There's No Place Like Home

When we moved into our house the walls were eggshell white and the furniture was sparce. With a few craigslist/thrift store finds, some gallons of paint, a little sweat and creativity-we've transformed our blank house into a colorfully comfortable home. It's not one with fancy upgrades and top of the line furniture, but it's ours and we love it! It's more than sufficient for our needs, a place we feel blessed to own. Here's a look at some of our summer painting projects:






















































































































































































































A total of 12 colors (two of them mixes)

Beige-Tan (with a hint of olive), Paprika Red, Earth (a greenish tan), Mustardy Yellow, Pale Cloud Blue (with Spencer's array of Historical Places and Documents), Sagish Green, Bright Rose Pink, Light Rose Pink, Gray-brown, Dark Brown, and mixtures of lighter tones for the floral designs (created by adding white to some of the base colors).

How's that for a rainbow! Lots of work and late nights for these rooms! I actually find it exhilarating. Two more rooms to go!

His and Her Citations-Counting My Blessings!

On his way home from a meeting, Spencer got pulled over for "disregard [of a] stop sign". Too bad he didn't have his updated insurance card in his vehicle. Make that two citations.

I tried to comfort him when he came home. Reminding him that it happens to everyone, that it's not a big deal, that money comes and goes, and that what was most important to me was that he was safe. I wished I could take away some of his concern and frustration. Finally we went to bed with him saying "Oh' well" to the event, and I was happy.

I woke up the next morning and decided it was time to file away all the old car receipts and info that had been piling up in my van. So I took out everything in the glove compartment and started sorting. In the middle of sorting I decided to head over to the park for play group. Singing with the windows down (not only for fun but sanity- our AC is out) we slowly strolled our way towards the park. I even looked down at my speedometer, proud that I was gently braking so as to remain under the speed limit. Then... lights a flashin in my rear view window. I was more than shocked. The best part, (you got it) my updated insurance card was sitting at home in the sorting process. Make that another two citations (mine is the pink ticket) :)

So we drove to another park while I was attempting to control the shock and disappointment that was making its way out in tears. I was trying to tell myself what I had told Spencer the night before, but it wasn't working. I was feeling embarrassed,stupid, frustrated and concerned.

Sitting in the car at the park, my precious Adelaide asked me why I was crying. As I turned and looked upon my daughters faces, my mood instantly changed. I was overcome with love and gratitude. "Is that all?" I thought. So, i'd been pulled over (with a beautifully clean record I might add) the day after Spencer...So we both were ridiculously without our insurance cards...So we'll both have to go to court to show that we were insured and pay some fines... Maybe our insurance will go up, maybe the fines will be big, but-that is all?!!. As I looked at my girls I was overwhelmed by how simple, easy, and blessed my life is. Here I was with them, safe, happy, healthy-with plenty to meet our needs. If my biggest downer is something so trivial- I'll take it!

Oh' well!

The words to the song "Count Your Blessings" came to my mind repeatedly throughout the next few days and especially a week later when Spencer was actually in a car accident on the freeway. Again, no one was hurt, just scratched up (replaceable- you can't take them with you anyway) cars.

Talk about counting my blessings...and indeed feeling surprised at what the Lord hath done.

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end."

Jr. Vampire?

So I'm strollin down the aisles of Walmart, whistling actually, savoring the fact that my adorable little girls are content sitting in the shopping cart letting me pile food on them (you heard me: content, children and shopping in the same sentence). I noticed that Kamorah had her mouth on a yogurt and seemed to be trying to get into it for a while, and since there was no spillage- I let her continue. It wasn't until I got to the check out stand that I saw this

Exhibit A:

This would have been cute enough for me since I am in love with her fabulous gapped teeth.

Exhibit B:

The plot thickens. I find not one, not two, but three of these "marked" yogurts.

Best yet, two of them are nearly empty.

No other holes but the slants for the teeth. You tell me?

Exhibit C:(this is the culprit in one of her usual under the table hide outs- obviously trying to disguise herself with a new hairdo)