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!!

~Happy Thursday...And A Proposition!!~

Good evening ladies!! I hope you all are having a wonderful Thursday. I am SOOO glad it is Friday tomorrow. Not only for the most obvious reason of no work, but that I a super excited!! I decided after reading all our your encouraging words that I am just going to bite the bullet and start spreading some of my Prim goodness all over the house this weekend. And I can't wait to get started.

What can it hurt. Like you all said, if I place something on a certain shelf, etc. who's saying it has to stay there right!?!? That's how the word "tweaking" was invented, wasn't it?!?!? Due to a woman changing her mind...LOL!!

I am not sure if you all remember me posting about a shelf that "Big Daddy" had made for me that I was too scared to paint. Well, guess what!?!? Yep, it is also another victim of my lack of decorating confidence. So, I decided that it was going to be my first project that I take on this weekend. Not only for the obvious reason that I need the shelf to display some of the Prim goodness that has taking up residency on my kitchen counter and closet but also for that fact that I think it has really hurt "Big Daddy's" feelings that I have yet done anything with his awesome creation!! So, wish me luck ladies!! I am gonna need it!! LOL!!

But before I close up for the night...I have a proposition for you all. I know that one way that I get inspiration is by looking at all of you beautiful homes and they way you all display things. So, here's what I was thinking...what about starting a weekly tour of homes Maybe we could call it "Tour My Home Thursday" or something like that. Where we would assign a certain room of the house each week. I know that most of you have posted pics of your homes in the past but this would be place where we could compile all of those in one spot. Making it easier for us "decorating challenged" to get our inspiration.

I know that I saw something similar over on another blog. However, most of the homes participating in that tour all had different decorating styles. Not that anybody wouldn't be welcome to participate no matter what your decorating style was...but most of us seem to have similar styles and in my opinion it is always nice to get some fresh ideas. Especially for us who have wonderful things just taking up good counter space and not being truly appreciated in the Prim glory!! LOL!!

So, if you all think you would like to participate and would be willing to spread the word and see if we can get others to join...maybe it would be fun!! Whatcha' think!?!?!? Does this sound like something you all would like to do?

A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That!!

First and foremost, I wanted to tell all of you "Thank You" for all of the wonderful advice(once again!!). After a few "dramatic" days around here I think we have finally got thru to "Miss Priss". Or atleast, I hope so....we will have to wait and see!!

Secondly, I wanted to share a pic of all the wonderful Prim goodies I received from Kim. We were assigned each others name in Char's "Porch Swap". I had never participated in a swap before, and let me tell you it was so much fun!! Like Kim said in the email she sent me, it's a little like being a kid on Christmas Day!! Thanks again Kim!! I LOVED it all!!

~~Log Cabin~~
~~Birdhouse Stake~~
~~Butterfly Stake~~
~~Our Family's Homestead Sign~~


And lastly, I have a small confession to make....do you all remember all of the pictures I have been posting lately of all of my latest Prim finds? If not let me remind you....

And have all of you often wondered why I haven't shown any of them in their Prim goodness around my house?

Well, this is where my confession comes into play. My name is Carrie and I am a Prim addict!! I LOVE me some Prim goodness BUT all (well, maybe NOT all...but most) of these things are all still sitting in a pile on my kitchen counter. And the rest are in a basket in the closet. I KNOW!!!!

Why haven't I done anything with them yet you may ask...well, I think it is lack of confidence. Trust me, I know what I like. I can go into any Prim store and immediately pick out my favorite finds BUT I have this one small problem...once I get them home, I am not sure what to do with them. Isn't that terrible!?!?

I look at all of your blogs and get such inspiration. But when it comes to me actually putting that inspiration into action, I freeze up. I have thrift stores finds still unpainted. A BEAUTIFUL shelf "Big Daddy" made for me that I have yet to paint or decorate. I have wonderful Prim goodies that I have gotten from here and there just laying around. What is wrong with me!?!? Help!! I just need to trust my instincts right!?!? Just go for the gusto....

Do any of you have this happen to you? Or am I all alone in this "decorator's block" of mine?

Busy Weekend...Busy Post and some MUCH Needed Advice!!

Hello Ladies!! I hope you all are having nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!!

Ours was wonderful. Busy but wonderful!! I actually got a jump start on my weekend a day early. Since, we had our daughter's High School Graduation last Thursday and we had planned on leaving to go camping Friday as soon as "Muscles" and "Big Daddy" got off of school and work. I took a vacation day to try to get e few things finished up Friday morning.

So, after "Miss Priss" and I took "Muscles" to school (or should I say...he took us. He got his driving permit last week so I let him drive. He is a pretty good driver!!)we headed to Wal-Mart to do some shopping for groceries, etc. that we needed for our camping trip. Then after bringing the stuff home and putting it away, I decided to take "Miss Priss" to lunch since she wasn't coming with us camping and so I could spend a little time with her.

But let me backtrack to the Graduation. OH MY!! It went so smoothly. Like I said in my previous post, I was SO proud of my baby girl!! So, was "Big Daddy". I think I even saw a tear or two!! And they weren't ALL from me...LOL!!

Seriously, where did the time go though?!?!? Like I have said too many times before....it felt like it was just yesterday I was giving birth to that 7 lb. 15 oz. bundle of joy. OK...I am gonna stop before I cry even more. But here is a pic of ""Miss Priss" and her boyfriend (whom I like but am kinda mad with at the moment...I'll get to that later!!)

So, back to camping...it was such a nice trip. We went to a campground pretty close to home. With it being a holiday weekend we were kinda limited. But we had such a good time. Since, "Miss Priss" decided at the last minute she wasn't able to go with us, another LONG story. We told "Muscles" he could bring his buddy, Ben. Whom, my husband and I both adore. He is such a good kid...

We camped, rode bikes, fished and even made s'mores. You know all the things that go along with camping. I even did a little shopping. We have gone to this particular campground a few times and every time we pass this cute little shop that I have always wanted to stop at. The Crescent Moon. Well, this weekend was the weekend. And was I ever so happy. I was in love the moment I walked it. And the shop owners were two very warm and friendly ladies. I could of spent the whole day in there. But there was fishing to be done, so I tried to hurry. But I did a few things...

Like I said, it was such a nice and relaxing weekend. But of course it would not be a weekend in our house if there wasn't some sort of hiccup(AKA drama).

Well, let me explain something first. Katelyn (AKA "Miss Priss") has been dating the same boy for about 9 months now. And he is a nice enough kid BUT (I know the dreeded BUT) they NEVER want to spend anytime with us. NEVER!!! BUT they are ALWAYS with his family. Whether it being hanging out with his Mom and Step-Dad. Or going to his Dad's softball games. Heck, Katelyn has even met the ENTIRE family....I am talking Aunts, Uncles cousins, etc. on BOTH sides of the family. Yet we can't even get the kid to come over. EVER!!!

We have invited him over for dinner, out to dinner, etc. Heck, we even asked him to go camping with us this past weekend (under the conditions that he and "Muscles" sleep in a tent) And of course we got a big fat "NO!!". He had to work "all day". But yet, we agreed to let Katelyn go on a family vaction with them to Florida this coming 4th of July (which I am SERIOUSLY reconsidering!!!!!).

Anyway, back to my story....so we are camping and all is well. Around 10:00am Saturday morning we get a call from Katelyn. Which, let me tell you is the crack o' dawn for that child!!! So, I am feeling good after her call. Too think that she called just out of the blue made me feel good...like she was missing us. Well, during our phone call conversation I asked her if her and Matt wanted to drive up for the day and hang out with us (It was only 1/2 hour drive and Katelyn knew the way) but she said that it was rainging and that my Mom didn't want her driving. And that Matt had to work "all day" anyway. Which seemed reasonable!!

But you have to know my parents....I love them to death!!! But let's just say that my parents and I have two totally different parenting styles. My Mom thinks Ed and I are too strict. Seriously, they child comes and goes as she pleases. She has a 1:00am curfew and we even agreed to Florida. Are you kidding me!?!?!? But because we worry and care about Katelyn, we rather her not stay by herself while we are gone (out of her on safety) we are hard on her. WHATEVER!!! So, I should of known that whole "driving in the rain" thing was a lie.

Anyway, after our phone call conversation, I admit I was missing her so I called her back around noon whenever "Big Daddy", "Muscles" and Ben were gone fishing. But there was no answer, so I called my parents house and my Mom said that since it was raining (Raining!?!?!? What rain!?!?!?) and she didn't want her coming down there she let her go to the mall and out to lunch with Matt. (Matt!?!?!? I thought he had to work "all day")....so while talking to my Mom Katelyn beeped in. And when I said hello, I can barely hear her with all of the background noise. So, I ask her where they are and she says Eric and Denise's...which happenes to be our good friends and also friends of Matt's Mom and Step-Dad's.

OK...now I am PISSED!!!! No, not pissed....HURT!!!!!!! I thought he had to work?!?!? So, I asked Katelyn that very same question she says..."til noon". ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!?!? I thought one of the reason they didn't come to meet us was because he had to work "all day". OK, I don't classify noon as "all day".

So after basically telling her that once again they ditched us for his family and how HURT I was, I hung up!!! So, I decided if she lied about him working "all day" I bet she AND MY MOM (mind you) lied about the rain so I called my best friend. Sure enough, it hadn't rained at all!!!!!! Just as I thought!!!

I am telling you girls, I was CRUSHED!!!!!!!!! Still am!!!!! She has been at work all day and I have not spoke to her since I hung up on her Saturday. Of course, I received a couple text messages within an hour of hanging up on her telling me that they would come down, etc. but we never did see them!! Go figure!!

So, what do I do!?!?!?!? Nothing my husband or I say gets thru to her anymore. She thinks because she is offically a High School Graduate and "almost" 18 that she should be able to come and go as she pleases with NO rules!!! All we want to is spend time with her (and the BF) and we get pushed aside ALL of the time for everybody and everything else!! And it hurts!!!!

Whenever "Big Daddy" and I try to talk to her she gets an additude and thinks we are being unreasonable. I am tired of fighting all of the time. I am tired of all of the tension. We are the parents....but why do I feel like I am the one being controlled by her!?!?!? I know she is spoiled...and we are the only ones to blame. But how do we make our points to her without coming off as being controlling or mean. Or her wanting to "move out"...oh yeah, that's the new one!!

Seriously, if the only thing she can complain about is us not letting her stay home alone whenever we go camping for the weekend (which is really for her safety more th n anything else) or that we want to spend time with her...then I think we are doing pretty well. So why do I always feel that nothing that my husband and I do is right in her eyes!?!?!?

OK, now I really am going to cry...so I better finish this post up. But I would appreciate any advice ya'll have to offer. Because quite frankly, I am at a lost at this point!!

Hugs!! Carrie

A Milestone...Oh, And A Thank You!!

Thank you everybody for the advice on yesterdays post. I opted not to buy the Prim decor from that lady. She would not budge on the price at all, so I decided not to do it. Which is fine, I was kind of hesitate about spending that kind of $$$ anyway. Especially, with the economy being the way it is. I figured there was more important things I could do with that kind of $$$...like feed my family!! LOL!! But I do appreciate ALL of your advice. I was leaning towards that way anyway but being the girl I am, I still need that reassurance. Even if I am almost 40!! LOL!!

Today is a bittersweet day for me....it is my daughter's High School Graduation!! Gosh, where does that time go!?!? It is bittersweet because I am SOOO happy for her. She is such a wonderful young woman and this is just the next step in her journey. But as a Mother, it breaks my heart to think my babies are no longer babies!! Wasn't it was just yesterday that she was 4 and EJ (AKA "Muscles") was 2 and they were still playing with Barbies and Legos?!?!? And in their eyes, my husband and I were still "cool"!!

You know thru the years I heard over and over "how fast that they will grow up!!" and "savor EVERY moment!!". And trust me I did...BUT gosh, the time went by SOOOO much faster than I thought!! UGGHHH!!

Ok, I better stop before I cry. I am posting from work (which I NEVER do) and I have already had to stop myself from crying SEVERAL times. SERIOUSLY!! I know I am SUCH a baby!! LOL!!

But I hope you all have a GREAT day!! And I will try to stop by later and post some pics.

Hugs!! Carrie

Need Opinions ASAP PLEEAAASSSSEEEE!!!!

I have been in contact with a lady on Craigslist willing to sell all of this to me for $500.00. Do you all think this is a good deal?!?!?!?!?!?!? PLEASE let me know what ya'll think ASAP!!!! I would hate to lose out if it is......

Saturday's Finds

As promised here are pics of all of my Saturday findings...

First up is the "Garage Sale Gem". And thanks to all of you, I knew not to pass this baby up. Especially, at the low price of 25 cents. That's right you all heard me 25 cents!! I even left the price tag on to prove it.

~~~PRIM BOWL~~~

I also learned from reading this post over at Primitives from Above that I should NOT touch it. Lisa bought a bowl just like this and all the kind ladies that left her comments told her NOT to Prim it up!! Is this correct? Can anybody tell me anything else about this find!?!?

Next up are all of the "Prim Goodness" I found in St. Charles, MO.

~~~TABLE RUNNER~~~

~~~2 ELECTRIC CANDLES WITH 2 LIGHT BULBS~~~

~~~2 PRIM FLAGS~~~

~~~STAR CANDLE HOLDER WITH CANDLE~~~

~~~QUILTED TABLE SQUARE~~~

~~~3 PRIM DISHTOWELS~~~

~~~SMALL POTTED RED GERANIUM~~~

I am so excited about all of my great finds. Now just to figure out what to do with all of them...any ideas!?!?!?

Help Needed!!....PLEASE!!!

I need some help...PLEASE!! I think in the past few days I have realized that I am not nearly ANYWHERE NEAR as crafted as I would like to be. Which is a bad thing at the moment because as I posted about a while ago that "Big Daddy was making me a prim shelf and cabinet I have been wanting for the end of the hall , with the conditions that I'd do the the painting. So now that he has completed the shelf, it is time for ME to paint it. And after my bust of a paint job on my paper mache eggs (that BTW, I am too ashamed to even show here on my blog) I am VERY nervous to paint the shelf.

So, this is where all of your help comes into play...this is a shelf that I found on Ebay that is very similar to the shelf he built for me and it is even close to the color I think I want to go with. So, to all of you "oh so talented crafters" out there...come on don't be shy, you know who you all are!! Could you PLEASE take a look at the shelf and tell me how to acheive this look!?!? I promise I'll be you BFF FOREVER!!! LOL!!

A Little Window Shopping

One of my all time favorite things to do is decorating. I usually know what I like but there are many times where my mind draws a blank and I just can't figure out how acheive that certain look. Does this happen to any of you? I really doubt it looking at the pictures of some of your homes. Your all naturals at this decorating thing. How and or where do you all get your inspirations!?!?!? Seriously people I need help!!

I only ask because there are people like me that need to look at every magazine or catalog possible to try to figure out how to display this shelf or that doughboard. And one of my all time favorite catalogs to do some window shopping in is Piper Classics. So here is just a little eye candy I have found the last few times....

Craft Fairs, Goodwill and Gordmans Oh My!!....Part 2

On Sunday I posted about my first time adventures to the Goodwill. And how I seriously think I may have a new addiction!! I am not sure I even mentioned all of our findings. But I think we hit the jackpot!! We got "Muscles" a brand new pair of Columbia shorts for school (their high school has a dress code). I even got a pair of plaid Old Navy shorts. But the most exciting finds were these...



I know, I know...some of you that read my post Sunday are probably thinking you are having a dejavu. But I promise, I am getting the reason of this post!! LOL!! I don't really care for the bunny on the Spring decor, but it is only attached by a small hinge...so I think I may just remove him. But the main reason for this post is to pose a few questions regarding the other items to all of you....

1) I know I want to prim up the bowl and the cutting board. But being kind of new to the whole "crafting" thing, I want to make sure I have the process correct. Do I either start with a base coat of black (if I want black to show thru) then make the second layer the primary color, sand to make it look worn and then add stain? Then do I seal it with something? And if so, what do you all recommend? And what color do you think I should use to prim these pieces up?

2) I know I saw a post somewhere in blogland where a fellow blogger made-over a little shovel similar to the one I found. But now I can't find it for the life of me!! So if any of you have seen this as well...could you please help me and tell me where?

Thanks girls, in advance, for all of the help!! Your the best!!

Bathroom Reveal...In Black and White!!

*** UPDATE - PLEASE SEE THIS POST FOR THE BEFORE PICTURES***

First of all, I have to tell you all how proud "Big Daddy" is of this project. This was the first project in our home that he has completely done on his own. Even, down to the fancy folding of the towels (and if you know "Big Daddy", being the big burly man that he is...he would SO embarrassed if he knew I had just told you all that!!) He even planned out the whole design himself. You see, usually in our home I am the one that does all of the designing and he is the one that makes it all the magic happen.

Well, not this time....from the very beginning he told me that this was "his" bathroom and that he wanted to do it all. I have to admit, when he first told me that he wanted and all black and white bathroom, I was a little nervous. But I stepped back (which is VERY hard for a control freak like me) and let him follow thru with his plan. And let me just say, he did an awaesome job!!

Missing In Action....Take Two!!

Whenever I posted last, I had apologized for not posting for a few days. Well, I think I went and did it again (Ok, why did Britney Spears song 'Oops I did it again' just pop into my head!?!?!?) Anyway, I know I have been missing in action again, and for that I am sorry!! Hence the title of this post.

But the other day, I think I had explained to you all how I have a new hobby addiction called Facebook.

OH.MY.GOSH!! It is definitely a love/hate relationship!! At first, I think I was all excited to see old friends and classmates from High School...ok, maybe some more than others!! And let me tell you when you are in your late 30's and somebody mentions Facebook, you automatically think that is the site that your teenage kids visit and that NOBODY your age will be on there. WRONG!!!! EVERYBODY and their brothers are on this site. And it SO addicting!!

But then that excitement is short-lived whenever you start to feel all of those old High School insecurities coming out!! "Oh, I hope this person accepts my friend request" or "I bet they won't even remember me, much less accept my friend request!!" See, I am telling you it is sick!! Sick I tell you!!

It is pure torture, I'll tell you!! It's like I am 16 all over again....Darn that Facebook!!!!

Anyway, my absence hasn't ALL beeen due to Facebook. For the past week or two I have been trying to help "Big Daddy" finish his bathroom redo. So I figure, I will leave you with a few before pics. Complete with the 70's Avocado Green tile and the mess from starting the emptying of cabinets and distruction before taking the "before" pic!! And tomorrow after adding a few finishing touches I will post the big reveal....

Sunday Supper...And A Little Prim Decor!

In yesterday's post, I was telling all of you how much inspiration and ideas I have received from all of you fellow bloggers. Well, tonight's Sunday Supper was a recipe that I got from Farmchick over at Fresh From The Farm....Mostaccioli Italiano!!!! Mama Mia is it good!!

MOSTACCIOLI ITALIANO


1 pound Mostaccioli- cooked per directions
1 pound extra lean ground beef -- browned
1 small onion -- browned in with the beef
2 - 26 oz. jars pasta sauce
1 - 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 cup fat-free cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese



In a large bowl, combine pasta, meat, onions, sauce, tomatoes,cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix well.



Spoon into a greased 13x9 baking dish. cover. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees or until hot and bubbly. Uncover; top with remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Bake 10 minutes longer.



Take out of the oven and you have a hearty pasta dish. Goes great with a nice green salad and a dish of fruit! Everyone will love this dish so give it a try tonight!

And for all of you that read yesterday's post, you will also know that I am attempting my first Prim Stitchery. So far, I am pretty pleased with what I got accomplished. Between last night and today, I have probably got 90% of it completed. Except, some how I misplaced the rest of my black thread. I looked EVERYWHERE!!! Who knows what I did with it...so until I make another trip to Hobby Lobby, my stitchery new addiction is on hold. But here is a pic of what I got finished so far. Tell me what you think!!



BTW, I am sure you all can tell from the pic that I was so excited to get a jump start last night, that I forgot to tea dye it prior to stitching. So, can any of you tell me the best way of tea dying after I complete it??

Anyway, I hope you all had a nice and relaxing weekend!! I know I did....

Hugs, Carrie♥