tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71506702053468664292024-03-12T21:55:38.488-07:00Life at our houseVanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-6342573869314776112012-05-03T20:07:00.001-07:002012-05-03T20:08:25.004-07:00I have a new blog! Please go on over and check it out! <a href="http://www.vanessadolberry.com/blog">www.vanessadolberry.com/blog</a>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-77249517178303176782012-03-19T14:57:00.000-07:002012-03-19T14:57:41.870-07:00A Cover UpI have hated this phone outlet since we moved in. I mean we haven't had a land line in about 5 years. <br />
<br />
<div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P47H5ST7DYI/T06mrtAQGPI/AAAAAAAADSA/ifbUkOq7ftM/s800/IMG_1.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1R0VPYpMGiM/T06mn2zS6vI/AAAAAAAADR4/cHdSKHRXGoA/s800/IMG_1-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I tried removing it when we painted the kitchen during our <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2011/04/kitchen-reveal.html" target="_blank">big makeover</a>, but that wasn't going to work. The only thing I knew to do was to cover it. Because it sticks from the wall, I had to take that into account when searching for a solution. </div><div style="clear: both;">This is what I came up with.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-brfIFQAnDsQ/T06mwTXES5I/AAAAAAAADSQ/t673uFA8SqY/s800/IMG_4630.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="568" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aRvDflt9g1w/T06msUfGGrI/AAAAAAAADSI/EPYOcHHooaE/s800/IMG_4630-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="379" /></a>Just a few embroidery hoops with some leftover fabric in them. Perfect solution. And, it was free. Can't be that. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vEoQysw788o/T06m2Hy1gxI/AAAAAAAADSg/beJf7R2-plI/s800/IMG_4631.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="568" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-05xuwI-hsCU/T06mxYKQdSI/AAAAAAAADSY/aRp3aMLoEzA/s800/IMG_4631-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="379" /></a></div><br class="final-break" style="clear: both;" />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-14011170530235127122012-02-15T12:53:00.001-08:002012-02-15T12:53:43.655-08:00Christmas...finally!<p style="clear: both">I just recently uploaded family pictures from Christmas. Sad, I know. </p><p style="clear: both">My husband and I kept saying that this was the best Christmas we've had yet! </p><p style="clear: both">I made a new Advent Calendar this year. Loved it. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9WUOS3QNVzc/TzwaUKxdsDI/AAAAAAAADPU/mVvTMXHYJgA/s800/IMG_4409.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Td284pIBaQU/TzwaQIEOh-I/AAAAAAAADPM/HHvotlVurzw/s800/IMG_4409-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I put a verse and a piece of candy for each child in each cone. </p><p style="clear: both">We went on our yearly family trip to Gatlinburg. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E4C7DuNwQqk/TzwaahDLkVI/AAAAAAAADPk/ldEzUrqGheE/s800/IMG_4428.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H4-gPJCMSNA/TzwaU0g_2FI/AAAAAAAADPc/h7baloCskSc/s800/IMG_4428-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>It was a blast! Emma took this pic of her big brother while we were there. <br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tmYxiSZwP5g/Tzwahg5EDGI/AAAAAAAADP0/Gbo_bsDS9II/s800/IMG_4435.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pITplhUK5nE/Tzwabb5-QQI/AAAAAAAADPs/P-KXLhfRc2Y/s800/IMG_4435-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Oh my he is growing up way too fast! His little brother isn't too far behind him. He had his Christmas program at preschool. <br />I don't think he sang a word.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I-FxzdJM5hE/Tzwanbkxu4I/AAAAAAAADQI/QTYzyGNgx2U/s800/IMG_4481.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D5sbnSAlPmk/TzwaiWV-P-I/AAAAAAAADP8/5AwjCo5_nE4/s800/IMG_4481-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>The kids got there traditional Christmas Eve pajamas. I lucked out and found the Elf and Santa ones at Crazy 8 on clearance. Score! </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tBYzxjaDplA/TzwazN_90BI/AAAAAAAADQY/Jkh6fY1xf2k/s800/IMG_2.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YgJ9OE7ioNQ/Tzwaorvi_NI/AAAAAAAADQQ/eBjB_3Ipgpk/s800/IMG_2-thumb.jpg" height="508" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>The kids seemed to be really excited about their presents this year. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gkeDu7hvHN4/Tzwa9cHIhUI/AAAAAAAADQo/D4juwEXag94/s800/IMG_3.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdomkoHU-n4/Tzwa0bbZmeI/AAAAAAAADQg/hzXKME9LdTE/s800/IMG_3-thumb.jpg" height="508" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Ig2KR7W9cA/TzwbDlulXOI/AAAAAAAADQ4/kCTP8JKdkjM/s800/IMG_4503.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rr3g7tXQ7jg/Tzwa-ghpM1I/AAAAAAAADQw/lSyO8vlIVnk/s800/IMG_4503-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--cDG-S5mHt4/TzwbLEbFRPI/AAAAAAAADRI/_N0Xt0c9zE4/s800/IMG_4510.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y6DaLO-EtDM/TzwbFoca6HI/AAAAAAAADRA/pELONko00ps/s800/IMG_4510-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FcK_nrRE5iQ/TzwbSRrEu2I/AAAAAAAADRY/f0qXmzC9oaM/s800/IMG_1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fLi-cA1aenk/TzwbMlOhIlI/AAAAAAAADRQ/YdYazRR_zZs/s800/IMG_1-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q3PC40rY1TA/TzwbVZs4MTI/AAAAAAAADRo/1Zu-EPTSH1Q/s800/kvsanta.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iR8-jHbg9vs/TzwbUuLIjbI/AAAAAAAADRg/rQ6vFZ95F7s/s800/kvsanta-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Hope you had a great Christmas...2 months ago! : )</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-63989798023768562522012-01-25T22:08:00.001-08:002012-01-25T22:08:40.142-08:00An American Girl<p style="clear: both">So, I'm a <em>little</em> late in posting about my girl's birthday, but better late than never, right? Emma loves American Girl dolls and since the closest store is about 5 hours away, we decided to make a little trip out of it. She invited a friend and we stayed in a hotel where they even provided accommodations for the dolls. They giggled, learned to braid hair and ate cookies and milk.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iQ3DYQBoZAE/TyDsmGHTUbI/AAAAAAAADKU/14hZX_Yv_lg/s800/photo.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zEAko3z3OY4/TyDsdn72y4I/AAAAAAAADKM/KRodmaK0q5I/s800/photo-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xjU9gKzpbGg/TyDsxDPlr-I/AAAAAAAADKk/yp8zedkg4wE/s800/IMG_0144.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ufnta1Q-W3c/TyDsnXGsmKI/AAAAAAAADKc/ZyFqmlyedzk/s800/IMG_0144-thumb.jpg" height="508" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QRhsj5AiE24/TyDs6ZFVgQI/AAAAAAAADK0/XyhPyxgqTdU/s800/IMG_0142.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IkBwQf6BgDA/TyDsx9SiHMI/AAAAAAAADKs/GO04aR95A9U/s800/IMG_0142-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>The next day, we spent a few hours at the store and had brunch in the American Girl Bistro. <br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-828SGCqbIP8/TyDtEP64xAI/AAAAAAAADLE/pNtUgfB2ovE/s800/IMG_0157.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mf1RnT32_Z8/TyDs7V3SqSI/AAAAAAAADK8/w_OqqcqRmjQ/s800/IMG_0157-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dTy5aNS38tA/TyDtNUHXxPI/AAAAAAAADLU/dG3JgyV1Z_E/s800/IMG_0146.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3haZhAQR2D0/TyDtFKwL2CI/AAAAAAAADLM/h4pwOeRoBbg/s800/IMG_0146-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MyDZ50OrOFc/TyDtXaDQBmI/AAAAAAAADLo/FsHFqIxPDjU/s800/IMG_0152.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KGInn4fh05M/TyDtOQoIlAI/AAAAAAAADLc/AANMYRFWSxA/s800/IMG_0152-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oYClBE8fBg4/TyDtfd0-umI/AAAAAAAADL4/B2fhYB0H1OU/s800/IMG_0151.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vw6S0P9sP2Q/TyDtYUXkhtI/AAAAAAAADLw/tJ5DcOsEixI/s800/IMG_0151-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-42KPCB-mwiQ/TyDtm2QPQHI/AAAAAAAADMI/BX9JeU9vwqY/s800/IMG_0153.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AlD5jEKzcgA/TyDtgNfEPKI/AAAAAAAADMA/yCFSQF3wJNw/s800/IMG_0153-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>She spent way too much money, but it was her money and her day, so I let her enjoy it! </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9uKhwtS399Y/TyDtw3-jqjI/AAAAAAAADMY/lv8kRFuyXUY/s800/IMG_0156.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1uQ-Cu7jOks/TyDtny8VnlI/AAAAAAAADMQ/KTlyW6xHcHo/s800/IMG_0156-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>It was a great trip, but we were all tired! </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mY0pzLMm1Bg/TyDt5fhwFWI/AAAAAAAADMo/UE69NMeI4GU/s800/IMG_0161.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dk0G0mcJQAE/TyDtxrwdleI/AAAAAAAADMg/7teY_mkwy44/s800/IMG_0161-thumb.jpg" height="380" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>So, that's how her 7th birthday went down. Can't believe it has been that long since she was born. Where does the time go? </p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-88438838603673850522011-11-03T08:33:00.001-07:002012-01-26T12:28:26.399-08:00Birthday Boy #2<div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j6vuANrUWnk/TrKznrEEhsI/AAAAAAAADFI/hrSZ06C0baQ/s800/IMG_3966.jpg"><br />
</a>To celebrate Konnor's birthday, we had a football party. </div><div style="clear: both;">We decorated with all things sporty: trophies, footballs and of course mini Toomer's oaks covered in TP. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/---USOBziP4A/TrKzvYd05fI/AAAAAAAADFg/12TxJM_-6JM/s800/IMG_3966.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0I5bmrO6cpk/TrKzn413PdI/AAAAAAAADFM/ssrX0N-r1RM/s800/IMG_3966-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Instead of a cake, we thought cupcakes would be easier for hungry little boys. The football toppers were made from scrapbook paper, a little cardstock and some toothpicks. I used a piping tip made for creating hair to make the green icing look like grass.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ao5jvVnr3ds/TrKzw65chvI/AAAAAAAADFo/VIIiSZVlCrY/s800/IMG_3965.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3xdcwiEV25E/TrKzohq-h9I/AAAAAAAADFY/YDRii7pHb1s/s800/IMG_3965-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>We made football shaped chocolate sugar cookies for favors.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7CAKx7qbPKk/TrKz7udM3AI/AAAAAAAADGA/JzaQK4UGkv0/s800/IMG_3959.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JY6SUTRxtU8/TrKzxXgLfuI/AAAAAAAADF0/piw4b8k2Kn8/s800/IMG_3959-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>For the past three years, Konnor has wanted to play a football game at his party, but the weather didn't cooperate. This year, we planned to have his party inside a gym so the weather wouldn't be an issue. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l29KwUJ2xZg/TrKz7rilGsI/AAAAAAAADGE/FIYDTwpATYU/s800/IMG_3963.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mGdlckYcPhg/TrKzxFY2fPI/AAAAAAAADFs/SKIyEwKar-A/s800/IMG_3963-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TH5yd9e-iTg/TrK0BcRMTfI/AAAAAAAADGg/fC84IiphUGs/s800/IMG_3979.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-orvOMkvDDX0/TrKz8f3Qu7I/AAAAAAAADGI/HvUbDX97yhk/s800/IMG_3979-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>We were actually able to fit 9 candles in a cupcake!</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UOh6YGVvegg/TrK0JdudlsI/AAAAAAAADGw/Cm65BYkBc84/s800/IMG_3991.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QyIBRLJUaos/TrKz86bC0jI/AAAAAAAADGQ/gv55xi3WXQU/s800/IMG_3991-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6WW-Y0u8uGA/TrK0Ki4X67I/AAAAAAAADG4/hssYkZn_Q9k/s800/IMG_4001.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yuQVdnhePnk/TrK0Dkyrc2I/AAAAAAAADGo/MT-x-Qcw-d0/s800/IMG_4001-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>He had a great party and I think he will always remember his 9th birthday as being a great one. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_97MPmIjv2k/TrK0R4s2CJI/AAAAAAAADHQ/HwrlEkJQEJU/s800/IMG_4014.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y8v02_fMeAM/TrK0LmNx7qI/AAAAAAAADHI/O6yxaJ5J9mI/s800/IMG_4014-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>I don't even want to think about having a kid in the double digits next year. Wow. </div><br class="final-break" style="clear: both;" />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-3313496034851248382011-10-13T06:07:00.001-07:002012-01-25T22:09:14.247-08:00Birthday Boy #1<div style="clear: both;"></div><div style="clear: both;">We recently celebrated Brady's 3rd birthday! We met up with family the day of his birthday to exchange presents.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-76-aLVeYEgo/Tpbh3WD49yI/AAAAAAAADCk/L6qxKcgoi78/s800/IMG_3675.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uwOd-sXwP9g/TpbhyQK4eNI/AAAAAAAADCc/iX95h_4ptck/s800/IMG_3675-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m7uksnMUI14/Tpbh9WwYOJI/AAAAAAAADC0/Hdk7Vdsmte8/s800/IMG_3692.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7NEMrHYrpmM/Tpbh5G6saMI/AAAAAAAADCs/oRKSpvKAbnk/s800/IMG_3692-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hp491MiPA4k/TpbiDJbKvEI/AAAAAAAADDE/dke9nQtNXLc/s800/IMG_3678.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8HNbpvQqxao/Tpbh-eBjmVI/AAAAAAAADC8/F_UqkJt8RoQ/s800/IMG_3678-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>Later on in the week, we invited friends over to celebrate. That boy loves trucks so it was an easy theme.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2FqZFTc7U-A/TpbiJG8FasI/AAAAAAAADDU/UUa09VE1QH8/s800/IMG_3722.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7Tpgwdocje4/TpbiDkJ5hCI/AAAAAAAADDM/aGXsn6YRR8I/s800/IMG_3722-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FL2ZUWZfcmA/TpbiMSJt5wI/AAAAAAAADDk/68GRs8jk0Es/s800/IMG_3724-2.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="380" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JrwsSKOSKdk/TpbiKAoO7fI/AAAAAAAADDc/Dq04-Xq4AiA/s800/IMG_3724-2-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Anyone who knows Brady, knows that it is very tough to get one of his smiles on camera. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ceXsnLwJgI0/TpbiRnH2u-I/AAAAAAAADD4/-o81da68eGw/s800/IMG_3730.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Usgn5cA55js/TpbiM8_wcrI/AAAAAAAADDs/7du3-zc_o_o/s800/IMG_3730-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8wbyIYNr_dk/TpbiXNciuuI/AAAAAAAADEI/jkjh8nm4Iy0/s800/IMG_3734.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oUwM0KKrirY/TpbiSSEvvMI/AAAAAAAADD8/AOhODwrRfSQ/s800/IMG_3734-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>This was our attempt to get a pic of all the kids at the party. Brady is not even looking at the camera. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wdnKg5UsBS8/Tpbic34PyyI/AAAAAAAADEY/ch_OQ3Ym8v8/s800/IMG_3740.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yu45vyTIaC4/TpbiXiryAvI/AAAAAAAADEQ/Ly1EKKHIcSY/s800/IMG_3740-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>He had a great birthday and has started his 3rd year of life out with a bang by moving to a big boy bed and potty- training. I am so thankful for this sweet but tough little guy.</div><div style="clear: both;">Since Brady really only plays with cars, trucks and the iPad, we really did not want to overload him with more toys that he probably wouldn't play with anyway. So, instead of gifts, we asked his friends to give a small donation to help buy formula for a mother-less baby in Africa named Alama ( a name given to babies whose mother's die in childbirth). I met Alama's parents when <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/search/label/Africa" target="_blank">I went to Africa last year</a> and stayed in their village. <br />
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</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y0DjIq705yI/TpbigmZamvI/AAAAAAAADEo/JXleDcEt1tc/s800/IMG_7467__1_.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="506" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RFVQsROu9Mw/TpbifDsAIvI/AAAAAAAADEg/a_IB8yu720A/s800/IMG_7467__1_-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0pt auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I was told by the missionary there that many times when a mother dies during childbirth, the baby "goes away." I don't really want to think about what that implies. The missionaries agreed to help with the cost of formula for the baby and they found another woman in the village who would care for him. The monthly cost of formula for Alama is around $140. The missionaries have had a few donations but are now pretty much paying it out of pocket. Alama will still be in need of formula for about 5 more months. Maybe you feel led to give and make a difference, not only in this little guy's life, but also in a village who have heard the saving gospel of Christ, but not embraced it. If so, leave a comment or send me an email and I will let you know how you can help.<br />
<br />
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."-John 13:35</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><br class="final-break" style="clear: both;" />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-6672430682609720722011-08-29T06:51:00.001-07:002011-08-29T06:51:34.003-07:00Back to the old routine<p style="clear: both">Well, summer break is officially over although the weather stuck around! : ) My kids had lots of fun this summer and of course, every year, it seems to go by faster and faster. <br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both">This summer, we made our first <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-is-here.html" target="_blank">summer lis</a>t.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QBXdKVAQ8Jg/TluX7LxL8cI/AAAAAAAAC_s/w53s0wegGS4/s800/IMG_3091.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IbcRmajjsGU/TluX3c7MsUI/AAAAAAAAC_o/wpE3TNTLBCw/s800/IMG_3091-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>We marked off MOST of them. There are still a few left- one of which is potty-train my new 3 year old. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QziYNNR5AZw/TluYADqo-FI/AAAAAAAAC_0/QK1Nfgo2uHQ/s800/IMG_3338.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AY4GwewjA88/TluX7weUObI/AAAAAAAAC_w/7riULRUTGAE/s800/IMG_3338-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>We spent lots of time on the waterslide. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3H5s4SYFOIo/TluYECXsE8I/AAAAAAAAC_8/-FPdqdJdkDU/s800/IMG_3341.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ugeWynddhUc/TluYAhuxO_I/AAAAAAAAC_4/SWAoLIr2nXc/s800/IMG_3341-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FbEr9I3utA0/TluYI94QhTI/AAAAAAAADAE/xm83cmpJo_8/s800/IMG_3347.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ltgMTDigisE/TluYEwLrbpI/AAAAAAAADAA/dv0f7Le-W3c/s800/IMG_3347-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>We had our Back to School family night a couple weeks ago. We did this <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2010/09/family-night.html" target="_blank">last year</a> and the kids loved it!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7T4pCvB_8bo/TluYNmQhFdI/AAAAAAAADAM/h6jRoDgih6o/s800/IMG_3511.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JouKBmuvSkM/TluYJc9cTJI/AAAAAAAADAI/M2J34oZIN1g/s800/IMG_3511-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Emma was in charge of decorations. She drew placemats on the paper tablecloth.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o_k-1cPM3tI/TluYSayGGBI/AAAAAAAADAU/Ge3vSHyMuMI/s800/IMG_3513.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EAraE8yw-fg/TluYOJUm00I/AAAAAAAADAQ/eng2nJhpp3M/s800/IMG_3513-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>She also taped up little pictures she drew of school supplies.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g3nwaBXEU_Q/TluYX5pOnEI/AAAAAAAADAc/IRNVwlzzl6o/s800/IMG_3521.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FCcqwtwP_xk/TluYVJvQh5I/AAAAAAAADAY/MBuIbp5FrB0/s800/IMG_3521-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I scored some lunch trays at GW several months ago.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DjmGJY5SFPA/TluYc365VeI/AAAAAAAADAk/nlkqz0yWj9I/s800/IMG_3514.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NXxRg8yLnSA/TluYYdaFx2I/AAAAAAAADAg/ezUYNHXJ9S8/s800/IMG_3514-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WjWg9J7zrDY/TluYh9WB_-I/AAAAAAAADAs/tf8yLcjyhIE/s800/IMG_3526.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-56L_D8o5Keo/TluYdhv-6mI/AAAAAAAADAo/kfcHxlFRFxI/s800/IMG_3526-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Of course, we had to have rectangular pizza and corn.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ckT4OD839bg/TluYmoYaisI/AAAAAAAADA0/HkdeqHgek1w/s800/IMG_3527.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xqqhcSkoPs4/TluYiuQsDmI/AAAAAAAADAw/2Y36_0ktEJw/s800/IMG_3527-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Konnor always tries to close his eyes when I take a picture.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NeyOABILuvQ/TluYrQFUmKI/AAAAAAAADA8/Y3lmkU3tvow/s800/IMG_3528.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aDN8nG4Qb0o/TluYnSOnhjI/AAAAAAAADA4/mojhtIjfvJk/s800/IMG_3528-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Brady said the blessing.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6fMAPYaz2vQ/TluYvn-PEGI/AAAAAAAADBE/65nnroGplK4/s800/IMG_3532.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QKFiT--2bpQ/TluYrzVCf8I/AAAAAAAADBA/-OkCcHVlSPQ/s800/IMG_3532-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>We talked about the new school year and how K and E could be an example of Christ to their friends and teachers. </p><p style="clear: both">After dinner, we made pencil cups out of old soup cans and scrapbooking supplies.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NaVwYr7ljYE/TluY0ZQumTI/AAAAAAAADBM/-89rYj_QJNQ/s800/IMG_3535.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DUFN5-Ug62A/TluYwOuzAoI/AAAAAAAADBI/A-wbAJuC1zw/s800/IMG_3535-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W-1Yx-RQf_s/TluY4tTJHPI/AAAAAAAADBU/PjYWB6948hk/s800/IMG_3540.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wy9AccSe2Lw/TluY04WNiAI/AAAAAAAADBQ/X3m9nGEpOvg/s800/IMG_3540-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bfeoF7rgq3s/TluY81emLtI/AAAAAAAADBg/2Kco3nkFHvw/s800/IMG_3541.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VuCBDQqaCrQ/TluY5NPTo0I/AAAAAAAADBY/XV1XqpVX_Gk/s800/IMG_3541-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--mUDVECPzes/TluZBVyJFRI/AAAAAAAADBo/HXvUoGGh_3M/s800/IMG_3542.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ArBDj2mx7pI/TluY9b_dYiI/AAAAAAAADBk/NhKdaH6S2g4/s800/IMG_3542-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Then, the first day of school arrived. Emma started 1st grade and Konnor started 3rd.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rg6iV6uYm3Q/TluZOagBCFI/AAAAAAAADBw/QANmqXyzL10/s800/2011-08-03_07-04-20_994.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l4YEIB25Mww/TluZCDMc0uI/AAAAAAAADBs/_KZpWb7hG-E/s800/2011-08-03_07-04-20_994-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="321" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Little Brady is still in pre-school!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h6k6Ya-8DXA/TluZYyEP5hI/AAAAAAAADB4/kF38Ab-p78I/s800/2011-08-09_09-02-34_385.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tD8kdgqcAIk/TluZPBrjwjI/AAAAAAAADB0/wJEa5q-N3O0/s800/2011-08-09_09-02-34_385-thumb.jpg" height="569" width="321" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>We are looking forward to a great year ahead! </p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-1112923185256236622011-07-24T20:47:00.000-07:002011-07-24T20:47:04.879-07:00I WON!That's right! I entered my kitchen makeover in the Before & After weekly contest and I won! Now, go <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/buget-kitchen-makeover/">here</a> to check it out!Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-56512814764875903912011-06-20T15:57:00.001-07:002011-06-20T15:59:58.345-07:00Summer is here!<div style="clear: both;">So technically summer starts tomorrow (which also happens to be my birthday), but our summer activities have been in full force for a few weeks now!</div><div style="clear: both;">We wrapped up school with my little girl graduating from kindergarten. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8SyZDv5QVKc/Tf_P4FUO_KI/AAAAAAAAC9c/UFGik3LmHGA/s800/IMG_2776.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Lc44nhoJWY/Tf_PytbB7QI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/0Yt-d1pMi8A/s800/IMG_2776-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a><br />
Right after school was out, we went on a summer vacation with some friends to the beach! <br />
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</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RBQO8eDZiYY/Tf_P7_vmLBI/AAAAAAAAC90/Mz9V528NcJQ/s800/IMG_2856.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wF52S2ZWPMY/Tf_P4sBKYEI/AAAAAAAAC9k/7iu3TOgBtaE/s800/IMG_2856-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4OQnvVS6C4A/Tf_P_dxVjZI/AAAAAAAAC-A/jGbjDQ8EAhI/s800/IMG_2957.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GGXlwuCmWZA/Tf_P8lotSVI/AAAAAAAAC98/wchdihrq-RY/s800/IMG_2957-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HGCTx0OpzfQ/Tf_QEKMHvNI/AAAAAAAAC-M/QzHLPQliHZk/s800/IMG_2883.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h30Z4c3hc30/Tf_QAatNmZI/AAAAAAAAC-I/QMdswnYqwvg/s800/IMG_2883-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YbMiuUEvnxg/Tf_QICcUewI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/RWg36fMlVq0/s800/IMG_2876.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yi04U5n5Ttg/Tf_QE35_fgI/AAAAAAAAC-U/lJqeShGWdos/s800/IMG_2876-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>We had a blast!</div><div style="clear: both;">The week we got back from the beach, we had VBS- which was also awesome!</div><div style="clear: both;">Now that we have been home, we've tried to organize ourselves a little. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hMWLRg5wBXg/Tf_QMpK908I/AAAAAAAAC-k/VQjLWF6RI-o/s800/IMG_3093.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SIradYoYnh4/Tf_QI6RVopI/AAAAAAAAC-g/W8SbY1zu81Q/s800/IMG_3093-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I've seen the idea of a <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2011/06/the-summer-list.html" target="_blank">summer list</a> around blogland a lot. It's such a great way to plan the summer. I also wrote the verse we are going to try and memorize. Can you tell that I am trying to reinforce being KIND and FORGIVING? : ) We also created a reading list. My husband is already reading something, I just forgot the name so, it's not on the list.</div><div style="clear: both;">In an effort to give the kids a little bit of a routine, I made to-do lists for summer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1V7_V53Nbw/Tf_Q4ghn84I/AAAAAAAAC-4/LwWrdQYINIc/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1V7_V53Nbw/Tf_Q4ghn84I/AAAAAAAAC-4/LwWrdQYINIc/s320/IMG_3102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both;">There are reminders of things they need to do everyday. Instead of our usual Thursday chore days, I decided to give the kids a chore to complete every weekday. I even made myself a daily to-do list, weekly and monthly. It feels so good to have it laid out for me and to be able to check it off! I LOVE LISTS!</div><div style="clear: both;">We celebrated the best dad in the world yesterday! I love this pic we took at lunch. Brady did NOT want to take a picture. For us, if two out of three kids are looking at the camera <em>and </em>smiling...well, we call that success.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CEq6J3n9dEI/Tf_QXBQ_vpI/AAAAAAAAC-w/jMizPhmOzCQ/s800/2011-06-19_12-57-46_1.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="214" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SG9EUijisV4/Tf_QNGnOMpI/AAAAAAAAC-s/skkUe7L0G3c/s800/2011-06-19_12-57-46_1-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>So, that's how our summer is going so far. </div><div style="clear: both;"></div><br class="final-break" style="clear: both;" />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-64821121164727496772011-05-17T14:18:00.001-07:002011-05-17T14:18:54.406-07:00Disobedience Chores<p style="clear: both">It is always a good thing to have clear consequences for disobedience. In the past, when my kids have disobeyed, I would threaten them that if it happened again, they would be in trouble or I may have...just a few times.... resorted to yelling. I think we have all been there before. Until I had a plan in place for dealing with disobedience, I often got frustrated and didn't handle the situation in the best possible way to teach my kids why it is important to obey. So, I decided to make a plan. This may look like an ordinary mug, but it is not.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmAgJvAGI/AAAAAAAAC78/PPcTv3BRxRQ/s800/IMG_1895.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLl8I-t-WI/AAAAAAAAC74/F_3es7VdFac/s800/IMG_1895-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>It is full of little folded pieces of paper each with a chore written on them. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmEKoBPkI/AAAAAAAAC8I/lp4DezrfFZk/s800/IMG_1899.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmBbmfOpI/AAAAAAAAC8E/nRD2oWJGfi0/s800/IMG_1899-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>My kids have age-appropriate weekly chores that they do to earn money like taking out the trash, bringing in the mail and cleaning their rooms. We have chore day on Thursdays when they complete these weekly chores. </p><p style="clear: both">When they make a bad choice and disobey, they have to go to this mug and pull out a disobedience chore. There are times when we use other disciplinary actions, but this seemed to be a great quick consequence to disobedience.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmHZxozXI/AAAAAAAAC8U/5O1ezuMJidQ/s800/IMG_1901.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmE-w-kFI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/sMcw69Cya8s/s800/IMG_1901-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>They do not get to choose which chore they want to do. So it is the luck of the draw whether they get to wash the windows in the living room or clean the toilet in the upstairs bathroom. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmK49u-zI/AAAAAAAAC8g/nTjKfpHPIqg/s800/IMG_1905.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmH3r-3DI/AAAAAAAAC8c/zWjuUglRxVg/s800/IMG_1905-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I tried to put chores in the disobedience mug that would be less than desirable, but helpful for me to have done. I must say that since we have been using disobedience chores, I have been much calmer and more effective in my parenting. My kids have been happier because they know the rules and consequences to breaking them. And- my house has been a little cleaner! </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmPbeAGyI/AAAAAAAAC8s/zvklIpXtvmk/s800/IMG_2595.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TdLmLVplluI/AAAAAAAAC8o/cOGeDbxqbek/s800/IMG_2595-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>For the record- this is my daughter doing her weekly chore, not a disobedience chore! </p><p style="clear: both">You should check out Lifeway's Homelife Magazine this month. There are some great articles (one was actually written by moi!) and more family jar (mug) ideas. I can't wait to try out the "Caught Doing Good" jar for my kids this summer. I'm hoping it will help my two oldest see the good in each other!</p><p style="clear: both">I'm posting on the <a href="http://lifeway.com/homelifeonline" target="_blank">Homelife</a> blog this week, so check it out!</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-66704592765469566752011-05-11T16:46:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:49:41.112-07:00Typical<p style="clear: both">Most days look like this:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TcsfzRpPOOI/AAAAAAAAC5w/LIMmjIjcK6Q/s800/IMG_2413.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TcsfyTJV3UI/AAAAAAAAC5s/n__NKs9vwNI/s800/IMG_2413-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>The boys are wrestling. Yes, my youngest still has his pjs on in the afternoon. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf03_62mI/AAAAAAAAC58/BAQGo2rWSKc/s800/IMG_2418.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsfz5OxMSI/AAAAAAAAC54/w1VfmsS_SQA/s800/IMG_2418-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf2PcvkKI/AAAAAAAAC6I/WGMOOQr9utc/s800/IMG_2406.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf1QDF05I/AAAAAAAAC6E/5OwvpY8C9ig/s800/IMG_2406-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf3RrvnbI/AAAAAAAAC6U/mbai4oE-fJw/s800/IMG_1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf2vTSFxI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/ptEZMM6MK5A/s800/IMG_1-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><br />E is doing her homework. Eventhough she has all week to get her work done, she insists on doing it all in one night so she doesn't have to worry about it the rest of the week. Can't blame her really.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf42boJAI/AAAAAAAAC6k/2ePp93xVJKg/s800/IMG_2421.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf32wQ1SI/AAAAAAAAC6g/6XGYJrwJbTo/s800/IMG_2421-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>This was a rare occasion when her big brother wanted to help her and she allowed him to. Had to get a picture of that one.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf6U-8wSI/AAAAAAAAC6w/l5Rqra5ltJU/s800/IMG_2422.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tcsf5Y_6ZHI/AAAAAAAAC6s/sTb_9_JiOkM/s800/IMG_2422-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-79290567256882029072011-05-01T14:03:00.001-07:002011-05-01T14:03:59.092-07:00Konnor's Baptism and Easter<p style="clear: both">A couple weeks ago, my husband had the honor of baptizing Konnor. It was an awesome day celebrating what God was already doing in our son's life. He has been on a journey of learning what it means to follow Christ (and still is!). He came to the point where he was ready to make the public statement of his faith. It has been so cool to see him feel genuine remorse and guilt over his sin. I even heard him telling his younger sister how she could become a Christ-follower, too. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3JvrDXiWI/AAAAAAAAC2M/LcC2qSRaaiY/s800/IMG_2488.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3Jrlg7LHI/AAAAAAAAC2I/srMFwDdj5L0/s800/IMG_2488-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3Jz6eUI9I/AAAAAAAAC2Y/qS0RdxHWMzc/s800/IMG_2489.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3JwHj50yI/AAAAAAAAC2U/N_YMZjQFe3Q/s800/IMG_2489-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3J4LhftvI/AAAAAAAAC2k/h2VzQCyAn2k/s800/IMG_2490.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3J0TFIKeI/AAAAAAAAC2g/iq00DjB_c5w/s800/IMG_2490-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>We were so happy to have many of our close friends and family there to celebrate with us. It was truly a day we will never forget!</p><p style="clear: both">We had a busy Easter weekend with Secret Church on Friday night and services Saturday night and Sunday morning. The kids and I made resurrection rolls using this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Resurrection-Rolls/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">recipe</a>. Let me just say, they were YUMMY and so easy! We will definitely make these again!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3J9pUJKFI/AAAAAAAAC2w/gvWY2hlg_kI/s800/IMG_2603.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3J4lDNd2I/AAAAAAAAC2s/GxAd6Ujp0Nw/s800/IMG_2603-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I mean, who doesn't love a cinnamon/sugar/butter covered marshmallow wrapped up in a crescent roll? I love how once they are cooked, they look very similar to a cave!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KCSFpxKI/AAAAAAAAC28/Me5-ESkEf4s/s800/IMG_2606.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3J-U23EoI/AAAAAAAAC24/DjTPRGstQDE/s800/IMG_2606-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a> (BTW- we used reduced fat crescent rolls, I can't believe it's not butter and splenda in place of all the real stuff and they still tasted awesome!!)</p><p style="clear: both">The kids got into their Easter baskets about 5:30 because we all had to be at church super early.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KJXcJQUI/AAAAAAAAC3M/Qh6lDTBgb2k/s800/IMG_2612.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KEiqB07I/AAAAAAAAC3I/3fd84RxgZLU/s800/IMG_2612-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KPUVYGsI/AAAAAAAAC3c/XO7ft5qBgmQ/s800/IMG_2613.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KKL8ObWI/AAAAAAAAC3U/muKnVcb9K38/s800/IMG_2613-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KU-ao4hI/AAAAAAAAC3w/F1pxgxfH0h8/s800/IMG_2614.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KP6454iI/AAAAAAAAC3k/n8N94DaSfGI/s800/IMG_2614-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>After an awesome day at church, celebrating the ultimate sacrifice made for us, we had a great lunch and came home for some egg hunting.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KbL-u74I/AAAAAAAAC38/sLNeCj8xeRc/s800/IMG_2620.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KV1TUQBI/AAAAAAAAC34/62Y3FfFfLJo/s800/IMG_2620-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KgA_P_3I/AAAAAAAAC4I/I8hgmzDgQ4k/s800/IMG_2623.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3Kb3wKxVI/AAAAAAAAC4E/68W58x6rFQ8/s800/IMG_2623-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>(yes, my son was running around in his diaper- classy, huh?)</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KlN5n49I/AAAAAAAAC4U/FHdOjNfg0DI/s800/IMG_2628.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3Kg2EA39I/AAAAAAAAC4Q/AhGdOC9ETr4/s800/IMG_2628-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Here they are (+ a few neighborhood friends) digging into their loot.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KrwWws8I/AAAAAAAAC4k/WTaa6MZwHoY/s800/IMG_2635.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KmHA3PCI/AAAAAAAAC4g/tlY-AccAHwk/s800/IMG_2635-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>It was a great day!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KvZ5AsGI/AAAAAAAAC44/9RruGDq7bkg/s800/IMG_2627.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/Tb3KsfZT6bI/AAAAAAAAC4s/Jn8-ExPG8Gw/s800/IMG_2627-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-84676180626227011542011-04-24T15:41:00.000-07:002011-04-24T15:41:40.303-07:00Featured Today!One of my favorite design blogs, <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/04/inspiration-round-up-part-ii.html">Little Green Notebook</a>, is showcasing a few pics from my recent kitchen makeover! Wow! Can't believe it! Go on over and check it out!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LGNbutton-1.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">While you are there, be sure to browse Jenny's blog and see her amazing design work. Also, check out <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-evie-miracle.html">this post</a> telling about the birth of her third daughter. What a cool story!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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</span></span></div>Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-45407110090867711282011-04-13T06:41:00.001-07:002012-08-01T17:18:31.474-07:00The Kitchen Details<div style="clear: both;">
I am still loving my new kitchen. I said in my last <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2011/04/kitchen-reveal.html" target="_blank">post</a> that I would share more info about how I refinished the cabinets. </div>
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Remember our kitchen cabinets used to look like this:</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWKWpfvPTI/AAAAAAAACv4/Js-ehRdv018/s800/IMG_9078.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="254" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWmoEjEjvI/AAAAAAAACxk/Uue_ayqa3DQ/s800/IMG_9078-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>They were really ok as they were. They were in good condition, but I just really wanted to lighten up the kitchen and I <i>really</i> wanted cream cabinets. </div>
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So, here's what I did:</div>
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I numbered each cabinet.</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWKZ-XmPzI/AAAAAAAACwI/e2CT6YH2zHk/s800/IMG_2370.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWm2E9tKWI/AAAAAAAACx0/BaEnmXlDDD8/s800/IMG_2370-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>And I made a little diagram to remind myself where each numbered cabinet door belonged.</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWKdgQcrLI/AAAAAAAACwU/qGhNNN_RElM/s800/IMG_2367.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWm4_kgpOI/AAAAAAAACyA/9NBC1-RatjI/s800/IMG_2367-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>Then, I removed all the doors and began the grueling process of painting them!</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWKiR8FBkI/AAAAAAAACwo/aw_zB5-VEMw/s800/IMG_2112.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWm8ec5XtI/AAAAAAAACyM/Kir_ga1_qbk/s800/IMG_2112-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>I did not sand, but used a Zinser oil-based primer. I had planned to spray the doors, but my sprayer was acting up so I ended up using a brush.</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWKmMRmbLI/AAAAAAAACw0/eiMX6LP1k7Y/s800/IMG_2111.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnBTO2_DI/AAAAAAAACyg/TFye1vklCv4/s800/IMG_2111-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I brushed on about 3 coats of semi-gloss cream paint. </div>
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Now, if you noticed, in the before pic, there is a wood bridge that connects the two sets of cabinets on either side of the sink. I HATED it! I desperately wanted to take that baby down and separate the cabinets. So, my awesome husband did! </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWKxV0HGeI/AAAAAAAACxA/7jDjtSbv-t0/s800/2011-03-18_11-32-43_472.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnFCKI_dI/AAAAAAAACys/j5EXzHKX0-k/s800/2011-03-18_11-32-43_472-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="321" /></a>He was able to cut the existing piece of trim and fit it around the two sets of cabinets. </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnZmFmAoI/AAAAAAAACy8/zZqDoYq9ZRg/s800/2011-03-18_11-33-16_461.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="214" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnQuS9OvI/AAAAAAAACy4/1SG6FtZnhI4/s800/2011-03-18_11-33-16_461-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>We had planned to install a super stylish barn sconce (previously there had been a fluorescent light mounted under the wooden valance), but unfortunately, because of window framing- we were going to have to hire an electrician to install a light box. </div>
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So, instead, my aforementioned genius husband, reinstalled the fluorescent light and mounted it to the wall.</div>
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My valance covers it completely! </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWndcPp_bI/AAAAAAAACzM/soR3dfYy9AE/s800/IMG_2354.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWna3nnEtI/AAAAAAAACzI/i0UIhhEFePg/s800/IMG_2354-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>It really worked out perfectly, because if we had installed the sconce I had picked out, I wouldn't have had room for my valance! </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWngmNO-nI/AAAAAAAACzY/xDnqHhyVHEY/s800/IMG_2353.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWneIj0zDI/AAAAAAAACzU/wOYiYzezSgg/s800/IMG_2353-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>And that, my friends, is my favorite part of the makeover! </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnkDAKJcI/AAAAAAAACzs/7Fw_E1PDUrk/s800/IMG_2379.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnhXfTtEI/AAAAAAAACzg/F3XoKO4prYQ/s800/IMG_2379-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I chose to replace all the doors before distressing them because I couldn't handle the chaos of my messy kitchen any more! </div>
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First, I sanded the edges of the doors. </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnnbJO_BI/AAAAAAAACz4/sQUs28_olcY/s800/IMG_2282.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnkgm_lxI/AAAAAAAACz0/wwzSmV3qTBY/s800/IMG_2282-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Then, I used Watco Danish Oil (found at Lowe's) to bring out the distressed marks.</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnq6aqPgI/AAAAAAAAC0E/bHrVhIVon9U/s800/IMG_2430.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnn0wImQI/AAAAAAAAC0A/Gffs5DzWoy8/s800/IMG_2430-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnu-HrybI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/UtE4cTEtxjc/s800/IMG_2286.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnrS3vC6I/AAAAAAAAC0M/CfPhUfyZ_GM/s800/IMG_2286-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I simply brushed on the danish oil, let it sit for a minute or two and then rubbed it off with a rag. </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnxeCdzKI/AAAAAAAAC0k/A6P8D-LaLso/s800/IMG_2376.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnvOzfpFI/AAAAAAAAC0g/3-rbn73DKkc/s800/IMG_2376-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Once the doors were dry, I replaced the knobs. I needed a total of 24 knobs, and I only had 21. I had some pulls leftover from our last home that ended up being the same finish, so I used those on two cabinets. I chose two bottom cabinets that didn't have drawers over them so that having a different pull would make sense. </div>
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Since all the doors previously had only a knob, I had to drill an additional hole to use the pulls. This can be tricky. I have totally messed this up before, so here are a few tips.<br />Make a template. Use a piece of cardstock. I taped on the cardstock being sure that it lined up EXACTLY with the edge of the cabinet door. I then used an awl and poked through the cardstock into the existing hole in the cabinet door. Then, I removed the cardstock, attached the pull to the cardstock through the hole with a screw. Make sure the pull is pushed up flush to the cardstock and then using the awl, again, poke through the cardstock into the bottom hole in the pull.</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWn17PUDVI/AAAAAAAAC0w/WZgg1D6ycp8/s800/IMG_2290.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="568" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWnyHkeMgI/AAAAAAAAC0s/_0PjgZqtWvQ/s800/IMG_2290-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="379" /></a>Now you have two holes! You have to make sure this part is right. If you have your holes marked wrong, the pull will not fit when you try to install it. </div>
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You can see that I have x-ed out one set of holes, because they were wrong! </div>
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Next, drill through your cardstock. I used a small drill bit first and then used the drill bit that matched the size of my pull screws. This worked perfectly. If you don't use the small one first, it is easier for the wood to split and just harder to drill all the way through. </div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWn588ircI/AAAAAAAAC08/jfEVEAeZ98E/s800/IMG_2292.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWn2JmgjvI/AAAAAAAAC04/wjSFdmCzZKA/s800/IMG_2292-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Here's another great tip that I actually learned from <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/" target="_blank">Young House Love</a>. Put a little piece of tape right below where you are drilling and it will catch your little shavings! Makes for much easier clean up! </div>
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Then, wa- la:</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWn-I3QFzI/AAAAAAAAC1I/PgOgnU9UTLY/s800/IMG_2296.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWn6Ug6-cI/AAAAAAAAC1E/3wXQChdWQRc/s800/IMG_2296-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWoCUvPAmI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/6-Q66QZ-XVQ/s800/IMG_2297.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWn-xEirjI/AAAAAAAAC1U/DhbDtiMj0c4/s800/IMG_2297-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>So, those are the details! Now, I need to go load the dishwasher!</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWoFyPifQI/AAAAAAAAC1o/_hYBDG62lxA/s800/IMG_2349.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TaWoC3PhlFI/AAAAAAAAC1g/mV9FbM2dJvM/s800/IMG_2349-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div>
*****Update: I am now blogging over at vanessadolberry.com/blog. Check it out!****Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-40999736221224623962011-04-06T17:11:00.001-07:002012-05-12T13:40:05.936-07:00The Kitchen Reveal!!<div style="clear: both;">
Can I just say....I L.O.V.E. my kitchen!! After a lot of work, it is finally done (well, at least for a while! : ) )</div>
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So here it was back when we moved in:</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0AIqG25-I/AAAAAAAACoE/PUICNiGjONk/s800/IMG_8079.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="254" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZz_lyn2cGI/AAAAAAAACn8/rrWcuUGkL3c/s800/IMG_8079-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>And they are my usual bad before pics! :)</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0Afz2plHI/AAAAAAAACoQ/c5DEHh8aJqg/s800/IMG_8363.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0ALIPeFTI/AAAAAAAACoM/_mJeOIe0FlY/s800/IMG_8363-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0Az22VwOI/AAAAAAAACow/qvfDe78uZCE/s800/IMG_8361.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0AhD37gyI/AAAAAAAACoc/UpGjbGoqZJo/s800/IMG_8361-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Now I did tweak it along the way by painting and changing out some furniture, but I was dying for some white cabinets. So, I broke out the primer and went for it. <br />
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0A5QdDrJI/AAAAAAAACo8/t_V6rE7Z2qs/s800/IMG_2349.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0A1rEJMjI/AAAAAAAACo4/ea5pMeRhIIo/s800/IMG_2349-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>And I'm so glad I did!!</div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0A_DoOLyI/AAAAAAAACpU/cdT5I9FccEY/s800/IMG_2372.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0A9mMVv0I/AAAAAAAACpQ/xEhIQ1nz6wk/s800/IMG_2372-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BC4XBIRI/AAAAAAAACpg/rybOoPlmTyw/s800/IMG_2373.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BAH36nuI/AAAAAAAACpc/yCtSLmo0an0/s800/IMG_2373-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BHKyW4cI/AAAAAAAACps/idOT2hD-1vk/s800/IMG_2378.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="568" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BE362U7I/AAAAAAAACpo/L1V0bea8yMY/s800/IMG_2378-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="379" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BK-nlfHI/AAAAAAAACp8/lorn_YyC54M/s800/IMG_2375.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BH60SLII/AAAAAAAACp4/av2fS0CRNKg/s800/IMG_2375-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BLzgakwI/AAAAAAAACqI/ZMq5efg1Z-Q/s800/IMG_2376.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BLUrz27I/AAAAAAAACqE/h1MsLn1RK6o/s800/IMG_2376-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BN9KzuZI/AAAAAAAACqU/MKvNFgeyC2E/s800/IMG_2377.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BMvNz0UI/AAAAAAAACqQ/jaPHYkO2OfY/s800/IMG_2377-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BPX2zGaI/AAAAAAAACqo/wY7VQ8Aldvs/s800/IMG_2374.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZ0BOeUT4CI/AAAAAAAACqc/xG13kiDaDjY/s800/IMG_2374-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Source list:</div>
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Paint- Valspar cream oops paint $5, Danish oil for distressing $11<br />
Primer- Zinser Oil based $14<br />
Cabinet hardware- Resale shop $10.50 (21 @ $.50 each, already had the 3 pulls)<br />
Valances- P. Kauffman fabric (Old Time Pottery) for $20, other supplies $11 (used this <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/09/easy-pelmet-boxes.html">tutorial</a> to make them)<br />
Accessories- Yellow step stool (Hobby Lobby) $12, small yellow pitcher (Goodwill) $1, 3 glass jars (Target) $6 each, everything else, I already owned! </div>
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That's $102.50!! Woo hoo!! </div>
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So this post won't be horribly long, I will share in the next few days about how I painted and distressed the cabinets, tips for changing out cabinet hardware and my favorite part of the whole makeover!</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">PS- If you are visiting from YHL- my blog has moved to vanessadolberry.com/blog! Please check it out!</span><br />
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<br class="final-break" style="clear: both;" />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-39475044433959442212011-04-05T19:57:00.000-07:002011-04-05T19:57:53.064-07:00Gallery WallI have a post all ready about my kitchen makeover, but first, I wanted to do another quick post. The Inspired Room is doing a <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2011/04/05/gallery-wall/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wordpress%2FwoWq+%28The+Inspired+Room%29">Gallery Wall party</a> so I thought I would share mine!<br />
This is a wall in our family room where we have started a gallery of frames with pictures we have taken on international mission trips we have been on. There are two pics my husband took when he was in Brazil and Panama. The other pic is one I took of a beautiful little girl I met in Africa. We hope to add many more pics as the years go by. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17mB1YZpH8I/TZvQh-aSPlI/AAAAAAAACnQ/e1zUEJVoouY/s1600/IMG_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17mB1YZpH8I/TZvQh-aSPlI/AAAAAAAACnQ/e1zUEJVoouY/s320/IMG_2360.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
These next pics show the grouping a little better (taken before I painted that old dresser and before we got hardwood flooring put in).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV6zykApnE0/TZvQ9bNG1mI/AAAAAAAACnU/TmPslfInehY/s1600/IMG_1554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DV6zykApnE0/TZvQ9bNG1mI/AAAAAAAACnU/TmPslfInehY/s320/IMG_1554.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I added a cream plate with "faith" on it in vinyl. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvQqGhLOO5M/TZvROyzni2I/AAAAAAAACnY/ehyTtV0wx_M/s1600/IMG_1556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvQqGhLOO5M/TZvROyzni2I/AAAAAAAACnY/ehyTtV0wx_M/s320/IMG_1556.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I also made this little sign out of a piece of wood. The words are from an awesome song by our church worship ministry called, <i>I See the Poor</i>.<br />
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I pray this pictures will remind us of our times in these other countries and the mark it made on our lives. <br />
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We have another gallery wall on the other side of the room. Our family rules poster (found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62849510/family-rules-subway-art-print-black-and?ref=sr_list_3&ga_search_query=alexander+creative&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade">here</a>) is in the middle surrounded by family portraits. <br />
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P.S. Did you see those GORGEOUS floors???!!! : ) Love them! Oh, and I promise I will post about the kitchen tomorrow!<br />
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<i>We'll take your truth and we'll take your justice to this broken land</i><br />
<i>take your salvation to every single nation.</i><br />
<i>We want the world to know, there's no one like You, Lord.</i><br />
<i>Every nation is Yours.</i><br />
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Get your copy of <i>I See the Poor </i>or shoot, just download the whole album! You won't regret it! Go <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Children-Of-Light/dp/B003U08BJY">here</a>.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-79056149233462123482011-04-02T14:33:00.001-07:002011-04-02T14:33:45.986-07:00Kid's Bathroom<p style="clear: both">I must say that this bathroom was done A LONG time ago. I just never posted pics. This is the upstairs bathroom shared by the kids. It used to look like this:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeU0PRnaWI/AAAAAAAACgI/xH7OaZ_PuSg/s800/IMG_9043.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeUm_e-R0I/AAAAAAAACgE/gwDehZf63ic/s800/IMG_9043-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Yep, pretty pitiful. I attempted putting up a little of the kids art and a colorful lamp, but that's about it! I mean, the toothpaste is out and the toilet lid is up. Pretty gross.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVDKjnp5I/AAAAAAAACgU/d19bCRUcVls/s800/IMG_9044.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeU0yZ2pcI/AAAAAAAACgQ/BqkleyOtnsc/s800/IMG_9044-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVRmIsfMI/AAAAAAAACgo/MMrnJ1xyLrE/s800/IMG_9046.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVD28hxjI/AAAAAAAACgg/YM_OIc3ktx4/s800/IMG_9046-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>These vintage drapes were my inspiration. I found them at a thrift shop about 4 years ago and fell in love with the graphic design and colors. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVgPlzTfI/AAAAAAAACg0/dfFG5UOm80o/s800/IMG_9048.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVShnqcmI/AAAAAAAACgw/MOhnFwPq57o/s800/IMG_9048-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><br />I cut off the pleated top of the curtains and added small grommets for the shower hooks to loop through. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVl9YzaJI/AAAAAAAAChE/rZ6pnv3Gs4k/s800/IMG_1934.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVhUvTleI/AAAAAAAAChA/QVna1QisMnA/s800/IMG_1934-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>The walls were painted a warm grey (another of my oops paint finds!). I did a board and batten treatment on the bottom half of the wall and painted it a glossy white</p><p style="clear: both"></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVqrqq8_I/AAAAAAAAChY/JPs-7I89VhQ/s800/IMG_1935.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVmm_wvHI/AAAAAAAAChM/AXPi8bSlvv0/s800/IMG_1935-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I put the kids' paintings back in the room. I also added the pair of owls, also painted a glossy white. The towel rack is a board I found at Hobby Lobby that I washed with some teal paint and added some thrifted brass hooks.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVuYSEdVI/AAAAAAAAChk/uNMM0GqNIVE/s800/IMG_1936.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVrLLUKyI/AAAAAAAAChg/DQuxMSdY6Cg/s800/IMG_1936-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVyNiJmAI/AAAAAAAAChw/L8qmlXnYcnI/s800/IMG_1954.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVu41O6VI/AAAAAAAAChs/5XY8cItJdzs/s800/IMG_1954-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I had my two oldest kids paint these canvases. I just told them what colors to use.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeV1kFrgYI/AAAAAAAACh8/G5fdIuEkYg8/s800/IMG_1952.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeVyeHzx2I/AAAAAAAACh4/5NBYk01hHLA/s800/IMG_1952-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeV5ZAcGEI/AAAAAAAACiI/XNRsyK4Nhnk/s800/IMG_1951.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeV2JV23mI/AAAAAAAACiE/TyJu37dIcJc/s800/IMG_1951-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeV8wAQTvI/AAAAAAAACiU/TtEq6Mc9E6A/s800/IMG_1937.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeV6GyBFXI/AAAAAAAACiQ/LEnqJMS9sfQ/s800/IMG_1937-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeV_3AsllI/AAAAAAAACig/n5-B25Mbklc/s800/IMG_1941.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeV9X1JYCI/AAAAAAAACic/C82ily4G_WQ/s800/IMG_1941-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>A gentle reminder for them to brush their teeth.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeWEBN5MQI/AAAAAAAACiw/veHqyRB_-Hs/s800/IMG_1942.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeWAsBSjdI/AAAAAAAACis/2njqON2JZGw/s800/IMG_1942-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I also changed out the cabinet knobs. Nothing too fancy, but an upgrade from builder basic. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeWI1cQX7I/AAAAAAAACjI/kx8_c62x81o/s800/IMG_1944.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeWEhrOyoI/AAAAAAAACi4/H2-EYXsMb-c/s800/IMG_1944-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeWNxgObmI/AAAAAAAACjU/B86jWRAbe_w/s800/IMG_1945.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZeWJka0yWI/AAAAAAAACjQ/AsiBGSdeD1k/s800/IMG_1945-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I decorated this bathroom for less than $60. It works for me!<br />If only it were always this clean! : )</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-88384317822276762302011-03-31T07:25:00.001-07:002011-03-31T07:25:47.637-07:00Old Bonus Room<p style="clear: both">Didn't I mention that I was painting my kitchen cabinets? Yeah, well, they are painted, but the distressing is still not done. So no pics, yet. Sorry.</p><p style="clear: both"> In my l<a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2011/03/boys-room.html" target="_blank">ast post</a>, I showed part of our recent house rearrange which included moving both of the boys to the previous bonus room. The bonus room was a tough room that I finally got looking the way I wanted it ... and then we decided to put the boys in there. I had some pics I took of the room in it's former life that I thought I would share.</p><p style="clear: both">I only have one before pic and it is a horrible quality since I took them with my phone. But, hey that just makes for an even better after, huh? : ) You'll also notice that I did not clean up for the pic... mainly because I took it right before we tore the room apart to paint and add chair rail molding. (By the way, the paint was a $5 gallon of oops paint from Lowe's. Half my house is painted with oops paint. )</p><p style="clear: both">Before:<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZPF6mM_MmI/AAAAAAAACck/GlFp6IUTiic/s800/IMG00025-20100806-1429.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSNys_DMMI/AAAAAAAACd0/dtpvD0m78JA/s800/IMG00025-20100806-1429-thumb.jpg" height="285" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>After:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZPGHRBbmmI/AAAAAAAACcw/mCUz7YmDxQE/s800/IMG_0445.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSN2WVS7dI/AAAAAAAACeA/F4k05J3N63E/s800/IMG_0445-thumb.jpg" height="254" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>(I know, just the mess off the floor makes a difference!) We pretty much kept the same layout we had before but moved the kids area behind the couch to cut out on some that visual mess I was just mentioning.</p><p style="clear: both">This is the play area behind the couch. I love love love that rug. I scored it at Target on super clearance for around 30 bucks about a year ago. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZPGPHPYPQI/AAAAAAAACdA/pUZ-z0FFZ7U/s800/IMG_0447.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSOC2gH2XI/AAAAAAAACeM/SxzWOh3RzvM/s800/IMG_0447-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="376" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Office area:<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZPGWDfNbXI/AAAAAAAACdQ/yXFebTORPrI/s800/IMG_0446.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSOT33G0SI/AAAAAAAACec/6n4yEAEvXn8/s800/IMG_0446-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="376" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>And, one of my favorite spots. I wanted to do this embroidery hoop art somewhere and this seemed to be a perfect spot. After scoring the hoops at a yard sale for like a hundred of them for $1, I decided to go for it. I think I added one more on the right side by the wall after taking this pic, though. The green lamps came from Walmart for $15 a piece and the shades were from Ross for like $4.99 each. This dresser and the armoire in the previous picture both were in our bedroom at some point.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSO0Pk4bAI/AAAAAAAACe0/2Br7EsvIGQU/s800/IMG_1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSOkAGMFhI/AAAAAAAACes/Sm72VyGncbo/s800/IMG_1-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>It was a great bonus room. It is way more functional now as the boys' room, though!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSO6VMyRGI/AAAAAAAACfE/XRNTpOX0eM0/s800/IMG_2251.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TZSO1NssKRI/AAAAAAAACfA/iPKaNQD8EEw/s800/IMG_2251-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-59381286978690259002011-03-22T18:28:00.001-07:002011-03-22T18:28:13.572-07:00The Boys' Room<p style="clear: both">Remember our home rearrange a few weeks ago? You can read about it <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2011/03/changing-things-up-bit.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Some friends have asked for pics of the boys' rooms, so here are a few:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMRFrqbMI/AAAAAAAACbk/imD78CIpFn4/s800/IMG_2251.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMLtc805I/AAAAAAAACbg/hXHyfL0GAzM/s800/IMG_2251-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>This room used to be our bonus room. K's room was upstairs and is now our little girl's room. B's room was downstairs and is now the office. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMXF5DtJI/AAAAAAAACb4/ALnXvkbH6qs/s800/IMG_2253.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMR1_G_yI/AAAAAAAACbs/gqraSI4uqhU/s800/IMG_2253-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>(Yes, that is Drew Brees on the ceiling!)<br />The boys are really loving being in this big room together! </p><p style="clear: both">We still have some work to do in my little girl's room, but here's a little peek.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMe7_3WkI/AAAAAAAACcE/6OXRAQWfEAI/s800/IMG_2270.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMX5jyEqI/AAAAAAAACcA/IiujDgZDFtA/s800/IMG_2270-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Here's what is currently going on at our house- prep work for hardwood floors in our living room! I've also been painting our kitchen cabinets, so our house is a total wreck!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMqkUh93I/AAAAAAAACcQ/O1_zNlJyqYQ/s800/IMG_2277.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TYlMf2_ewCI/AAAAAAAACcM/dENnua-dd9M/s800/IMG_2277-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-37709454971697611122011-03-09T17:33:00.001-08:002011-03-31T07:37:19.924-07:00Changing things up a bit<div style="clear: both;">So, in my last post, I said my husband and I had pretty much rearranged our whole house. I only have new pics of our living room right now, but I LOVE it!</div><div style="clear: both;">So here's the old living room:</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqSBSPk9I/AAAAAAAACag/b0vWc9vq8bw/s800/IMG_1826.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqRDTTAFI/AAAAAAAACac/M5fYsmvCYFk/s800/IMG_1826-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I said in this post that I never liked the bookcases because they always looked cluttered, well, here's the new and improved no-bookcase living room:</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqUaJ58tI/AAAAAAAACas/dplQc_UjReo/s800/IMG_2100.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqS2DSrbI/AAAAAAAACao/2KL8kCfdch4/s800/IMG_2100-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>My husband wanted to put the gigantor leather man sofa here when we moved in over a year ago, but I just never thought it would look good. It is so much better than our old set-up. We have more seating, and more space! Who'd a thunk? Well, my husband did, and I should have listened to him. </div><div style="clear: both;">Before:</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqVw82obI/AAAAAAAACa4/IF57SIKlMEY/s800/IMG_1828.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqUzg1SvI/AAAAAAAACa0/6CucR2pnchk/s800/IMG_1828-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>And AFTER!</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqXlLvtpI/AAAAAAAACbE/_Io1NOlsz24/s800/IMG_2097.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TXgqWuH0PfI/AAAAAAAACbA/v0-m3daMXTw/s800/IMG_2097-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>You may also notice that we have a flat screen over our fireplace. We previously had one of those flat screen box televisions in the hole above our fireplace. Well, my genius husband figured out how to mount our flat panel (it was in the bonus room which is now our sons' room) over the hole. We absolutely love it!!! We gave the old "flat screen" to our 8 year old son to play video games on. He thinks he hit the jack-pot. So, there's part 1 of 5 of our crazy room switcheroo. Hopefully it won't take me forever to post the rest! : )<br />
<br />
</div><br class="final-break" style="clear: both;" />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-52709006291931256942011-03-02T17:26:00.001-08:002011-03-02T17:26:41.696-08:00Valentine's Day Celebration!<p style="clear: both">Okay, so I'm a little late sharing about our family Valentine's Day party, but better late than never, right?</p><p style="clear: both">I dug out the decorations I used for <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentine-day-fun.html" target="_blank">last year's celebration</a>. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uJhRyGXI/AAAAAAAACYU/pmDUrMxxTvM/s800/IMG_2082.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uItXT2bI/AAAAAAAACYQ/e8lGJvRFw-I/s800/IMG_2082-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I added the little mailboxes (for some reason, I didn't take a close up pic of them.) that I think everyone in blogland bought at the dollar spot in Target. I had intentions of cutting out the kids' names in vinyl with my silhouette, but I wimped out and just used stickers. Each family member made a valentine card for each other and we delivered them to the mailboxes. This year, we just used left over valentine cards that the kids didn't use for their classmates. Next year, I'm hoping to think ahead enough to have the kids make hand-made cards for each other. It definitely kept them busy while I was getting dinner ready, though. I always take any advantage I get to encourage the kids (mainly Konnor and Emma!) to say/do something nice for each other! </p><p style="clear: both">For dinner, we decided to have a Papa Murphy heart-shaped pizza. For $5, you can't beat it! </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uK-xt6nI/AAAAAAAACYg/eUnlBuF_nnM/s800/IMG_2083.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uJ5HC5bI/AAAAAAAACYc/pd0fROMjEKw/s800/IMG_2083-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>After eating pizza, we opened our valentines from each other.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uMS4broI/AAAAAAAACYs/CVOgcW1jTEc/s800/IMG_2087.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uLWZJJkI/AAAAAAAACYo/Wz1FcCbMnDc/s800/IMG_2087-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Emma got some shoes and tights for her American girl doll. **Side Note--For you moms who have daughters with these dolls, did you know that Michael's and Hobby Lobby both have clothes and accessories for 18 inch dolls? With the 40% off coupons that always seem to be available for these stores, you can get a pretty sweet deal!**</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uNtIBwbI/AAAAAAAACY4/qx2Pd8q9co8/s800/IMG_2090.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uMmtqW2I/AAAAAAAACY0/s8pMRV8nPAE/s800/IMG_2090-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a><br />Konnor (great pic of the top of his head, huh?) got a new Percy Jackson book that he'd been wanting. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uPHy9ZPI/AAAAAAAACZE/0z6BTUcyXzM/s800/IMG_1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uOGVTp5I/AAAAAAAACZA/8vypr8bwoUQ/s800/IMG_1-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Brady got a green truck that he picked out that day at Target. He was happy. That boy loves trucks.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uQ6oVraI/AAAAAAAACZk/LUI7G-Boi94/s800/IMG_2093.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uP3_EA5I/AAAAAAAACZU/44cwGMMd6Ds/s800/IMG_2093-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>For dessert, we had chocolate pudding with pink sugar sprinkles.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uSV3yslI/AAAAAAAACZ0/sQnjKA7l3fI/s800/IMG_2094.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uRoaeCVI/AAAAAAAACZw/yOSniI_k_zI/s800/IMG_2094-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>My hubby and I ate our chocolate pudding out of the champagne glasses we used at our wedding. I know...awwww. My wonderful husband brought some beautiful pink roses home, which were the same kind he gave me on our first Valentine's Day together when we were sophomores in high school! </p><p style="clear: both">He brought one home for this girl, too!<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uTvTZyiI/AAAAAAAACaA/Kgk9lBm-v2o/s800/IMG_2084.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TW7uSx-tWHI/AAAAAAAACZ8/06F0Xyk-Ryo/s800/IMG_2084-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>All in all, it was a great day!</p><p style="clear: both">In non-Valentine's Day news, last weekend, we totally rearranged our house. You read that right, not a room, not a few rooms, every room in our house except the dining room, kitchen and master. It was pretty much nuts, but we LOVE it! Everything's not totally in it's place, but I will definitely post about it soon! </p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-40009689290057734632011-02-23T15:01:00.001-08:002011-02-23T15:01:47.972-08:00New Shop Items!<p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TWWRuRN3NbI/AAAAAAAACXg/l4571m7Ilgo/s800/IMG_1982.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TWWRrRsN50I/AAAAAAAACXY/mKYezrI1oqI/s800/IMG_1982-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>We finally added more items to the shop! Click on the links to the right to check it out!!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TWWRzDu0RFI/AAAAAAAACXw/8BUk3f_LE5g/s800/IMG_1991.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TWWRvu6fwbI/AAAAAAAACXo/6xZebTCfmcU/s800/IMG_1991-thumb.jpg" height="570" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TWWR2qxH31I/AAAAAAAACYA/BGrCrobYmyE/s800/IMG_2045.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TWWR0CG8uGI/AAAAAAAACX4/o8IsR53JCRU/s800/IMG_2045-thumb.jpg" height="568" width="379" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-54677452233956393422011-02-17T14:21:00.001-08:002011-03-31T07:38:06.952-07:00Recovering a Seat Cushion<div style="clear: both;">Okay, it's not that hard, but if you've never recovered a seat cushion before, here's how to do it:</div><div style="clear: both;">When I posted about my <a href="http://vanessadolberry.blogspot.com/2011/02/dining-room-and-living-room-updates.html" target="_blank">dining room</a> transformation, I asked you not to look at the two head chairs with the non-complimentary blue chair cushions.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2evJFz7mI/AAAAAAAACVI/2xH4vP9KQII/s800/IMG_1906.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2eq82JBnI/AAAAAAAACVA/npj0xs5RvyY/s800/IMG_1906-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I was looking for some neutral fabric to recover those chairs. I thought about using a dropcloth because it would match the curtains and would be inexpensive. I kind of wanted fabric with a little more texture, however. I lucked up and found the perfect fabric at Old Time Pottery for about 5 bucks a yard. (They had some great designer fabrics there that pretty much made me want to redo my entire house, but I refrained.)</div><div style="clear: both;">So, here's how you recover a chair:</div><div style="clear: both;">1. Cut your fabric. Remember to leave enough room to fold it over the cushion with extra fabric to spare.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2e0_upGJI/AAAAAAAACVY/a8r3EYCgwXs/s800/IMG_1907.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2ev_vpQJI/AAAAAAAACVQ/-qaP_X5eOe4/s800/IMG_1907-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>2. Start by pulling the fabric taught (but not so tight that the shape of the cushion changes) and put one staple in the middle of each side. Staple top, bottom and then side to side.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2e7PraYOI/AAAAAAAACVo/LXoWFwE62l0/s800/IMG_1908.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2e1mbhShI/AAAAAAAACVg/JRB-ZPXJUxM/s800/IMG_1908-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>3. Staple all around the edges leaving the corners for last.</div><div style="clear: both;">There are 2 options for corners. You can do a gathered corner or a pleated corner. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fBRgbz3I/AAAAAAAACV4/uiiUr8jj1YY/s800/IMG_1.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2e70TyPmI/AAAAAAAACVw/3hr2rOkW3rk/s800/IMG_1-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fGRRiIeI/AAAAAAAACWU/PtHlAF9u5tM/s800/IMG_2.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fCUx32SI/AAAAAAAACWE/nB0WBmpGa2Y/s800/IMG_2-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>I went for the pleated corner. Just make sure which ever way you do it, both corners match.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fK7QIQ4I/AAAAAAAACWo/0AFA0D-hlZE/s800/IMG_3.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fG8mfCVI/AAAAAAAACWc/JcvYKuB1VEk/s800/IMG_3-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>I gathered the back corners because it was more of a rounded edge and they are less visible.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fQ0HoYMI/AAAAAAAACW4/cdFw4SouyHs/s800/IMG_1913.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fLRTzIBI/AAAAAAAACWw/ZgY0q5-XTpk/s800/IMG_1913-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>4. Trim off excess fabric, make sure any screw holes are accessible and reattach to chairs!</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fXDyms1I/AAAAAAAACXI/AnO2zkfnJVI/s800/IMG_1919.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TV2fSYlG_yI/AAAAAAAACXA/iE_hmD_la8c/s800/IMG_1919-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>Much, much better.</div><div style="clear: both;">Linking <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2011/02/transformation-thursday_16.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><br class="final-break" style="clear: both;" />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-43586814206103806492011-02-08T15:08:00.001-08:002011-03-31T07:38:43.086-07:00Dining Room and Living Room Updates<div style="clear: both;">One of the things I enjoy about blogging is sharing projects we have going on around the house. I know there are a gazillion houses out there way more beautiful than mine and there are even more people out there with more design skills than me. Having said that, who wants to redo something in your house and not show it to somebody? : ) Blogging inspires me to get things checked off my list and hopefully a few others will be inspired along the way. </div><div style="clear: both;">That being said, I have made some updates in my dining room and living room recently.</div><div style="clear: both;">We painted the living room chocolate brown soon after moving in. It was a horrid burgundy and we loved the chocolate color of our previous dining room, so we went for it. Well, let's just say in a small dining room, dark walls, dark furniture and dark floors make for a...well DARK room! </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHLTCWsWZI/AAAAAAAACRY/eJZIe9YSOS0/s800/IMG_9103.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHLFfFGH7I/AAAAAAAACRQ/znpIPrtxPVQ/s800/IMG_9103-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="376" /></a>I forgot to mention that I also had dark drapes. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHLjVCFPEI/AAAAAAAACRs/oOBBsPzoayE/s800/IMG_9102.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHLUDSrDJI/AAAAAAAACRk/GWXnLvsSATA/s800/IMG_9102-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I had some light aqua paint leftover from our accent wall in the living room which is open to the dining room, so one evening, I started painting. It only took a few hours since we have panel molding and only one wall with no openings/windows. It was already looking better! I looked and looked for the perfect fabric for new drapes and ended up just using drop cloths like everyone else on the planet. (***Tip- if you are using dropcloths for drapes, buy them at Home Depot. The ones at Lowe's have seams in them! ***) Love them. I decided to fold the tops of mine over to create some interest and to keep from having to hem them. </div><div style="clear: both;">We also changed the layout of the dining room furniture. It seems much more balanced now having the china cabinet on the main focal wall. And to be honest, we did it because it makes traffic flow to and from the kitchen much better!</div><div style="clear: both;">So, on to the pics...</div><div style="clear: both;">BEFORE:</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHLumBFV4I/AAAAAAAACR8/YfyMIlhIBQ0/s800/2011-01-02_20-22-54_872.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="214" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHLkZZslKI/AAAAAAAACR0/_e6nU3LltAo/s800/2011-01-02_20-22-54_872-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>and AFTER:</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHL0NYIR2I/AAAAAAAACSQ/TVebMugjYrc/s800/IMG_1822.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHLvs9Y3uI/AAAAAAAACSI/N5gcogU7F0g/s800/IMG_1822-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I L.O.V.E. the new light airy feeling. I really wanted to do something to break up my all matchy matchy dining set. So, I sold all my chairs but 2 on craigslist and made enough money to buy these beauties. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHL3hJ1P4I/AAAAAAAACSg/ZibcUCj8aWs/s800/IMG_1835.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="570" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHL0wmmnfI/AAAAAAAACSY/SDCJ5uIkE8g/s800/IMG_1835-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Because they are cream, they also lighten things up and they are washable. I've already washed paint and crayon off of them. I think they will make it with my kids. </div><div style="clear: both;">Here's the view looking in from the kitchen. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHL8ajWakI/AAAAAAAACSw/man3SaVL-F0/s800/IMG_1825.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="568" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHL4SmGGwI/AAAAAAAACSo/eYq265qRHFE/s800/IMG_1825-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="379" /></a>And, another one looking from the living room.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMBgWhEkI/AAAAAAAACTA/_DNnU4eg5K8/s800/IMG_1.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHL84LewII/AAAAAAAACS4/vlnRJ5kZEDU/s800/IMG_1-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>Now, you may have noticed that the two wooden upholstered chairs are covered in a fabric that doesn't quite go with the rest of the room. Don't worry, I have already taken care of that. I just haven't uploaded the pics, yet. </div><div style="clear: both;">I still want to make, or find a cute runner for the table and I'd like to change out the chandelier with either a simple chrome one with white shades or a drum shade pendant. One day it will be finished, right? Probably not! I'm okay with that, though!</div><div style="clear: both;">Now, the living room has gone through many different furniture arrangements.<br />
Here's a pic showing the old curtains that matched the dining room ones. The lady that bought my dining room chairs ended up buying these also! </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMQzU8BFI/AAAAAAAACTY/QlqQuizitfI/s800/IMG_8436.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="254" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMCVuYwCI/AAAAAAAACTI/q6ATA9AQvWU/s800/IMG_8436-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>We used to have the couch on this long wall, but I never liked it. </div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMfghZcII/AAAAAAAACTs/GyhhBdHcosQ/s800/IMG_8439.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMSI8LBwI/AAAAAAAACTk/AwQd1QyxjR0/s800/IMG_8439-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="376" /></a>Please excuse the bad, blurry pics. (The camera class I took, is definitely paying off! These were taken BEFORE I took the class! : ))</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMvZhY_jI/AAAAAAAACUM/9GoLBuoSO7U/s800/IMG_8438.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMg05FE1I/AAAAAAAACT0/q7Y6O3J20oA/s800/IMG_8438-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="376" /></a>Here's a pic with the new drop cloth curtains.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHM0z0jPxI/AAAAAAAACUg/-Cf_SwYkx34/s800/IMG_1827.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHMwS1tItI/AAAAAAAACUY/DH7BLbd7N0I/s800/IMG_1827-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="380" /></a>I like the couch floating in the room. Something I don't love: the book cases. It's so hard for them to not look cluttery. I needed something big on that wall, though and that's all I have, so for now, it has to work.</div><div style="clear: both;"><a class="image-link" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHM6lo5ZrI/AAAAAAAACUw/3oNXkEtSnrQ/s800/IMG_1826.jpg"><img class="linked-to-original" height="252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TVHM1oLQl1I/AAAAAAAACUo/ofUUkSl3ctQ/s800/IMG_1826-thumb.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="378" /></a>Do you see that print over the chair? That's one of my favorite Christmas presents that Kris got me!! It's a family rules poster and you can find it <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62849510/family-rules-subway-art-print-black-and" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="clear: both;">One day, I'd really like to get a sectional for this room. But, this is how we live in it right now. When we moved to this house in Oct of 09, we had moved 3 times in 3 years. When you move that much, it is hard for all your furniture to work from house to house. I think that's one reason that my house keeps evolving! It's a fun process, though!</div><br />
Linking <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2011/02/how-to-slipcover-ottoman.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-before-after-pretty-pitcher.html">here</a>.Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7150670205346866429.post-58259135824768198832011-01-31T11:10:00.001-08:002011-01-31T11:10:07.844-08:00This boy<p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIKa7hv4I/AAAAAAAACPE/-evtxPGGul8/s800/IMG_1866.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIFazjAnI/AAAAAAAACO8/D7an0cEtcPo/s800/IMG_1866-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Most of the time, when we are out somewhere, Brady is not very outgoing. Many of our friends comment on how he scowls at them. Kind of like in these family portraits we had made.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIgzoXngI/AAAAAAAACPY/vXvjPrRAWYQ/s800/0058.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcILf71BAI/AAAAAAAACPQ/_mkEm_k7Qds/s800/0058-thumb.jpg" height="254" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>It's not that he's mad or unhappy. He's just really shy and unsure of people.<br />These are pics are proof that he is a happy child and he DOES smile A LOT!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcInSbc3SI/AAAAAAAACPo/jm3hUfwDaCk/s800/IMG_1867.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIh5pvwVI/AAAAAAAACPg/BmjYoh3MYqM/s800/IMG_1867-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Sometimes we play a little game where I say, "don't you smile at me!"</p><p style="clear: both">Then he looks like this. He purses his lips and won't look at me, trying not to smile.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcItI7w28I/AAAAAAAACP8/fPxxc65aqbE/s800/IMG_1870.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIoL86Y9I/AAAAAAAACP0/9jTDVX__27Y/s800/IMG_1870-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>But, he can't handle it, he gives in and smiles, every time!</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIylVvBQI/AAAAAAAACQM/N__ug639U2s/s800/IMG_1871.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIt9lYE6I/AAAAAAAACQE/dC5lcwMKtpY/s800/IMG_1871-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>I think he thinks that if he closes his eyes, I can't see him smiling.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcI4-b-G9I/AAAAAAAACQc/YoyWOCj00hU/s800/IMG_1872.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcIzIibbAI/AAAAAAAACQU/hyqDJqGygj0/s800/IMG_1872-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>This boy...he just melts my heart.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcJDswcTGI/AAAAAAAACQs/39KBc_UZJJc/s800/IMG_1869.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oB2md9TT1pI/TUcI5tPUKaI/AAAAAAAACQk/c1OM1AAsnaE/s800/IMG_1869-thumb.jpg" height="252" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Vanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08004013262844670510noreply@blogger.com1