It has been nearly three-and-a-half years since we saw our home for the first time. From that day to the day we moved in I would drive past it on a regular basis. From the first day we saw it the exterior of the home was completed but the inside still needed to be finished, so sometimes I would get out of my car and walk around the house peeking in the windows to see how the finish work was coming along. I loved it and was sure that it was the house for our family.
Imagine my surprise when one day I noticed what I considered to be... a flaw. I had been driving past this house for weeks, how had I never seen it before? We hadn't made an offer yet; but I was sure I could overlook the "flaw" because I really loved this house.
We bought the house-we moved in-and it's been great; but... every time I drive up to my house I see the flaw. My eye is drawn to it immediately and it bugs me, and it bugs me that I let it bug me.
The flaw cannot be fixed, so I have thought of possible ways that I could camouflage it, you see, I don't want anyone else to notice it.
I recently came to the conclusion that I have let it bug me too much. One day while driving up to my house (and looking at the flaw) I decided that I was being ridiculous, "why do you always look there first?" I asked myself, "just look past it, look at all of the good things about your house."
The thought quietly came into my mind, how often do I do the same thing to myself... and to others? By focusing more than I should on the "flaws" rather than the "good things".
I decided that day to "get over it" and to be more appreciative of the really great features of my home than to spend any more time dwelling on this one negative aspect... that cannot be fixed.
I know for me... and probably for you; that working on our own "flaws" is a continual process. One thing that I have discovered is this... the things that bug me about me; can be fixed. In tomorrow's post I will share a way that helps me.
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Confessions of a Non-Shopaholic
I have a love/hate relationship with shopping. I have plenty of shopping stories that I could regale you with, but... I won't. If you know me well you already know what kind of shopper I am (Lilian is probably nodding her head now). If you've shopped with me you know how fussy I am (Melinda remember when you got $10 off the price of a dress in Park City years ago; because I found a spot on it?). A stranger once looked into my cart at the grocery store, then looked at me and said, "I've never seen groceries so organized in a grocery cart before." Should my shopping habits make me proud or embarrassed? I'm not sure... maybe a little bit of both considering the circumstance of the moment. Needless to say, although I do enjoy shopping excursions with friends and family, when I really want and need to accomplish something I prefer to go alone. Not because I don't enjoy the company... but I'd rather not put people I love through the torture of shopping with me.
But today I share a happy and successful shopping story which is also very true to the nature of my shopping habits. So enjoy.
Several months ago while shopping at a favorite store I found this red table and immediately fell in love with it. I knew it would be perfect in my living room, but it was what I considered to be a major cash purchase. When I am making major purchases... I like to "think about it". Often while I am thinking, I miss out. Mytolerant extremely patient husband often tells me that I over think such things. He's often the one who tells me to buy it. In fact, he always tells me to buy it. How many husbands do that? Only the ones who have the secure knowledge that their wives "think about it" too much.
This store offers 20% at any given time (if you happen to shop there and they tell you that), but I needed more than 20% off to justify the purchase. I have gone into that store on a weekly basis for months watching and waiting for my table to go on sale. A few weeks ago there was a store coupon for 25% off, but I had a price in my head and 25% still didn't cut it. I finally decided that I was going to forget about the table... and I did. A week ago while shopping with Marivic at another favorite store, I found another red table... this time my "think about it" habit saved me from a purchase and then a return, because two days later I went into the original store and there was my table... 30% off. Just dollars above what I would spend. I knew this was my last chance. It was now or never. Iscrutinized every detail of looked at the table for several minutes. The store employee told me that she could give me 35% off if there were scratches (don't you love the distressed look?), so I bravely asked, "could you go 40%?" A quick phone call and the 40% offer was approved. There was no thinking about it now, within minutes that table was in the back of my little car and I was on my way home.
So how do you like my red table? I will post another picture when I accessorize it... but knowing me that could take a few more months, so please don't hold your breath.
But today I share a happy and successful shopping story which is also very true to the nature of my shopping habits. So enjoy.
Several months ago while shopping at a favorite store I found this red table and immediately fell in love with it. I knew it would be perfect in my living room, but it was what I considered to be a major cash purchase. When I am making major purchases... I like to "think about it". Often while I am thinking, I miss out. My
This store offers 20% at any given time (if you happen to shop there and they tell you that), but I needed more than 20% off to justify the purchase. I have gone into that store on a weekly basis for months watching and waiting for my table to go on sale. A few weeks ago there was a store coupon for 25% off, but I had a price in my head and 25% still didn't cut it. I finally decided that I was going to forget about the table... and I did. A week ago while shopping with Marivic at another favorite store, I found another red table... this time my "think about it" habit saved me from a purchase and then a return, because two days later I went into the original store and there was my table... 30% off. Just dollars above what I would spend. I knew this was my last chance. It was now or never. I
So how do you like my red table? I will post another picture when I accessorize it... but knowing me that could take a few more months, so please don't hold your breath.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Grass Isn't Always Greener
When I left for work on Tuesday morning this is how my front yard looked.
When I arrived home from work on Wednesday afternoon the sprinkling system was completed and had been covered with dirt.
A load of topsoil and two pallets of sod had also arrived on Wednesday.
By Wednesday evening all of the topsoil has been spread around the yard.
Shortly after 7 am on Thursday morning Caitlin and I left for USU. Part of the crew were already at work in the yard.
When we returned on Thursday afternoon this is what we found.
Complete with sprinkling system.
This is the first time in my entire life that I have had a sprinkling system? True or false? What do you think the answer is?
When I arrived home from work on Wednesday afternoon the sprinkling system was completed and had been covered with dirt.
A load of topsoil and two pallets of sod had also arrived on Wednesday.
By Wednesday evening all of the topsoil has been spread around the yard.
Shortly after 7 am on Thursday morning Caitlin and I left for USU. Part of the crew were already at work in the yard.
When we returned on Thursday afternoon this is what we found.
Complete with sprinkling system.
This is the first time in my entire life that I have had a sprinkling system? True or false? What do you think the answer is?
Friday, June 10, 2011
Green Thumb?
In answer to the question in the title of this post... NOT ME. I love nature. I love beautiful yards filled with trees and flower beds, shrubs and stone walkways. I love seeing pots and hanging planters filled with perennials and annuals throughout the summer (hey... at least I know those terms AND the differences between them), as well as tulips and daffodils creeping up from the ground in the spring. But alas, my thumb is as pink as it can be.We are preparing to put in a yard... from the dirt up. Mike has moved rocks, sprayed weeds, plowed dirt, raked dirt... and then done it all again. Archie (thanks Arch) has come over and designed a sprinkling system with Mike; our friend Mike (thanks Mike) came over and designed a wonderful layout for us.
I'm nervous. As long as it sits there undone, we can dream of how beautiful it will be; but the minute we start to put it together, reality will set in. What if we do it wrong? What if our lawn isn't thick and healthy? What if we buy trees and they die? What if, what if...
Well I took a baby step and planted daffodil bulbs. My friend Paula (who has TWO green thumbs and a beautiful yard) brought these bulbs to the "Favorites Party" last fall and Caitlin's name was drawn out. Being a teenage girl, she was happy to trade her daffodil bulbs for a ring I received when my name was drawn out. So here they are. I planted them in the winter (Paula said I could) and they bloomed. I've watched them and thrilled over them every step of the way.
We just need to take a few more of those baby steps. Our friend Mike had a 5-year plan for his yard (which is beautiful by the way). So right now (year 1/5) our plan is sprinklers and grass, and weather permitting we'll be moving forward right away.
As I'm siting here typing, I think I'm noticing a slight hint of green on the tip of my left thumb. I think our yard may turn out to be just fine.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Our First 100 Days
It's been 100 days since we moved into our new home; and so in the tradition of the President of the United States, I'm going to give a report on our accomplishments/happenings during our first 100 days...
I started and finished my entire second season of We Also Sing.
We've done lots of organizational stuff: address changes (times a ba-zillion), utility hook-ups, newspaper and mail, milkman, figuring out which switches control what lights (still working on that one), trying to remember what is in each kitchen cabinet or drawer, learning how to multi task so that I'm not going up and down the stairs so much (I counted one day just for fun; 29 times)....
Mike played his Fall season of softball.
Caitlin rehearsed and performed in West Side Story.
I've made some meager attempts at decorating (I don't like putting nails in new walls).
The very first thing I did was re-create my favorite corner (not in a corner anymore)
This is my master bathroom, the top picture was taken during the day and the bottom was taken at night, I love this room
As you can see Michael has no problem hammering nails into his music room walls; this is just one corner
We spoke in our new ward.
Mike and I were called as chairmen of our stakes float for The Days of '47 parade.
Mike was called as first counselor in the Young Men's Presidency.
I had a favorites party with friends (and a few strangers....they're my favorite strangers).
We've had overnight guests (Derek, Emily, and Becca).
Caitlin and I had a trip to St. George with Chris and Chelsea.
Mike bought a shed (he loves it).
We enjoyed Thanksgiving with our Children and grandchildren.
I was in a car accident on I-15.
Caitlin went to the Homecoming dance and the Halloween dance.
There have been some band practises.
Mason is a way cute future drummer for the band
Steve and Becky came over for dinner and a card game.
We've had several visits from family, friends, ward members, co-workers, and even Jeremy's friend Shanti from Canada.
Caitlin was chosen to sing a solo in her upcoming Christmas Concert at BHS.
On day 96 Caitlin (and her parents) spent hours at Lakeview Hospital while Caitlin underwent testing to determine if she had appendicitis.
On day 96 Mike and I made it home from the hospital in just enough time (literally minutes) to perform at our ward Christmas party.
On day 96 (while at the ward Christmas party) Mike secured a building for us to build the float in; and one of the things (there are a few) that is really wonderful about that is the fact that it is just around the corner from us, we will have easy access to the float during the duration of the building process, we feel really blessed about that.
On day 97 Caitlin went to the Christmas dance with KK; on the way home from the dance Caitlin and Kevin were two of the passengers involved in a car accident (due to black ice and a huge telephone pole). Caitlin had to be transported by ambulence to the hospital. Two ER visits, one CT scan, one ultra sound, and x-rays all within 36 hours is a record for our family; on a positive note (the cup is half full) they were able to do her follow-up tests from the previous day while we were there after the accident. It was frightening for all of us and I'm so grateful that Caitlin is okay.
Over the last 100 days I've experienced a major change in my life; I left my comfort zone and ventured into something new, not always an easy thing to do. I feel very grateful and blessed for the love and support of family and friends, I am grateful for the warm welcome and enthusiasm that we've felt from our new neighbors and ward members, I'm grateful that our beloved tenth ward members haven't forgotten us, I am grateful for how abundantly blessed I have been when I don't feel like I deserve it. Here's to the next 100 days (and hopefully a few more nails in the walls....and no more visits to the ER).
I started and finished my entire second season of We Also Sing.
We've done lots of organizational stuff: address changes (times a ba-zillion), utility hook-ups, newspaper and mail, milkman, figuring out which switches control what lights (still working on that one), trying to remember what is in each kitchen cabinet or drawer, learning how to multi task so that I'm not going up and down the stairs so much (I counted one day just for fun; 29 times)....
Mike played his Fall season of softball.
Caitlin rehearsed and performed in West Side Story.
I've made some meager attempts at decorating (I don't like putting nails in new walls).
The very first thing I did was re-create my favorite corner (not in a corner anymore)
This is my master bathroom, the top picture was taken during the day and the bottom was taken at night, I love this room
As you can see Michael has no problem hammering nails into his music room walls; this is just one cornerWe spoke in our new ward.
Mike and I were called as chairmen of our stakes float for The Days of '47 parade.
Mike was called as first counselor in the Young Men's Presidency.
I had a favorites party with friends (and a few strangers....they're my favorite strangers).
We've had overnight guests (Derek, Emily, and Becca).
Caitlin and I had a trip to St. George with Chris and Chelsea.
Mike bought a shed (he loves it).
We enjoyed Thanksgiving with our Children and grandchildren.
I was in a car accident on I-15.
Caitlin went to the Homecoming dance and the Halloween dance.
There have been some band practises.
Mason is a way cute future drummer for the bandSteve and Becky came over for dinner and a card game.
We've had several visits from family, friends, ward members, co-workers, and even Jeremy's friend Shanti from Canada.
Caitlin was chosen to sing a solo in her upcoming Christmas Concert at BHS.
On day 96 Caitlin (and her parents) spent hours at Lakeview Hospital while Caitlin underwent testing to determine if she had appendicitis.
On day 96 Mike and I made it home from the hospital in just enough time (literally minutes) to perform at our ward Christmas party.
On day 96 (while at the ward Christmas party) Mike secured a building for us to build the float in; and one of the things (there are a few) that is really wonderful about that is the fact that it is just around the corner from us, we will have easy access to the float during the duration of the building process, we feel really blessed about that.
On day 97 Caitlin went to the Christmas dance with KK; on the way home from the dance Caitlin and Kevin were two of the passengers involved in a car accident (due to black ice and a huge telephone pole). Caitlin had to be transported by ambulence to the hospital. Two ER visits, one CT scan, one ultra sound, and x-rays all within 36 hours is a record for our family; on a positive note (the cup is half full) they were able to do her follow-up tests from the previous day while we were there after the accident. It was frightening for all of us and I'm so grateful that Caitlin is okay.
Over the last 100 days I've experienced a major change in my life; I left my comfort zone and ventured into something new, not always an easy thing to do. I feel very grateful and blessed for the love and support of family and friends, I am grateful for the warm welcome and enthusiasm that we've felt from our new neighbors and ward members, I'm grateful that our beloved tenth ward members haven't forgotten us, I am grateful for how abundantly blessed I have been when I don't feel like I deserve it. Here's to the next 100 days (and hopefully a few more nails in the walls....and no more visits to the ER).
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My New Chair
This is my new chair. It's a youth chair, and....I LOVE IT!!! I first saw one like it at the Wood Connection about 18 months ago; I decided right then and there that I was going to have one. So here it is. I was able to pick my own color (bayberry), and any finishes that I wanted (I chose antiquing and glazing). I love The Wood Connection! And I think my chair is really cute! But I especially think it's cute when....
Miss Avery is sitting in it!!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Selling The House
I've had several inquiries about the status of the sale of our house so I thought I'd post a quick update. We put the house up for sale 4 weeks ago today. It has been shown 7 times (including 3 times within 4 days last week). Our agent (Jeremy) told us that the average length of time a house (currently) is on the market is 90 days, and the fact that our house has already been shown 7 times is good.
We rented a storage unit and have taken lots of stuff over there to alleviate the "crowded" look in our little home.
My Dad painted our family room and hallway downstairs, including all the doors and trim. Mike put a new ceiling in the basement bathroom and installed new towel holders.
I am working on removing wallpaper in the kitchen and getting it ready to paint. Every day we have to be ready at a moments notice to leave the house so it can be shown to a potential buyer. We've had a few (7) quick pick-up the house and escapes, and so far so good. There is still much to do but it is a work in progress. I'm leaving for BYU Women's Conference on Wednesday so Mike and Caitlin will be in charge of keeping things going smoothly.
We've had LOTS of questions about our new home. We don't have one. There is a home we really would like but there is nothing definite yet. As soon as our house sells we will be in a much better position where that house is concerned.
Here are a few pictures of what is going on in our busy-house-selling-life!
My Dad (being silly as usual) is always willing to help us out
The finished hallway (except for the blue tape I hadn't removed yet)
The before version of the family room
I painted the shelves after Dad painted the room (ooops! more blue tape)
Miss Avery came over for a visit when I was painting the shelves
This is the house we hope to buy
The back of the house; it is beautiful inside also
We rented a storage unit and have taken lots of stuff over there to alleviate the "crowded" look in our little home.
My Dad painted our family room and hallway downstairs, including all the doors and trim. Mike put a new ceiling in the basement bathroom and installed new towel holders.
I am working on removing wallpaper in the kitchen and getting it ready to paint. Every day we have to be ready at a moments notice to leave the house so it can be shown to a potential buyer. We've had a few (7) quick pick-up the house and escapes, and so far so good. There is still much to do but it is a work in progress. I'm leaving for BYU Women's Conference on Wednesday so Mike and Caitlin will be in charge of keeping things going smoothly.
We've had LOTS of questions about our new home. We don't have one. There is a home we really would like but there is nothing definite yet. As soon as our house sells we will be in a much better position where that house is concerned.
Here are a few pictures of what is going on in our busy-house-selling-life!
My Dad (being silly as usual) is always willing to help us out
The finished hallway (except for the blue tape I hadn't removed yet)
The before version of the family room
I painted the shelves after Dad painted the room (ooops! more blue tape)
Miss Avery came over for a visit when I was painting the shelves
This is the house we hope to buy
The back of the house; it is beautiful inside also
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, November 21, 2008
My Favorite Corner
This is my favorite corner in my home. The reason it's my favorite is because this hutch is the piece of furniture that I love the most. It's country. It's distressed. It's antiqued. It's me. One of my projects for my "week off" was to take everything off of the hutch and either dust it or wash it and then put it back. I'm a very sentimental person when it comes to some of my "treasures" so I'm going to share just a few of them on this post.
I bought this bear several years ago at a holiday boutique. I'm one who sometimes has a hard time parting with my dollars so I debated back and forth for several minutes about this purchase, but I think it's obvious why I couldn't pass up this cute bear. I love dishes and bowls and I keep my favorites here. This bowl in a family heirloom given to me by my mother-in-law a few years ago, it originally belonged to my father-in-laws family. I believe it is more than 100 years old. For many years I've eaten meals in her home served from this bowl. It is a treasure that I choose to display and keep safe for my daughter.
In a home as small as mine I have to use my space wisely, so I hide holiday bowls inside the ones that you see in the hutch. These are a few of my holiday bowls. I love the spider chip and dip set. The other bowls are made by Tag one of my favorite companies.
On the bottom shelf is my Dr. Pepper crate. A few years back soda pop crates were all the rage. My mother-in-law found this one in her mother's shed. It came from the days when Michael's Grandpa had a motorcycle shop in Ogden. It was in mint condition and Dr. Pepper was my favorite drink for many years until I gave it up (16 years; 10 months; and 17 days ago). The crate has 24 sections and each one has a dishcloth in it.
This picture was a Christmas card that we received from David and Christine the first year that they were married (1993). I loved it so much that I framed it and I display it year round (even though there is a Christmas tree in the picture).
Last but not least is a little touch of whimsy; my "hokey pokey" block that my sister gave me for my birthday a couple of years ago. Every year that we go to the beach house our family does the hokey pokey around the camp fire. It's amazing that no one has ever fallen in.
Well that was a little bit of nostalgia and sentiment from me. So here are a couple of questions for you. What do you love about your favorite corner in your home? And, does anyone know what the hokey pokey is all about?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Home Sweet (remodeled) Home
Our house was looking a little sad and depressed so we thought we'd cheer it up with a bit of a makeover. We talked about it for awhile, then we started to plan; because the one who says "it's just a pleasure being nominated..." also says, "...nothing happens without a plan." Then Granpa volunteered to help and our goal of let's be done by the end of August, turned out to be carpet's coming on August 11th!!! We got started on July 24th when Michael and Granpa pulled out tile, moldings, and carpet. The next day it was full speed ahead and we were actually done long before the end of August. Although the biggest part of the job is done, I am still trying to decorate and pull it all together, but here it is so far:
Anyone who knows Granpa Marsden knows how much fun he is. He can't just paint a room, he has to turn the paint roller into a guitar!
As I watched Michael working hard at removing the tile he'd put in 16 years earlier, I felt a bit guilty. He never complained and did a wonderful job of laying the new updated tile. 
Michael and Dad did painting, molding, tile, light fixtures, and hardware. I took on one project myself. My 26 year old railing. It is as sturdy as the day it was put in and there was no reason to replace it. So I decided to paint it. I was very nervous that it wouldn't turn out right so I procrastinated as long as I could and then I jumped into the project. This is how it's looked for 26 years.
I put a primer on it first and realized right away it was going to work. Whew!!
This is the finished product!! I am a happy camper.
Looking for furniture was a major undertaking for me. I was amazed that I found it on the first day I went looking. I bought the chair at the RC Willey outlet on 90th south and Redwood and my sofa at RC Willey in Syracuse. Both had to be picked up within 24 hours. A complicated feat accomplished by me and my parents.
click on sofa photo for a better view of details
There's still much to do but here's a look at the decorating so far. Michael did a great job with the new light fixture in the entryway. I wanted something close to the ceiling so that it wouldn't interfere with our painting of Ashleigh.
All of these accessories at the end of the hall were placed here before, but I think they look much better with the new paint and molding.
That's it so far, stay tuned as the project continues!
Anyone who knows Granpa Marsden knows how much fun he is. He can't just paint a room, he has to turn the paint roller into a guitar!
As I watched Michael working hard at removing the tile he'd put in 16 years earlier, I felt a bit guilty. He never complained and did a wonderful job of laying the new updated tile. 
Michael and Dad did painting, molding, tile, light fixtures, and hardware. I took on one project myself. My 26 year old railing. It is as sturdy as the day it was put in and there was no reason to replace it. So I decided to paint it. I was very nervous that it wouldn't turn out right so I procrastinated as long as I could and then I jumped into the project. This is how it's looked for 26 years.
I put a primer on it first and realized right away it was going to work. Whew!!
This is the finished product!! I am a happy camper.
Looking for furniture was a major undertaking for me. I was amazed that I found it on the first day I went looking. I bought the chair at the RC Willey outlet on 90th south and Redwood and my sofa at RC Willey in Syracuse. Both had to be picked up within 24 hours. A complicated feat accomplished by me and my parents.
click on sofa photo for a better view of details
There's still much to do but here's a look at the decorating so far. Michael did a great job with the new light fixture in the entryway. I wanted something close to the ceiling so that it wouldn't interfere with our painting of Ashleigh.
All of these accessories at the end of the hall were placed here before, but I think they look much better with the new paint and molding.
That's it so far, stay tuned as the project continues!
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