tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76278404695283112112024-03-05T22:14:46.664-05:00Our Country PlaceSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-22261670558063314642012-12-07T19:52:00.000-05:002012-12-07T19:52:21.965-05:00Christmas At Our Little FarmhouseSo ya, I'm not so good at this whole blogging thing. It's kinda intimidating and I like to sit in my jammies every morning and see what other people are blogging about, it's just easier! :) But anyway here is what Christmas looks like over here at our little farmhouse!<br />
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This is an old toolbox that I have pretty much been obsessed with ever since I found it at my parents second hand store this summer. I have decorated it for 3 seasons now and I just love it. I put in some lighted garland and some red cardinals that I found at the craft store. I thought I was being a little frivolous buying the birds, but now I am so glad I did. <br />
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I was also loving all the mason jars filled with epsom salt and candles that I saw on pinterest. <br />
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This pretty centerpiece is yet again another beautiful find from my parent's store. It did not come with candles, so I thought I would just pick some up at the dollar store, only to be surprised that they did not have any! But while I was there I saw these adorable mini mason jars and I thought they would be perfect filled with epsom salt and tealight candles.<br />
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This is just a complete look of our dining room, with the buffet with the toolbox just off to the left of the shot.<br />
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This is an old orchard ladder that came with our house used as a quilt rack. My husband's grandmother (Mimi) just gave this quilt to me this fall. She is very sick and this quilt has been in her family for many years. I felt so honored that she wanted me to have it. We are looking for a white corner cabinet to go in this space, but for now I am really liking this look.<br />
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Again I did some of the mason jars with epsom salt. It looks very beautiful at night when they are all lit.<br />
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Last summer, our house sustained some damage during a hurricane when our roof started leaking over our living room. We had yucky stains on the ceiling and I really did not want many people over until it was fixed. Thankfully it is now finally fixed, ceiling painted, and my curtains are back up again. Here are some shots of our back together room. Yippie!! :)<br />
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And last but not least, our tree!!<br />
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This year I used burlap garland, apples, snowflakes, angels, and white hydrangeas. I have to say I have a good hubby to let me have big poofy flowers on the tree and the coffee table! :)<br />
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Also we finally have our pantry finished!! Now I officially have 2 closets in our 200 year old house! This is a big deal folks!! :)<br />
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My husband made this door out of 2 old pieces of rough-cut lumber that he found in our barn. I just love it, along with the beautiful strap hinges that we found from Vandyke Restorers.<br />
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I really didn't think that it needed to be lighted and just kinda humored my husband with that part, but now I love it! I kinda giggle every time I open it and the light automatically comes on! :)<br />
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I also most say, I had quite a good time at Home Goods picking out all the pretty baskets and jars to put everything in!! :)<br />
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Well that's a little of what has been happening over at our house. Sorry I don't have more than a point and shoot, but we need a roof and windows and siding and our mudroom finished first. Maybe someday! :)<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-26830106285074614432012-06-27T11:12:00.000-04:002012-06-27T11:12:42.213-04:00Liebster Blog Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kiri over at <a href="http://mylovelylife-blog.blogspot.com/2012/06/liebster.html">My Lovely Life</a> gave me the liebster blog award. I have never done one of these before and I am not very computer savy, I know pretty funny since I'm a blogger or at least I play one on TV! :) Anyway this is how it works.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Rules...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">1. You must link back to the person who gave the award to you (as a small thanks :).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">2.
Post eleven things about yourself (the version I was given says this, I
know some of the other versions don't. It's fun, play along!).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">3. Answer the questions the person giving you the award has set for you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">4. Create 11 questions for the people to answer that you have given the award to.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">5. Choose people to give the award to and link them in your post.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">6. Go to their blog and tell them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">7. You can't give the award back to the blogger who gave it to you</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">11 random things about me...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">1. I am absolutely terrified to put my feet in water that I can't see the bottom of. I'm the cool one at the beach with water shoes. :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">2. My husband was my first and only boyfriend and I'm so glad that's how it worked out!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">3. I used to love running, I ran track 7th grade through college. I would love to be able to run a 5k again some day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">4. I'm the baby in my family, I have four older brothers that were all teenagers when I was born.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">5. My parents are in their mid 70's and they still work 6 days a weeks running their next to new business.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">6. I love preppy clothing, khakis, argyle, button downs..........but my hubby has absolutely no interest in clothes unless they are carhartt.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">7. My hubby and I spend a week camping in the Adirondacks together every August. This will be our fourth year and we can't wait! :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">8. I am a pretty avid gardener, but I knew absolutely nothing about it when we bought our house 5 years ago. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">9. I was saved when I was 5 years old. I attended Christian school kindergarten through college and I'm very thankful for all the sacrifices my parents made for me to have that education.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">10. We have a sweet little doggie named Ella. She is a Pomeranian</span><span class="tl"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">/Shih Tzu mix and she is our baby right now! :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">11. I am also an aunt, I have 3 nephews. Morgan is 16 (still can't believe that one because I was 16 when he was born), Nicky is 12 (He has his own lawn mowing business already) :) and Colin is 10 and is the star of his pop warner football team, he's also extremely fast so I'm hoping he will run track like me when he's older! :) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Kiri's questions...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. What is your favorite feature on yourself?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">I would have to say my eyes, people always comment on how they are big like a little child's eyes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">I always thought I would want to live in Australia, but now that I'm older I really just love where I live now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. What talent do you wish you had?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">I would love to be able to sing, it is so beautiful to listen to someone who is just blessed with an incredible voice.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. What's your favorite season?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">I love fall..........the weather, the leaves changing, the food!!! :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. What job would you have if money were no object?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"> I had a volunteer job in the hospital once and I just loved it. I wished it was what I could do for a living, just visiting and helping people.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Your biggest pet peeve?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">When people in the grocery store use their cart as a weapon and push you out of the way! Seriously its one of my biggest ones!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"> When all of my big brothers and their spouses would come over on Christmas Eve and we would do presents together, it was so special and I had them all to myself! :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. If you had an entire day to yourself what would you do first?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Well I have those a lot and usually I clean. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. What was your least favorite subject in school?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Math, just no gift in that department what so ever!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">I am hoping that the Mr and I will have our house finished? It would be nice! :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">11. Which celebrity's closet would you raid if given the chance?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">I love Keri Russell's style so much, oh and if I could have her face and hair too! :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">My questions......</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">1. What is your favorite flower?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">2. What is your favorite type of weather?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">3. Who is the person you most look up to in your life?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">4. How many siblings do you have?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">5. What would your go on your dream vacation?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">6. What is your absolute favorite meal to cook?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">7. What is your decorating style?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">8. What do you like to do in your spare time?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">9. If you could spend today with someone you haven't seen in a long time, who would it be?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">10. What moment or event in your life has most defined who you are today?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">11. Why do you like to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">blog?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">I am passing the award along to... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Heather at <a href="http://lifewithdandh.blogspot.com/"> Traveling Down the Tracks of Life With D&H</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Jessie at <a href="http://jessiesimperfectlife.blogspot.com/">Optimal Living</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Sarah at <a href="http://fontenblog.blogspot.com/">The Fontenot Four</a> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Laura <a href="http://abstractgrace.blogspot.com/">Abstract Grace</a></span></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-86268915808619007462012-06-25T14:50:00.002-04:002012-06-25T14:50:36.842-04:00Finding God's Purpose For You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok......so I am not so good at this whole blogging thing! I want to be, but life just gets so busy and I also get easily intimidated by all the amazing blogs out there. In fact I feel like that is one of my biggest obstacles comparing myself to others and what they can do, rather than fully immersing myself in the life God has given me to live.<br />
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Being sick like this, I'm going on 20 years now with this illness, can be very difficult. One of the biggest difficulties about it is trying to figure out what my purpose is in life. Sure there are other women out there who are homemakers, but most of them are mommies. Honestly, my hubby and I do not fully have peace that I am healthy enough and physically strong enough on a daily basis to be a mommy someday. Also with my Lyme disease, we do not have complete peace that our children would be born perfectly healthy. This is something I have surrendered over to God, it is in His hands, and whether I ever have children or not, does not change the fact that God does indeed have a plan for my life.<br />
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Another thing I struggle with is the fact that many people get very sick, become extremely close to God, but then they get better and do amazing things with their lives afterward. For me though, I am still sick. People don't really realize how sick I am by looking at me, and I really try not to make people feel sorry for me because I have this illness. Honestly, even though it is difficult to be sick like this I wouldn't change it because this is what God had planned out for me to make me into who He wants me to be. This illness has made me so much closer to God, and I never would have slowed down enough to meet my amazing hubby if it were not for this illness! :)<br />
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So lately, I feel like I have started to have some revelations as to why God created me the way I am. I had always been painfully shy growing up and also extremely sensitive. I have spent a lot of my life with my feelings hurt because I am just sooo sensitive. I know God gave me this kind of heart for a reason, so I am trying to not get hurt so easily but, to use it to be someone who is very compassionate and aware of the needs of others. During my illness, a lot of friends and family really weren't there for me. Actually a lot of times in life I kinda fall through the cracks because I am quiet and I just kinda fade into the background. This has been a source of hurt to me in the past, but I am realizing it is part of God's plan for me. Because even though I have felt this way in my life, but being lucky enough to have friends and family members who do really truly love me, than there are certainly people in this life who feel that way and there is no one close to them who really love and care about them. I think that God was allowing this heartache in my life so that I could be someone who is very sensitive to the heartaches of others around me. This is something I can do, that maybe I couldn't have if I was out working full time and raising a family. God is already putting people in my life and opportunities where I feel this is my calling. I went to school to become a psychologist, but maybe I wasn't meant to sit in a chair and offer advice, but to be out in the world loving and caring about the people that a lot of times our world has forgotten.<br />
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This is something that I am still figuring out, but it feels so good to focus on a calling, rather than sitting around waiting to get better. I may never get better, but its ok as long as I am being the person God wants me to be. I love this quote from my Jesus calling devotional,"Do not resist or run from the difficulties in your life. These problems
are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for
your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in
your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them. View problems are
opportunities to rely more fully on Me."<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-87139849708624973332012-03-25T17:17:00.000-04:002012-03-26T10:43:09.028-04:00Our Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love reading other people's bios on their blogs, but I especially love reading their love stories. I don't know why I haven't thought of it before, but maybe its time for me to share our story! :)<br />
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My husband Dan and I went to the same church our whole entire lives. We were born into that church and both of our families still attend every week. The only thing is that I am 3 1/2 years older, so we were never in youth group together and had never even talked. Being that I was that much older, he was not on my radar. We even went to the same private Christian school, but were 4 years apart. He likes to kid about how cool he would have been in 8th grade dating the senior cheer leader, I however would have raised some eyebrows! :)<br />
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While I was in college I was very shy and wasn't really too concerned about dating. I had a few different guys who liked me, but I always knew that if I was going to get married that I only wanted to date my husband. I am extremely sensitive and breaking up with lots of people would be very hard on me, I'm glad that God spared me that pain. I should also add, that I was never very concerned if I got married or not. I am very close to my father and I have 4 older brothers so I have a lot of male attention in my life. For being so shy, I was also quite independent, and I thought I was quite capable of taking care of myself! :) <br />
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It was also quite apparent towards the end of college that something was very wrong with my health. I had lost lots of weight, my hair was falling out, my grades were suffering because of memory problems, and running track, which was always one of my greatest joys in life was a complete struggle. I was lucky to make it through the year and even graduate at all! Once I came home, we concentrated on finding a diagnosis, and I figured graduate school and all my future plans could be put on hold until the next fall. We eventually found out that it was Lyme disease, and that I had probably had it for almost 10 years undiagnosed. I was so extremely sick and I had no idea what God's plan would be for me. All my friends were either getting married, starting their careers or getting their masters degrees. Where did this leave me?<br />
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Well little did I know that I already had a little bit of an admirer. :) I always sat in the front of church with my parents, my mom always says that the seats in the back are the cheap seats :), and Dan and all the other young guys, of course were in the very last row. He noticed me every week when I walked up to take my seat, but he only knew my name and he wasn't really sure how much older I was. One of his friends noticed his interest and thought he should ask me out, but Dan was much too shy. He had never dated anyone before either.<br />
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Well during this time I actually started becoming friends with his mom. She is a nurse, but she also has MS, so we could really relate about how hard it is to live with a chronic illness. His mom eventually invited me on a trip to a beach house in Cape Cod with several other women from church. Dan's dad and grandparents ended up going for part of the week as well. They told me so many stories about Dan, but still to this day claim that they were in no way trying to sell him to me! Dan actually had no idea that I was one of the "ladies" on this trip, and I will never forget the look on his face after we started dating and he realized that I had already been on vacation with his family! :) The funny thing was, that I could not for the life of me picture who Dan was. I remember a little blond haired boy running around at church, but obviously had not paid attention to him as we got older. When we came home and I saw him at church the next week, I realized that he was indeed pretty cute! :) However, I also thought he was much too young, and that was that! <br />
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A month after that trip our church starting reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, and we were put in a young adult small group together. Dan was pretty excited when I came in the door because he realized I must not be that much older than him, and second my illness wasn't terminal.......lol. He really didn't have any clue what Lyme disease was. :) The group was a mixture of girls my age and then a bunch of younger guys that we did not know at all, it was a little awkward at first.<br />
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We decided that we should all go bowling together to kind of break the ice and get to know each other. Dan realized while we were bowling that I could actually be quite funny and goofy (as demonstrated by us girls doing cheer leading spirit fingers when one of us needed to pick up a spare.........lol), and that definitely peaked his interest, more than just thinking I was cute. Afterwards we all went to Applebees for a late night snack. Dan really wanted to sit next to me, but wasn't sure how to do that without looking too obvious. Eventually one of the other girls, who I think might have secretly liked him, told him he should come sit in the seat across from me, that also happened to be right next to her. He came and sat there and we instantly started talking. It was like one of those cliche things from a movie, where once we started talking it was like no one else was there. He asked me about my illness, and before we knew it, we had ignored most of the table for more than a half hour. Again a cliche, but I felt like I had known him my whole life and I felt so incredibly comfortable with him. We all left that night, he ended up leaving in the same car as me, and saw more of my late night giddiness with the silly things my friend and I were saying in the back seat. Again he found this endearing, so it is ok! :)<br />
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That night when I went home, I did my devotions and prayer time like I always do before bed. However, this night was different. Right as I was ending my prayer time and opening my eyes, I felt God telling me that I was going to marry him someday. Now, remember I was a girl that didn't really care about getting married. I thought, "God are you sure you know who you are talking to?" I know it was God though, and I had never felt a leading like that before. Needless to say, I didn't fall asleep anytime soon.<br />
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Not too long after we sat and talked together at Applebees, did I start to get e-mails from Dan. I should add that we were also placed together as spiritual partners, meaning we were supposed to pray together and discuss our reading together. Dan thought this was a perfect disguise for his true intentions! Not that I didn't make him also stick to our lesson plan! :) He asked me if I would like to go to dinner with him sometime so that we could get to know each other better and better know how to pray for each other. At this point, I was still quite clueless. I knew what God was telling me, but I thought this must be way in the future sometime. Who would want to date someone who was sick like me? Actually I had forgotten with my health that dating was even something people did.<br />
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So we went out to dinner, at Applebees of course! :) I brought along my book and Bible because this was an official dinner between spiritual partners............I really had no idea. :) I must have looked like a total dork, because right away I wanted to discuss our reading and he had no even brought his book along. After awhile I started to relax and we just talked. We started talking about how we both wanted to live in the country someday. About how I wanted to live in a yellow farmhouse with green shutters, and how we wanted a big red barn. It was strange, but it was like we knew that we were talking about "our" future together. I started to notice just how handsome he was, and the twinkle in his eyes when he started to talk about things that he really liked or wanted to do someday. I started hoping that this indeed was a real date!! :)<br />
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Well, that was indeed a real date, and there were many more to come. There were some awkward moments because of how shy we were and the fact that we had never dated before, but they are fun memories that are good for a laugh now! Dan was so understanding about my illness and really was able to deal with it better than any of my girlfriends. He never got upset at me for cancelled plans and was never disappointed in me if I just couldn't do something. Because of my illness and the fact that I was not able to do very much, we just sat and talked all the time. We talked for hours together in person, on the phone and on the computer. We also started praying and reading our Bible together pretty much from the beginning. I wouldn't say opening up like this was easy for my husband, but it made us so incredibly close. This closeness made getting married such an easy transition. He truly is my best friend and we have so much fun together!!<br />
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So this girl that didn't need a man and could take care of herself is now a country housewife. We have a 200 year old house that we are in the process of redoing, and honestly we have many more years of work ahead of us, but its ok as long as we are here together! He is a sweet man, who takes such good care of me and I am truly blessed. I often ask him if he is disappointed in me because I don't work and he always says the same thing, "Your only job is to have a smile on your face when I come in the door!" I know to some women that might sound kind of chauvinistic, but he really means, "If your happy than I'm happy!" My life is so completely different than I had planned, but God's plan was so much better for me!! :)<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-31852978617975744542012-03-12T12:16:00.001-04:002012-03-12T12:16:29.991-04:00Spring FashionLast week my mom took me birthday shopping to pick out some new spring clothes. This has pretty much been our tradition since the beginning of time! :) Well inevitably we ended up at Forever 21, everything there is just so cute and for such a great price. It's a great way to get pieces that are more trendy without spending a ton of money. When I was younger in high school and college I would only buy expensive clothing, make that very expensive clothing and then I would get rid of it at the end of the year because, "It was so last year!" Oh how I wish I had kept a lot of it, since preppy clothing never really goes out of style and I am still about the same size. However, now that I am a grown-up, I also care about how my house looks so finding cute clothes at better prices just fits the bill.<br />
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Here a few cute things that I found.<br />
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<li>The mustard colored sweater I found last minute before we left, so I'm hoping its my color! :)</li>
<li>I am so in love with that hat!! I also just realized that I can probably wear it for our farm themed VBS this year and for $14.80 how can you go wrong?</li>
<li>The pink sweater has a little bit of an 80's vibe to it, but it is so soft and comfy. </li>
<li>The off white sweater with the lace is made so well and really looks like something that you would find in Banana Republic or a much pricier store.</li>
<li>The green sweater also again a little bit 80's but I loved the vibrant color.</li>
<li>The black sweater has a beaded Peter Pan color which I have seen a lot of on Pinterest. Does anyone else get upset that you don't actually own all those beautiful clothes pinned on your style board? :)</li>
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I also picked up this cute red linen blazer and a pair of Khaki and white jeans from American Eagle that fit perfect, which never happens! I actually wore the blazer with a blue and white striped button down and the khaki pants to church yesterday, but I didn't think to take a pic. Laying out the clothes instead of posing is also less intimidating! :)<br />
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Here also are just a few accessories that I found at each store.<br />
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I absolutely love the headband, I just hope I actually have the courage to wear it. They also had little mini fascinators there (you know like the hats everyone wore to Will & Kate's Wedding). I had good will power though and didn't buy one, but I wish that we dressed that way over here! :) I also bought some feather earrings, which I have been seeing everywhere. These are definitely going to be a stretch for me, but I think it such soft colors I just might be able to do it! :)<br />
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What things do you want to wear most for Spring? Or if you could have anything off your style pinboard what would you pick?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-46957649761318110142012-03-06T11:38:00.000-05:002012-03-06T11:38:27.184-05:00Come On Spring!!<br />
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I know I haven't blogged anything in a while, but I am still here! Sometimes I get so caught up in following other people's blogs that I forget about my own. Also I feel like it is easy with so many beautiful and inspiring blogs out there to feel intimidated about sharing my life and what I am up to. I shouldn't feel that way though because this is the life God has given me, and I am blessed to have it!!<br />
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So over here I am so ready for Spring. Last week I decided to go ahead and put a Spring wreath on our door just as we were about to get hit with a foot of snow. I love having it up though, and I know that the time for beautiful weather will soon be here.<br />
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Design wise I have been very inspired by rooms with beach themes, burlap, and lots of whites and creams. I would definitely like to incorporate this look into our house for the warmer months. This is just a little display that I made on top of our TV cabinet that is along those lines.<br />
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We also added a bench to our dining area. We had this bench in our old dining room for extra seating, but we had not pulled it out yet to use in the new space. I was actually thinking of getting rid of it, but I am so glad that my husband stopped me. It really looks so nice and gives the room a whole different feel.<br />
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I also just had my birthday this past week, and I wanted to share with you some cute things that were given to me. My mother in law can really make almost anything, and she knitted me a set of wool oven mitts. They are so cute and basically look like a large pair of the cutest children's mittens that I have ever seen! I definitely squealed when I opened these!! :)<br />
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My sister in law Alicia also made me these cute apple coasters, she found the idea on pinterest of course! :) I don't think that I have ever talked about my apple obsession on here before, but yes I definitely love apples and the color red!!<br />
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Well that's a little of what has been going on over at our little house. My hubby has finally started on my pantry, I think it is gonna be pretty neat! I will share pics when it is done! God Bless!!<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-71931900331098115002012-01-25T13:55:00.000-05:002012-01-25T21:49:06.483-05:00Some Favorite MealsWell of course by now we are all going crazy over Pinterest. I just had to explain what it was to my mom yesterday and she is so excited about it! My parents own an antique and next to new shop, so knowing what people are going crazy over on Pinterest is very helpful to them. My hubby has to go away for work next week, which makes me very sad because I don't like to be away from him, but it gives my parents a chance to have a live in designer to help them at the store all week. My parents just moved their store into a new building about a month ago, so there's a lot she is anxious to do!!<br />
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Anyway..................... last time I shared home ideas mostly found on Pinterest, but this time I wanted to share some really great recipes I have found. Sometimes, I feel so inspired in the kitchen and other times I feel like I make the same things over and over. I have been trying to do at least one new recipe a week, and a lot of times on Fridays, my hubby and I try out a new recipe together. Now that we finally have a real kitchen, it fun to be in there together having fun coming up with new meals! :)<br />
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This is a recipe from <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/09/crispy-southwest-chicken-wraps.html">http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/09/crispy-southwest-chicken-wraps.html</a> we just tried on Monday night. Its so much better than anything you would get a Taco Bell, and really not that difficult to make at all.<br />
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This dish from <a href="http://realmomkitchen.com/1505/baked-cheesy-chicken-penne/">http://realmomkitchen.com/1505/baked-cheesy-chicken-penne/</a> is absolutely fantastic. It's definitely not low fat though, but it tastes like something you would get at a restaurant. It also makes enough for two meals, one dish for now and then one to freeze for later. I didn't use the sun-dried tomatoes, because they were hard to find, but it still came out great.<br />
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Another favorite is this stuffed shells recipe from <a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/2009/06/italian-sausage-spinach-stuffed-shells.html">http://joelens.blogspot.com/2009/06/italian-sausage-spinach-stuffed-shells.html</a> . I was never able to make them before because my hubby doesn't really like ricotta cheese, so he thinks they should only be stuffed with meat. Who ever heard of a stuffed shell with no cheese in it? That's the part I go crazy for, in college my roommate and I used to sprint down to the dining hall on stuffed shell or manicotti night, just for the cheese! :) So these are a happy medium, with sausage, cheese(but not too much) and spinach.<br />
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This chicken dish from <a href="http://jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/2011/04/crispy-chicken-with-creamy-italian.html">http://jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/2011/04/crispy-chicken-with-creamy-italian.html</a> is also so yummy! My mom said that back in the day, breading chicken in crushed up corn flakes and then cooking them in oil was the big thing, but I had never heard of it until this dish. Wow, is it good! Also the sauce for this dish is fantastic. Again because of the sauce, this dish is by no means low fat and you wouldn't want to make it all the time, but I think its ok once in a while! :)<br />
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This is one of my new favorite dessert recipes, cookie dough cheesecake bars from <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/">http://www.chef-in-training.com/</a>. You will have to search through her dessert recipe archive to find this, but it is so worth the hunt! I have already made it several times for church and people always go crazy over it! I always double the recipe though, so that I can get about 2 dozen bars out of it.<br />
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I hope that you try some of these recipes and enjoy them as much as we have! Hope you are all having a blessed day!! :)<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-8810957111128477292012-01-15T18:38:00.000-05:002012-01-15T18:38:37.048-05:00Projects I Would Love To Do!Probably more like projects I would like my hubby to do! :)<br />
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We have a small walk-in closet in our bedroom, which is a blessing to have in a house as old as ours. Right now we just have a plain white set of louvered doors, something like this would be so much better!<br />
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We just bought new bedding and curtains for our bedroom and I would love to put a display shelf like this above our windows.<br />
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Our kitchen is mostly finished now, but the one thing we are still lacking is a pantry. We already have the door and are planning something like this. Only hubby is a little afraid to go red, and we will be using fabric instead of the screening, since we don't want to be able to see in from the dining table.<br />
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Also thinking of Spring, I would love to have a beautiful raised bed garden someday. We had held off on this project because we have so much work to do on our house. A girl can dream though, and something like this would suit me just fine! :)<br />
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However, the biggest thing we need to do this year is to put a new roof on our entire house. We were hoping to hold off longer, but Hurricane Irene taught us otherwise. Right now, our house is light gray with a red roof. I feel in love with the red roof right away, but lately I have been thinking that a dark gray roof would look nice. My hubby has actually been thinking the same thing, but he was afraid to tell me because he knew how much I liked the red. We are thinking a dark gray metal, something like this.<br />
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This is a picture of our house a few years ago in the fall. We are thinking the dark gray roof, grayish blue siding, white trim, and brick red board and baton shutters. However, lately dark gray shutters with a red door also intrigues me! :) Sigh.....................but she will not be shining in all her beauty for quite a while yet!<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-6881016385032110892012-01-02T21:51:00.000-05:002012-01-02T21:51:06.229-05:00Some New Things For The New YearI know I have mentioned before that my parents own an antique and next to new shop. So it goes without mention that we are privileged to many awesome finds. Especially with an old farmhouse, they find the coolest things for us that go just right. When we got married, our wedding present was furniture for our whole house. It was kinda like a dowry, now a revolving dowry, as things have been traded many times. :)<br />
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This is our newest piece, it is a dresser from the 1800's that we are going to use as a buffet. It is exactly what I was looking for. We just need to find some plate holders to go in the drawers to hold the dishes. I also need to figure out what to hang above it. I was thinking some of the frameless mirrors hung by ribbon or a grouping of photos hung on a curtain rod (a pinterest idea).<br />
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The other piece is a grandfather clock. The chimes don't work and it incured a little damage in the move, but I'm sure my hubby will be able to fix her up just fine.<br />
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Just a little of what is going on over here! I feel so much less stressed now that the holidays are over. I actually kinda like January it gives you a chance to rest and breathe a little. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-73966161871722893522011-12-30T14:26:00.003-05:002011-12-30T14:49:56.653-05:00Our 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In January our beautiful new kitchen started to go in.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are still more projects to do in this space, but it is already so nice to have and enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of the first 6 months of the year we were in kitchen and house mode in high gear. In August we got to go on our yearly camping trip to the Adirondacks together. We so look forward to this trip, the only problem is that we turn into these crazy outdoorsy people and do ridiculous things that we probably shouldn't be doing. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I can't wait to go next summer, we already have reservations for a fun new spot to try! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In October we celebrated our 6th anniversary in Arlington VT. It was so nice to get away together, especially since my hubby had been working so much overtime. He was all mine!! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>In November we had some nice photos taken of us. We went with my brother and sister in law to have photos taken for our grandparents. Lindsay at <a href="http://www.snapshotsofhappiness.blogspot.com/">http://www.snapshotsofhappiness.blogspot.com.</a>took the photos for us, Thank You Lindsay! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Holidays for us this year were a little more low key. Everyone in my family seemed to be sick at one point and my parents were in the midst of a large move. They have an antique and next to new shop and they had to move their store after 26 years in business, to say it was a big job is an understatement!! So we didn't buy big gifts for each other and run around the mall like crazy people, but you know what? It was better that way! Jesus is the reason for the season and for all that matters in life. More and more of my family are becoming saved and that is the greatest gift!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Year!! I hope that this is a blessed year for each and every one of you!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-8743464857827889932011-12-09T11:36:00.000-05:002011-12-09T11:36:22.088-05:00Christmas At Our HouseMaybe its a little strange, but I don't like to decorate for Christmas until it is actually December. I really love Thanksgiving and I just like to have my harvest decorations out for as long as possible. I am also very OCD about cleaning and my house has to be spotless before any Christmas items are to be put out. I told you I was strange! :) Anyway, Christmas is now in full swing here at our little farmhouse.<br />
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Our Tree<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoDzs3_gWadatdQLjerabr3rh5Bvw7bhuOpK4ZcagWoFxM_f1MMn7gPWoYcDGu94TvAIbLZ4a3VSx2GFP-_rG79m6rUd_cDp5H3DaEbO1LrBh8f4GK56qWbHiB0Bf9FIjNB4EbZmNhEM/s1600/DSC03215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoDzs3_gWadatdQLjerabr3rh5Bvw7bhuOpK4ZcagWoFxM_f1MMn7gPWoYcDGu94TvAIbLZ4a3VSx2GFP-_rG79m6rUd_cDp5H3DaEbO1LrBh8f4GK56qWbHiB0Bf9FIjNB4EbZmNhEM/s320/DSC03215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This year for our tree I used apples, snowflakes, angels, and gold&cream berry garland for my decorating scheme. I like to change things a little every year. Next year I really want to have a large bow on top of the tree with the ribbon coming down throughout the tree. I would also like to make some red ticking stripe bulbs to go on the tree with ropes to hang them from. Of course another pinterest idea! :) I really like the tree this year, I think it is my favorite so far!!<br />
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Kitchen and Dining Room<br />
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I am obsessed with lighting candles right now and pretty much having that be all the light there is. My hubby says he can't see anything! :) A funny story about this candle, I actually won it the other night at a white elephant gift exchange. I stole it away from my pastor and he has already teased me about it several times by telling me he needs it because his house smells like onions. Something tells me he's not done yet either!! :)<br />
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This was an idea that I found on pinterest. They are mason jars filled with water and cranberries floating on top. I used tea light candles instead of floating candles and they work just fine, but I imagine the floating candles would last quite a bit longer. On pinterest they also had some boxwood floating in the water, which would be nice to add as well. I know this picture isn't the best, but they really do look so beautiful when they are lit!<br />
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This is our chandelier with just some apples and garland strung throughout.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xgCDamB059J6MiqmjV3wMKHkHIsNIFvt9E6zf5UF2j8dRYBvmpjceJCPTqyqRL5ptLnnV0hfw6PBtbqkk1XKu-BafsFA1WLHTsBM3Nujwkjk9WS93DIPX-Knj-x3OXv51TE7C95PPyQ/s1600/DSC03207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xgCDamB059J6MiqmjV3wMKHkHIsNIFvt9E6zf5UF2j8dRYBvmpjceJCPTqyqRL5ptLnnV0hfw6PBtbqkk1XKu-BafsFA1WLHTsBM3Nujwkjk9WS93DIPX-Knj-x3OXv51TE7C95PPyQ/s320/DSC03207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the centerpiece for our table. That is actually a wreath that I normally hang on our front porch, and I thought it would look nice wrapped around a hurricane and candle. The other candle holders actually have berries and real pine branches from a tree in our yard. They are floating in water and then the tea lights are in a separate part above them. Again this looks so beautiful in real life, but was so hard for me to capture in pictures.<br />
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Hope everyone is having a blessed holiday season!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-60823351481091830852011-11-09T15:39:00.000-05:002011-11-09T15:39:34.761-05:00What I Wore WednesdayMy hubby and I had a photo shoot this week with my brother in law and sister in law. The pictures are for a Christmas present for our grandparents. I tried on a lot of outfits beforehand, actually not choosing any of the exact outfits I tried on, but at least I have church outfits picked out for quite a while. :) Here's a sample of the looks I put together.<br />
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This one was actually my favorite, but I didn't end up wearing it. It's actually my Easter dress, so I thought it was strange to wear in November, but know I kinda wish I had worn it, oh well! :) <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Dress (JC Penney) Sweater (NY & Company) Necklace (American Eagle) Earrings (BR outlet) Boots (Bakers)</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Top (J. Crew outlet) Skirt (BR outlet) Belt (Forever 21) Jewelery (same as above)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdJOb10esw_2M7hkizW1unvfJOhv-nTJBcdG8bkqQNxmbXJ7JJr9Jnqde-lvArPPT0aeJc3IqnUpW2qzvz4bVohb0dSb5WROlhCHhBAf2ZtkODiT1ER-ll6hih69YETyvj3r2DCB-HFE/s1600/DSC03185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdJOb10esw_2M7hkizW1unvfJOhv-nTJBcdG8bkqQNxmbXJ7JJr9Jnqde-lvArPPT0aeJc3IqnUpW2qzvz4bVohb0dSb5WROlhCHhBAf2ZtkODiT1ER-ll6hih69YETyvj3r2DCB-HFE/s320/DSC03185.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sweater (Macys?) Skirt (Forever 21)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the end I wore this off white sweater with the denim skirt, brown boots and belt. As you can see the boots were definitely being worn. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-69810779645480747062011-10-31T11:37:00.002-04:002011-10-31T17:23:56.935-04:00Anniversary WeekendLast weekend my hubby and I went for a weekend away in Vermont to celebrate our anniversary. It was so good to get away, we really needed it. Dan had been extremely busy with work, helping flood victims in our area, fixing things at church, and helping others with projects at their houses. During that time I had been sick a lot and spent a lot of time home by myself. So I know it's a little selfish, but I just wanted to get away with my hubby for a few days, to a place where no one else could steal him. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1P4wklBwThm8SkJ8rhh4_y6duk9n1vRq-LtMQHeUisyciSxFiqaw88S4CGXp-unDIErcqI8ic0AJCDs-CeSqVDbUsDC1u8toY4A6ZzO-EpRR8ZsoLAMQA0tAx8V47DMbevp2w9ydUy08/s1600/DSC03147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1P4wklBwThm8SkJ8rhh4_y6duk9n1vRq-LtMQHeUisyciSxFiqaw88S4CGXp-unDIErcqI8ic0AJCDs-CeSqVDbUsDC1u8toY4A6ZzO-EpRR8ZsoLAMQA0tAx8V47DMbevp2w9ydUy08/s320/DSC03147.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a covered bridge outside of Manchester VT</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPG5We_e0G9da2sRVk4S3LD5ZLkr2-w-3y89Nz0KyGRBxrsrzt8cfMDheyev0c7YnJwYIK3lqrIULCAdqMn0JThPenXdIIyUw5uH-D5GElhczCaILzho-3QewN2O0S9c5CQeBskVe4c0/s1600/DSC03150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPG5We_e0G9da2sRVk4S3LD5ZLkr2-w-3y89Nz0KyGRBxrsrzt8cfMDheyev0c7YnJwYIK3lqrIULCAdqMn0JThPenXdIIyUw5uH-D5GElhczCaILzho-3QewN2O0S9c5CQeBskVe4c0/s320/DSC03150.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkHQ8YOjBSm9ogZj31-7BVJg0ibXTN7Bn5OgOYFdaKYNzn2P6LJ4KWM_RfKe_d1_X-TfxBPE2aA9X0cpji1KYeLOn0OYJszDXW0ayQ0bqnD6ITaOmANGZaDACtFANsMg49qrsUapByPs/s1600/DSC03131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkHQ8YOjBSm9ogZj31-7BVJg0ibXTN7Bn5OgOYFdaKYNzn2P6LJ4KWM_RfKe_d1_X-TfxBPE2aA9X0cpji1KYeLOn0OYJszDXW0ayQ0bqnD6ITaOmANGZaDACtFANsMg49qrsUapByPs/s320/DSC03131.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Whitney House Inn Arlington, Vermont. The amazing B&B where we stayed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwj3kVgafYS5HIBvN9zuXV243fni3ym51qPwOzIwN3W1BAkyzNC0Gg4BPNk7igrB5XnMItw8FiL5IeTFY6lE0e-nbqvMEIagMUBpDkQJR8uUDb3ZTN-soq_kNmWCnyh2-0VGiBeYIdn8/s1600/lynns+room.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwj3kVgafYS5HIBvN9zuXV243fni3ym51qPwOzIwN3W1BAkyzNC0Gg4BPNk7igrB5XnMItw8FiL5IeTFY6lE0e-nbqvMEIagMUBpDkQJR8uUDb3ZTN-soq_kNmWCnyh2-0VGiBeYIdn8/s320/lynns+room.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was our room. It was so cozy and extremely clean. Hubby wasn't too sure about the Raggedy Ann doll on the bed though. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KaqYIDYsEKjU70LfWLkwOfGIMhY8QLvodDn-pAlMrAOXAp9dCb58yzH27KDoW0Xh5BHFI_Ik2NjOerDXVxyxz8LTT6BzjjvnBpH2twKsJCmKn9IeysxJyHvP17EX77uqmNTpkf-YsPw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KaqYIDYsEKjU70LfWLkwOfGIMhY8QLvodDn-pAlMrAOXAp9dCb58yzH27KDoW0Xh5BHFI_Ik2NjOerDXVxyxz8LTT6BzjjvnBpH2twKsJCmKn9IeysxJyHvP17EX77uqmNTpkf-YsPw/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our innkeepers we the sweetest retired couple. They made fires for us in the living room each night, made us snacks, and had sparkling cider waiting for us when we returned from our anniversary dinner. They also bring you up a welcome tray at 7 each morning with juice, coffee or tea, and either muffins or bread just out of the oven. Then between 8 and 9 you head down to a gourmet breakfast cooked by the husband Kerry. We really got along with them so well, and we were sad to leave them. I should also mention that they were absolutely hilarious with their Long Island accents. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfebojyDUz8_8gpawLWm13CBInXSw_Gw8zdwft10PLu7nqaMbDBa0hyuJfQdpOK42aFa8-smmxMZHrVz_yze1AXbRC9W5Lw6CJiXzxTs69-Zlf2HTwuehEN5w55J9Hd_VdJjudBwzKKBA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfebojyDUz8_8gpawLWm13CBInXSw_Gw8zdwft10PLu7nqaMbDBa0hyuJfQdpOK42aFa8-smmxMZHrVz_yze1AXbRC9W5Lw6CJiXzxTs69-Zlf2HTwuehEN5w55J9Hd_VdJjudBwzKKBA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So yes we had a VERY good time! Just the hubs and me! :)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-61854922021770154862011-10-10T15:59:00.000-04:002011-10-10T15:59:53.944-04:00Feelin CozyWe finally put up our chandelier in the dining room this weekend. It makes such a difference and really makes the room feel like a room. My husband said the house feels so cozy now, hence the title of this post! :) Having all sorts of fall candles burning throughout the house also added to the cozy factor, as well as when he came in from working and said that the house smells like fall. What woman doesn't want to hear that? :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNb0bFzRKM-Zlir6_kEO47w7tRRVL7DFsF1lFmjwJ-EdkTp0GwsR-F6loFTlghthSYU9yU6FjH-ok5FuhTPWEwOv0bi-GFDdkz5Bm-IInoId2PRoFIBUQUqq2YyOxnOEB6dRohreo-PY/s1600/DSC03112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNb0bFzRKM-Zlir6_kEO47w7tRRVL7DFsF1lFmjwJ-EdkTp0GwsR-F6loFTlghthSYU9yU6FjH-ok5FuhTPWEwOv0bi-GFDdkz5Bm-IInoId2PRoFIBUQUqq2YyOxnOEB6dRohreo-PY/s320/DSC03112.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I wanted to take some pics with it lit up at nighttime, but they seem a little harsh, especially with no curtains yet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAtvv7eqdJosxEO4OOVBZ5DLV3IIMmdeyOiEqhM_oJFjaPVGWGs0GaKBXWK3AE1qdcQ8Oa39tn7GFikqcWCM34Oiwc6k5t9Z6ECsjMgXPBAQ4hIS9j-qdoqe5LXRdjZY6QYhKSZ4i7wg/s1600/DSC03113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAtvv7eqdJosxEO4OOVBZ5DLV3IIMmdeyOiEqhM_oJFjaPVGWGs0GaKBXWK3AE1qdcQ8Oa39tn7GFikqcWCM34Oiwc6k5t9Z6ECsjMgXPBAQ4hIS9j-qdoqe5LXRdjZY6QYhKSZ4i7wg/s320/DSC03113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I picked out a very simple traditional style, because I want to be able to add shades or wrap garland through it for different seasons. I had added some teardrop crystals to my old chandelier, that I kinda wish I had kept now, but hopefully I can find some more.<br />
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He are some decorating pieces that i have been playing around with. I picked up the red gerber daisies at the grocery store last week. I had the same ones in my girl's bouquets when we got married, and since our anniversary is coming up, it felt fun to have them. :) Also I have been having a little too much fun putting flowers in my milk bottles inside my old vintage tool box. I promise I will move on to other things! I also just bought these candle holders at Michael's and now I need to find someone with an old oak tree, so that I can fill them with acorns. The K is actually to add to our fall wreath, I have been seeing wreaths with letters on them all over pinterest. I'm just waiting for hubby to paint it a nice oil rubbed bronze for me.<br />
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Another fun thing is that we finally have our light for over our sink! Which is so nice to have any also adds to the cozy factor. :) I just put some Indian corn and gourds together on the window sill, and added some cute pumpkins with bible verses on them, that a prayer partner had given me several years ago.<br />
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Hope you are all having a lovely day!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-8913113044466197502011-10-05T11:23:00.001-04:002011-10-05T11:26:56.389-04:00What I Wore Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JJ2PSaxPGIXkx0IXF3Jt-a4L_DRC6wMCr6YIP_wSrJSwqDNioWGaFZ1oA71LLPjisSDNCo-UWDzTVKWiqmpgfEV-h-_yDTs74prIFxyMdhCFS7SqXGnItnqGClhbjy3PTJ1Xv28EyaM/s1600/DSC03095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JJ2PSaxPGIXkx0IXF3Jt-a4L_DRC6wMCr6YIP_wSrJSwqDNioWGaFZ1oA71LLPjisSDNCo-UWDzTVKWiqmpgfEV-h-_yDTs74prIFxyMdhCFS7SqXGnItnqGClhbjy3PTJ1Xv28EyaM/s320/DSC03095.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Top (Banana Republic) Cami (Forever 21) Trouser Jeans (BR outlet) Jewelery (American Eagle)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw5HESBO5dvjRWNv_VCJuUm8zJ2GrOtrvkQU38nLQrHMfhFYszDSV4mxQaRmtZNucOTHXTS1cTa_cUOwf3pYFi-Wmhm56HxiqlNaKIhR9UrWaEZhrGWPipe0EmlKHBpcXT9I_vL9UZVE/s1600/DSC03100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw5HESBO5dvjRWNv_VCJuUm8zJ2GrOtrvkQU38nLQrHMfhFYszDSV4mxQaRmtZNucOTHXTS1cTa_cUOwf3pYFi-Wmhm56HxiqlNaKIhR9UrWaEZhrGWPipe0EmlKHBpcXT9I_vL9UZVE/s320/DSC03100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I love this necklace and I can't believe I found it at American Eagle. I bought this last winter with another beaded necklace, they were buy get one half off. They were a lot more reasonable than the ones in J.Crew that I kept drooling over. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OcKPGZBHY0jAwr4THQsPug_yTsJ-ddBF-2ITM_BXFj-YzUgxA5IONe60E0r4DzSWOsRxs2uLvrRp2ILkdv3yWM3Yu2HsBpqNmDB4IId7BgaagbVcc-fz7lZSU2egJcTFXfqRjSKb0OM/s1600/DSC03059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OcKPGZBHY0jAwr4THQsPug_yTsJ-ddBF-2ITM_BXFj-YzUgxA5IONe60E0r4DzSWOsRxs2uLvrRp2ILkdv3yWM3Yu2HsBpqNmDB4IId7BgaagbVcc-fz7lZSU2egJcTFXfqRjSKb0OM/s320/DSC03059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>lol..........here's a close up of my shoes. They are zebra print flats from the Gap. I am obsessed with Gap flats right now. They are cute, comfy, and pretty affordable if you get them on a good sale. I was having trouble getting my shoes into the shot, it would help if I could find my tripod. Oh well, I'm getting a little better, right? :)<br />
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Well it's a beautiful sunny day here, after many days of rain, so I better head out there! I hope you are having a beautiful day wherever you are today!! :)<br />
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Linking up with:<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-21761437722270332502011-09-28T11:24:00.000-04:002011-09-28T11:24:26.420-04:00What I Wore WednesdayI have wanted to do one of these post for a few weeks now, but I was nervous to. I wore a cute outfit to church last Sunday and I had my husband take a picture of me just in case I wanted to do a post about it. The problem is that most of the what I wore posts that I see, the girls look like models with a professional photographer who took their photo. So you can see how it would be intimidating. So I am going to overcome my fear and post my one photo I have from my point and shoot camera, with red eyes and all. :) Also please excuse the painting supplies you see in the bottom left corner, that is just how it is when you are trying to redo your 200 year old house and live in it at the same time!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpsm4ejlQ9zvXl5-6oudVYKsECYzJmuIy4IKYv6RBR8V_kvPXFoFHIXx1lJ0NozPamHT5m6BEDH8xCEDXQMbNe27Kv8MPXdEjHDDVDzUDxwMEhHlW5kwm3eErO3McDjmQ2CIK6XvUeDQ/s1600/DSC03058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpsm4ejlQ9zvXl5-6oudVYKsECYzJmuIy4IKYv6RBR8V_kvPXFoFHIXx1lJ0NozPamHT5m6BEDH8xCEDXQMbNe27Kv8MPXdEjHDDVDzUDxwMEhHlW5kwm3eErO3McDjmQ2CIK6XvUeDQ/s320/DSC03058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Shirt (Inc Macy's-I have to confess that it must be 7 years old, but I still love it and feel good in it) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Skirt (Gap) Tights (Gap) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Shoes (Steve Madden)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Earrings (NY & Company)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-77336098223063363642011-09-26T13:33:00.000-04:002011-09-26T13:33:08.400-04:00God I am Thankful for...............This weekend I was at a women's conference at a local church led by Kathy Troccoli. She had 2 other guest speakers come and speak and something one of them said really resonated with me. She talked about a young woman named Kara, only 32, who had cancer and only had a short time to live. She had gone through the chemo, radiation and all forms of treatment, but the cancer had spread throughout her whole body and she wasn't going to make it. She was married, had 2 young boys and had a beautiful heart for Jesus even in the midst of her suffering. Kara said she was THANKFUL FOR THE CANCER! She was thankful because of how close it had brought her to God. She was thankful because her family members were becoming saved by watching her joy and love for God in such a difficult time. Even her funeral was a witness and brought family members to God.<br />
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This really resonated with my because I often say that I am THANKFUL FOR THE LYME DISEASE! Now my suffering is nothing compared to Kara and her suffering, but I do believe it is a part of God's plan to mold me into who he needs me to be. I don't think that the life I had planned out for myself years ago was really meant for me. God's plan is better, but its not always easier. It is hard to be chronically sick and for people not to understand, to not work like everyone else and to kinda feel like you are on the sidelines in life watching everyone else run about. I have struggled with this lately because I was expecting God to have a big revelation for me after going through this. A special job for me or a special assignment in life, but so far I am still waiting. It is so hard to wait and to be content with the right now. But in all reality I do have a great life, with a great man who loves me very much. He is never disappointed in me for not working, and his only real requirement for me is to be happy and have a smile on my face when he comes in the door. :) I think God is trying to teach me to be still and find contentment in Him and not compare myself to what the world's standards for contentment are. So even though it is hard to be sick, it has brought me closer to God, closer to my family and a simpler life where I am spared a lot of stress from the world.<br />
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So what are you THANKFUL for? Do you have a hardship in life that you are blessed to have gone through?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-89754318344030458552011-09-22T11:22:00.000-04:002011-09-22T11:22:31.848-04:00Date Night (Postponed)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Last night my hubby and I were supposed to have a date night, but he had to work late. I was so looking forward to it, but he is so incredibly busy at work right now. He actually came home from work last Thursday and asked if I would like to go out to dinner with him that night. Well I had just gone to a late lunch with my Dad and was absolutely stuffed. Now I am a real good little eater, so if I had to say no to my hubby asking me out on a date, then I was indeed completely stuffed. I haven't been feeling super great overall, and it was just the pick me up I needed, so I made him promise that we would go this week. Well he has been traveling 1.5 hours to work and then back again all week and he is going to be working late again tonight. So this week is not gonna work. I just have to laugh, because I read several blog this morning about other ladies who had date nights with their hubbies this week!<br />
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I am so thankful for my hard working hubby! It was sweet of him to offer to take me out when he has been working so much and has been so tired! However, I am still gonna hold him to that date!! :)<br />
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Love you Honey!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCigRCAVb7a3GUAYhyspjkJ64CTXe1aK4ndtxVRYbNdoQM8RXucEx5X2_xfeU8rlPYE_UFW2wN0Gye10NCsam3gFZHmA1Wq5Ih2CZvVqFUdngKCLrOGovzyTqDzMeQDNF4xgLALzesz4/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCigRCAVb7a3GUAYhyspjkJ64CTXe1aK4ndtxVRYbNdoQM8RXucEx5X2_xfeU8rlPYE_UFW2wN0Gye10NCsam3gFZHmA1Wq5Ih2CZvVqFUdngKCLrOGovzyTqDzMeQDNF4xgLALzesz4/s320/294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-84846266035658119622011-09-18T18:02:00.000-04:002011-09-18T18:02:37.370-04:00Chocolate Chip Cheesecake BarsI made this awesome dessert the other day for a wedding reception. The women's ministry of our church always offers a cookies and punch reception for the bride and groom immediately following the ceremony. I remember the ladies of the church putting this nice reception on for us, and now I get to be one of those ladies. :) I thought about taking pictures as I went, but I was making it for a wedding and I felt a little more stressed than normal to make sure everything was just right.<br />
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I originally found this recipe on Pinterest:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susank32/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="61" src="http://d3io1k5o0zdpqr.cloudfront.net/images/big-p-button.png" width="61" /></a></div><br />
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It was originally featured on:<br />
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<center><a border="0" href="http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc372/nikbar/ILoveChefInTrainingButton-1_edited-2.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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These bars are so good! There were a lot of cookies left over from the wedding and people enjoyed them after the church service today. I had several people asking for the recipe. If you go to the blog above, the recipe is listed under desserts. It is from a while back so you just have to scroll back a page or two. She has so many wonderful recipes on her blog to look through. I love the chicken pot pie recipe she posted today!<br />
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Ok so I have never linked to someone's page before, so I am completely sure I made some mistakes. Just figuring out how to put these 2 buttons on my post has most definitely given me a headache. If you have any advice to share with the newbie, please do! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-87181250406060313432011-09-14T19:49:00.000-04:002011-09-14T19:49:11.137-04:00Spiced Oatmeal CookiesTonight I made some cookies for my brother who lives in Arizona. They live about 5-6,000 feet above sea level, so things don't bake the same as here, and he asked if I would send him some. I make these cookies for church a lot and people really seem to like them. They are thin, crispy on the outside, and chewy in the middle. That's the perfect cookie in my book! :) I got the recipe from a book called "Old-Fashioned Cookies:Favorite Cookie recipes that Bring Back Warm Memories of Childhood." A woman from church bought this for me when I got married and it really has some great recipes. I also should add that I LOVE cookies they are my biggest weakness and a whole book devoted to them is awesome!<br />
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Here is a photo of the book (Sorry that there is some glare!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8YSNvmI44K4rAev_mxor7DgnS1JG0jMT5qMXbc9XIK0fhsQgkwIr5iNGq2jNgVZ9Me-I-LkyEu5nNl-piO7tsyf1vYK6UQcPeySf_emATDe1AKULOuLxt0MCB2gswRn-Fz0l1QKSEx8/s1600/DSC03044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8YSNvmI44K4rAev_mxor7DgnS1JG0jMT5qMXbc9XIK0fhsQgkwIr5iNGq2jNgVZ9Me-I-LkyEu5nNl-piO7tsyf1vYK6UQcPeySf_emATDe1AKULOuLxt0MCB2gswRn-Fz0l1QKSEx8/s320/DSC03044.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Here is a sample of the ingredients needed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1sWUz9cZN1XJA4Z5rwB7Ka65v3JWtuy1K_nNIe1NmZDKa3aCCeBiffd2tFFKeWtZGPsSCgUGfaDbu39VPIA2DUbTJ2kaSmHPIm4z6HjevQX4BZm_hYGNcGy7ecAUJP0IytIMzsWGhss/s1600/DSC03042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1sWUz9cZN1XJA4Z5rwB7Ka65v3JWtuy1K_nNIe1NmZDKa3aCCeBiffd2tFFKeWtZGPsSCgUGfaDbu39VPIA2DUbTJ2kaSmHPIm4z6HjevQX4BZm_hYGNcGy7ecAUJP0IytIMzsWGhss/s320/DSC03042.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Spiced Oatmeal Cookies<br />
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1 cup sugar<br />
1 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1 cup shortening<br />
2 eggs (not sure why I put one egg in the photo, you definitely need 2)<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla <br />
1 3/4 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
1 1/2 cups oats<br />
1 cup chopped pecans (I use raisins instead)<br />
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1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees<br />
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2.) In mixing bowl, cream both sugars sugars, shortening and eggs and beat well. Add remaining ingredients and mix. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTN7RuWDSmuPhXgctl4nRyB67dCXRnHinpBCIuMoQWNiM2SugDbJeRHV3FImKWcL28DM9H2YXmYvMZ0U9dQ5TcWGqZE9zGoitakasZY0Nn5ey6CPumuXZ1J6U1_5eMUCteAPJbF6SKnYQ/s1600/DSC03040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTN7RuWDSmuPhXgctl4nRyB67dCXRnHinpBCIuMoQWNiM2SugDbJeRHV3FImKWcL28DM9H2YXmYvMZ0U9dQ5TcWGqZE9zGoitakasZY0Nn5ey6CPumuXZ1J6U1_5eMUCteAPJbF6SKnYQ/s320/DSC03040.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
3.) Roll dough in 1 inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.<br />
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This time I used parchment paper and rotated the pans halfway through cooking, which seemed to work well. I just did a thin chocolate chip recipe last week that required you to cook them this way and so I tried it with this recipe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fWyoJwOgaJWyz60pHcBT5QM-6KHJV02svTAFvGgGkRgTzzkJibbKq_zv8Fxc6RZ_ZJVHc3BF3x5hUcJTqb6v3OVj2-GJRVK0zLABCqeLaEiB-Pk8UD05PCrUsL9Q516ktwQyfRhBUtk/s1600/DSC03043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fWyoJwOgaJWyz60pHcBT5QM-6KHJV02svTAFvGgGkRgTzzkJibbKq_zv8Fxc6RZ_ZJVHc3BF3x5hUcJTqb6v3OVj2-GJRVK0zLABCqeLaEiB-Pk8UD05PCrUsL9Q516ktwQyfRhBUtk/s320/DSC03043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I usually let them cool on cooling racks for quite a while. I should also add that I tend to under cook them slighty, so that they stay chewy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KoDMDNxOemWzQL79dNfxYPT4c0umWCQ_8B-9trGvvKB98SnYqgiNgpq9SGVYrnuGmxP3TfbH4svvdQfqEE_PQQz6SSmVxn8qG02qxrXBb2P4IobJpW5s0G8WBegHlquZrI7KNkQzDTg/s1600/DSC03046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KoDMDNxOemWzQL79dNfxYPT4c0umWCQ_8B-9trGvvKB98SnYqgiNgpq9SGVYrnuGmxP3TfbH4svvdQfqEE_PQQz6SSmVxn8qG02qxrXBb2P4IobJpW5s0G8WBegHlquZrI7KNkQzDTg/s320/DSC03046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Waiting to be sent off to AZ! (Don't worry that's not all of them) It makes 3 dozen.<br />
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Well this isn't a blog about working on our house, but I actually have a kitchen and I am enjoying it! :) <br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-44583460600680840062011-09-11T19:28:00.000-04:002011-09-11T19:28:27.987-04:00Our Kitchen (Still in Progress)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtMOr2KzdhuNKh9xmMipJVM_WnshgyyD1xX8llCrwwn0j4rfiTmYt84Vsv2pt8AWlnk3a4u-v1qcDzAKuuu4N6FKdLvui_FII2CeLmJQO6H_N0BzyrJhkBhn3FGBCYOoNQwByjHm1FHM/s1600/DSC03025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtMOr2KzdhuNKh9xmMipJVM_WnshgyyD1xX8llCrwwn0j4rfiTmYt84Vsv2pt8AWlnk3a4u-v1qcDzAKuuu4N6FKdLvui_FII2CeLmJQO6H_N0BzyrJhkBhn3FGBCYOoNQwByjHm1FHM/s320/DSC03025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This is a view of our kitchen looking in from the dining room. <br />
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View from our future mud room looking into the dining room.<br />
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This is the beautiful place where I get to cook now. Goodbye coleman stove!!<br />
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My gorgeous farmhouse sink that I have always wanted! I mean you must have a farmhouse sink in a farmhouse! :)<br />
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This is our dining room. Eventually there will be roman shades on all of the windows and a chandelier over the table.<br />
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Here are some decorative accents that I have added, but that I am still tweaking! :)<br />
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This is an old tool box with milk bottles in it, that I found at my parents store. They just happen to own an antique/next to new shop. :)<br />
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Shelves over top our breakfast bar, again decorated with many items from a certain store.<br />
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I love using clear canisters, but they are always running low with all the baking I am doing now. I think I may look for some larger ones.<br />
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Well that's how far we have come so far. We still have some finish work, more lighting and a pantry to complete. I'll keep you posted! <div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-63304146067956915752011-09-02T11:21:00.000-04:002011-09-02T11:21:06.342-04:00What A Difference A Year MakesWell I just realized that I have not posted anything on here since last October. Last year was a hard year and I didn't always want to talk about what was happening to our home. Reading back over this blog I feel like such a different person than I was back then. Things are so much better now and its hard to relate to some of the feelings I was having then. It was really difficult to live like that, but God is replacing those memories with the enjoyment of being a "homemaker" with an actual home to make. I have a kitchen that I can bake and cook in. Its fun to be excited about these things again and trying new recipes all the time. Hubby likes this too! :) <br />
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I feel like I have grown so much since last year and all that we went through. Honestly, living in a 200 year old house that needs a lot of work teaches you a lot in itself. Add in being sick for as long as I have and you end up feeling like your about 87 years old. :) I feel like such a different person than I was in college, not that that's a bad thing at all, but God sure knows how to keep me on my toes! I have become accustomed to this adventure we are living over here and knowing that my ducks are going to be nowhere near their rows. I mean if anyone's house is going to explode its totally going to be ours. If someone is going to have natural gas coming out their well and dead skunks under their floor, definitely going to happening over here. If anyone plans that camping trip that they have desperately been looking forward to for one of the rainiest weekends of the summer, and then proceeds to get lost on an 8 mile hike in the rain for 3 hours while finding the whole situation hysterical, that would be Dan and Susan. These same people may or may not have gone back to this same spot the next day to climb the mountain trail they had missed, just so that the Adirondack's would know they did not defeat them. :) So I'm not really expecting anything to go as planned, if it did, now that might scare me!<br />
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All of this to say we are alive and well over here! We have a beautiful new kitchen, we are happy, and we most certainly are never bored! I will do a post just about the kitchen with pics soon! <br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-39674204297569471662010-10-15T20:39:00.001-04:002010-10-15T20:40:39.667-04:00Blessed and BewilderedI thought when I started this blog that I would write on here more often, but this has just been the strangest year and I'm not really sure what to make of it. Its now October, 5 months from when our house "exploded." We still have no kitchen or dining room and our heating system is still about 2 weeks away. This experience has been so difficult for me because I am a stay at home wife and my home is such a big part of who I am. I like my house to be cute, clean and uncluttered. Well it might have some resemblance of cute, but the other two are nearly impossible right now.<br />
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However, in the midst of this I know I am OK. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and who is cool as a cucumber (unless he's stuck in traffic) :) So none of this really phases him. He doesn't fully understand how difficult this is for me, but he tries his best to listen and to stay positive for the both of us. I am also thankful for the parents I have and for how easy it is to talk to them. I have a special relationship with them and I can talk to either one of them about absolutely anything. My dad's quote of the year has been "And this too shall pass." :) Our house may be falling apart, but I'm thankful for the loving people I have around me to help me deal with this.<br />
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So on a happier note I went and bought my pumpkins from the cute 94 year old man who lives on the road behind our house. :) I wasn't going to do any of my usual fall decorating, but it does feel good to have some sense of normalcy. Also on a much happier note, we should have our new kitchen by Christmas! ;) I know that sounds like a long time, but we have a lot to do before it can be installed. <br />
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Ok so enough rambling, just wanted to give a glimpse of what is going on in our life. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-81530945930241631672010-06-23T21:54:00.002-04:002010-06-23T22:49:38.600-04:00The Tears CameI had been trying to be strong ever since this happened to our house. I am a very sensitive person who normally can cry or feel hurt very easily, but the tears just weren't coming. That is until a few nights ago, and when they fell, they FELL! I was so proud of myself that I was handling things so well, but after six weeks of limited use of our home and really a limited version of our normal life, there was no stopping it.<br />
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I know that we still have so much to be thankful for and I want to be strong and trust in God more than anything. I think I felt like a bad Christian to admit this was hard at first. It was also difficult because many people around us (very well-meaning), believed this was a great thing and our whole house would be transformed. That was hard after being so scared by the actual power surge and also not being a well person, it doesn't take much for my health to go down hill. So it was hard to have to act like this was great for other people sake. So I think that the tears were a good thing and a much needed thing. God and I have had many talks in the last few days, my heart has been very sad and exhausted, but I know that He hears and that He loves me. I love how the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will intercede for us when we cannot even audibly express how we are feeling. <br />
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I know that we will be OK, that God has a purpose in all of this, and that Dan and I will have our sweet simple life back at some point. Hopefully we will be even closer to each other and closer to who God wants us to be. It makes you nervous though when God allows things like this to happen. We are a little scared of what he is trying to teach us and prepare us for in the future. Dan's fear is that all this had to happen right now because little people who look an awful lot like us are coming soon. :) We were kinda hoping to start with a puppy first, see how that goes. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7627840469528311211.post-58384683171865042972010-05-26T18:25:00.000-04:002010-05-26T19:10:53.377-04:00Trust and Obey"Use what you have today, and don't worry about what you don't have. God will make up the difference of what you lack, if you will just give Him what you can."<br /><br />Today I feel like I am lacking many things. We still have limited power, our kitchen and dining room are completely gutted, and there is a large trench dug through our walkway leading up to our house. Anyone who knows me, knows that all this dirt and chaos is my worst nightmare.<br /><br /> So why did God allow this to happen to two people who have believed and trusted in Him since they were very young? Were we not trusting Him enough? Were we not staying close enough to His path? These were questions I asked of myself quite often when I was very ill with lyme disease. Why did God allow me to become so sick and to feel like I was left behind in life. It was hard to be that sick, not able to use my education, and to feel like my purpose had been taken from me. But God provided a new life, a wonderful life, but worlds away from the life I had planned out for myself. The girl who was going to go on and get her doctorate in psychology and live in New York City, is now a country housewife with a growing interest in gardening. I also have a wonderful husband, that the independent girl I used to be never knew she needed. :)<br /><br />So if God can turn by illness into a blessing, surely blessings will flow out of these inconviences. I mean it is God's house, He has the right to transform it into what he needs and wants it to be. Normally, a situation like this would bring me to tears, but it hasn't. In fact, my husband has been bracing himself since this happened for their inevitable arrival. :) Actually, the only thing that has brought me close to tears is the fact that God didn't allow me to have even one scratch or bruise during such a dangerous situation. And even though, the house was damaged, it is still here and did not burn down. <br /><br />There's gonna be some hard and messy weeks ahead of us, but I have no choice but to trust God and hand this all over to Him. We will get through this, and probably have character oozing out our ears to show for it! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=ra-4e84743f312a49d4"></script></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272902460000964530noreply@blogger.com2