Taking Care Of Myself Tuesday…

Ok, so I decided there was no time like the present to get started on my “Daily Blog Topics”. And the topic for today is “Taking Care Of Myself Tuesday”

I know as Wives and Mothers we always tend to put ourselves last. So, One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to try to take care of myself a little bit better. Whether that be physically thru diet and exercise. Or emotionally thru journaling, etc.

Quite honestly, I haven’t actually thought this topic all the way through. So, these posts may a little scattered at times. One Tuesday, I may be sharing my weight loss journey. And another Tuesday, I may be venting about our latest “crisis”. But please bare with me..

One thing I do know, is that these post may tend to be brutally honest. I notice some times while blogging I seem to “sugar coat” some of the things I blog about. For example if something is really bothering me at work or home, I am often afraid to share my “TRUE” feelings., etc. for the fear of being rejected by my blogging friends.

Well, no more..part of taking care of ourselves is being able to get down and dirty. I will be sharing it all..my REAL weight, the “drama” we deal with being  parents of TWO teens, etc. The REAL Carrie!!

Do any of you tend to do that? “Sugar Coat” some of your posts in fear of sounding like a crazed lunatic?!?!? If so, feel free to join me in “Taking Care Of Myself Tuesdays”..where us MOMS can share our everyday trials (weight loss, work, home life) without judgment!!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

 

 

Same Ol, Same Ol’…

As you may remember, in my last post, I was talking about New Year’s Resolutions. Well, today at work, while I was working  daydreaming..I was thinking about my “list”. And let’s just say, it keeps GROWING!!

But while I was working daydreaming and thinking about that “list”. I knew one of the number one things was going to be better organization.

And one of the ways I was hoping to get better organized was to come up with some “Daily Blog Topics”. I just feel that my blog tends to be boring. Same ol’, same ol’. And whenever I feel that I don’t have anything interesting to blog about..I generally won’t blog. And I really rather not do that!!…

So, I think I am going to start having a “Daily Blog Topic”, Such as..

MONDAY-Menu Planning Mondays

TUESDAYS-Taking Care Of Me Tuesdays (i.e., diet, etc..more on this resolution later)

WEDNESDAYS-Wood Shop Wednesdays

THURSDAYS-Tour My Home Thursdays

FRIDAY-Food Friday

SATURDAY-Sewing Room Saturdays (i.e. crafts, etc..another resolution) 

So, what do you think?  How do you come up with fresh new blog topics? Or do you all feel that same way I do? …

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year From Our Home To Yours!!

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas!! I know I did..it was so nice to spend some good quality time with family. We had such a nice time eating yummy food, playing games and just spending some good ol’ R and R with one another.

Christmas time to me is always such a warn and cozy time of the year. I always seem to have this peace about me. And as much as I hate to admit this, I tend to feel a little depressed whenever all of the festivities are over.

But during the upcoming week, as I am taking down the Christmas tree and all of the other decorations. I will try to reflect on the New Year and all it has to offer.

The New Year always represents a “clean slate”, a “fresh start”, if you will. A time to make positive changes. A time of endless possibilities. So, in saying all of this..I ask do you make New Year Resolutions?

I know all of the statistics say that the majority of  people tend to break their New Year Resolutions but being the “list maker” that I am..if makes me feel a little bit more organized. Like I have goal for the upcoming year.

Hugs!! Carrie♥

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…

Good evening ladies!! I hope you all had a wonderful Saturday. I had a very BUSY but also a very PRODUCTIVE day. I left the house around 9:0o this morning and picked my Mom up to go shopping. And I am proud to say, actually started my Christmas shopping. Believe it or not, I actually got the majority of it finished today.

Nothing like some major power shopping the Saturday before Christmas with all of the other “crazies” to get you in the Holiday spirits! LOL!! But it really was a very enjoyable day with my Mom.

Then this evening my husband and I spent some much needed QT together. We went to Historical St Charles, MO where we had some dinner and strolled down Main Street. It was SO pretty!! COLD but pretty. But the cold just gave me an extra excuse to pop into my favorite Prim shops. LOL!!

Anyway, in the town of St. Charles, they celebrate an Old Time Christmas that is just the neatest thing. I will try to share more pictures tomorrow...but for know, there is more things to check off that list!!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

A Little Bit Of This…A Little Bit Of That…

OMGoodness, is it really SIX days before Christmas?!?!? I still have SO much to do and so little time to do it. And when I say that, I am NOT even kidding. Put it this way, I only have ONE Christmas gift bought. Yes, you heard  me correctly ONE!!

But there has just been so much “stuff” going on between work and home the past few weeks. But I have to just MAKE the time!!

BTW, I wanted to thank all of you that left comments on my “Parental Advice” post. It was very appreciated and I really already knew the answer, I just needed the reassurance!

I know I may be a little late (again) for Colleen’s Homemade Holiday but as the saying goes, better late than never right?!?!  So, here is another tried and true appetizer recipe you can use this Holiday Season.

Buffalo Wing Dip

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot®)
• 1 cup Ranch-style salad dressing
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese and hot pepper sauce until well blended. Mix in the Ranch dressing, chicken and Cheddar cheese. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. If oil collects on the top, dab it off using a paper towel. Serve with tortilla chips.

Parenting Question

Question for you all...should a 18 YO still have boundaries and rules? And if so, would you still ground them for breaking one of those rules? Even if they work two PT jobs, go to school and pay for their own cell phone bill and car insurance?

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas…

It is beginning to look a lot  a little like Christmas around here. With Christmas only being 17 days away, I would love to be able to say that I was a little further along in my Christmas decorating, shopping and baking than I am.

However, I was able to get most of the inside decorated this past weekend. Which, BTW I have really realized how very few “Prim” Christmas decorations I actually have. Oh well, guess that will give me a reason to go  shopping. LOL!! Not to mention, finish up a few of the “Prim” Christmas projects I am working on..

But with my husband working as much overtime as he has, the outside still needs some finishing touches. Maybe this coming weekend, if not before. I would really like to be able to share some pictures soon!!

How about all of you? Are you all finished decorating? I  know I have already seen some of pictures and let me just say how warm and inviting all of your homes are!! You have given me so many ideas!!

I do have question though, in many of your pictures I have seen a lot of greenery in your displays. I was just wondering is it real? Or fake? And would you mind sharing where do you all get it?

Hugs!! Carrie

Homemade Holidays @ Colleen’s

Hey ladies, I think I maybe late for Colleen’s Homemade Holiday Friday , but I guess as the saying goes better late than never.

Tonight I decided to change things up a little bit. And share a tried and true dessert recipe versus an appetizer.

Trust me this one is SUPER easy!!

GOOEY BUTTER COOKIES

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
  
• 1 egg
  
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
  
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
   
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Add cake mix, and stir until well blended. Roll into 1inch balls and roll the balls in the confectioners' sugar. Place 1 inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
   
3. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

Live Writer

This post is a test for Live Writer!! I personally was getting bored of the of the same old look of my blog, so I have been playing around with some new fonts and Live Writer.   

Friendships

Do you all ever feel like you are beginning to question some of your friendships? Well, the past few weeks this is a subject that has been weighing heavily on my mind. You see, I have a friend that I thought at one time was more like a sister. But here lately, I feel that we have drifted apart. I have tried to talk to her about it on more than one occasion. But yet, things still haven't changed. I have always know that she has a tendency to be self-absorbed but here lately it has gotten much worse.

Maybe I am being a baby. But last week I think I had mentioned that I had to get some test ran. And here it is a week later and the friend has still not called to see if everything went OK. Not that I am expecting her to drop everything. Or for her to baby me over the results. But if the tables were turned, I would of called her immediately to make sure everything went well. Especially, since she knew how nervous I was over them.

Am I being a brat? Or would you all feel the same way? I just feel lately that this friendship is so one-sided. I guess I am one of those friends that would go above and beyond for my dear friends. I try to make sure they all know that I love and care about them. And that I am here for them no matter what. But at the same time, I am beginning to feel that I am forcing this friendship on her.

I guess I am feeling this way about a couple friends. See a couple of these women I have been friends with since high school. And I am just wondering if we have grown apart. And starting to not have alot in common. Or even used in a sense. One of the friends my husband and I have been friends with her and her husband since high school. But again, thru the years we have drifted apart. We never go to dinner, etc. But yet, they only seem to call whenever they need something (IE to borrow money, etc).

Recently, I have met a few woman that I think I "click" with. Woman thru church, etc. that seem very nice and that I would have a lot in common with. So, in saying all of this...what would you suggest? Do you all think I should just let the "old" friendships that I feel are dying, die? And concentrate on these "newer" friendships? Or I try one last time and try to salvage them?

Simple Country

Simple Country Treasures ~ Lebanon, IL.

~UPDATE~ I just wanted to give a quick update on the situation with my daughter's ex-boyfriend's Aunt (gosh that was a mouthful) My daughter has since gotten an apology from the Ex. Then his Mom called me and I basically told her that I had NO problems with the Ex or her. But until the Aunt could call and apologize to my daughter, the Aunt and I would have problems...needless to say, the woman apologized thru a text. YES a text!! I know real classy. But you know what? We are over it!! God doesn't like ugly and she will regret her decisions one day.

Anyway, not much going on here...same ol' same ol'. Spent my Saturday doing laundry. And LOTS of it!! Oh well, at least it is done and we all have clean clothes. I have been trying to update my Facebook status with something that I am thankful for everyday, as so are others. And the other day I read an update where a girl I know was thankful for the mountain of laundry she was doing because it meant that her and her husband could afford to put clothing on their children's backs. I thought that was awesome way of looking at it!!

Today was another pretty day here in the midwest. Perfect fall day. I was wanting to go to the local town of Lebanon, IL. They were having their Victorian Holiday celebration. And I was hoping to go and take a look in a few of the shops I love there. One being Simple Country Treasures. And the other being Calico Moon. But unfortunately, "Big Daddy" hasn't been feeling good. And now "Muscles" is following suit. Gosh, I hope I don't get it!! That sounded bad didn't it!?!?!

Looking forward to going to church tomorrow. Hope the boys feel better, so they can go. Tomorrow will be my 3rd time going to this church but I really enjoy it. I have been feeling really at peace lately, and it feels good!! I know I even posted a little while back about how I hoped my husband would go with me. Well I am happy to report that last week he did and he REALLY like it. He told me while we were leaving the service last Sunday that at first he went for me (to shut me up, I think were his exact words...LOL!!) But that he will DEFINITELY being going with me this week and that he will be going for himself this time NOT me. That made me happy!!

Anyway, I guess that is it for now....I hope you all are having fun and relaxing weekend!!

Til next time...Hugs!! Carrie

Good Day Turns To...Ummm, Not So Good Day!!

Do you all ever have one of those days where it starts out good and then BOOM all heck breaks loose?!?!?

Well, today was one of the days for me. I woke up this morning feeling a HUGE relief because my test results came back with the A-OK. BTW, thanks to all that left the warm wishes!!

But then my daughter proceeds to tell me that her ex-boyfriend's Aunt left her a VERY nasty comment on Facebook. You see, my 18 YO daughter and her boyfriend of a year just broke up a few weeks ago. Well, since then his ADULT Aunt has been leaving her nasty comments anytime she updates her status. Which, my husband and I am pretty much ignored because we like the ex and his parents. We have no hard feelings towards them and I hope they feel the same about us. Even though, Katelyn was the one that broke up with him...they are being very civil to one another.

But after the VERY nasty comment she left in Katelyn's page last night (which let me add she deleted after the ex yelled at her for leaving) I LOST it. The Mama Bear in my came out. The only way I knew to get ahold of the Aunt was to send her an email through Facbook, so that was what I did. A very nice email telling her that I didn't appreciate the comment she left on my daughters page and that the break up has been hard on both of them but as the adults I think we all should stay out of it and let them sort things out between themselves. The next thing I know she leaves me a nasty reply and basically said that my daughter was lying, etc. And denied leaving the comment. Are you freaking kidding me!?!?!?

I was being VERY nice and trying to handle things maturely. Well, let me just say after reading that I lost my temper I then blasted her and told her that if she was a big enough woman to leave the nasty comment on my 18 YO daughters page and call her the names that she did that she should be a big woman to admit it and deal with the consequences.

Funny thing is though, even though she deleted the comment it still shows on my daughters cell phone since she has Facebook on it.

So, do you all think I overreacted? Or would you have down the same thing?

I have been trying so hard lately to try to be a better christian, etc. (which BTW, I have tried a new church and I LOVE it) and I know God doesn't like ugly. BUT as a Mother, I felt the need to protect my baby!! Am I wrong?

Homemade Holidays ~ Week Two

I decided to stick with my whole appetizer theme for Colleen's Homemade Holiday Recipe Swap, as they are my absolutely favorite food group. LOL!! So, here is another "go-to" recipe in our house. This is not only a Holiday favorite but also a real favorite on Sundays while watching football...


STICKY WINGS (I know the ingredients sounds strange...but trust me WELL worth trying!!)

1 (5 pound) bag frozen chicken wings
1 (10 ounce) jar apricot preserves
1 (1 ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
1 (16 ounce) bottle Catalina-style salad dressing

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut the chicken wings into individual pieces and place on two lightly greased cookie sheets.

Spread apricot preserves over wings. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over wings, then pour Catalina dressing all over. Bake for 1 hour.

Makes 20 to 25 servings.

Are you a worry wort?!?!?

Sorry, I haven't been posting the past few days. I have been having some issues that I have had to go to the doctor about. And I am just praying that all turns out well. I will know more Monday after I have an ultrasound done. I am trying to remain positive but I am such a worry wort that I have to admit I have been a mess. As some of you may know, I suffer from Panic Attacks and this isn't helping them.

Hope all is well with all of you...

Til next time...Hugs!! Carrie♥

Happy Veteran's Day!!

Thank you to all of the BRAVE men and women that have and still fight to protect our country!! Happy Veteran's Day!!

Homemade Holidays~Week One

If you ladies are anything like me, you are always looking for new and exciting recipes. Especially, during the upcoming Holiday season when we all have more parties to go to than we can count and we don't want to bring the same ol' thing.

So, you all need to go over HERE and visit Colleen. She has been hosting a recipe swap for the last several weeks. She started back in the Fall with a Back-To-School Recipe Pool and now she is having a Homemade Holiday Recipe Swap Go and check it out.....

I know for some, when they think of "Holiday Food" they think SWEETS!! Well, not me...I am ALL about the appetizers. I am definitely a CARB kinda girl!! Give me some hot cheesy dip and chips or some sticky wings and I am a happy camper. Unfortunately for my waistband, that's not such a good...LOL!! So, whenever I think of my favorite appetizers I always think of this tried and true recipe. This is definitely my "go to" dish!!

Let me introduce you to the BEST.SPINACH.ARTICHOKE.DIP.EVER!!!!!

INGREDIENTS

~1 onion, chopped
~2 tablespoons olive oil
~1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
~1 (4 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
~1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
~2 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (I defrost mine in the microwave and let it cook for about 5 mins then drain)
~1-2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
~1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
~1 cup half-and-half cream
~1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
~salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
~Saute onion in skillet over medium heat in oil until softened, about 4 minutes.
~Stir in Rotel, black olives and cooked spinach mix well
~Then add vinegar, half-and-half, salt and pepper.
~Let simmer for a min or so until heat through
~Then add Colby Jack cheese, cream cheese.
~Spoon mixture into shallow baking dish.
~Bake in the preheated oven until the dip is bubbly and the top is light brown, about 35 minutes.

Hope you all enjoy as much as we do!!

Til Next Time...Hugs!! Carrie♥

Tidbits Of My Home...Courtesy Of Kris @ Simply Prim

Evening Ladies!! Gosh, I can't believe it is November already. Time sure does get away from you doesn't it!?!? Heck, Christmas will be here before we know it!!

I don't know if you all remember or not, but I had won a giveaway a while back that Kris was having over @ Simply Prim. Which I meant to show pictures of WAY before now but I guess time got the best of me...sorry, Kris!!

I don't know about all of you, but I feel that the kindest act of appreciation or graditude for a gift is when the person who gave it to you actually sees you wear it or use it. So, in saying this I would love for you all to see where I used all of my wonderful gifts I received from Kris's giveaway!!

Thanks again Kris....I L♥VED it all!!

I placed the putka pods in this beehive jar on top of my scale!! (Sorry, didn't want to get to close of a shot...can you say DUST?!?! LOL!!)

My Choice Quilts “Autumn Leaf” placemat...

An iron book candle keep, a fire ash candle stub, a handmade cross-stitched pin keep, a handmade stuffed pumpkin and a handmade prim book.

And lastly, this beautiful black felt table runner with pumpkins and berries stitched on it.

Wasn't Kris SUPER generous?!?!? I'm definitely a lucky girl!!

Til next time...Hugs!! Carrie♥

Menu Planning Monday

Evening Ladies!! I don't know about all of you but sometimes after getting home from work, I am too tired to think. And dinner is the LAST thing on my mind. So, one way of simplifying this is by planning my weekly menu. This way, all I have to is look at my menu and follow the game plan of that evening.

Not to mention that I am always on the outlook for new recipes. So, I have decided to join all of the other ladies over HERE and join in on Menu Planning Mondays....

Monday ~ Pork Tenderloin~Roasted Potatoes~Green Bean Bundles

Tuesday ~ Taco Soup with Toppings(Shredded Cheese~Sour Cream~Crushed Tortilla Chips)

Wednesday ~ Beef Stew~Cornbread

Thursday ~ Sunday Crockpot Pork Chops~Mashed Potatoes~Spinach and Artichoke Casserole~Rolls

Friday ~ Chicken Soft Tacos~Spanish Rice

OK, now I am HUNGRY...LOL!!

Til Next Time...Hugs!! Carrie♥

Farmhouse Dreamin'

Copyright of Warren Kimble

Happy November everybody!! I hope you all had a "SPOOKTACULAR" Halloween last night!!

Don't you just love this picture? Or all of Warren Kimble's picture for the matter?

Yesterday, "Big Daddy" and I spent the day with my Father-In-Law. Ever since my Mother-In-Law passed away, I think he is VERY lonely. Which is very understandable. I couldn't imagine being married to somebody for over 40 years and not missing them EVERY.SINGLE.DAY for the rest of your life!!

During our visit yesterday, we took a drive thru the country. Taking in all of the beautiful colors of Autumn. But another part of driving thru the country that I truly enjoy, is looking at all of the old Farmhouses. I absolutely L♥VE them!!

I dream that someday, "Big Daddy" and I can find an old Farmhouse to fix up. So much history!! I would love to have some land to plant a garden. And I know being the animal lover that "Big Daddy" is, that there would have to be a few animals as well. LOL!!

So, how about you...if you had your wish, would you rather have brand spanking new home? Or an old Farmhouse to fix up? What would your dream be?

Til Next Time...Hugs!! Carrie♥

Happy Halloween...And Some Craft Show Finds!!

Happy Halloween Ladies!! I hope you all are having as of a beautiful evening as we are in Illinois. Thank goodness...at least for the all of the trick-or-treaters sake. Normally, it rains on Halloween. Speaking of rain, it has rained here 21 of the 31 days of October. But I have to admit, tonight is absolutely gorgeous out...so, that is good!!

Not that we get many trick-or-treaters...we live on a dead end off of another dead end . And considering we are the only ones with our light on usually, nobody wants to walk down our street just for our house. Which kinda makes me sad, with "Miss Priss" being 18 and "Muscles" being 16, they no longer go. So, all of the "magic" seems to have disappeared for me. But it is all good. I made a big pot of Gumbo, so "Muslces", his girlfriend , "Big Daddy" and myself are all going to sit around, eat some Gumbo and watch scary movies!!

Which reminds me, I better go stir my Gumbo. But I wanted to post a few pics of my Craft Fair finds from last weekend in my last post. But for some reason, Blogger wasn't letting me upload any pics for the past day or so. So anyway, here they are...

Cute Fall Canning Jar with Salt Dough Pumpkin $7.00

Prim Snowman Christmas Plate $6.95

Snowman Pillow with Homespun Back $8.00

Prim Pumpkin $3.00

Wool Felt Snowman Christmas Stocking $15.00

Til next Time...Hugs!! Carrie♥

A Few Of My Favorite Things...Postponed!!

As I mentioned, this past weekend "Big Daddy" and I went and did a few of my favorite things. Craft Fairs, craft fairs and more craft fairs. So, I wanted to show you all a few of the things I picked up...

UGGHHH!!! Never mind, I wanted to share a few pics of the things I got at the craft fairs this weekend. But for some reason, Blogger won't cooperate with me and let me upload (or is it download!?!? LOL!!) images.

Oh well, maybe this would be a good opportunity for us to share a few money saving tips. I know in these trying times, we all are being effected financially. And as the saying goes..."ever little bit helps!!" right!?!?! So, I was just wondering how you all have cut back!?!?

I was searching the internet on my lunch today at work and came acrossed this tip which I think is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season...

Make your own gifts instead of buying stuff from the store. You can make food mixes, candles, bread, cookies, soap, and all kinds of other things at home quite easily and inexpensively. These make spectacular gifts for others because they involve your homemade touch, plus quite often they’re consumable, meaning they don’t wind up filling someone’s closet with junk. Even better – include a personal handwritten note with the gift. This will make it even more special than anything you could possibly buy down at the mall, plus it saves you money.

If any of you have any homemade gift giving ideas that you would like to share...I would L♥VE to see or hear about them!!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

Chenille, Tea Dye and Sewing Machines...Oh, My!! Part 2

OK, so I decided to go ahead and post a pic of both my Snowman ornie (or should I say my attempt of...LOL!!) and "Big Daddy's". Needless to say, one is already tea stained. And I haven't put the finising touches on them yet. But I think you can get the idea.

So, can you tell which is mine? And which one is his? I hope not...LOL!!

Like I said last night, and all of the wonderful ladies that left me a comment trying to make me feel better...practice makes perfect!! And that is exactly what I tend to do. Keep tryin'.

Actaully, I practiced a little last night...and I think I figured out what I was doing wrong. Let's just say sewing takes patience...LOTS of patience!!

Chenille, Tea Dye and Sewing Machines...Oh, my!!

Good evening Ladies!! Over the weekend "Big Daddy" and I went and did a few of my favorite things. Not only did we visit a local Craft Fair, Friday evening after work. But then we headed back out Saturday to a Apple Butter Festival in the quaint town of Kimmswick, MO. Some of you may be familiar with Kimmswick, it is the home of 'The Blue Owl', a very Y-U-M-M-Y restaurant that was featured on the Food Network.

Needless to say, after returning home from "Prim Heaven", I was inspired to take a try at making some of my own prim goodness. So, after work today, I went to Joann's and picked up a few supplies. I bought some chenille, embroidery floss and couple other supplies for future projects.

So, when I got home I dug out "Big Daddy's" birthday present to me....
Isn't she a beauty girls!?!?!?

Anyway, this is where the "Oh,my!!" part of my title comes into play. SEWING IS HARD!!!!! Especially, circles!! I was trying to make some Snowman Ornies, and let's just say my first Snowman's head is a little lop-sided. Poor guy!! But thanks to "Big Daddy ", and his awesome sewing abilites Snowman #2 was MUCH better!!

Pretty sad whenever your husband is better at using your sewing machine than your are...LOL!!...Oh well, practice makes perfect right!?!?!?

Hope, Love and Faith

Good evening ladies!! Assuming that any of you are still with me...I know it has been SO long since I have posted. But rest assure, I have still been around. I think lately, I have just been enjoying reading all of your blogs much more than my own.

To be honest, I just feel that my blog can be very boring in comparison to most of yours! And after reading a few of my last few posts...even kinda depressing. Which I guess at the time, was just a reflection of my mood. But in the last few weeks that I have been absent, I have been trying to reflect on certain aspects of my life. Trying to learn how to not be so negative and have a better outlook. And let me say, it seems to be working.

As much as I hate to admit this, I haven't been the most spiritual person in the past few years. But in the last few months, I have really been trying find my faith again. But as some of you may know, that isn't always easy. So, in saying that...I hope you don't mind me asking (but it just seems that so many of you are such wonderful followers of Christ) but I was just wondering if you have had such strong faith since you were young? Or have you just found God in recent years? And if so, what things did you do to find and/or strengthen that faith?

One thing that I have done, is that I subscribed to Daily Devotions for Women that is emailed to me everyday at work. It has seemed to help me see things clearer and I have trying to keep a more upbeat and positive additude. But I still find myself struggling with putting my trust in God. And I can't figure out why...

So, I would love to hear if any of you have struggles in your faith. And of so, what things have helped all of you in your Journey!?!?!?

Thank You Kris (Simply Prim)!!

I just wanted to take a quick minute and thank Kris from Simply Prim for the WONDERFUL giveaway she was having that I actually won. I know, lucky me!! Look at all of the Prim goodness I received....THANK YOU again Kris, it was so nice of you!!

A Little A Lot Of Prim Inspiration!!

Good evening, ladies!! Sorry, I haven't been posting much lately. But trust me, I have been around!! I have enjoyed checking out all of your blogs, seeing all of your beautiful homes decorated for the Fall season. You are all so talented, you all have given me so many ideas and inspiration. Just like many of you, I love seeing all of the perfectly Prim homes all decorated for my favorite season. So, if you are all looking for some more Prim inspiration, go on over and check out these two sites...
A PRIMITIVE PLACE

JUST SIMPLY PRIM FRIENDS

Monday Musings

Good Morning Ladies!! I hope you all had a safe, fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend. Hopefully, you were all able to use those grills for one last time. Unfortunately, the weather hasn't really wanted to cooperate for BBQing here this weekend. It has been kind of cool and rainy. But the good thing about the cool temps and rain, is that it has only helped me get into the mood for my favorite season...Fall. Not that I really need any help in that area. LOL!!

Like most of you, I am so ready to pull out of all my Fall decor and get started in warming this house up. But due to us getting new carpet this coming week, that will have to wait. But wait, did I mention NEW CARPET!?!?!? LOL!! Can you tell I am SOOO excited!?!?!? I can't wait!!

It is going to be a lot of work but well worth it. In the next week we will be having to move furniture, clean out dressers and closets. But it will feel so nice to have things looking nice and having everything all organized for the new season.

So, how about you...have you all started decorating yet?

Back-To-School Recipe Pool Fridays

Don't adjust your computer screen ladies....yes, you are seeing things correctly. I have my blog all decked out for Halloween already. Needless to say, Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. So, that means that I love everything that comes with it. Halloween, witches, pumpkin pickin', Trick or Treaters, the cool crisp evenings, the beautiful color of the leaves, cozy jeans and sweaters and good ol' comfort food.

Speaking of food...you have to go over and join Colleen at And Baby Makes Five. She is having a "Back-To-School Recipe Pool" every Friday.

Colleen and some other lovely ladies are sharing their favorite Fall recipes. So, I decided to join in all of the fun and share one of our "go to" meals for the Fall....White Chili with Chicken...YUMMO!!!!

Ingredients:
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped, optional
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 to 1-1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

Directions: In a large saucepan, cook the onion, jalapeno if desired and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the broth, beans, parsley, lime juice and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into chili. Add chicken. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened

Season Of Change

Good Morning, Ladies!! I know I haven't been posting lately. But trust me, I have been around. We have just had more "drama" going on in our lives, and I rather not all my posts be negative so I decided to not post for awhile. Or at least, until I felt I could post about something positive.

Oh heck, I will just say it because quite honestly this blog is really supposed to be a journal so to speak. My therapy, if you will. A way for me to vent and get things off of my chest, right!?!?

Well, since I last posted "Big Daddy" lost his job. Which was a big shock. As some of you may know our story, "Big Daddy" has only been back to work now for about 11 months after being off for almost 6 years due to a injury (and 16 surgeries) he received at work. So, this is something we really didn't need to happen right now. But then again, who really needs to be laid off!?!?! Anyway, I guess the real kicker is that fact that he works for my parents. So, there was so many mixed emotions that came with this lay off.

We have known for awhile now that my parents company had taken a HUGE hit because of them not getting paid for a multi-million dollar job they did. They are in the middle of a law suit to get their money, but we all know that can take a very long time.

Long story short, my parents own a construction company and the whole family is employed by them. My brother, brother-in-law, uncle, husband, etc. But at this time, my husband was the only family member laid off. Which, was an extra kick in the gut. You see, because of my husband being off for all that time due to his injury , I suppose he lost seniority...which I think is BS!!!!

Anyway, after talking to my Mom this past week, I feel a little better. My Mom (who BTW, NEVER cries) was crying. So, I know them laying Ed off wasn't something they wanted to do. But at the time, I couldn't help feeling hurt that he was the only family member laid off (at this time). Especially, since my brother-in-law started working for my my parents YEARS after Ed. But in all technicality he has more seniority at their particular trade. You see, whenever Ed went back to work, he was no longer able to be a Laborer. So, he joined the Operators Union, which Ben has been a member of longer. Make sense?

Not to mention, I also felt hurt because you see my sister does not work outside of the home, where I do. And sometimes, I feel that my Mom and Dad keep Ben working because of that. I feel that they think Ed and I are better off financially than them. So, they continue to work Ben because of that and that bothers me. I LOVE my sister with ALL of my heart but I work because I HAVE to. Always, have. With Ed being injured all of those years, I had to work for medical benefits, etc. So, I have never had the choice. And she could do the same!!

Luckily, my husband is Union. So, we are hoping that he will be able to find work very shortly. But, as we all know how the economy is and with his injury we are both praying that will be sooner than later. But in the meantime, we are putting on our "big girl" (and big boy) pants and trying to remain positive.

So, with all of this....needless to say, I am ready for some changes. I am ready for a "clean slate", if you will. I am ready for positive things to start heading our way. I ready for a new season...

I am ready for the beautiful colors of the leaves that Fall brings.....
I can't wait to go buy my mums, I LOVE mums. How about you? What color is your favorite?....
I can't wait to see everybody's Fall displays. Full of pumpkins and gourds....

I can't wait to sit back on a nice cool, crisp Fall day and watch this....

While eating a nice hot bowl of this....

So, what are some of YOUR favorite things about Fall!?!?!?!?

LaZy DaYs Of SuMmEr!!

Heys ladies!! Well, we made it back from our family camping / float trip. And I have my first week back to work after my vacation under my belt. We had a wonderful, relaxing family trip. Lazy days of summer!! Exactly what the doctor ordered!!

We camped, floated down the Meramec River and even visited the Meramec Caverns (which I haven't been to in YEARS!!) And let me just say they are absolutely gorgeous!! BTW, I will post vacation pics soon but first I had to share a sight that I got to see first thing this morning ...

(Don't adjust your computer screen, ladies. YES,those are toliet paper rolls you are seeing....)

Talking about lazy days of summer...while the hubby and I were both at work during the day this week, working hard, earning $$$. "Muscles" and "Miss Priss" have been enjoying the last few days left of their lazy summmer. So much, they haven't even changed the toliet paper roll in their bathroom. Talk about LaZy!! ♥

Saturday Morning Ramblings!

Happy Saturday!! Don't you all just LOVE Saturdays?!?!? I know I do. It feels so good to wake up and know that I don't have anywhere that I HAVE to be...like work!! LOL!!

But today is still going to be busy...we have a benefit for a guy that my husband and I went to High School with. He was diagnosed with a Stage 3 Malignant Brain Tumor. And he is only 37....so, PLEASE keep in in your prayers!!

Then we have some errands to run, we are on vacation next week and we are taking the camper out. We are going to go to Meramec State Park and float down the river one day. And then we are going to vist the Meramec Caverns another. Which, I am looking forward to...hopefully it should be relaxing!! Even though, I am not the strongest swimmer, so I hoping the water to VERY calm!!

But thanks to my husbands truck, our daughter's car and the camper all getting broke into this past Thursday night (all while we were sleeeping) we have some extra errands that we need to run today. Like getting my husbands cell phone replaced, etc.

I will tell you what....I think it had to have been somebody that knows us. Because they knew EXACTLY what they were looking fo. They stole my husbands cell phone, our GPS, our good camera (the boys had just gone capming last week and since we were leaving again this weekend hubby decided just to leave it in the camper), my daughter's Ipod and dock, some tools out of the back of the truck and a 20 in flat screen TV we had in the camper.

But you know what, I am just happy that it wasn't worse. Like I said in my last post, I am trying to have a better attitude. Just trying to see the postitive and good and not the negative and bad. So, that was why I decided to "brighten" up my blog. A new look and a new attitude!!

Anyway, better run....lots to do. But if I don't talk to all of you before we leave....have an WONDERFUL weekend!! Hugs!! Carrie♥

My Baby...Is No Longer A Baby!!

Good Evening Ladies!! Just wanted to throw out another heartfelt thanks to everybody that has put up with my whining and crying lately.

I know that my last few posts have not been the most postive or uplifting and for that I want to apoligize. You all will be glad to know, that I have decided I am going to stop complaining and try to get back to my normal positive, upbeat self.

So, in saying that...I would like to share a few of the POSITIVE things that have been happening in my world in the past few weeks.

And one of those things was "Muscles" celebrating his 16th Birthday back on the 9th of July.
Look at him....look at my beautiful baby boy!?!?! And the best part is that he has a beautiful heart and personality to go along with it!!





Love ya "Muslces" more than life itself!! You make your Mama proud!! ♥

Hello

Hello Ladies!! Just wanted to stop by and tell you all thanks (again) for the advice on my thyroid. I have still not made it in to do the blood work yet. I have to fast for 12 hours prior to the test and with work, etc. I haven't found time yet. So, I am still unsure of the outcome. But I will let you all know!!

I know in my last post I had mentioned that one of the reasons my doctor originally had my thyroid tested was due to panic attacks. So, I was just wondering if any of you also suffer from panic attacks? And if so, what are some of your "coping techniques"? And with your panic attacks do you also suffer any phobias, etc.?

As weird as it sounds....I kind of have a fear (phobia) of taking medication (fear that they will trigger a panic attack). And I have to admit I am more worried about having to take mediacation for the thyroid than anything even being wrong with the thyroid itself.

I made the mistake of searching the internet for side effects of the medication and even though they said that there were very few, it did say that if somebody is given the wrong dosage that the medication could give symtoms of HYPERthyroidism and panic attacks and nervousness is one of those symtoms. And having a fear of meds anyway and now knowing that it could possibly increase my anxiety...I am scared to take them if need be!! WEIRD I know!!

I think I have been thru everything and anything that comes with panic attacks. And as embarrassing as they are....I decided now was a better time then ever to admit to you guys that I suffer from them.

So, I would to hear from you if you also suffer from them...but if any of you feel uncomfortable posting where everybody can see, please free to email me at southpaw8117@yahoo.com.

Hugs!! Carrie♥

When It Rains, It Pours.....

As the saying goes....when it rains, it pours. I just got back from the doctor's office. This afternoon was my appointment for my yearly physical. And I am not sure if I mentioned it but our Primary Care Physician has been out on Medical Leave due to Brain Cancer. I KNOW!!!! And he is only 40 YO. BTW, PLEASE add Dr. Schallert to your prayers!!

Anyway, needless to say I was a little nervous about seeing one of the other Doctors that have been helping out. But I was relieved, because the Doctor I saw today, seemed to be very good. Really seemed that he knew his stuff!! But, as he was looking thru my records, he noticed that Dr. Schallert had checked my thyroid back in 2005 due to some Panic issues I was having (and still have).

But, Dr. Warren told me today, that back then my test seemed to be "normal" but that since 2005 they have changed the "normal" range. So, he wants me to have it checked again (along with the normal yearly blood work) to see if I have an under active thyroid (Hypothyroidism). Even though it is usually an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) that causes Panic Attacks. Whereas mine seems to be under active....but he had asked a series of other questions regarding symptoms and unfortunately, a few of the questions I had to say "yes" to. So, now I am EXTRA nervous!!

I was just wondering if any of you are familiar with Hypothyroidism?!?!? And if so, what can you tell me?!?!? And what are the side effects to the medication, etc.!?!?!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

Tuesdays Thoughts

Hey there ladies!! Just wanted to stop by and tell all of you THANKS for all of the warm and caring comments you all left regarding my job. Things have been a little bit better. My supervisor has been trying to be nice lately, even though I am 110% sure it is more for other's benefit than mine. But heck, I will take what I can get!! LOL!!

I have decided that I am going to start looking for something else. Which, I am nervous about but I think it is a choice I need to make. Granted, I don't know how I feel about giving up my 4 weeks of vacation, etc. But sometimes, your happiness is worth it.

It still amazes me how many double standards there are out in the corporate world. As some of you may know, I work downtown St. Louis and with the All Star Game being held in St. Louis this year, things around my work building have been absolutely CRAZY the past few days. But it is funny that "the supervisor" has "snuck out" of work everyday this week so him and "the girlfriend" can join in all of the All Star festivities but yet nothing was said to him but yet we all have had to stay until our normal times and then sit in traffic for an hour more than normal.

Oh well, I have been doing so much "soul searching" the past few weeks and I have decided that I am not going to be negative anymore. That place is not worth my health. And ever since the other week, I have felt this overwhelming feeling of anxiety. And I have decided that I need to just start enjoying my life. That I am going to start trying to have a more positive attitude and not dwell on the negative.

Do any of you ever feel this way? That you are letting the negative things in life bring you down entirely too much? And if so, what do you do to stop yourself and start seeing the good in life?

Calgon Take Me Away!! Advice Needed....(again)!!

OH.MY.GOODNESS, girls!! Where to start!?!? So, much has happened since I last posted. I have done a little tweaking in the house, we finished the Koi pond and we had a Graduation party for "Miss Priss". Which I will be showing pics of all later. But this post is to vent, or maybe get some advice...not quite sure which.

Let me just start about two days ago when I was called into a meeting with my immediate supervisor, who let's just say is a complete JERK!!!!! I am not even exaggerating....let me put it this way, this is a man who was recently caught having an affair with his wife's best friend and who he has since left the wife (and two children I might add) for!! Not to mention who actually went on a family vacation with his family and the wife's best friend's family all the while the two of them were having an affair!!

Needless to say, this man has absolutely NO respect for woman...NONE whats so ever!! So, during our meeting he started getting very disrespectful towards me for no apparent reason, so I LOST it!!! I have worked for this company for 12 years and I have been in this same department for 11 of those 12. And I have NEVER been so mad. I actually told him that I QUIT and I walked out!! I got to my desk threw my security pass on my desk and told my co-workers that I QUIT!!

Of course, as soon as I got the parking garage and in my car I started BALLING!! I knew that I had made a major mistake but at the same time felt a great sense of relief! Not that I am the type of person to have ever done that but between work and home I guess I was at a major breaking point! As you are all aware of, my job is a HUGE source of my stress!! And my supervisor totally disrespecting me was the straw that broke the camel's back!!

The rest of that afternoon and evening I received several phone calls from co-workers, etc. asking me to reconsider and to come back. So, I did. Even after "Big Daddy" suggested that I take a month or two off of work and then try to look for something else. That he knew my job made me very unhappy lately and that he would support my decision 110%

Anyway, I went in yesterday and had a "formal" sit down with the immediate supervisor and both of our manager per their request. And let me say, it did not go well at all. Our manager was very compassionate and understanding but my supervisor was a complete A%$ He was actually yelling at me so loud that most of my co-workers heard and we were behind closed doors. But yet, I was the one that got a written warning for MY behavior (basically walking out the day before).

I will admit that I got so upset that I probably said a few things that I shouldn't of but I had had enough. But the way I see it, I am a human being and no matter if you are my friend, boss, etc. I still think you should show me some respect. And I will do the same....

Anyway, I guess this is where the advice comes in...I still have my job (thank goodness) but at the moment, I feel like I have very little self pride because I did go back!! So, if you all were in my shoes, would you tuck your tail between your legs, stay and just be thankful you have a job in these trying times?!?!? Or would you decide that your stress level, happiness and self-pride was more important and start to look for something else?!?!?

Where Have I Been!?!?!?

Where have I been!?!!? I promise, I have been around...but in between work and trying to get everything ready for "Miss Priss" (AKA Katelyn's) Graduation party I have had just enough time to drop in and check out all of your blogs (somedays not enough that) but I have not had any time to even touch my blog...much less create new posts.

I promise, I will soon be back with some Prim eye candy, pics of our Koi pond and maybe even a pic or two of the party itself!! LOL!!

But let me tell you girls, I AM EXHAUSTED!!!!!! I am ready for a vacation. I was supposed to be on vacation next week but I think I may give the days up....and save them for later on in the summer. Mainly because, "Miss Priss" will be in Florida, "Muscles" will be in summer school part of the days (he is taking Driver's Education) and "Big Daddy" will be at work...so I am not sure if it would be worth taking it. I think I rather take the days off whenever we all can take the time off together.

Even though, I really think I could use a few "me" days. You know those days where I don't have to be any where at any certain time. Or answer to anybody. Where I can do what I want when I want. No pre-set agenda. But then again, knowing me I would be lonely and bored!! Isn't that sad!?!?! Not that I would ever really know...I haven't had too many of those days. LOL!!

Seriously though, how do you all do it?!?!?!? It just seems that all of you girls have your "stuff" together. Where most days, I feel like I am always going but yet never getting much accomplished...you all seem to be able to blog, craft, take care of your children and homes (beautiful homes, I might add) and still have your sanity? I swear between work and home, I feel that the is never enough time in the day. Not to mention that fact that there never seems to be enough time for things like crafting (which BTW, I would LOVE to do more of!!)

BTW, THANKS FOR ALL OF THE ADVICE ON HOW TO HANDLE STRESS. I HAVE TRIED A FEW OF THE SUGGESTIONS. BUT WITH WORKING, GETTING READY FOR THE GRADUATION PARTY, AND EVERYTHING ELSE LIFE HAS THROWN MY WAY IN THE PAST WEEK OR SO, IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE HELPING. BUT I PROMISED "BIG DADDY" THAT AS SOON AS THIS PARTY IS OVER I WILL SLOW DOWN - TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS, MAYBE EVEN START EXCERCISING AND THAT I WILL TRY TO RELAX MORE!! I HAVE A FEW PRIM PROJECTS THAT I AM EXCITED TO START....

Hello

Sorry, I haven't been around much lately...but I think the above pic says it all!!!!!

Please tell me that I am not the only one feeling stressed lately. I am sure with the economy being the way it is we are all feeling it's effects.

Even though my husband and I both have full-time jobs outside of the home, we are still feeling the stress of these trying times. Everyday, we both pray that we will continue to have jobs.

Not to mention, all of the other stresses I have been feeling lately. You know the ones that we as Woman, Wives and Moms all feel on a daily basis.

So with this I ask you all...what do you all do to try to relieve some of your stress? Do you all read? craft? keep a journal?

Where Have I Been?

Sorry ladies, I know I have been MIA for a few days but I will show where I have been...

A PRIMITIVE PLACE

I recently joined the forum over at A Primitive Place and let me tell you there is so much inspiration over there. If you haven't been over in their neck of the woods yet, go check them out!!

~Sunday Supper~

BAKED TILAPIA with MANGO SALSA (RECIPE AS FOLLOWS)

Ingredients:

Butter cooking spray

4 (6 to 8-ounce) tilapia fillets

1 teaspoon seasoning salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 lime, finely grated zest and juice

2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large cast iron pan with a nonstick butter spray.
Rinse fish and pat dry; place on the prepared baking sheet. Season each fillet with seasoing salt, cracked pepper, lime zest and lime juice. Add fish to the pan. Place a pat of butter on each fillet and cook in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes.

MANGO SALSA

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 mango, chopped
1 cup seeded chopped tomato (roma works well)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lime, juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
Mix and chill for about an hour. Serve over tilapia.

Yard Work, Yard Work and MORE Yard Work!!

OMGoodness, Ladies!! Sorry for the absence, but I feel like all we have been doing lately is yard work, yard work and MoRe yard work!!

For the past two weekends we have been coming home on Friday night after work and working in the yard pretty much non-stop. Well, except for last Sunday afternoon when we treated ourselves to a trip to the pool that we belong to.

We have weeded, planted flowers, laid mulch, re-did Koi pond and even re-did our re-do of the Koi pond. And that was just last weekend. So far, this weekend we have painted, cut the grass, went and picked up and loaded FOUR huge truckloads of flagstone and now we are getting ready (after "Big Daddy" takes a little "baby nap") to go back out and start laying flagstones in our fire pit area.

Hopefully we will be finished soon....because the inside of my house has been neglected the past few weekends. Even though, "Miss Priss" has been helping me out and trying to keep things "picked up" during the day. Which I TOTALLY ApPrEcIaTe!! Not to mention the fact that my back is killing me and I am tired of spending my weekends doing this kind of stuff. I am telling you it is times like this that I either wish there was more time in the day or that I didn't have to work outside of the home full-time so I had more time during the week. Too much to do and not enough time to do it!!

You maybe wondering why we are killing ourselves trying to finish all of these projects now...well, we are trying to get ready for "Miss Priss'" Graduation party on the 27th. Nothing like some added pressure. It's the ultimate motivator. LOL!!

Anyway, just thought I would take a little "blog break" while "Big Daddy" was napping but I promise to be back soon with not only some pics of my Prim projects but some of our yard. Hey, maybe that is what I will start our "Tour My Home Thursdays" with...the yard. Like Heather's Stitches suggested we could start with the entry way. And what is the first thing you see before the entry way? The outside. Makes sense to me!! LOL!!

Help Needed Please

Hi Ladies!! Hope you all are having a wonderful evening!! I was just wondering if any of you would be willing to share some step by step instructions on how to Prim up various wood pieces.?!?!? Or if any of you know where to possibly find a tutorial on this?!?!?

I completed this cutting board the other evening but I am not quite happy with it. I am not sure if I didn't sand enough, or if I sanding too much on the edges. I am not quite sure but something just doesn't quite seem right. Now looking at the picture I can see that I forgot to paint the hole on the handle...ooops!!

Any advice of what I did wrong?

Yard Work, A Sunburn and A Couple Prim Projects!

After MANY, MANY hours of yard work we finally got to go the pool Sunday afternoon. I know, I said that we were going to try to go Saturday but after re-doing the Koi pond all day Saturday we were TIRED but guess what we ended up having to do again Sunday morning?!?!? Yep, the Koi pond. Which, BTW I will show some pics of as soon as we get some of the planting completed.

You see, our pond liner had gotten a hole in it about a year or so ago but we have been "nursing" it up until this past Saturday when we decided thought we could just "fix it". Needless to say, it was obvious first thing Sunday morning that our plan didn't work.

So, after running to the store and getting a brand new liner we re-did our re-do. Make sense!?!? It wasn't too bad we only had to re-do the bottom half so we were finished probably by noon, plenty of time to go to the pool. And at least it is fixed correctly this time.

To reward ourselves for all of our hard work this weekend, we decided to go ahead and go to the pool for a few hours where I obviously didn't put enough of this on...

because I got BuRnT!! That is one of the reason it took me so long to post these "before" and "after" pics. I have been so sore the past two days between getting a major workout doing yardwork and the sunburn. Let's just say I have been moving ExTrA slow. But remember these...
BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Just a couple pics of just two of the Prim projects I have FINALLY gotten finished. I am not sure how happy I am about there turnout but for my first real Prim paint jobs, I guess there are OK. I did also paint the bowl seen in this before pic but I wasn't very happen with it and so "Big Daddy" (AKA "Mr. Know-It-All") decided to try to sand it "with the grain" as he was telling me and let's just say he did NOT make it look any better. So, I guess I will be re-doing and other re-do. LOL!!