the cross for you and I. Everyday I am blessed with God's grace and love.

I am so blessed by Him.

So as we gather with family and friends, hunt eggs and eat incredible food, let us be grateful and remember what it's all about.

I wish you all a Happy Easter

Saturday

2010-03-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

The weather in the PNW has been beautiful!!

We decided to spend the day outside.

We ended up hiking, it was so fun.

Thought I would share some pictures, remember I trying to discover my camera skills.

(that's hoping I have some)

My girl and her Daddy

Both the kids

We walked along a path that runs with a creek. This is what I found when I came to the bridge.

My husband will never grow up!

It is a gorgeous way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Can you see what that is?

It's a tree growing out if the rocks.

I was fascinated with the thought that a tree could grow out of a rock wall.

I've seen it before, it just really stuck with me this time.

This next picture is a mystery to me. I took a picture of my girl,

she moved one way and I moved the other

This is what we ended up with.

I love this picture.

Happy Monday!

Easter is this weekend.

I've got some serious planning to do.

The Collection

2010-03-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

We attended Come Junk with Us show The Collection ~ A Vintage Inspired Flea Market.

It was fabulous. Timi had some great vendors.

We headed over early, arriving about 7:45 a.m. There was quite a line already.

Timi gave away beautiful bags and charm bracelets to the first 30 people through the door.

We were 24 & 25 I believe, we barley made it!

The vendors had wonderful displays. I will share some pictures, Please forgive my camera skills.

They suck, but I'm working on it.

Timi also had a booth selling great treasures.

She also was advertising and selling tickets to her Farm Chicks Junk Junket.

If you have never been to a Farm Chicks Antique Show, you really need to go. If you have been to a show, well then I know you will be going again this year.

Timi is taking a Junk Bus to the show.

This is the show to go to, and this is the way to get there.

I have taken a Junk Bus with Timi....

And I will be sure to go again!
Please do not overlook this opportunity ~ This is the way to travel!

Back to the Collection...
I bought the best apron. Timi wore the same design to the Farm Chicks Show last year.
I coveted it.
So when I saw the same apron (different material), I knew it had to be mine.
I will post pictures of it soon.

Come Junk with Us

2010-02-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

The brillant Timi from A Girl Named Timi has a upcoming show this weekend.

Come Junk with Us

presents

This is a show I am really excited for. Husband and I are making a road trip to check it out.

I was on the first Come Junk With Us junking bus, and to say it was fabulous would be a gross understatement.

Timi had the entire day so well planned out, she had great food, gifts / prizes for everyone.

Anything that she does she does it to the fullest. That's why I am willing to ~~drag my husband~~ drive 2.5 hours to see this show. I know I won't be sorry!

She has the best vendors

Luluz

The Queen of Tarte

Auntie Joy

Junkies- Sisterhood of Traveling Junk

Ma Graphics

Kathrine’s Folie

Mary Larsen (of Annies on First)

Town Hall Antiques

Madden’s Mélange: Jewelry for a Cause

These are just some of the vendors.

She will be giving gift bags out the first 30 people through the door.

I wonder if I can get Husband out the door early enough to get there in time to get a bag. I really want one of those babies. That would mean we would have to be pulling out of our driveway between 5 and 5:30 a.m. Hmmm, I bet I can swing it!

Timi is having door prizes through out the day also.

So try to get there early. Look for me in line, I will be the one all jacked up on Starbucks after that drive!

Oh I can't wait.

Look.... she even has a sweet deal for the

entry fee.

Lunch will be served. The amazing Katherine from Kathrine’s Folie will be there.

She served us lunch on the Come Junk With Us bus to the Barn House show.

She makes a wonderful meal. Could very well be one of the best meals evahhhh!

Timi gets the best!

Wishing I could go Friday, but the crazy little thing called my job won't let it happen. So instead I, with Husband in hand will be there bright and early Saturday morning.

See you there!

I hope you all have had a great weekend.

We are so blessed here in the PNW, we have had sunshine all weekend!

Happy Daytona Day!

2010-02-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

Were not really the kind to do to much for Valentines Day.

I knew I was screwed when our wake up conversation went like this.

Me... Hey Happy Valentines Day!

Husband... Valentines Day? Happy Daytona Day!

Sunday was the Daytona 500.

That's a Nascar Race for those of you who are not married to a Redneck.

We did watch the race together, which was fun.

We will be celebrating V-day and Husbands birthday this weekend. We have a kid free day planned on Saturday. I'm looking forward to that!!

What ever will we do?

Tomorrow is husband's birthday. He'll be 39.

Bah ha ha

hehehehe

I must go now, I've got some planning and pranking to do!

Happy Tuesday!

Annie

2010-02-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last night the Mr and I got dressed up and went to the Capital Theater to watch Annie.

It was so good. The cast was amazing!

We had planned to see this play for a while.

Had talked about it several times...

Just saying...

About 15 minutes after the show started the Mr leans over and whispers

Mr ... Hey

Me...Whaaaaaaat

Mr... This ain't about cowboys and guns huh?

Me...SSSSHH I wanna watch

Two minutes later.

Me... You thought this show was Annie get your Gun huh?

Mr... Yup

Me... Bah ha ha ha he he he

It was a long night for Mr Rough and Tough

The Blind Side

2010-02-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

I realize that I may be the last person on the face of the earth to see this movie..

If you have not seen it

Please please do. You will not be sorry.

What an amazing true story.

What a great family and young man.

It made me take a look inside myself.

Micheal Oher is such an inspiration.

The real life mom in the movie Leanne Tuohy, oh if I could only be as classy as her.

And Sandra Bullock....

Fabulous!!!!

Quite possibly the best movie ever

and a little eye candy from Tim McGraw never hurt either!

MIA

2010-02-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

Oh Blogger friends please forgive me as I have been MIA. I have taken some time to do some soul searching. Made some commitments/changes and have started a whole new year!

I have been trying to get myself in order...ha. Its taken a lot of time!

The biggest thing I have been doing is...

working out!

UGH!

GAG!

It's not been a blast.

It took me a good two weeks to even be able to talk about it. Needless to say I'm not the working out kinda girl. I'm more like the girl that watches Biggest Loser while eating ice cream sitting on my Big Ol' Butt!

So I have changed my eating habits and been working out 6 days a week

Every stupid gaggy day!

I have seen some great changes already and I know it will pay off, but it is still an everyday battle that I face.

Oh how I would love to stay in bed and eat junk food and sugar all day.

I have cut off the sugar supply.

I literally ate a ton of sugary foods everyday. It's always been a major food group for me.

So much in fact I was physically sick the first week.

I felt just awful. My body was in withdrawal.

No joke sugar withdraws. That's how bad I was.

It was not pretty.

Enough about that

I'm back to the blog world and have great new ideas.

I'm so ready for spring ...

Yard Sales and Junking Trips!

Ok Funny note... while I had this post saved I went back and looked in my journal.

Here is a snippet of an entry the first week of working out.

Oh my Gravy

What in Holy Frijoles was I thinking?

This no sugar and working out thing is for the birds.

I swear my body is having withdrawals. No joke ~ It sucks and I feel awful!

Made myself chuckle

2010-01-01T00:04:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!

Bringing on 2010

2009-12-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over its time to think about the new year.

I'm not one for resolutions, but this year I am committing to making some changes.

I feel like this could be the year for me. I hope that doesn't seem selfish. I have spent years caring for others. I would not change a thing, I love being a mom and wife. Unfortunately I have fallen into the trap of putting myself on the back burner. So this is the year that I'm heading back up front!

On the big burner no less!

This is the year I'm going to take care of me. Please don't call CPS, I'm not going to forget my children or husband.

I am committing to do more things for me.

I want to find my personal passion again.

Its there, I've just put it on the back burner for too long.

I'm also making choices to live more healthy. I'm packing around a few more pounds that I should. So I am going to make better choices with what I eat. I'm also going to get some exercise every now and again. Lord help me!

So here's to a great 2009 and an even better 2010.

I hope all of our dreams come true!!!

Twas the week of Christmas

2009-12-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

And this Mama is ready!

The halls are decked

The stockings are hung

The tree is decorated

The cookies are baked

The house is clean

The presents are wrapped

The husband is spoiled

The children are very spoiled

Let the merriment begin!

I'm so ready! I do have to finish out the next couple of work days, after that I will be snuggled in with the family for a wonderful holiday.

The most wonderful holiday of them all.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Quick easy and fun

2009-12-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

We had a small get together/ Christmas party with friends.

I knew I wouldn't have time to make food and dessert.

Instead of making a full dessert, I made a candy tray.

Easy, easy, easy.

I just bought a bunch of candy, and arranged it all on a Christmas tray.

It was a big hit!

Cute, easy and fun!
It was like our own little candy buffet.

Our Christmas Tree

2009-12-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

I always thought when I grew up I would have a themed Christmas tree. Or al least one where everything matched. In our family it was 4 girls and a boy. With 5 kids my parents had a tree of handmade ornaments. I always thought it was kinda ugly with all the "crap" on the tree. Little did I know that all those "ugly, crappy" ornaments were treasures to our parents.

Now that I have a tree of my own, it is decorated with fabulous, beautiful treasure from our own family.

This is my sweet boy in Kindergarten. His class made wreaths using puzzel pieces and the teacher put each students picture in them.

This is my baby girl in first grade.

They have each made glittery Popsicle stick stars.

My husband was lucky enough to have a Grandmother who did special fun things with him. Like make Christmas ornaments.

And I am so grateful that she kept them all and gave them to me when we wed.

Every year the kids get to pick out an ornament to add to our collection.

My son, who loves to hunt and has a great sense of humor picks out things like this...

Our girl is more drawn to pretty more Christmasy themes

And every year I buy my Mr a cardinal bird ornaments. He had a great anut that fed cardinals in her yard. He has great memeoires of sitting with her in her living room window watching the beautiful red birds.

Here is our First Christmas Together ornament. I wonder if newlyweds still buy those?

I have nothing fancy or worth any value of money, but I would not ask for any things else on my tree. Each night as I sit I can't help but stare at it. It just fills my heart with all the treasures we have gathered.

Thanks for walking through our tree of memories with me. I didn't get a picture of the whole tree.

Why? I have no idea.... It was early is all I can say.

This weekend will be filled with putting up more Christmas decorations and finishing our shopping.

Have a great one.

May I Suggest...

2009-12-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

I suggest that you hit your nearest Starbucks and try this...

It is the new instant coffee.

Trust me this is no regular instant. Very delicious, and handy.

I keep a couple in my bag, so when I get the ~~feeling I may hurt someone~~ urge, I can have a great coffee without dropping 5 bucks.

LOVE IT!

They have 3 choices ~ Columbia, Columbia Decaf & Italian Roast.

I prefer the Columbia. The Italian is a bit strong for me.

Both are very, very good. I couldn't tell that they were instant!

If your on my Christmas list, this is what your getting!

Happy Tuesday!

23 days till Christmas, and still shopping!

Season's Greetings!

2009-11-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving.

I hope you all had an equally wonderful holiday.

Now lets gear up for Christmas!

Let the JOY begin!

Christmas Cheer coming soon!

Welcome Home Mr. Wonderful

2009-11-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Husband,

I am truly thankful that you have hobbies that you love. I know how important it is for you to do things outside of our home. A little time away is always good for the soul.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder... right, right...

Ok well, you've been gone for a week now, doing what you love.

It's a good thing you are coming back tonight, because I very well may have made the 6 hr drive to your oh so special deer hunting camp. I would have embarrassed us both when I walked into that ~~nasty~~ favorite little camp of your and dragged you out by the ear.

A week away is more than enough. I guess I kinda like having you around.

Maybe that's what happens after ~~124~~ 22 years of togetherness.

So welcome home dear husband, welcome home.

P.S. Please don't leave me alone with teenagers again.

A crisp fall evening

2009-11-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was looking for something ~~cheap~~ fun to do on a Friday night. I love to do out of the ordinary things with my kids without spending a ton of money!

So this is what I came up with....

Weenie roast in the driveway!

First get all you favorite junk food.

Next find a strapping young man to build you a fire

I do not suggest building a fire if it is illegal in your small town.

Not that we did it ~ I'm just saying...

Scrounge up some up some hungry rug rats

And roast away.

We ate hot dogs and chips for dinner and smores for dessert.

Not the most nutritional meal, but we had a great dinner!

I realize that in a few short years my babies will be out on their own.

I want to take every opportunity I can now to hang with them.

Simple fun stuff like this is what makes my world go round!

Thank You Veterans!

2009-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

To all the Veterans who have fought for us

To all the military currently fighting

Thank You!

From the bottom of my heart.

You are all my hero!

Gooseberry Patch

2009-11-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

Do you have a favorite Gooseberry Patch cookbook?

Well mine is...

I can't walk away from their Christams cookbooks.

Plus they have beautiful & fun illistrations.

Also they have stories and decorating ideas, so really your getting much more that a great cookbook!

The Gooseberry Patch site has some wonderful Christmas gift ideas. I have ordered from them in the past, and have never been sorry!

Plus they have a new blog, you should take a peek.

It's fantastic!

Shall we?

2009-11-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Lets go to church ~ Shall we...

While on a trip to Northern Wa. we found this sweet old church

We were told it was built in 1885

Do you need to go potty?

I'm thinking this is were the pastor and his family lived

Take a peek through the window

I wonder how many children were schooled there?

I wonder how many souls were saved right there in those beautiful oak pews?

An Adventure

2009-11-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Every year Red takes the kids and I on a couple of deer hunting weekends. Him and the kids hunt, I go for moral support and ~~to be the camp cook~~ to supply nourishment. We usually head up to the mountains west of Goldendale, Wa. This has become a family tradition through the years.

The thing is the ranchers use these mountains to house their cattle during the summer months. So when hunting seasons comes near the cowboys heard the cattle back down to the ranches. We set up camp the day before opening season. There is always a time when we come across this and get the experience of looking a cow square in the eye.

We came around the first corner to see this...

Go on, we are patient we'll wait...

Then we see a bit more...

The next thing we know is....

Um, Yeah.... at this point I am starting to get ~~into a full blown anxiety attack!~~ a wee bit nervous. I never knew how loud cows are. They certainly were not ramming us, but we could feel the truck rocking from them walking into us. We drove at a cows pace, pun intended, for what seemed like forever. And they were not very happy to have us in the middle of their path!

I just know this one was daring us to make him move.

Finally we were on our way...

The one thing I learned from this little adventure...

My name is not Ree and I am no Pioneer Woman!!!

Welcome November!!!

2009-11-01T14:25:00.001-08:00

Autumn is a second spring

When every leaf is a flower

Albert Camus

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a safe and Happy Halloween!

I hope all your little ones stay warm and safe trick or treating!

UGH!!!!

2009-10-28T18:00:00.001-07:00

I've been fighting this gross cold/flu that's been going around. Its been three weeks now. I finally got into the Dr.today. Thank God its not the swine flu! I've been worried about that. Dr got me started on antibiotics today so should be on the mend soon. I've only worked a few hours this week. I don't remember feeling this bad for this long. Hopefully I will be up and around before too long. I hope and pray that you all are healthy and feeling great. I will be back ASAP!

Oh I wish I was an Oscar Meyer....

2009-10-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Wiener!!!!!!!

On my way into work this morning, what did I see?

The Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile!!!

I swear! No lie!

At first I drove by, but then I thought this was to good to pass up so I turned around.

Some may think I'm nuts.... but I was so excited. I can't help myself. What a fun ride!

Red and I decided that would be an awesome retirement. Just travel around in the Wiener Mobile.

Maybe this should be our Christmas card this year!

Give away!!

2009-10-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Mimi Charmante is having a fabulous give-away.

She is giving away a beautiful wrap.

Head over for a visit and enter.

While your there take a peek around here blog.

It's wonderful.

Its Over

2009-10-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Nicholas Sparks,

I regret to inform you that we have to break up.

Although I think your brilliant, I can no longer have you in my life.

So Nick, this is it.

My heart can no longer take it.

We have bonded over many, many a movie and book.

Catch me again when you write something I can find in the comedy section.

Thankful Thursday

2009-10-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Everyday I am Thankful for Red, but this week I am esecially Thankful for him because

he......

Keeps wood on the fire for me, so our home is toasty warm!

(I tend to forget, then wonder why I'm freezing!)

and

He brings me surprises like this...

A French Pumpkin.... Love it!

It's rough & bumpy...

and he also brought a little friend for my Pumpkin.

A Gorgeous, ever so popular White Pumpkin!

They are both gracing my front steps.

Thanks Red!

You ROCK!

highs and lows

2009-10-14T05:59:00.001-07:00

Highs and lows; ups and downs; peaks and valleys. Whatever you call them... They suck. I have been stuck in a valley, a low place, I've been on the down side. I'm working on climbing my way out of this. Its been a while since I blogged and I am sorry for that. Not much to share here. I haven't even gotton my fall decorations out yet; which is very rare for me.
So here is what I'm working on...
1. Turning everything over to God.
2. Holding my head high.
3. Remembering what's done is done. I can't go back, but I can do better in the future.
4. Remembering my many, many blessings.
5 Finding my Mojo.
6. Getting my home cozy and fall like. I will dig out my fall decorations this weekend.

So here I go. I promise that I will post regularly, and will post about more fun, positive stuff.
It's Wednesday. Happy hump day!

My Adventures on the Junk Junket Bus

2009-09-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

A couple off weeks ago I went on the Junk Junket Bus.

Timi is the Queen of the Junk Junket. I cannot express to you what a great time we had. Timi did a fabulous job with this trip!

Timi is so great that she opened her home to me. Since I live 2.5 hrs away, Timi and her hubs invited me to stay the weekend with them.

I arrived at her gorgeous house about 2ish on Friday. I would love to say I took pictures to share, but no... I suck like that. Believe me it is lovely. We worked on some last minute things for a while. Then Timi took me on a tour of Snohomish. I have never been there before, I could have stayed all night!

Then we ventured into Mt. Vernon to have dinner with Timi's school friends. Oh my!! These gals were a hoot!

After having a great meal with great company we hit the sack.

4:30 am came awfully early Saturday morning.

We hit he ground running, after an early morning Starbucks run.

Our first stop was.... Barn House!!!

I have to tell you, I was awe struck. I'm sure I walked around looking like a total loser. You know with all the drooling and all. It was beautiful!

This is what greets you when you arrive

The entrance of the barn is so welcoming...

Then we stepped inside

The Barn Boys catered us a lunch. It was a wonderful lunch and in a perfect setting.

We were served the most delicious deserts and even Sangria.

After that lunch I really wanted to just stay here...

But the bus was leaving... with or without me!

We made a couple more stops in great places, but that will have to wait for next time.

I had the best time on this trip. Timi really went above and beyond. She has awesome prizes, everyone won at least one thing. She is so entertaining and outgoing you can't help but love her.

I also met some wonderful ladies that day. All in all it was a priceless day of junking.

Great Junking ~ Great Company ~ Great food ~ Great prizes

I ask you does it get any better?

Nope!

Oh by the way Timi is planning another trip in October.

You don't want to miss it!

Need a good read?

2009-09-20T15:25:00.001-07:00

I just finnished the book Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand.

It was a really good read! Well worth the $7.95 I paid for it!

September 11

2009-09-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have had 35 Septemebr 11th in my life. There are three that are so etched in my brain and into my heart that I will never forget them

First... September 11, 1987
The day I met Red. We were at our small town's community days. We were both with the same large group of kids. I can't remember who asked who... but I'm sure it went something like this.
Hey...wanna go on the zipper.
Uh...sure.

That was it. We've been together ever since.

Second...September 11, 2001
I remember as a kid, my parents saying they will never forget where they were when they learned of certain things... Elvis dying, JFK assassination, etc.
I will never forget 9/11, I was in my living room, I turned on the morning news. Red and I sat together in disbelieve. We watched the second plane fly into the tower. I remember thinking as I am watching this people are dying, family members are being lost.
I will never forget.

Third.... September 11, 2007
The worst day of my life.
I have thought about writing about this for a long time. I still can't talk about it with out crying. There are things that happened on this day I will never write about. There were choices I had to make, things I had to say and do. I will never write about. But for the most part here goes...

I was at work, taking a break, chatting with co workers. My cell phone rang. It was Red. The moment I answered it my life changed forever. He was trying to tell me he had been ran over. The tractor ran him over. He knew he was hurt bad, and he needed my help.

I called 911 and tried to get to him. A co worker drove me, I had Red on my cell phone & I spoke with the 911 operator on my co workers. He knew where he was and I tried to explain it over & over to 911. They couldn't find him. For a very long time. I remember him telling me he could hear the sirens, but no one could see him from the road.

When I finally got to him, I saw for myself how bad it was. Like nothing I can ever explain.

Days later when Red was alert and could talk, I asked him why he called me and not 911. His hands were shaking so much he could not dial. I had programmed myself as a 1 touch dial in his phone. He said he knew if he could just hold down the #2 long enough, he would hear my voice and I would get him help.

This day and the days following were the worst days of my life. I had to make all these decisions, had to have all the answers. Red and I have never made decisions on our own. We have always been 50/50. So here I was making decisions that were the biggest of our lives alone. It was awful.

Our lives have not been the same since. My heart broke, flat out broke in two, when I heard Red's voice on the phone that day. I had never suffered such pain, it was physical heart wrenching pain.

Together, Red and I have healed some. My broken heart, and Reds broken body. Red's heart is strong, but his body is weak. My body in strong, but my heart is still weak. We make a good pair.

A lot was taken from us that day, but what we gained is unimaginable.
We have both became better,
better spouses, better parents, friends. Better more compassionate people in general.

On the worst day of my life, I sat in the hospital emergency room. Praying. I prayed God would not take him from me, not that day. 20 years ago that very day we started our lives together. And he didn't. I am blessed enough that everyday I get to wake up with Red beside me. I still pray everyday that I will have 100 more years of waking up next to him.

Happy Anniversary! (a little late)

2009-09-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

September is a crazy month for Red & I. The most amazing things in our life happened in Sept and the most awful, Hell on earth things happen in Sept. So it is always an emotional time for us. I will be posting about several things this month, some happy ~ some sad. But it's part of our story and I want to share it.

Today we start out with GOOD!

Red and I celebrated our 17th anniversary on Saturday. Yeah!
Don't get me wrong, the man can make me want to pull my hair out, but he rocks my world everyday. I would be lost without him.
Let me give you a little history.

We were babies when we met. I was 13 red was 16. We were inseparable. We were young, crazy wild, small town kids. We thought we knew it all. So crazy in fact that we got pregnant when I was 16. I fully believe at that point Red could have walked away. He could have left me to deal with it all. He could have went on to college and never looked back.
But he didn't. He stood right beside me. We face the world together. I was a sophomore in high school, and was mistreated and judged by so many. Red was there everyday to remind me we were going to be ok.
We rented a tiny one bedroom house. Red went to work and I stayed in school.
We moved in together in June of '91. Betty was born in Dec. of '91. And we got married Sept. 5 1992. I graduated with my class in '93.
Its a running joke, that I am the only one who took my husband to prom!!!

Now 17 years later, he still rocks my world. I will forever be grateful for Red. I thank God everyday for him, his strength and wisdom. He is a wonderful husband and father.
I have never been sorry that we choose the path that we did. We were so young when we married & we really did not have a clue what we were doing. But we did the best we could with what we had.
If I had a nickle for all the people who shunned us and said it would never work out, I would not need to work.
Believe me it has not always been a bed of roses (whew, that 5th year was a rough one!), but I have never been sorry.
So here is to you Red. For 17 years it's been you & I as a team. A team that I will always want to be a part of. Team us!
Thank you for always being my better half, my right arm, and my best friend.
I love you more that my Coach Purse! :-)

Last year for on our Anniversary Red did THE MOST amazing thing for me. It goes down in great husband history!
I will post about that next time!

Fall is coming!!

2009-09-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Please just let me say it...
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fall.
I love everything about it. It amazes me how things change. Every year I get drawn into the excitement of it. I always enjoy watching nature getting ready for the long winters rest. The colors, and the cool crisp air. I can feel it in the early mornings. The sun is setting just a bit sooner.
We are fortunate that we live in a agriculture area, and we have an abundance of fruit & vegetables. I went on a bike ride this weekend and saw that the apples and pears are so close to being ready. I spend my days dreaming about all the things I could be baking!
Every year during the fall I start nesting, baking and puttering around the house.
I can't wait for the fall foliage, the cool days. I am ready for my cozy sweaters and sweatshirts.
Since we are already in September it's officially (in my mind) fall!
This weekend I will be getting out some of my fall decor, while I have a pot of soup on the stove and some cozy candles burning!

Things that make you go hmmm

2009-09-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Whats better that mayonnaise?

Baconnaise

Found it the Costco website.

It may be worth a try.
Maybe?

Are you going??

2009-08-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Are you going?

I'm going!!!!

Timi is having a junking road trip!!

I can't wait, she is a hoot and I know it will be a blast.

Go over to Come Junk With Us for the details!

I know you won't be sorry!

I will sit and wait

2009-08-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will spend my day sitting and waiting.
Waiting and praying, praying and waiting.
Red is going into have some surgery tomorrow.
I will sit and wonder....
These things I know I will wonder about...

If he is in pain...
If everything will go well & will I get to take him home with me tomorrow.
If the Dr drank decaffeinated coffee this morning.
I will wonder if I have everything he will need at home.
If I will be able to keep him comfortable.
I will wonder if I have been nice enough or if I could have been better to him.
I wonder how much one man's body can handle.
I wonder if he is scared.
I wonder why I can't take some of his health issues for him.
I wonder why there are BAD people with perfectly healthy, pain free bodies, and Red who wouldn't hurt a fly, deals with this every day.

These are the things I know....

I know I will pretend to be brave.
I know I will cry as soon as they take him away.
I know my Mom will show up... with coffee for me, and she will wait with me.
I know she will wipe my tears and tell me to blow my nose.
She will tell me its all going to be OK.
I know when the nurse comes to get me as soon as they are done with him, I will go to him,
hide my tears and be strong again.
I know I will Thank God for protecting him once again.

I know this, for this is the 22nd time I have waited for Red to come out of surgery.

If you care to, please send up an extra prayer for us.

Julie & Julia

2009-08-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

We went to see Julie & Julia this weekend. If you have not seen it... Please go. It is wonderful. I walked out of the theater so inspired that I was fighting back tears. For real; no lie tears. It reminded me that we can do anything we choose. Its never to late. It also made me remember my husband and how lucky I am to have his support. Even if he doesn't get it; if its important to me its important to him.
I came home gave Red a hug and went about frying me some bread and started dreaming.
Man I love that movie. Oh and shame on me for not appreciating Julia Child more.

What.....

2009-08-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have been telling Red for a while that he needs to do something about his hearing.

He is in total DENIAL!

I can say to him "Hey look a pizza"
He says "Lisa, what about Lisa?"

Or

I say "Hey Dear"
He says "I would love a beer"

Or

This really happened... He took the kids fishing.

Betty said "Thanks Daddy for taking us"
Red says. " No I'm not taking you out to dinner!"

I swear he hears the most random things.

Yesterday he had a Dr. appointment. I being the loving supportive wife I am, I went with him.
We went from the first waiting room to a more private waiting room in the back.
The nurse takes Red into a little tiny stall. (you know the one) and tells him...
Just take off your shorts and put this gown on.
(he is having some x-rays and an ultra sound.)

Fast forward 10 minutes. We are still waiting. Red in his cute gown & me in my...whatever.
Anyway we are sitting across form each other & talking. I see something peeking out from under his gown. I very quietly ask him...
"Did you take all your clothes off? Are you naked?"

He says (yells)... "Well Yes, that's what she told me to do!"
I said "No honey... that's what you heard, not what she said!"

At this point any supportive wife crap flew out the window. I am cracking up. I think... this is going to be good. The poor nurse is going to be shocked when she whips up that gown and discovers Red commando! And Red will be mortified!
I can't wait!

Now don't go thinking how mean I am. Red and I love to find humor at each others expense. Always have ~ Always will

After picking myself up off the floor, the nurse comes out to call him.
That dirty dog says....
Ma'am I'm sorry I may have taken too much clothes off. MY WIFE told me that you said to take it all off! I don't know what's wrong with her. She must need to get her hearing checked!

I almost died! Here I thought I could get him and the dog turned around & got me.
Be careful Red, Be VERY careful.

I secretly snapped this little number of him with my phone!

ALSO....

Go over & see Timi on her Blog. It's Jesus loves Casseroles Wednesday!
And she featured my Chicken & Biscuits recipe.

She a hoot and a rockin foodie!

Happy Hump Day!

Bella Blessings!
Kal

It's my Birth Month!

2009-08-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

My Birthday is this month, so Red and the kids bought me an early gift.
I did help pick it out.
(Bless his heart, red try's but he is not a good gift giver)

They bought me a beautiful, brand new, shiny pink...

Cruiser Bike!!!!

I LOVE IT! Please look at how cute this thing is!

I've had more fun on that crazy thing that I thought possible. It has totally
brought back the days of childhood summers. We spent hours & hours riding our bikes.
My siblings and I would cover our small town probably 25 times a day. For us there was no other way, if you wanted to go somewhere.... you rode your bike.
So the kids and I have been riding in the evenings.

Believe me my buns are feeling it!

Red even bought me a Diet Pepsi/Iced Latte cup holder and put it on for me!

I picked up a chrome old school bell for it also, but forgot to get a picture.
The hood can hear me coming!

It has been my lucky (spoiled) week. I ordered this...

Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey

This book is so good, I want to marry it. I'm about half the way through it.
Uh... so inspiring! It's really got my creative juices flowing.

I recommend any blogger or wanna be blogger should grab this book.
It's chock full of info.

Well I'm off... must finish work, so I can ride tonight!

Bella Blessings!

Kal

Test

2009-07-30T11:33:00.001-07:00

Just test blogging from my phone

It was a baking kinda day

2009-07-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

I did some baking this weekend, and I thought I would share with you.

Saturday morning we started out with Strawberry Scones.

I used Ina Garten's recipe. I love her!

These were so good, even Red and the kids thought they were yummy.
Just ignore the amount of butter that goes into these.

This was what my breakfast looked like for the next couple days.

I also ended up with some of these.....

So after a long deliberation I decided to make Blueberry Tarts...
Yum-o-Rama

I'm sure you have heard how hot it's been here in the PNW. I tried to stay inside, the air
conditioning is my best friend right now!

On a side note I walked into the living room to find these two...

How cute is that?
Even if your not an animal lover, you have to say... that is stinkin' cute!
(please ignore the basket full of laundry and the dirty fireplace!)
Thanks, I appreciate that!

These are our wiener ~ dachshunds snuggled up together on the couch.
Annie & Bitsy

Happy Hump Day!
Were praying for cooler temps this weekend!

Old Windows

2009-07-26T16:10:00.001-07:00

A couple years ago I found some old window that just had to come home with me. I held on to them for a while, waiting for the perfect spot for them.
Last year I found it.

After much begging and whining....I convinced Red to hang them above our porch railing.
I love them there.
It almost closes in the porch and gives the feeling of privacy.

Love, Love, Love them!

Farm Chicks Giveaway

2009-07-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

Head over to the The Farm Chicks Blog,
their having a great giveaway.
They did some shopping on their trip to New York and brought back treasure to share!

Need something to do?

2009-07-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

If your looking for something fun this weekend...
Red & I went to see this

It was really funny. Even Red thought it was good.
Betty White is an absolute riot!

Weekend Fun

2009-07-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

Around our small town & community is several others. One of the neighboring communities had their community days this weekend. So we loaded up and went for the day. Its a really small old fashion get together. It's even held in the mountains. It reminds us of how much we love to live in a small town.

They have several old fashion activities to chose from.

Lookie there's a boy I recognize.... that's my boy...Paul..... Paul Bunyan that is.

Paul Bunyan participated in the wood splitting competition. He took forth.
My boy's got some mad wood cutting skills!
Look at those fore arms!
He gets that from his mama, uh yep.. that's right. He thanks me for them everyday!

He also did the spike drive competition. He took forth there also.

There's those fore arms again.
I have a feeling before to long I'll be meeting girls at my door. He's gotta learn to keep those things under wraps. Like his mama does. ;o)

The kids also tried out the egg toss.

Betty & Paul didn't get very far with the tossin'. I was just glad they didn't get nasty egg all over themselves. Paul threw it short & Betty let if fall at her feet.
It was a fun relaxing day. A chance to get out of the stink'in heat. it has been in the 100's.
Uck! I love summer, but that's a bit hot for me.

Hope ya'll had a great weekend!

2009-07-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

Went to the grocery store on my lunch hour. They are selling school supplies.

WHAT!!!

Just one more reminder that summer will be over before we know it.

Stupid School supplies!

2009-07-18T07:13:00.001-07:00

Woke up this morning to my girl (Betty Crocker) making cinnamon rolls. Now I'm reading the paper, drinking coffee & enjoying breakfast. Life is good.

Who's Blog is this?

2009-07-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Hey there!
My name is Kal and welcome to my new Blog!
I have written and posted on another blog and web site, and still will, but I wanted to give Blogger a try. So far so good. A big thanks to Timi who is so stinking helpful.

I want to tell you a bit about myself.

I am married to my high school sweetheart
Who may or may not sound like Red Forman, from The 70's Show.

We have 2 kids. Both teenagers, God help us!
17 yr old daughter & 13 yr old son

I love to go junking & anything second hand.

Love spending time with my family.

We camp a lot.

I enjoy puttering around my house.

My day starts the same... Always with my newspaper and a rock'n cup of coffee.

Coffee is my friend. I dream about Diet Pepsi.

I say things like....Get over it; Deal with it; Get a job; Um yeah about that; Grande iced coffee with sugar free hazelnut please; and Whatever.

My husband rocks my world.
He can make me laugh like no one can. He can also make me pull my hair out like no one can.

I have lived in the same small town my entire life.

I live in the house my parents raised us in.

I am the youngest of five kids.

So there is a little info about me.

Here's to a long life of blogging, and meeting lots of new friends!

2009-07-17T09:23:00.001-07:00

Hey there

hi

2009-07-17T08:52:00.000-07:00