Who Knew

Who knew that organizing our home school materials could be so pretty!

About two weeks ago while getting a latte at my usual coffee shop I spoted this chest in front of the resale shop next door. From the the moment I laid eyes on this beauty I had to have her! So, after a quick phone call to my husband she was in the back of the SUV and away we went.

Now from the pictures of my home I have posted so far I know you can tell that I love blue! When I first brought the chest home I was sure that I wanted to put her in my bathroom. Even though my bathroom is not even remotely decorated I knew the piece would fit perfect for the future plans I have in that space. But funny things happen when you put a piece of furniture in a holding spot. I had it sitting against a bare wall in the front room for the day (waiting on my husband to help me carry it up stairs) and my mind began to wonder.

You see, my dining room is not very big. I have always felt that the only thing that fits in there well is our big square pub style table. But, as I sat on the sofa in the front room staring at my latest treasure I realized that the color is the PREFECT compliment to the paint on the walls, window dressings, and artwork in the dining room. (which has totally been changed in the last 6 months)

So am happy to report that this beauty is working out wonderfully! I really did not have a great storage place for our mountain of home school supplies. Everything was kept in large baskets that I thought I would haul up and down the stairs everyday (which turns out only happened on Mondays and Fridays) So instead the kiddos can now help themselves to what they need and I get to have something pretty to look at while we work at the table.

I just love the feet!

The distressing is perfect for my taste. Plus I have never refinished furniture my self so having someone do it for me just the way I want , SCORE!!!!!

Oh BTW this sucker was on $40!!!!!! Double Score!

So, if you find a piece that makes your heart sing and you have no clue where to put it, I say get it!!!! You never know what you will come up with once it is sitting in your living room

Work in Progress

I have really been loving my new camera. I have taken way too many pictures, but I have quickly discovered that taking a million shoots is the only way to get a good picture. Taking good pictures really does take some practice and a lot of patience!!! Thankfully I have the best subjects to practice on.

Today is my birthday. It is a Monday so, last night I got to have dinner with my family on my husbands side. We went to California Pizza Kitchen (one of my favs) I had the Thai Chicken Pizza and cherry limeade and I have every bit of both!!! It was really nice to spend time with people that I care about and of course get some presents. And this morning I got a treat when I showed up at my regular coffee shop, taped to the ice cream case was a sign saying "happy birthday Robin, Love Mom" with a coffee card taped to it (keep in mind my Mom is over 2,000 miles away) Boy, do people know that way to my heart that is the 2nd present in 24hours that is coffee related.

After a GROSS GROSS weekend weather wise the Lord has blessed me with pockets of sun and no rain today.

On my birthday today I keep hearing

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not harm to you, plans to give you hope and a future." jeremiah 29:11

How wonderful to remember in all times that My God loves me and wants good for me! What a wonderful present!

Cheeseeeeee!!!!!

Who knew that happiness comes in the form of a camera!

Yeah, I am happy to announce that for my birthday that my husband gave me a Canon Rebel T1i EOS500. It came with a 18-50mm lens. This is not the camera I have been looking at for the past year, it is way better! Not only does it have basic point and shoot mode (which is already a million times better than my old Panasonic point and click). The Creative mode is wonderful. I can not get over the amount o0f control I have over the shot. Now, I only have to spend the next million years trying to understand which goes with what in terms of the shot I am trying to achieve. It also takes video as well and not just any video... Are you ready.... It shoots in HDMI... for all you nerds out there how cool it that!!!!


So, I know that there are not many people out there but if anyone is listening and has some words of wisdom for a SLR beginner, I would love to have some tips. So, that it is known I love to of course take pictures of the kiddos but I am a nature lover and have always loved to attempt to take good landscape pictures.


One other note about my fabulous husband.... He also got me this super cute bag for the camera and a beautiful camera strap that is in route to the house so I will be sure to show it off when I get it.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

well it is almost wordless.....I GOT A SLR FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!!! YIPPEEEEEEEE!!!!

What Have I Done

What would you do if one day you opened your email and find a letter from a stranger claiming to be your sister? What would you do? How would you feel? Would you hate your parents from keeping it from you your whole life? Would you hate that person for changing who you thought you were? (only child to becoming a sister and aunt in one letter)

I am sitting here sick to my stomach because I just did that to someone. I have a half sister who is in her early 20's and has lived her life as and only child. The sad part is everyone around her, (parents, aunts, uncles and cousins) all knew otherwise. I am sure that she will feel betrayed by them in some manner but it was her parents choosing. I am worried if I did the right thing but i have been waiting for 18 years to do the right thing. I can now only hope and wait to see what she will do. I am praying for the Lord's grace in the situation. Hoping I can speak softly and with wisdom. I am also praying that I will accept what ever the Lord has planned for me in this. So far it has been for me not to have a role in my earthly Father's life. I hope this will be a new page. I have spent my whole life hurting for him and when I let that go I have spent my time sad that this young woman has not known that she had a sister. When I was a little girl I used to beg my mom for a sister. Of course I was blessed with a great brother who is 10 years younger than me so clearly he does not call me for sisterly advice. Which is ok, what little relationship he and I have I will take because he is a great guy and I am blessed to have him. But on the other hand there is something about a sister bond that I desire. (always have) I so envy my sister-in-laws while we get along great they are in laws and we speak every few weeks but the 2 of them talk everyday and I feel silly and somewhat desperate to say let me into your sister circle so I have never shared my heart with them out of fear of being laughed at.

Many people have told me to let it go but I cannot. It is family and I cannot just forget about her. It is like saying "hey there sorry about losing your foot but just forget about it and move on." Ugh!!!! people are generally trying to make me feel better but unless you have gone through it don't share you opinion please because until you are in that place you just don't know how your heart will fill.

So here I sit wondering if she will ever respond.

Valentine's Day Treats

So at MOPS this morning we made the sweetest little Valentine's Day treats I have seen in a long time and the best part about them is that they were super easy to make.

We made Cream Cheese Mints...

8oz block of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

2lb bag of powder sugar

1/8 teaspoon flavoring (peppermint, vanilla, raspberry, etc...)

small rubber molds (hearts)

Knead together or use a mixer to make dough. Add coloring if desired...the more you add the darker the color.Use granulated sugar for colored mints, e.g. red sugar with red dough. (Do this by putting a drop or tow of food coloring into a container with sugar, seal and shake.)

Take a small ball of dough , dip in granulated sugar, press into rubber mint mold sugar side down, press out immediately and let dry at room temperature for 1-2 days. You may then layer with wax paper and freeze fora year or refrigerate for 6 months.

these take a little bit of time to press out but when you put them in to a little heart box it makes a cute little treat to give to you sweetie or drop a few in a bag of a tasty favor for a party.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Peek-A-Boo!

So I haven't been avoiding my blog, it just has been a busier than usual week.

We have been driving around town a bit more these past few days (which I hate) due to the fact that I have been selling several unused items we have around the house on Craig's list. I am loving the free space but I am loving the extra mu la even more. The extra cash is going right into the Las Vegas fund. (Hubby and I are escaping in June)

I am so happy to report that after MANY MANY months of trying to make it the Zumba classes at the Y (Ryker has a melt down and I always have to leave the class) Ryker and I have made it through the class. So needless to say I am doing my best to workout 3 days a week and yet again I am not home, but at least it is for a reason to improve myself.

I am have been painting the family room and I can't wait to get the finishing touches on to show it off. I can't believe the difference it has made.

Seb and I have also been hammering away at school. We are currently studying Greek history which has been kinda fun, although he doesn't understand why the worshiped so many God and Goddess. (it is really cute)

So there is a quick update.

I have a busy week ahead too, we are going down to Tacoma for a play date with cousin
E and then this weekend I am off to the Flower and Garden Show for a afternoon with BFF!