Somerset Cottage

Week One Update

2012-01-27T18:43:00.003-05:00

Working with a personal trainer has been a new & wonderful experience! He is very knowledgeable and helpful, I work 3 mornings a week with weights for 30 minutes, 2 days a week I ride a stationary bike for 15 minutes and the elliptical for 15 minutes and I walk everyday. Also, I tried Zumba for the first time this week, I LOVE IT!! My knees hate it, LOL!

We attended out first foster parents meeting this week, it was very insightful to the types of children that need care and the process. We are looking forward to learning more in hopes of one day adopting.

Time For A Major Change

2012-01-19T23:12:00.002-05:00

I have been overweight my entire life, with the exception of about 3 years in my twenties. Lately, my weight has spiraled out of control due to emotional eating and anxiety. After weighing myself yesterday for the first time in months and realizing that I weigh more now than I did when I delivered my children, talk about a wake up call, I decided to hire a personal trainer. I will train for one hour three times a week with Don and two days a week on my own at the gym with guidance from him. I'm scared and excited, the thoughts of failing again is frightening!

What is your exercise regimen?

International vs Domestic

2012-01-16T18:35:00.002-05:00

I have been reading everything I come across that pertains to adoption from foster care and international adoption. It has left me wondering many things, the one that is really weighing heavy on my mind is; do you consider adoption of a child from the US foster care system still the adoption of an orphan? I assume the answer to this question is yes, yet I feel that children here are in real homes by mostly caring foster parents and children in orphanages are spending their days in an institution with no clue what a real family is like. With that said our plan is to adopt from foster care but my heart is still aching for the children in orphanages, I feel by adopting domestically I'm not doing enough to help the orphans of the world.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you adopted from foster care? Am I crazy for even thinking this way? Please let me know.

Eleven

2012-01-15T18:12:00.003-05:00

I'm having a really hard time believing that my baby is 11 years old today!!! He has been one of most amazing blessings in my life and I couldn't imagine a day without him.

Friday night he had a sleepover party with two of his best friends, they had an air-soft war in the snow and played XBOX until the wee hours of the morning.

He requested a gun on his cake, I did the best I could to make it look like he wanted, working with chocolate icing is always a challenge but he doesn't like any other kind. For his party on Friday I did a UK Wildcats theme with cupcakes. He dreams of playing football for the Cats one day, here's hoping for a scholarship ;)

Fear of the Unknown

2012-01-10T17:39:00.002-05:00

As my family embarks on this journey into foster care/adoption the fear of the unknown is slowly starting to rear it's ugly head in more ways than one, it seems the closer we get to our first meeting the more it's appearing. My boys(who are about to be 13 & 11) are starting to ask more questions and express their feelings on why they don't want to share their Mom & Dad. We have yet to tell my soon-to-be 17 year old step-daughter, she doesn't live with us, I personally think she will be thrilled to have a sister. I have only told one person in my family, Aunt Kathy, she is very supportive. Every time in the past that I have mentioned adoption to my mother or my husband's parents they think I'm crazy for wanting to take on a problem child when I've been blessed with two healthy, intelligent sons. Statements like that hurt me to the very core of my being! Adoption is one of the greatest ways we as Christians can show the world God's love for His people after all He has adopted us with our many faults, sins & problems into His family. The Bible speaks clearly on caring for the fatherless, orphans, widows and underprivileged and I have desire that is not of myself brewing in me, I can promise you if this was all my doing I would have backed out years ago but this desire has been in my heart for 11 years. Even as a child I remember crying and asking my parents to please adopt me sister, to this day I wish that they had, it's a lonely world growing up with three brothers.

Unexpected Gifts?

2012-01-09T16:32:00.002-05:00

Have you ever wanted to give someone you hardly know an unexpected gift for no reason other than you think they are doing an amazing job raising their children? There is a teacher at my sons' school who has adopted a sibling group of three all while working full-time! She's supermom! I really want to do something nice for her, maybe a gift certificate for a pedicure or a casserole so she won't have to cook one night, which do you think would be best?

Hello!

2012-01-02T20:45:00.002-05:00

Wow! What an end to 2011!! It was one for the record books. But everything has settled down and the new year is looking bright with new possibilities.

We had a wonderful Christmas with our families, the boys were thrilled with their gifts. We are starting the new year with a few resolutions that I hope will make it past January 10th. They are:

Etiquette lessons for the boys, I asked Miss Janice is she had any recommendations for a book that I could read to teach my children, she responded and we are starting chapter one this week.
We have gotten away from eating dinner as a family and I was making two to three different entrees for my picking eaters. No more! Tonight was the first night of everyone eating the same thing at the same time with no tv, cell phones or iPads at the table, only one child left the table in tears, LOL!
We as a family are starting to volunteer at the local nursing home one night a week. It's amazing to me that so many elderly patients have no visitors, EVER!
For years I've felt a calling to adoption, I have been searching scripture and my soul looking for the answer, I feel as if I have a clear answer and ask for your prayers as my family and I prepare to start foster parenting classes. Yes, it will be hard and it will be more than I can possibly imagine but I also no that God calls upon us as Christians to care the orphans and widows and that if we step out in faith He will lead our path.

I hope that your Christmas was merry and bright and that your new year is amazing!

September

2011-09-09T08:58:00.003-04:00

September 1st brought the first day of school for my children, Johnson is in the 7th grade and Jonah is in the 5th grade. I can't believe that my little boys are growing up so fast.

Traditions are so important to children, each year the boys request what treat they want to have for their first after school snack. This year Johnson wanted icing cookies & Jonah wanted Reese's cup cookies, making special treats for my boys is a delight!

Our school sponsored a 5K for Learning race to raise money for our high school computer lab, Tom & Johnson ran the race, both placed 3rd in their age divisions. Tom loves to run (he slowed his paced to stay with Johnson) and I'm happy to see Johnson following in his footsteps.

Jonah has his first football game tomorrow morning, he is so excited and I'm a nervous wreck, full contact sports worry me.

I Would Like To Thank...

2011-08-29T20:18:00.004-04:00

Jen from Southern Blonde for awarding me with this lovely blog award! She is one of sweetest southern ladies I know!

There are a few rules that come along with this award, they are:

thank the person who gave you the award & link back to them on your blog

share seven things about yourself

pass along the award to up to fifteen bloggers

I would like to award this to:

Here On Hartland, Kathy is my aunt & someone I have always admired. She is an amazing woman with a kind heart & soul..

Now for the seven things about me:

I'm turning 40 in 5 weeks, YIKES! I'm experiencing major anxiety over this, even though I didn't think it would bother me.

I have a huge fear of dying young and leaving my children motherless.

I'm not a fan of french fries or potato chips.

Okay, this is a biggie; I HATE COFFEE! I start each morning with a fountain diet coke, preferably from DQ.

Wrapping presents is one of favorite things to do, so much so that I've thought about offering my services for the holidays.

Going to the mailbox is one of the highlights of my day. I wish more people sent snail mail, it's much more personal.

When I was 18 I moved to New Rochelle, New York to work as a live-in nanny for 7 year-old twins whose parents worked in the city at Pl@yboy & Price W@terhouse. I stayed six-weeks and high-tailed it home.

This has been really fun, thanks again Jen for the award!

Classic Style~~Plus Size

2011-08-25T16:29:00.006-04:00

Ashley Falcon for Talbots

Talbots styled by Ashley Falcon

I have talked before about how hard it is to find classic pieces of clothing in plus sizes. This week Ashley Falcon joined Talbots as a stylist and let me tell you this gal knows a thing or two about fashion, for any size. She has posted several videos on Talbots' website on how to choose the right style & fit for your body. I buy 75% of my wardrobe from Talbots and I'm thrilled with their latest fall line.

Brooks Brothers Woman

Brooks Brother Woman

Also, this week I discovered that Brooks Brothers has an online plus size department. I received my first dress shirt from them today and I'm in love with the fit, quality & value. I will definitely be ordering again.

Uncharted Waters

2011-08-24T14:26:00.003-04:00

If you think waking up three times a night to feed a newborn, carrying a diaper bag everywhere you go, wondering if your baby is ready for solids when the doctors says to wait is hard...just you wait, it's a whole new world when your child is on the verge of becoming a teenager!

Most days I feel like the world's worst mother! He wants skinny jeans from all the trendy stores, I want him to wear Polo & Brooks Brothers, he listens to music I can't stand, he barely grunts when you ask him a question and forget about trying to feed him, all he wants is McDonalds & cheese sticks.

Then there are those precious few moments when he wants to talk to me and gives me the biggest hug that gives me the courage to live through another day. Keep in mind he has the sweetest personality in the world!

I know that this is an important time in his life, finding his individuality, his style, his independence. I'm not ready for all these changes, I still want to pick out his clothes & brush teeth.

Magical

2011-08-22T14:35:00.002-04:00

Last week was one of best weeks of my life! Tom & I spent the week in Destin, Florida without the children! His parents graciously kept the boys for a few days so we could getaway and reconnect. Every couple needs a vacation without the children at least once a year, we are already planning for next year ;)

And The Winners Are...

2011-08-08T23:41:00.001-04:00

Kathy from Here on Hartland

Hautemama

Ms Bake-It

Please email me at michellethackersmith@yahoo.com with your name & address!

It's GIVEAWAY Monday

2011-08-01T20:37:00.002-04:00

I just love GIVEAWAYS, don't you? I will be giving one lucky reader a subscription to one of my favorite magazines, Southern Lady. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite blog (I'm needing some new reading material, lol) and you're entered, it's that simple!

Also, my lovely aunt at Here On Hartland is hosting her very first giveaway stop by and leave her a comment to enter!

Oh how I love giving stuff away!!

Cake!?!

2011-07-29T17:49:00.002-04:00

I can't wait to make this "cake"! I found this photo at The Polka Dot Pantry & borrowed the photo & idea, go check her out she has a beautiful blog.

Remember to check in on Monday for a great GIVEAWAY!!!

Crossroads

2011-07-28T18:45:00.003-04:00

There have been times in my life where I have felt that change was on the way. Lately, I've been feeling as if I'm at a crossroad in my life. Maybe it's because I'm turning 40 in two months or that my children are getting older, I just don't know, but I do know that I feel a change in the air. I've been contemplating going back to school to finish a teaching degree, or maybe going back to work part-time, I just can't seem to make my mind up, do you ever feel this way?

One thing that I know is exactly as it should be is my family, they are great! However, at this moment I'm needing girlfriends! You know the kind that you can tell anything to and you know it won't go past their lips, or the kind that you go away with for the weekend, or the kind that is there no matter what?!? That's what I need! I have found that making friends as an adult is a whole different ballgame than making them as teenagers.

Be sure to check in on Monday, I will be posting about my next GIVEAWAY!!!

Keepin' It Real

2011-07-25T19:37:00.002-04:00

This is what my laundry room looks like every Monday morning! It's enough to make you cry, isn't it? Did you notice that the door won't even open all the way? Bed linens, towels & wash clothes, beach towels, and clothes are driving me crazy!!! I want a fairy godmother to show with up a wand and do my laundry, EVERY WEEK!!! Hope your Monday has started off better than mine!!

Our New Home

2011-07-13T21:45:00.006-04:00

Dining Room~before

Dining Room~after

Foyer~before

Foyer~after

Family Room~before

Family Room~after

After months of remodeling, waiting for furniture & window treatments everything is finally in place!! I'm so happy with the results that I almost cried when the "Dream Team" finished today. I didn't take before pictures when we actually bought the house but I did this morning before the decorators arrived, here are a few of the entryway, family room, and dining room. I had matching Roman shades & a valance made for the kitchen but the photos didn't turn out very well. I'm still waiting on 3 rugs, a few accessories and a cabinet for the wall where the computer is now.

Vacation???

2011-07-11T15:05:00.002-04:00

We spent last week at Lake Cumberland in our camper, I don't consider this much of a vacation considering we are there every weekend from May through September and I still have to grocery shop, clean, do the laundry & make beds. Tom & the boys have to mow grass & maintain the camper, boat & mule. We had overnight guests on Sunday then more guests later in the week, we had fun visiting but it was a ton of extra work. I'm ready for a week in a hotel!! I love walking through the door of our room with the beds made, the a/c going and the floors freshly vacuumed, ahhh a girl can dream!

Actually we are planning a trip to the beach in August, any suggestions for some place with things to do for the kids but not overly crowded?

You Never Know...

2011-06-29T14:36:00.003-04:00

What will be in a boy's pocket! Laundry has officially taken over my house. Between pj's, exercise clothes, swim trunks & everyday clothing I can't seem to get the laundry caught up. My goal for the summer is to one day see the floor!

Does laundry rule your house too?

Calgon Take Me Away...PLEASE!!!!

2011-06-28T21:47:00.004-04:00

This is the first summer that we haven't had a pool and the boys are driving me crazy! I think that their ages (12 & 10) are contributing to my insanity, they fight constantly about everything!!! They follow me around like little lost puppies, I literally can't turn around without stepping on one of them!

If I hear one more person in this family tell me what they want or that something hurts I'm going to officially lose my mind, this includes my loving husband ;)

I read a post on FB this week that said, "for the husband & kids it's a vacation, for the Mom it's a business trip", no truer words have ever been spoken!

I need a vacation from summer break!

The Price of Beauty

2011-06-23T23:55:00.006-04:00

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

I have always loved beauty products. I think the reason is they always fit and you look good in them no matter what your size. I try to order my products during the Neiman Marcus beauty events, I save the samples to use when I run out of my favorite product or for travelling. I was needing moisturizer this week so I pulled out my stash of samples and tried Sisley's Sisleya Global Anti-Age, I couldn't believe how my skin looked in just three short days, WOW, what a difference! Tonight I sat down to place an order at Neiman's and thought I would add a jar of this wonder cream, I should have known that something so lush would cost an arm and a leg but $460 is crazy! I don't mind paying top dollar for a great product but we just remodeled our new house and are getting ready to build an extra garage & pool so I did what any red-blooded American woman would do, I searched eBay until I found affordable Sisley samples for $30.

What are some of your tricks for saving money on beauty products?

Would you pay $460 for a jar of "wonder cream"? I'm beginning to think that I might if it saves me from having a face-lift!!

My Favorite Quick Meal

2011-06-21T17:26:00.002-04:00

Busy summer days often lead us to ordering pizza. On days when I feel we have eaten way too much junk this is my favorite go-to meal: steamed broccoli, microwavable sweet potatoes, frozen grilled fish and Sister Schubert parker house rolls, this can be on the table in about 20 minutes & it's a very healthy meal. What are some of your favorite quick meals?

Fabulous Blog Alert

2011-06-20T23:12:00.002-04:00

OMG, I stumbled upon Miss Janice and I'm in love!! I want to be this lady when I grow up, she is fabulous!! If you love all things preppy & southern hop on over to her blog.

Father's Day Weekend

2011-06-19T19:55:00.003-04:00

We spent Saturday celebrating this handsome little guy's 5th birthday! Jonathan is a very special little person in our lives, not only is he my first cousin he is also our godson and we love him dearly. His party was an explosion of fun, literally! I'll post photos once his Mom sees them, in the mean time go checkout his party on her blog.

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing Dad in the world!!! He is always there for our sons and I'm thankful that they have him and I hope that they are as good of a father to their children as he is to them. We had planned on going to RedLobster for lunch but Daddy was hungry and we ate BK instead, you gotta know Tom he would rather have a hamburger & fries any day, LOL!

After we came home from our "nice" lunch he moved every one's yard in our neighborhood on his Father's Day present!

It's Been Along Time...

2011-06-13T19:12:00.004-04:00

Conley Bottom Marina on Lake Cumberland at Sunset

The last month of my life is like a blur, I can't begin to describe to you what our family calender has been like! Finally, school is out (YEAH), we are moved (DOUBLE YEAH), and everyone is happy!!!

Our new home and neighborhood are truly a blessing! We love it here, the views of the mountains are beautiful, the wildlife is amazing and our neighbors are the best! I feel settled for the first time in years, I hope we don't have to move for years to come.

Life is good and all is right with our little family!!

Tom's 40th Birthday

2011-05-16T19:50:00.003-04:00

We celebrated Tom's 40th birthday this past weekend, he had a great time even though he hates the idea of being in his 40's! I teased him all weekend until he reminded me that I would be 40 in October, yikes! We started out by going to the lake on Wednesday night through Saturday morning then we headed to Pigeon Forge, TN to the F100 Supernationals which was the highlight of Tom's weekend.

Hopefully, we will be moving into our new house next Tuesday (say a little prayer) everything is almost finished we are just waiting on the bathroom vanities, window treatments and a few pieces of furniture.

I'm planning a HUGE giveaway in honor of my 300th post!! Only 51 more post to go!

It's A Girl

2011-05-09T09:17:00.003-04:00

Our family is thrilled to announce the addition of Miss Sophie Mae! She is an eight-week old miniature dachshund and is Jonah's dream come true. Since he was six-years old all he has every wanted was an obese wiener dog, LOL, I'm not sure about the obese part but our neighbors had a surprise litter of puppies and offered us one. She will be staying with them until next week when we move. I've never owned a dog before and I'm nervous about housebreaking, if you have any suggestions please share.

This was the best Mother's Day to date! Tom and the boys each gave me a special card, both of the boys bought cards that were for Step-Mothers, LOL!!!! I laughed until I cried reading about how glad they were that I joined their family and that is was almost as if we were related!! I will treasure those cards forever! Tom's card was so sweet & kind, just like him!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:49:00.002-04:00

My Maternal-Grandmother

My Beautiful Mom

My Paternal-Grandmother

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T17:14:00.003-04:00

I have been a Royal watcher since I was eight years old. I vividly remember watching Charles & Diana wed followed by Sarah & Andrew then Edward & Sophie and finally Charles & Camilla. I woke up early this morning anxiously awaiting the first glimpse of the dress. I thought the new Duchess looked very elegant, I loved the romantic feel of the lace. However, I thought her dress was too much like Grace Kelly's and should have had a more dramatic skirt and lighter veil.

Yellow is one of my favorite colors and I thought the Queen looked radiant!

Oh my goodness, this cake is AMAZING!!!!!

Seriously?!? Someone needs to talk to Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Their dresses and hats are hideous!!!

5 Post in One

2011-04-28T19:30:00.004-04:00

I have been super busy the last few weeks with school activities, field trips, remodeling the new house, taking care of Tom's grandmother and a little (shh) shopping. Hey when a girl is stressed shopping is the only way to go!

Easter Weekend

Wow, what a flop :( Tom & Jonah went to the lake Friday night for a one day trip that turned into two. They didn't get home until Sunday afternoon. That was really weird! Johnson had his first "date" on Friday night, we met his girlfriend and her Mom at the movies. I forgot to buy Easter basket stuff so after the movie we went to WalMart to pickup a few things. I didn't even take a picture of their baskets. I vow to do better next year.

The New House

Is coming along beautifully, thanks to my brother and his crew! The floors in the bathrooms, sunroom and laundry room now have tile instead of linoleum. I have new door handles & locks, the painter is working as hard as she can and the decorator has ordered my new furniture and is coming Thursday to measure for window treatments. Needless to say, I'm tried!!

School

This time of year we seem to always get swamped with activities, I wish the teachers would schedule these things throughout the year instead of trying to squeeze it all in at the last.

Shopping

I can't seem to stop! Online shopping is so easy press a button, select a shipping method and enter your card number and all is right with the world! Saks is having a fabulous sale, you get 20% off most items including makeup and free shipping, you can't beat that. I have an addiction to Tory Burch shoes, her Reva flats are so cute with just about everything and her slip on sneakers are very comfy, I ordered the pair in the photo in khaki & brown, very cute!

OOTD

I'm thinking of doing the OOTD post like so many bloggers do. I have searched high and low for a plus-size gal who does OOTD and can't seem to find one, so I think I'll start doing this in the next few days. I'm not a fashion queen by any stretch but I love to look my best in the classics with a few trends thrown in for good measure.

Why Is It

2011-04-13T23:17:00.002-04:00

half of a peanut butter sandwich tastes better than a whole

you can be in the worst mood ever, see a baby and automatically smile

children can remember the words to every song on their ipod but can't remember to put their school uniforms in the laundry room

just when you think your child is going to have to miss school because of the above mentioned laundry incident you find a school shirt at the bottom of the drawer

when you read a great book you think that everyone you meet needs to read it

the corner piece of pizza, cake, brownies well just about everything taste better?

Easter candy tastes better than fruit

the Kate Spade purse I want for summer is way more than I want to spend!?!

Have a good day/evening!!

Thankful...

2011-04-10T17:59:00.004-04:00

Doesn't seem to be a strong enough word to describe how I feel this afternoon. While we were enjoying a relaxing weekend at the camper our landlord called about 5:30 Saturday evening to tell us that a tornado had hit the rental house. I'm so thankful we weren't home and that our new house in a neighboring wasn't damaged. My Suburban was hit by something, we think the basketball goal, and now has a broken luggage rack and a big dent that will need to be repaired. We live in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, tornadoes rarely hit, this makes two in the past month within a 50 mile radius.

I'm heavy hearted for our friends who we are renting from, please keep them in your prayers, they really need to sell this house and with all the damage it will be months before they will be able to show it again.

Out-Of-Control

2011-04-08T15:19:00.002-04:00

Do you ever feel as if your life is spinning out of control? I sure do! This has been an extremely hard week; I've worked 2 days (remind me to NEVER sub for 7th/8th grade again), I've spend 2 days taking care of Tom's grandmother, I watched a friend's child Wednesday night and I've managed to run the household. With one major exception, THE LAUNDRY, It's totally taken over my life and laundry room. I wish I could give all of our clothes away except for 7 outfits each, wouldn't that make life easier?

We are moving in two weeks and I'm so not ready! Wish me luck, my Mom is going to be out-of-town when we move. She is 68 years old and can work twice as fast as I can at 39!

Have a great weekend, we are off to the lake for a little R&R!

Help A Child Find A Home

2011-04-06T17:10:00.004-04:00

Please, please visit No Greater Joy Mom's blog (here), read this little guy's story and Chip-In to help bring this precious child home to a loving family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Spring Formal

2011-04-04T14:22:00.002-04:00

Johnson had the time of his life at the Spring Formal Saturday night! I'm so proud of him for stepping out of his comfort zone to ask a girl to go with him, he is one great kid and I'm thankful he's mine!

Everything went smoothly except for the flowers, it's a long story so I'll save that for tomorrow.

Advice Needed

2011-03-30T18:19:00.002-04:00

Johnson will be attending his first semi-formal dance this weekend. I found out today that the girl's are carrying small nosegay bouquets. This is picture is something like his date's dress, I know 12 year-old girls have a style all their own, lol!! What type of flowers should I order for her?

Use What You Have~~Cooking

2011-03-29T16:58:00.002-04:00

I didn't realize how much food I wasting until I cleaned my fridge out and noticed the trash can was fuller than the fridge. I decided to really make an effort to not be as wasteful in the kitchen. My grocery bill is really starting to come down, which is always helpful when feeding two growing boys. As we speak I have the veggies from the photo in the oven, the potatoes were the only thing that I bought this week, the carrots, green onions and broccoli were about to spoil so I cleaned them up seasoned them and they are roasting in the oven with a whole chicken, yummy! I feel better about myself when I'm managing my household in the way it should be. I'm going to try to do this little "Use What You Have" theme for the next few weeks, if you have any suggestions please let me know. Have a great evening!

Let Me Tell You About My Bestfriend...

2011-03-28T17:06:00.004-04:00

He's amazing!

Together we have been through many ups and downs but one thing stays the same--we ALWAYS have each other's back! Tom and I have an amazing love story that continues to develop with each passing day, I couldn't imagine going through this life with anyone other than him.

It's Official

2011-03-18T20:47:00.002-04:00

We own a home!!

I'm so excited, the last few weeks have been so stressful, at one point I didn't think it was going to happen. Thankfully, everything worked out and we closed on the house this evening. Waiting to move in is going to be the hardest part, I can't wait to start painting, replacing floors and decorating!

Have a great weekend!

I'll Be Back...

2011-03-10T11:32:00.002-05:00

...Soon! Life has kinda hit me with a few curve balls the past few weeks so I'm taking a little blog break, I know when things are settled I will have lots of things to talk about.

Have a great weekend!!

Random Thoughts

2011-03-02T11:49:00.003-05:00

*Emily is too good for Brad, he's worse than a used car salesman.

*Reporters should be ashamed of themselves for exploiting Charlie Sheen.

*Don't ever make chocolate cake with buttercreme icing when you have PMS.

*Boys are easier to teach than girls.

*Talbots has an AMAZING sale going on.

*Meeting new friends as an adult is hard but when you find someone who likes the same things as you it's so worth the effort.

Have a great day!!!

A Little About Me

2011-02-26T20:31:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to write this post all week but I have been super busy and not feeling well.

I'm a country cook, nothing too fancy here
I have been an avid admirer of the British Royal Family for years, I saw all of them at the Queen's birthday celebration in London in 1995
I simply can't wait to watch the Royal Wedding
My husband and sons are my world
I am a people pleaser who has a hard time saying "no"
I like being near water of any kind
I lost my Daddy way too young
I miss my grandmother, she was a wonderful lady
I have three brothers
I wish I had a sister, not that I don't love my brothers but every girl needs a sister
I have the most amazing aunts in the world
My mother is my best friend

Start Your Engines

2011-02-20T22:31:00.002-05:00

I love NASCAR always have, always will! Before my Daddy passed away we would watch the races together even after I had moved out & gotten married we would call each other after the race to recap. My Dad would have loved today's race, a 20 year-old (as of yesterday) won the Daytona 500. Way to go Trevor Bayne you officially have a new fan!

Soapbox

2011-02-16T17:39:00.003-05:00

**Disclaimer**

I eat junk food and my kids eat junk food, just not all the time!

I was subbing today for the 4 year-old kindergarten class most of the kids packed their lunches because they didn't like what was in the lunchroom. As I walked around the table helping them open their lunch boxes I was AMAZED by what I saw. Each child had 2 "juice" boxes, a sandwich, a bag of chips (some kids had two bags) they each had a least two desserts and don't even get me started on the fruit chewy snacks those things are like crack for kids. I have never seen so many snack cakes and cookies in my life. How can parents expect their children to learn when they are on carb-overload and a sugar high? I packed our lunches today and my boys had A pack of cookies but they also had a healthy sandwich (whole-grain bread and turkey breast) one snack size baggie of fat-free chips and fruit. My boys tell me all the time that I don't buy the "cool" lunch foods and my response is TOUGH!

I'm always on the lookout for new lunch box ideas, what do you pack in your child's lunch?

Change of Plans

2011-02-15T13:05:00.002-05:00

We are not buying the rental house we are living in, thank goodness!!! Instead we are buying this lovely home in town. I just couldn't stand the thoughts of living where I can't get my mail or packages delivered. I really feel bad for backing out of the contract but we had to.

The new house is smaller than the rental but I will make it work. The bedrooms and master bathroom are small but all the other rooms are great. I'm really going to miss having a pool this summer but Tom said as soon as we can will put one in.

Have a great day!!

When All Else Fails...

2011-02-12T08:55:00.003-05:00

Go to TJ Maxx, they will welcome you with open arms!

The Challenges of Plus-Size Shopping

2011-02-10T20:07:00.011-05:00

I love beautiful clothes! When a pair of jeans fit just right or a sweater is the perfect length it makes you feel amazing; however, when you are plus-size shopping is a challenge.

My style is very classic, I don't like a lot of bold prints or designs and it seems that's all people think you should wear if you are over a size 14. If Ann Taylor, JCrew & Banana Republic (to name a few) where to extend their sizes to include the plus size world I guarantee you their sales would double in the first season. Until they come to their senses and offer these sizes I will continue to purchase my hair accessories and the occasional piece of jewelry from their stores. Thankfully, Talbots offers the exact same line in plus size as they do in the misses section more than half of my wardrobe is from Talbots.

Recently I discovered a designer in San Fransico, igigi by Yuliya Raquel, that designs only for sizes 12 and up, her dresses are beautiful and very affordable. I will be wearing one of her dresses this weekend to a Valentine's dinner.

Neiman Marcus is another one of my favorite places to shop. They have a great selection of Eileen Fisher and Joan Vass, two of my favorites, and they run sales all the time. I buy most of my shoes here too.

I love Lily Pulitzer but she doesn't love me, LOL! I really like her shoes and tote bags, too cute!

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Love...

2011-02-09T17:23:00.006-05:00

I'm way behind on "The Things I Love" series so it's time to get caught up!

I love weekends at Lake Cumberland

shoes

Belfry Pirate Football

My Suburban

Happy Birthday Johnson

2011-02-05T10:03:00.003-05:00

Today is Johnson's 12th birthday! He wanted a cake that looked like a Grammy award, this boy has always dreamed big! This is the hardest cake that I've tried to make, it took me almost 4 hours and it didn't turn as well as I wanted but Johnson thinks it's the best cake ever and that's all that matters. Johnson is the sweetest boy in the world, he has a heart of gold and is a pleasure to have for a son!

***Thank you for the kind words of my previous post they really meant a lot***

It's Been One of Those Days

2011-02-03T18:16:00.003-05:00

Today has been an extremely hard day all the way around. I had planned on staying home today and baking Johnson's birthday but the minute I got home from dropping the boys off at school the school called asking if I would please come sub for the 2nd grade. Off I went to the 2nd grade, we were just getting ready to leave for lunch when their teacher came back so I had a two hour window of time before I had to be back to fill in for the secretary. In the meantime I headed to town to buy a baby gift for a teacher at school who is adopting her 5th child. I love baby showers for expecting Moms I think they are the sweetest but I can't even bring myself to attend a shower for an adoptive mom. The only way I know how to describe it is to compare it to someone who has struggled with infertility for years, she has to put a smile on her face for her friend who is expecting while inside her heart is breaking. Please don't take this the wrong way I'm thrilled for the adoptive family, they have 2 biological sons and have adopted 2 of this baby's brothers so it really is a great thing. But I have wanted to adopt for 10 years unfortunately my husband just isn't on board with the idea, we have a very loving and happy family and the financial means to adopt but he just doesn't want anymore children and I do, so days like today are really tough!

Tom has been very sick this week with what we thought was food poisoning but it turns out it is a nasty virus that is making it's way through our family. Please keep our youngest son Jonah in your prayers he has the stomach virus for the 3rd time in 7 weeks, I have bleached every surface in my house I just don't know what else to do. Johnson's birthday is this weekend and I'm so afraid that he will be sick, please say a little prayer that he gets to enjoy his day. You see he was born on his great-grandfather's birthday, he passed away in March, this will be the first time he has to celebrate without his Papaw and he is really upset.

Being plus-size in a size 6 world is very hard. I need a dress for a dinner next weekend and I can't find anything that I like, everything either looks like the mother-of-the-bride or an old lady. I have ordered dresses, visited local boutiques and everything is sleeveless or looks like it's from the 1970's. All I want is a nice dress to wear out to a nice dinner with my husband. I have looked at Neimans, Saks, Nordstroms, Dillards and list goes on, if you have any suggestions please let me know. I apologize for being so down today but it has truly been one of those days.

Wednesday Weddings, Substitute Teaching & Day 2

2011-02-02T22:50:00.005-05:00

Wow, that's the longest title I've ever written!

I have been very busy the last few days substitute teaching at my children's school. Tuesday I was in the 6th grade, today I was with the K-4 class and Friday I will be with K-4. I don't know which age is harder to teach, those little ones have given this "retired" realtor a run for her money. I have a whole new respect for teachers and their Teacher Appreciation gifts for this year will be bumped up a notch or two.

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Wednesdays are for Weddings & Day 2 of the Things I Love

One of my favorite things about weddings is the cake. Beautiful cakes are an art form, the hours of tedious work that goes into a single tier is enough to make me tear up(literally). I have made one 3-tiered anniversary cake and I swore I wouldn't never make another tiered cake.

Day 2 of the things I love is: you guessed it, CAKE! I love birthday cake, wedding cake, and Food City cake, just to name a few. I guess if I would stop eating so much cake I could lose a little weight and quit blaming it on baby weight(my youngest is 10, ha) or my thyroidectomy.

What is your favorite part of a Wedding and do you love cake?

BTW, guess what kind of cake Johnson wants for his birthday this weekend? A 2-tiered Grammy award themed cake. One of these days I'll learn to never say never!

Day One of Things I Love

2011-02-01T22:38:00.004-05:00

Mrs. B at Life As A New Mrs.-AGAIN is hosting "Things I Love" in honor of Valentine's Day.

The thing that I love most of all is my family. My husband and sons are the greatest thing that ever happened to me! They have made my life complete.

Making Changes

2011-01-31T17:38:00.004-05:00

For the past few months I have been researching the benefits of an organic lifestyle, I firmly believe that we as Americans are poisoning ourselves and our children. Going organic in rural America is going to be a challenge but surprisingly our local grocery store has a really good selection of organic foods. I will need to make a trip to Lexington about once a month to stock my freezer and pantry but I will be able to buy the staples locally.

I have never had much of a green thumb but I'm going to give it my best shot and try my hand at a small garden this spring. I plan on starting out with tomatoes, lettuces, cucumbers and a few herbs. The information that is available on organic gardening is nothing short of amazing, it takes so little to make such a huge difference!

My Little Space in the House

2011-01-29T09:41:00.006-05:00

before

after

The day I had set aside to scrapbook was spent organizing my space, it was a MESS! I cleaned out everything, I have a huge box of things to donate to my children's art department at school. I did get one page done for Jonah's book. Working in a well organized is so much nicer!

Wednesdays are for Weddings

2011-01-26T23:30:00.005-05:00

Kristi at Kentucky Girl loves all things to do with weddings, she has started posting every Wednesday about different aspects of the wedding, this week she has posted some fantastic ideas for favors.

I watch Say Yes To The Dress every Friday night, if I were to be young & thin again I would go to the Big Apple and purchase a Pnina Tornai ball gown. What would be your dream dress if you were able to do it all over again (without a budget)? Tom & I will be married 15 years this fall we have always said would renew our vows on our 25th anniversary, I don't think a Pnina would look that good on a 50 year old woman.

Scrapbooking Made Easy

2011-01-25T22:58:00.002-05:00

My house is clean, the sheets have been changed, groceries have been bought, the laundry is sorted and I plan on scrapbooking all day tomorrow. This evening while I was searching for some new techniques and ideas I came across Becky Higgins' blog her new Project Life kit is a yearly kit with monthly dividers and journaling cards all you need to do is add pictures and tell a story it is a great value, I ordered the Amber kit, I will keep you posted on my progress I think I may do a weekly update on this project.

If you scrapbook, what are you currently working on?

Cabinetry

2011-01-24T17:17:00.004-05:00

I like the look of two colors, if we go with a new kitchen.

If we paint the cabinets, I really like this look.

We are a few steps closer to closing on our home and I'm trying to decide on what type of cabinets I want for the kitchen & baths. I have been looking at every website, magazine and blog about kitchen and bath designs so far I haven't come up with anything for the baths but for the kitchen I have a couple of completely different options. Our kitchen cabinets now are oak with a really shiny finish and Formica counters with the same oak trim; option one is to paint the cabinets, change the counters to a solid surface and add new stainless steel appliances, option two (which is what Tom wants to do) is put in a whole new kitchen top to bottom. Please leave me a comment and let me know which you would choose.

There's A New Blog In Town

2011-01-22T22:06:00.005-05:00

If you are looking for an interesting new blog to read pop on over to Here On Hartland, my Aunt Kathy has started a blog about life in general and she has an interesting story to tell, here's a litte hint to perk your interest, that's her 4 year-old son and she's 54! She is one of the most beautiful people I know (inside and out) she is thoughtful, kind, giving, a fabulous mother & grandmother & aunt & sister and boy is she creative, I can't wait to see what she comes up with to share with her readers!

U-turn

2011-01-21T10:04:00.003-05:00

How fast can you do a U-turn? In this family U-turns are a regular occurrence and happen pretty darn fast! The rustic house that we made an offer on was know where near ready to sell due to an unwanted divorce (the husband) once again this left us without a house to buy. After many hours of in depth conversations and much prayer we decided to buy the house we are renting, it needs so much work but we got an amazing deal and the property is perfect for our needs, it's just a horrible drive getting here we are 15 minutes to the nearest little town and 30 minutes to the even smaller town. In my adult life I have never lived in the "country" but the advantages to our choice are clear once you get here: we saved roughly $150,000 by buying in "the country" as opposed to "the city" (that just sounds wrong, LOL) the in-ground pool is fabulous, we have 3200+ square feet, I get to completely redo the kitchen and bathrooms (WooHoo), we lots of places for the boys to ride dirt bikes and Tom has land to build the garage of his dreams so he will no longer have to store his old Ford trucks. Things always have a way of working out!

Have a fantastic weekend!!!!

Weekend Update

2011-01-17T19:59:00.005-05:00

We have made an offer on a house and are waiting on the sellers to get back to us with a counter offer, if we don't here from them by tomorrow we are going to make an offer on our second choice. The real estate market in our area is a seller's market all the way, we live in a rural area with limited subdivisions due to the mountains and economic issues. The house we have made an offer on is nothing at all what I thought our next house would look like but it's been totally remodeled, the one car detached garage will need to be torn down and a 2 car built in it's place. I like a more traditional home with good solid bones, this house is more rustic but I love the subdivision, the views are breathtaking it's as if you are living in a chalet in the Smokey Mountains. I plan on painting the exterior of the house a tan or grey with black accents, the kitchen was just replaced last year and it's FABULOUS, the back splash is stone to match the fireplace, love it! Our second choice is in an older subdivision and needs a ton of work, I just don't think we could ever get our money back on that house and I'm afraid when we start tearing out bathrooms and the kitchen we will get into more than we bargained for.

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I found out this weekend that my best friend from high school had a double mastectomy on Thursday. She went to the OB/GYN for her yearly exam with no problems, he found a lump and sent her the next day for a mammogram, within 12 days she had surgery and is now home recovering with stage 2 breast cancer. She finds out Wednesday when she starts radiation and chemotherapy. I'm ashamed to say that it has been two years since my last yearly OB/GYN check, I plan on making an appointment tomorrow. Please keep her (Pam) in your prayers, she has two teenage daughters and lost her own mother at a young age to lung cancer, she is a very strong person but is scared out of her mind.

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I have seen both my endocrinologist and family doctor within the last week, my endo says that my thyroid levels still aren't where she wants them, she has added an additional thyroid medication to take along with my Synthroid in hopes of converting TSH. I have been through the mill trying to find a combination of medicine that will work for me since my thyroidectomy in 2009. The plus side of adding yet another pill to my medicine box is this has the potential to help me lose a few pounds. I have gained a lot of weight since my surgery but I still feel better than I have in years.

Before we moved into this rental house I painted two rooms and touched up the ceiling in the foyer, while I was painting the ceiling I fell off a ladder and twisted my knee. Ever since that happened my knee hasn't been the same. My family doctor examined it today and thinks that I've torn the cartilage and/or ligaments, they are scheduling an MRI. I don't know what I'll do if I have to have surgery, it's my right knee.

Jonah's 10th Birthday!!!!

2011-01-15T22:09:00.006-05:00

Today is my baby boy Jonah's 10th birthday! I don't know where the time has gone! He is truly a blessing and I love him dearly!! We have had a wonderful day!!!

The ONEder Fund

2011-01-14T13:10:00.003-05:00

For almost a year I have been following a blog, Enjoying The Small Things. Kelle is an amazing Mom that has been blessed with a beautiful blended family, last year after a perfectly normal pregnancy she gave birth to her second daughter, Nella who was born with Down Syndrome there had been no indications of this throughout the pregnancy but in the face of adversity Kelle has chosen to embrace all things Down Syndrome. Her family has created The ONEder Fund in honor of Nella's first birthday, I urge you to please visit her blog and donate to this amazing organization, all proceeds go to the National Down Syndrome Association, Over $50,000 has been raised for the NDSA all because God blessed one family in Florida with a special daughter!

Crafter's Paradise

2011-01-12T13:47:00.005-05:00

I'm so thankful to have a house to live in right now but renting a house is not like owning a home, I miss being able to paint a wall without asking permission. Every house we look at one of the first rooms I look for is a bonus room that the boys and I can share, that is one of the major pluses of the house we are renting.

photo from TaterTots & Jello

I have been pouring over home decorating magazines, books, and blogs looking for ideas for a craft room for all my stuff. Jen at Tatertots and Jello has taken her dining room from a room that was hardly used to a fabulous craft room, I wish she lived closer to me because I would hire her to design my craft space! I love the desk she has in the middle of the room, I have been looking for a desk like this for sometime now but everything I find is way out of my budget until now I found this one on Target's website and as soon as we are settled into a home I plan on purchasing two of them to create the look that Jen has in her room. If you have never visited her blog you are missing out, this gal is C-R-E-A-T-I-V-E!!

Paper Crafting

2011-01-10T23:55:00.004-05:00

I love pretty paper of any kind; wrapping paper, stationary, cardstock and patterned paper, I even love paper plates and napkins. The next few days I plan on using my Cricut and lots of paper trying to mimic the designs in this months issue of Paper Crafts magazine. If you don't hear from me send out a search party, but most likely I'll be in the bonus room playing with my toys!

Sunday Reading

2011-01-09T20:13:00.005-05:00

I've spent the biggest part of today reading magazines and doing laundry, If you don't own the House Beautiful~The Home Book order it today, it's fantastic!! I did stop long enough to head into town to restock the fridge and pantry, we are expecting more snow for the week ahead. Tom has a few big projects going on at work and had to work all weekend, I hate when he has to do this, thankfully it doesn't happen too often. I took the boys to lunch at a local pizza place that has games, they had a blast, then we headed to the dreaded Wal-Mart. The good thing about taking them grocery shopping with me is they carry everything in for me! While we were driving to town they informed that in 4 years Johnson will be driving and Jonah will be in 6 years, then they told me they would only be living with us for 6 and 8 more years and then they started talking about college, I almost wrecked! I think they are trying to make me completely gray by my 40th birthday, LOL!

Change of Plans

2011-01-08T15:31:00.008-05:00

Because we woke up to this

I couldn't go here

So I stayed home and cooked the day away.

I made turkey meatballs with spaghetti & garlic bread, yummy

chicken salad with grapes & pecans

and a big ole pan of brownies!

Sometimes a change of plans is a great thing, I have enjoyed this snowy Saturday more than I have enjoyed a Saturday in a long time! I hope that you are having a great weekend!

Things I'm A Lovin'

2011-01-07T13:10:00.004-05:00

I'm in love with my Hunter boots, living out in backwoods (LOL) you need a good pair of water proof shoes and these puppies haven't let me down. My darling hubby gave me a new Louis Vuitton Speedy bag for Christmas, thanks to FedEx it didn't get here until the 27th, but that's all water under the bridge now and Louis is definitely worth the wait! My mother surprised me with a beautiful pair of diamond earrings and they have fast become my everyday go-to earrings. The gift cards I received for Christmas are literally burning a hole in my pocket! I believe that I was born to shop!!! My little cousin Jonathan gave me the cutest note cards all with shopping quotes on them, they are too cute! Weather permitting I'm going to Lexington tomorrow to catch up on my retail therapy, online shopping is great but I love smell of Dillards and Talbots!

Have a great weekend!!

Five Minutes of Your Time

2011-01-04T19:55:00.003-05:00

While I was blog surfing yesterday I popped in on The Inspired Room to see what she was up to and I discovered that she accomplishes more in 5 minutes than I do in an hour, pop on over and check it out, you'll be amazed! I started thinking about the way my mornings begin and what I could accomplish in just 5 little minutes if I only took the time. So this morning I tried it, I made my bed, washed my face, and packed my child's lunch in 5 minutes, WOW! Wonder what I could do in 10? Things like this are (to me) what blogging is all about, it's sharing your day to day life with your readers and learning from each others experiences, thank you Melissa for sharing 5 minutes of your day!

New Beginnings

2011-01-01T12:31:00.004-05:00

I'm so relieved that 2010 is over, shew what a year! Throughout all of the so called bad things that happened to us in 2010 the blessings are bountiful and I praise God for the good and the bad. 2011 is all ready showing signs of hope and will be full of new beginnings for our little family. We are still renting but we are forever on the lookout for a newly listed house and now we are tossing around the idea of building.

I really don't care for New Year's Resolutions, I feel they automatically set me up for failure. However, I will be 40 years old in 10 short months and I hope to lose 40 pounds by October, that will only be a pound per week and that's very obtainable I just need to add some exercise and cut back on the sugar. Also, I want to work on my parenting skills, I feel that they are lacking and are in need of a little adjustment, wish me luck on this one my boys will be 12 and 10 in a few weeks.

I hope that each of you enjoy this New Year's weekend with your family and friends and that they new year brings you good health and happiness!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T17:57:00.001-05:00

We had an amazing Christmas with our boys! Tom's grandmother, parents & brother were here for Christmas Eve and my mom joined all of us for Christmas Day. I was really dreading the holidays this year but it turned out to be wonderful, sometimes I have to remind myself to let things go and focus on the important things. We still have one more Christmas celebration to go at my Mom's on Wednesday. My youngest brother is home from his second tour in Iraq and we were waiting to be with him and his family, I can't wait to see my three brothers and their families and to eat my Mom's fantastic cooking, yummy!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T19:44:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!

And The Winner Is...

2010-12-05T16:38:00.001-05:00

Hautemama

Email me with your name and address and I will mail your package out tomorrow! My email address is: mts41501@yahoo.com

200th Post Giveaway

2010-12-03T10:13:00.002-05:00

WOW! I finally have made it to the 200th post, I can't believe it! In honor of this occasion I am giving away a beautiful Christmas plate, a set a of Christmas inspired dish towels and a $10 Hobby Lobby gift card. All you need to do is leave me a comment on this post telling me what you want for Christmas! I will draw a winner on Sunday and mail your package on Monday, who knows I might even fill the plate with cookies!!

In other news, I'm looking at four houses this afternoon, wish me luck!

Have a great weekend!!

Giveaway Friday

2010-12-02T19:09:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow will mark my 200th post, in honor of the occasion I will be hosting a giveaway, all you need to do to be entered is leave a comment on the post and your name will be included in the drawing. See you tomorrow!!

Tales From The Ridge

2010-12-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

Well, we have been moved into the rental house for 3 weeks and were considering making an offer, a low offer, because it needs so much work, but I called the owner's today to see where to pay the rent and he told me that the house has sold and will be closing on Friday! Can you believe this?!? And to top it all off we still haven't closed on the house we are selling and just had to sign another 10 day extension because the buyer's are using a piece of land as collateral. The new owner's of the rental house have a bridge loan until they sell the house they are living in so we either have 6 months or 45 days to find another place to live! And did I mention to you that there is NOTHING on the market in our area, we have a large down payment and have been pre-approved and can't buy a house!!!

My lovely husband decided two weeks ago to buy our youngest son a new dirt bike and our oldest son a new laptop without telling me anything about it, yes we had a HUGE fight and yes we have made up but now there is nothing to buy them for Christmas because the little brats, I mean darlings, have way too much stuff and yet they sit around the house saying they're bored! I asked them over Thanksgiving break to make me a Christmas list of about 10 items each, I explained to them that they won't get everything on the list, that has been a week ago and I still don't have their lists, I asked them again this morning on the way to school to make me a list and they both replied, "I don't really want anything"! I think I'm going to take the money for their Christmas presents and give it to a needy family in our area, and I'm not joking!! Kids today are way too spoiled and have way too much and it's my fault for giving in and buying them all this junk, somewhere along the way I have fallen into the trap of my children need to have bigger and better and that stops today!!! I can't believe that I have allowed this to happen! When I was a child we didn't get toys and stuff all year long and just because so and so had the latest and greatest didn't mean we had it! I think I have ranted enough for today.

Be sure to stop by on Friday for a great giveaway, who knows it might be an ipod touch, a blackberry, a laptop , a dirt bike or anything else they don't need! You know and I know that I won't do that, but I should! Have a great day!!!

2010-11-25T08:32:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Busy Busy

2010-11-04T20:57:00.002-04:00

Life is kinda crazy right now with the upcoming move. I've been working like a mad woman this week trying to get the rental house cleaned out, cleaned up, carpets cleaned, and painted, shew I'm tired! Check back next week for my 200th post giveaway, it's gone to be GREAT!!

The Crazy World of Real Estate

2010-10-27T15:30:00.002-04:00

Home Sweet Rental Home

This week has reminded me why I stopped selling real estate years ago, it's a nightmare!!! We made an offer on the house we wanted, the husband verbally accepted and told the realtor he would have his wife sign and return the paperwork by Saturday, needless to say the realtor did hear from them all weekend then on Monday she called to see what was going on and he said they had been fighting all weekend and they decided not to sell! As frustrating as this is to deal with I'm thankful that we didn't get the house, this was the 3rd time we had tried to buy it and obviously God doesn't want us living there. I looked at a For Sale By Owner in the same neighborhood yesterday, it was a 2400 sq ft home and they wanted $350,000 FIRM, I thought I would laugh in their faces! Our friends who are paying two mortgages are going to let us rent their house for 6 months, it's the one that is in rough shape and we are going to be paying $1500 a month, ouch! I'm just thankful to have a place to live that is large enough for our family and the repairs are mainly cosmetic and it will give me something to blog about, we are moving in November 10th.

When You Don't Know What To Do ~ Eat Cake

2010-10-21T11:33:00.006-04:00

This past weekend the weather was perfect! The boys had so much fun painting pumpkins, this year they have decided not to go trick or treating, they just want to stay home and give out candy. This is breaking my heart, it means they are growing up way too fast!

I'm trying to avoid reality so I baked all day Saturday, it's amazing how two kinds of chocolate cake and chess bars can make you forget you're going to homeless in three weeks if our offer isn't accepted on the new house. Speaking of the new house we made an offer on the third house pictured in the previous post, now the owners aren't so sure they want to sell! Can you believe that? After all we've been through to sell this house and the people who are willing to let us rent their home (that needs a ton of work, but that's another story) want $1500 a month, we could buy a $350000 house for $1500 a month!! It amazes me how people think their stuff is worth so much when they only want to give you the bare minimum for your things, go figure! The chocolate cake was really good, oh yea I forgot I started Weight Watchers, OOPS, LOL!!!

I finished this little cross-stitch project this week, I love stitching dish towels they are quick and easy!

A few weeks ago Tom & I attended a small fundraiser for Rand Paul (he's running for a US senate seat) we really enjoyed meeting him and actually getting to do something without the children for a change.

If you will keep please keep our family in your prayers during the next few weeks.

Housing Crisis

2010-10-17T19:57:00.004-04:00

This is our current house which is under contract, it is a 3 bedroom, 2 1/1 bath home with 1980 square feet.

This house is for sale in our neighborhood, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath with 2450 square feet and it has an extra lot that is available for purchase. This house needs hardwood floors, the master bedroom is kinda small and there is only one small closet in the master bedroom.

This is the house that we have tried to buy twice and each time something has happened and the contract has fallen through on the sellers part, well now that we have our house under contract I looked at the house again and this time they are asking $5000 more and will not leave the stove or refrigerator and this house also needs hardwood floors and its at the very top of our budget.

We have so many decisions to make. We have found one house to rent for 6 months but they are asking $1500 per month it needs to be painted, carpets cleaned and baseboards installed in 3 rooms and its 25 minutes from the boy's school on a narrow, curvy country road. I think we should rent for a while so we don't rush into a house that we really don't like but I really don't like the location of the rental house. I know you are thinking just find another rental but the problem with that is there isn't anything, we live in a very rural part of Kentucky, nice housing is very hard to come by. What would do and which house do you like best?

What A Week!

2010-10-13T23:26:00.004-04:00

The past week has been one for the record books! I celebrated my 39th birthday, for the first time, celebrated my 14th wedding anniversary, sold my house and I have an ear infection! We aren't having any luck finding a house to buy so we have switched gears and are trying to find something to lease. This move is really invading my crafting time & I don't like it! I have managed to start a small cross-stitching project, it's a cute Lizzie Kate design and I'm stitching it on a dish towel. I would love to learn to crochet, do any of you crochet? Sewing, scrapbooking, card making, cross-stitching and playing with my fabric stash is so much fun, wonder what I'll find when I start packing up all my stuff, LOL!!

I gave myself a birthday present, I joined Weight Watchers! I need to lose a lot of weight. I seriously considered gastric bypass, but as of June 2010 our insurance company no longer covers baratric services and I don't have $20,000 just laying around. I've had a few friends that have gone through gastric bypass and they are all gaining their weight back. it's really sad seeing as what they have permanently done to their bodies. Weight Watchers is very sensible and reasonably priced so I'm giving it another go, wish me luck!!

I have discovered several new blogs in the last little bit, I love seeing all of your comments they always put a smile on my face and I look forward to getting to know each of you!!

Love Story

2010-10-11T18:28:00.002-04:00

Tom and I have a beautiful love story, we met in high school but didn't date until 9 years later, we have been through many ups and downs but I wouldn't change a thing! Today we are celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary, I'm so thankful he chose me to be his wife!!

Real Estate

2010-10-08T19:47:00.002-04:00

Finally after 5 long months on the market our house is under contract!!! YEAH!!!! We can now buy a bigger house!!! I never spend my money until it's in the bank but the buyers are pre-approved and don't have to sell anything to buy, they also want immediate possession (scary) but the house we want to buy is being offered with possession at closing. Hopefully, everything will work out!

Have a great weekend!

Feeling Kinda Crafty

2010-10-04T08:54:00.002-04:00

Oh this rainy, cold October weather just warms my heart and makes me want to start a million new projects! I'm already scouring Christmas magazines in search of things to craft, I think that I may cross-stitch a few ornaments for my family room tree and I'm going to try my hand at quilting, my lovely neighbor and friend has offered to help, now that's a true friend!

We had one of the best weekends in recent memory at our little piece of heaven on earth (aka Lake Cumberland) we didn't really do anything but the laughter and bonding that was shared between our family was better than anything we could have paid to do!

I will post pictures tomorrow of some of my projects. Take care and enjoy this wonderful October weather!!

Great Product Alert

2010-09-28T12:16:00.003-04:00

Oh my goodness! I was checking out at J. Crew the other day and on a whim picked up a bottle of Essie nail polish that was by the cash register (great product placement on their part) this stuff is amazing and wonderful and comes in such pretty colors. I just checked out all the new fall colors on Essie's website and WOW great colors to choose from and compared to what Sally Hansen is selling for at Wallie World this stuff is a real bargain!!

Edible Art

2010-09-21T17:56:00.003-04:00

I have long been a lover of beautiful cakes! When I was a young girl I would draw every detail of my wedding cake, I would cut photos of cakes from magazines and beg my mother to make them. I still love edible art, it's a visual delight! Even the worst tasting cake taste good if its pretty! I stumbled upon a couple of new blogs this weekend which led me to more blogs and you get the idea, then I found it, the cake that I want for my 39th birthday, at least the bottom layer. I first saw it on Cake Wrecks then on Martha Stewart's website, it's so elegant!!

A few other blogs that have amazing cakes and cookies are: Cookie Crumbs and Bake at 350, go check them out-you will be blown away by what these ladies can do with a little flour & sugar!

Getting Off The Sidelines

2010-09-17T22:48:00.004-04:00

After several days of feeling sorry for myself I'm happy to report with the help of Dillards, Talbots, Neiman Marcus, FedEx and a debt card I'm back to normal. Well, normal for me, LOL!!

I have decided that life is too short to sit on the sidelines! I'm going to pick myself up, dust off the dirt and move forward!!

I'm be turning 39 in a few weeks, I'm several pounds overweight and I have an ugly scar from my thyriodectomy but that's okay, I kinda like me just the way I am. My scar and pounds tell the story of my life, even if it is the recipe for buttercreme icing! Age and weight are just numbers that are constantly changing but attitude is everything! And mine is in need of an adjustment!

I have opened an Etsy shop, I will be selling handmade cards for special occasions and holidays, I will have the first of many cards to come in my shop by Monday morning. Who knows I may actually sell a few. Wouldn't that be great then I could order more fabulous clothes!!

I want to say a special thank you to my Aunt Kathy for being there for me yesterday (always) and to Hautemamaof2 for taking the time to let me know that I'm not alone!

Life

2010-09-16T08:48:00.003-04:00

I believe that there is no harder job in this world than that of a stay-at-home mother; with that said, over the past 14 years of being a homemaker I have put everyone's needs, likes and dislikes before my own. Before Tom and I were married and before we had children I had a small career that I enjoyed, I traveled, bought fabulous handbags, and had friends. I still love Louis Vuitton and we travel all the time but something is missing. I love my family and couldn't imagine life without them but I need something more. Our bank called yesterday and ask if I would please consider taking a part-time position, my heart jumped at the thoughts of getting out in the real world for a few hours each day but then they told me the hours and there's no possible way that I could make it work with the boys' schedules and Tom's work. I feel hopeless! I feel so guilty for even feeling this way because I know I have a wonderful husband, two great sons and I have been blessed to be home with my family. I miss the old me, I just wish I knew where she lived.

Comfort Food

2010-09-14T18:01:00.003-04:00

Lately I've been having a hard time dealing with some issues in my life, nothing to extreme but nonetheless issues. Mostly I have been feeling sorry for myself because I don't have a sister, a daughter or a best friend :( I know, I know, I have two wonderful sons who I love and adore but people sometimes this house just needs a little more estrogen! I secretly wish that The Pioneer Woman and I were sisters, I stalk her blog everyday, LOL!! When I saw the recipe for Pecan Pie Muffins I knew I had to have me some of them! Hurry get over to her blog, print the recipe and head to the kitchen, you won't be sorry, these are the best little things I've eaten in a long time!

I Love My Cricut

2010-09-10T23:47:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love my Cricut die-cutting machine, it amazes me! Oh and I tried SMOOCH for the first time tonight and I can't wait to buy one in every color. I made this beautiful card for a friend that is becoming very dear to my heart, I used the Walk In My Garden cartridge and Pearl SMOOCH. Something about fall makes me want to scrapbook, I'm counting down the days until my next scrapbook retreat, are you crafting this weekend? Have a good one!!

Manolo

2010-09-09T08:27:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

I thought I would let you know a little something about me today, I love to watch Sex And The City! I watch reruns, the movie and I'm counting down the days until the SATC2 is on dvd. This week in particular I have watched more than usual and the shoes that the "Girls" wear are fabulous!!! I decided that I need a pair of Manolo's! I will be 39 years old in less than a month and a thirty something gal needs a WOW pair of shoes! Do you own a pair of Manolo's? If so are they on display in your china cabinet or on your mantel, LOL!?!

Have a great day :)

Scrapbooking

2010-08-26T23:25:00.002-04:00

It seems to me that the closer we get to cooler weather the more I want to craft and nest, does this happen to you?

Jonah, my youngest, has been on to me for months to make a scrapbook of his first year, this has brought back so many wonderful memories and made me realize just how fast my sons are growing up. This is one of the pages I have done for his book, I still have this little outfit. Hopefully, one day his son will be able to wear it!

Good Times

2010-08-25T18:57:00.002-04:00

Tom & I had a wonderful week long vacation without the children, this is the first time we have left them for more than two nights. We spent a few days at the lake, visited the Amish country, shopped our way through Pigeon Forge we stayed at The Inn at Christmas Place it was fabulous!! I can't wait to go back again this winter.

I can't believe that it is only four months until Christmas, YIKES!!! I'm trying shop earlier & wiser this year.

The boy's school starts next Wednesday, they are so excited to see their friends and meet their new teachers. This summer seems to have flown by.

Tomorrow will be one year since I had my thyroid removed, I feel like I have been given my life back!!!

Unpredictable

2010-08-12T10:06:00.003-04:00

That is the only way that I know how to describe the last two weeks of our lives, UNPREDICTABLE!! Hopefully, these last few weeks before school starts will go a little smoother.

Tom's parents have graciously offered to watch the boys next week, we are dropping them off on Saturday and heading west for the week, we don't have a clue where we are going or how long we'll be gone, this is hard for me because I am a planner by nature. We have been looking at the atlas all week trying to decide where to go, if you have any suggestions for something in the Midwest region leave me a comment.

It's Been A Great Day!

2010-07-27T18:41:00.004-04:00

I love days like this, everything has gone smoothly, the children have gotten along and I have kept the house picked up. We only have about 5 weeks until school starts back instead of wishing the time away I have decided to make the most of it and enjoy every minute with my sons. My dear Mother reminded a few minutes ago that all too soon they will be grown and that I would be wishing for them to this age again, she is a very wise woman!

They wanted a boat for the pool today but couldn't decide how to pay for it, I offered to buy it in lieu of an allowance they quickly agreed and I actually saved about $5 this week!

I'm loving this blog hop, I've found several new blogs to read and follow and I love a good blog almost as much as I do a good book. I hope that you are having a great day!

Commenting Challenge

2010-07-25T21:29:00.003-04:00

I stumbled upon a blog that is hosting a commenting challenge, so often I read blog posts and really can relate to the author but I never leave a comment. This week I will be visiting and commenting at least 10 blogs each day, good thing I cleaned the house. I hope to meet new blog friends and discover new blogs to read.

Total Relaxation

2010-07-25T18:15:00.006-04:00

Friday evening, I started my weekend alone by watching one of my favorite movies of all time, Sex and the City I have watched this movie at least 15 times and I think I could watch it 15 more. While I was watching the movie I shaped my eyebrows, painted my fingernails and gave myself a french pedicure. Also, I started reading a new book, The Guernsey Literary and Sweet Potato Pie Society.

Saturday morning I attended a baby shower for a first time mother, the home was decorated beautifully and the food delicious. After a champagne toast the mother-to-be opened several lovely presents.I have been praying for some time now to meet some new friends, it was really nice to have been invited to this shower and I feel like I may have met a few people who have the same interests as me.

After the shower I drove to a neighboring town to shop at my favorite scrapbooking store then I came home and watched another great movie (that I've seen a zillion times) and I went to bed early.

This morning I woke up early and gave our house a deep cleaning. I was so excited to see Tom and the boys pull in the driveway, I didn't realize how much I had missed them until I saw them. I'm so thankful for Tom he is truly a wonderful husband & father.

What To Do, What To Do...

2010-07-23T18:31:00.002-04:00

Before my husband left for work this morning he woke me to let me know that he was taking the boys to the lake for a guys weekend so I could have a little time to myself. He is such a wonderful husband and father, I'm thankful that he realized I was at the end of my rope and needed a break. The boys were so excited they packed their own clothes, I wasn't allowed to see what they packed, LOL! They called Tom 20 times today wanting to know if he could leave work early, he did and they are on there way to a fun weekend of boy stuff.

I on the other hand have no clue what to do, I have a baby shower to attend in the morning then I think I may scrapbook a little or lay by the pool with a book. I miss my guys already but I really need a break.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful, safe weekend!!!

Book Review

2010-07-22T18:58:00.002-04:00

photo from Amazon.com

This is a fabulous true story about the life of the author growing up as an unwanted daughter. It is a very fast read!