We'll Come to You!

This truck rolls into our parking lot on Wednesdays. I think Santa Claus must be inside because Scott gets real excited and runs out to visit. He nearly always comes back with a purchase (after ALWAYS saying he isn't gonna buy anything). Yeah, we girls have our "things", but this is an obsession - oh excuse me, I mean a necessity.

He always has a "special". Today, was an impressive BBQ. If Scott would've sprung for that one, there's a good chance he would've been the first one roasted (you know I'm kidding . . . kind-of). We tried to work out a fair deal, such as - he gives us the BBQ and we have lunch for him every Wednesday when he drops in, but he wasn't in the bargaining mood.

Higher Learning

The Barely Awake grin. Sten is off on a field trip today, check'n out this college. Boo hoo, sniff sniff (No that's too far, I wouldn't be able to see him everyday, what would he eat, what if he gets sick, he will surely need his mommy).

Sten always sews (yes sews) new pants. He thinks the Carharrts are too wide, so he takes them in a bit on the legs. I checked out his handiwork and noticed that apparently he had used the previously set "basting" stitch on the machine. A basting stitch is temporary and rips out real easily - a guarantee that he would be wearing a long "skirt" by the end of the day. I attempted to rectify his mistake at 5 this morning, but found that my 40+ eyes were not cooperating with the needle threading endeavor too well. I blindly completed the task, but may have to tackle the project at a more "sane" time of day.

Catch a Wave

Check out the surf! No wonder Milah was still feeling "wavy" hours later when she closed her eyes. This was a reward field trip for meeting their reading goals for the year and we were the only school there. Way cool - funzippety

Splish Splash!

Satisfied Customer

We recently sold this truck and I thought their logo was simple but adorable. Oh yeah - and check out that snazzy garbage truck!

My Kinda Place

Hmmm, I have a friend that always inspires me . . . the last time we visited, I peeked out her patio door and screeched with glee. Check out this awesome, adorable, unique, and stink'n cute wind/rain screen. We "harvested" the branchy tree for her and she plans to adorn it with little white lights. I think we'll be sipping some lemonade on that sofa real soon -

This is the master bedroom and it has a cozy vintage feel. The headboard is one that I found at Habitat and painted/distressed. I was sure that I had ruined it, but she loved it, even tho it was a bit too small.

We're not in the 70's anymore . .

I have been involved in updating this office recently. As a previous client of this establishment, I had often let my mind wander as we sat there, pondering the possibilities. So when given the chance, I was eager to tackle the project

The Copy Room

A little custom artwork, a cinch with the cricut. I was too lazy to miter the corners of the frame.

Women's restroom - a real beauty

Ta - Da! Nasty vinyl - GONE, truck stop tp holder - GONE.

Particle board shelf unit - GONE, paper towels by the mile - GONE!

Men's restroom

Break room -

Now we're talking! We grabbed these cabinets from Habitat for Humanity, (Mr. J) replaced the rattan with beadboard, painted and distressed them. Yeah - that floorings gotta go . . .

All together now - Aaaaaah!

Susie has a "thing" for babies - puppies included. This is her furry friend, Gauge - a chubby springer spaniel that is irresistible. Susie will have to take a break from her studies to cuddle puppy, clean up puppy puddles, and play puppy tug-of-war. Want one? There's one left, named "Homeless Dude".

B4 & After

This office was in need of a little updating. I would've loved to face the desk area in corrogated metal - but we stuck with this formica. We added a custom sign and an awesome fabric panel from IKEA - still need to paint the upper molding black.

Little Miss Pig Pen

Hooray for the sunshine - finally! When I picked Maren up from a friend's house this afternoon, it was necessary to swaddle her in a garbage bag as she was covered in mud and dirt. Yes, she does have cute little freckles but she "supplemented" them with a bit of filth.

One less tooth - I would post the video of Sten flapping his tooth fairy wings to deliver the $$, but don't want to spoil the whole tooth fairy gig . . .

Yesterday, a school employee informed me that Maren is a friend to everyone. She has a knack for sensing that someone needs special attention and she takes time to comfort or make them feel special - regardless of who it is. That makes a mother swoon.

Maren certainly does have an innate sense of people. My Dad says that she will, no doubt, be a salesperson of some sort. Although she has been the most errr . . . uhhh . . . challenging child - our lives would be dull without her. She has a zest for life and an innocent and open way of expression. She is unhibited and doesn't seem to understand that just because it pops into your brain, you might consider if it needs to be uttered. She is refreshing and kind, stubborn and loving. She can't find anything when asked to look, her room is a disaster, and she can be a bit scatter-brained. But we're thrilled that this goofy kid landed in our family - if you need a good laugh we'll loan her out for a few days tho . . . Love you Mare Mare!

Check it out!

Well, girls - here's another home tour series. Put the kids to bed, tuck the husband in with a long smoochy smooch and hit the button below . . .

Quick Coast trip

After the auction we headed for Lincoln City as the girls had a swim meet today. Not wanting to spend big bucks on a motel (as we would only be inhabiting the dive for a few hours) I chose an inexpensive motel, a little nervous about what would await us. We were impressed and highly recommend this motel - Inn at Wecoma. It was extremely clean, the beds were comfortable, complimentary breakfast was provided and there is a pool. Our room was 77.00, but a suite that sleeps 8 was only 104.00!

Show us how it's done, Milah!

Happily smothered by the girlies

I guess Maren's hoping she'll grow into her swim cap

We even enjoyed a rare sunny day on the Oregon Coast.

Go Mare Go!!

Sold! To the highest bidder . . .

Scott volunteered his services as "auctioneer" for a benefit auction at the girl's school. How he has the nerve to do this, I do not comprehend - but he did an awesome job! You'll have to get rid of the music if you want to hear the professional at work

Sten and Zane share the same birthday - 13 years apart.

Repainted Rust Bucket

Before the big show, we decided the old horse trailer needed an overhaul. Milah has been on Craigslist drooling over horse trailers - but for now, this is it!

We employed child labor to get the job done . . .

Ta Da! Needs a pinstripe and a saying - then we're good for another 20 years. I saw a fitting saying to place on the back - "Every horse, at least once it's life, deserves to be loved by a little girl"

Feeling Hors - ey

Milah participated in Pre Fair this weekend and after combatting a serious case of nerves, survived to earn a few ribbons - one of them BLUE (in showmanship)! Poor Milah is at a disadvantage because her parents are not "horse" people and do not know the scene. We're getting "broke in" quickly tho . . .

Meanwhile . . . Maren (the Fair Rat) had a bang-up time. Within minutes of disembarking, she was running with a hoard of kids - climbing dirt piles - chasing around on her scooter and talking other children out of their bikes and cupcakes. Never one to know a stranger - she LOVED pre-fair!

Take a seat . . .

Ok, I was completely blown away by this chair transformation I spyed here. And Wowie Wow Wow (to borrow a term from Junie B Jones) - I found 8 similarly styled chairs on Craigslist this weekend. They were from a local Masonic Hall and I payed 40$ for 8 of them - SCORE!!

Here's one of my beauties in it's original state - great lines and hopefully a simply redo (since my reupholstering skills are nill)

This is the stripped down model. I have been saving these awesome burlap feed sacks for a special project - think I've found it! Stay tuned for the finished product. I'm now kicking myself that I didn't spring for all 16 chairs - dagnabit!