Pretty in Blue

Before I moved into this house, this is what the laundry room looked like. Unfortunately this is the best "before" shot I have. I say unfortunately because the washer and dryer didn't stay with the house. hahahaha As we moved in I knew I'd be changing this room. In fact back when I made-over my last laundry room I already knew what my next laundry room would look like. When we chose this house, with it's open floor plan and designer paint colors....the laundry room was less than a thrill. But with my vision in place, I knew it would become girly and fabulous.
So, I started with the paint color. My sweet hubby started the process of painting for me. Since he was here for the closing and before our stuff was delivered....he jumped right in.
Then the fabulous in-laws came to visit. Hub's Dad always likes to have something to do. Small projects are his specialty. I can't tell you how many light fixtures he has changed for us and he's changed out just as many faucets too. This time I needed him to help DH change the light fixture and add some much needed cabinets.
So, (almost) all said and done....girly and fabulous times ten! I love it. It is a small space with a big window. So along with the beautiful warm glow from the chandelier, the room is filled with lots of natural light as well.
Picture this pretty valance up over the top of the window. It is on it's way....but as with all good things....this took some doing.
A peek to the left.....
My newly-started L collection....you know Laundry...or Lori....whichever....
And a peek to the right....baskets on top for extra storage.
This "laundry" sign was actually the jumping off point or inspiration, if you will, for this room. I made it back in Minnesota and since I had just done my laundry room....I knew I'd be saving it for my next house....(yes, there is always a next house)
So here is my wonderful, girly, so-me laundry room transformation.
Do you love it? I surely do!


UPDATE:
This is the valance on the window. It looks so good! I am linking to Met Monday's Mom Cave. While this isn't a fabulous craft room or a romantic master bedroom....it is practical. I spend SO much time in here....and I LOVE being in the laundry room!!

A Birthday in the House!

So, today my baby turns 17. I can hardly believe it has been that long...but, as she is all to quick to remind me...she is not a baby any more. Last year for her birthday I arranged (with some help from Reid and Steph) to have 16 cute boys at her school give her a flower (provided by me) and then sing Happy Birthday to her. At first she was mortified....but by the end she was (secretly) loving it! I am so sorry that I don't have those connections at this school. So instead, I decided I would add 17 of my favorite photos of Jo and give you 17 of the many reasons I love this girl.
She isn't much of a morning person...like her Mama. I love that about her.
She is beautiful...inside as well as out. Her (beautiful) hard outer shell is there to protect her soft squishy heart.
She likes to hang out with me sometimes. She will even accompany me to Hobby Lobby and antique stores. Love her!
This is one of my favorite photos of my girl. It shows her sweet side. She does have one....I promise. I definitely love that about her.
She is observant. All of her peeps are having a riotous time and she is savoring every detail to replay later in the lonely dessert of Nebraska.
I love that my girl always chooses good friends. Now that she is older she seems to always surround herself with kids that are making good choices in their lives and trying to stay out of trouble.
She is a champion. She will defend her friends (and even random kids at school) from others that are being unkind.
She knows her colors....right foot green....No, Jo...your other right! hahahaha
She knows how to party. Shaving cream fights and chocolate syrup fights are some of her favorite party games.
She is courageous. More than once she has had to defend her religious beliefs.
She is spontaneous. And she helps me to try to be. Love this kid!
She is loyal. Once you are her friend....you will always be.
She is real. You won't catch this kid trying to be something she's not.
She is goofy....and fun. I love to listen to her and her friends. I always smile.
She loves her family....fiercely.
She is named after her Grandma....whom she loves VERY much.
She is smart. This kid had the P.J. Funnybunny story book memorized by the age of 4. Not bad, Jo!
Those are just a few of the reasons I love this girl. I could go on and on....So, Jo...now that you are 17 there is something I suppose I should tell you. You will always be my baby girl. I am so proud of you....you continually inspire me and bring me joy. I love you. That's all.

Rock Star

Do you ever finish a craft and feel like a FRICKIN' ROCK STAR!!! Huh...no...well...I do. It's not often mind you..but it does happen. And this project was one of those times. So remember the sock wreath I made for the 4th of July? Well, I did another one...and ya know what? I like it even better. It's true. Want to know why....Because it cost me less to make this one. How?? Well, let's start with the socks. I got them at Good Will (brand new) for $1.58 a pair. And they are knee socks, so I only needed 4 pair per wreath. Yup! Then I got the little embellishments for a buck a piece at Hobby Lobby (swoon). The ribbon was 50% off there too. YAHOO! They didn't have any fabric that thrilled me so I got a little creative. I used some cloth napkins (that I bought at the dollar store) and the ribbon to make rosettes.
See the really long socks...so perfect!!
Look how perfect they look on my dollar store wreath base. Magic, I tell ya!
Since I showed you all how to roll the flowers and all the details in the other post, I'll just skip to the end....PERFECT!!!
Seriously....rock star worthy. I don't usually decorate for Halloween....not my thing....but I think I'll be fer keepin' this one.
Also a big shout out for my second fav.....and I think I know just the girl to give it too. I have some little girl clothes to send any way.....Do you think she'll like it?




Since this craft was just at $10 I wanted to link up to this party. Have fun looking at the amazing projects!

The Date

On Labor Day weekend Jim surprised me and planned a day trip for us. I was so shocked....it's just not something he does a lot. I will admit to being a bit skeptical at first. Mahoney State Park didn't really sound like my thing. But I was so jazzed that he planned something that I was determined to enjoy it no matter what. There was a lot to do and see. It surprised me.
We got out of the truck and hiked a bit. There were a couple of little lakes. On one of the bigger lakes they have paddle boats to rent.
The cool old dock on this lake really drew my attention.
It was warm and windy but the sun was shining.....and that my friends, is something that I can't resist.
Walking out to see if the fish were jumping. As we pulled into this parking lot there were two fishermen getting off the lake with a bucket of fish. Jim will probably bring his Scouts back here.
Can't resist a pic of the flag, flapping in the breeze. LOVE IT!
Then we headed to the observation tower to take a look. I'm not a huge fan of heights and the wind had the platform at the top rocking a bit much for my comfort level. Didn't stay up there very long!
There is a name plaque for everything here (typical for a state park...no?)
The view from the top was worth the climb. Not the grand mountain vistas I am used to seeing, but beautiful just the same.
I loved the fence around this "prehistoric burial site". Apparently, this was the home of some ancient Indian tribe. They lived, worked and died right here.
The butterfly garden was beautiful. Not a lot (or any) butterflies....but beautiful just the same.
Gotta love a gazebo in the middle of nowhere.
No, I really do love it.
We went to the air museum that they have right next to the park. It was cool. We saw spy planes and bombers and prototypes that never were developed into anything useful. It was very interesting.
Something that I didn't get pictures of was the miniature golf course that Jim and I played. At first I poo pooed the idea. So not in the mood for mini golf....but I chose to do it anyway. Turns out that was my favorite part of the day. Smooching my honey at the end of each hole was more fun than I imagined. I even got a hole in one! Lots of fun there!!
And back to where we started. I loved this day date. Even a late lunch at the weird "stake house" was interesting. My camera battery died or I would have taken a pic of the sign announcing the Testicle Festival. Apparently an all-you-can-eat extravaganza. Yeah....I had the chicken strips. They seemed safe. All in all I give Mahoney State Park two thumbs up as a day date. Lots of sweetheart time, lots to see and do together.

Some Musings on Change

So my life has been turned upside down over the last 3 months. We have a new home in a new state. We have a new school for Jo
and a new job for Jim. We have a new ward and new church callings. We have new people waiting for us to get settled and get on with life. My Dad is adding a new member to our family as well. Lots of new going on around here. In case you didn't know....new is hard for me. I like old. I like constant and reliable. Change is hard for me. I guess that is why it is so prevalent in my life. When I am having a hard time adjusting to the changes life has thrown at me, I tend to withdraw. I am content to sit in my house and work on decorating or organizing or a paint project or two. I know that it is hard for new people to meet me that way....but that is their problem...right? I am content with the amazing friends and sisters in my life that love me, quirks and all. But here is the rub....I get to set an example for my daughter on how "normal" people get out and meet new friends. Sheesh, I am SO not qualified for the job. She has to go to a high school with 1600 other kids....about twice the size of her last school. I will tell you that not one of those kids in her classes has extended an invitation to sit with them at lunch or hang out after school. The church kids have been OK, but she doesn't see them at school....it's that big. How can I teach her to adjust to change when I myself struggle so hard with it. I have found that I tend to internalize her pain along with my own. Not a good idea....as I tend to "eat" my feelings. I have tried to change that long developed habit. I am able to do other things to fill the holes in my heart...but there are times when it is too strong, and I am too weak. So here we are, no right answers in sight. Looking for the end of the tunnel and hoping there isn't another train coming in the mean time. Are you good with change? How do you cope?