Thrift It

I love a great thrift store find. And, I am so excited that the blogging world allows me a window into others who love the same! Below are my most recent jewels. Some are perfect the way I found them...others need a little work!

Here's a great plate that I propped up on a bookcase behind a frame. Found it for a $1.50.

The wrought iron plate rack was also $1.50 and blue bag was $3. The white ceramic Thanksgiving turkey salt-and-pepper shakers were .50. I'm repainting them - picture soon!

Here's the finished product on my wall! First I tried the green plate - nope, didn't work. I looked around and realized I had these plates from Pier 1 - perfect size!

Now We're Palin, I Mean Playin'

This race has gone from b-o-r-i-n-g to hold-on-to-your-seat exciting! It's about time! If Condy won't run, Sarah Palin may be our next best bet! Have you looked at her credentials!? Check it out at http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/29/mccain-to-name-running-mate-on-friday/!

"Informed of the selection, a Barack Obama spokesman questioned Palin’s experience.

Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. Governor Palin shares John McCain’s commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush’s failed economic policies — that’s not the change we need, it’s just more of the same,” said spokesman Bill Burton." ~ www.foxnews.com

Ok. My two cents. Ready? I love that all the "others" can say in the first sentence of their criticism is that she is the former mayor of a small town. Let's see...how far has she gone in a short and successful amount of time?! "They" are impressed. That's what I think. And, is overturning Roe v. Wade really "more of the same?" I thought handing out condoms in school and planned parenthood was "more of the same?" Oh, I guess I was wrong. And, I'd like to point out...just how much experience does Osama, oops Obama, have in foreign policy and legislative decision-making? Oh, that's right, none.

Anyway, I don't usually get on my box about politics. But, again, if Condy won't run...we have to settle. But Palin just might be the reformist we need!

Lexington Home Show

Sunday was a beautiful day in the Bluegrass. A friend and I checked out a few of the remodeled homes in Lexington. Below is what we saw. Enjoy!



A bit over the top for my taste, but elegant and well done



I couldn't resist this picture!



Wouldn't this be perfect for an outdoor wedding?!
Add an addition and pay for your daughters wedding all in one fell swoop!







The wine rack is a horse!





















The last nine photos are yards and water features that my husband helped create! He is just breaking into Sales...so if you need an excellent company to transform your home or office and a sweet creative listening ear (read: not a pushy salesman!), call my Charley! They travel all around the United States, so spread the word!

Nature's Expressions, Inc.

859.885.0015

www.nei-lex.com

Chocolate Lily Jigsaw Puzzle

"She was born in a hospital..."

My dear friend just had her second baby recently. I barely made it to the hospital for the birth of her first daughter 4 years ago. And, I didn't make it for this one. But, I got to see her yesterday for the first time! I was met at the car by Katie and she proudly announced, "my sister was born in a hospital!" The one and only time in her life she will be excited about that word. Here are a few precious pictures of both little girls. I walked in and Mandy promptly handed me her newest addition. I love it!











All 3 beautiful girls!

I had the best invitation! My dear friends, who are former student workers had me over for dinner! Lasagna dinner and fine laughs. What more could a girl ask for!? Ignore me in the below picture. However, the sisters are too cute. Lilli is almost here! Yay!

More Fun!

I'd like to point out the neat and tidy blue water jug atop the bright red lunchbox in first photo on the my last post. I eat a pack of crackers on the go for lunch if I'm lucky. HE, on the other hand, eats a peach, apple, and/or grapes, healthy sandwich and more. After 7 years he still hasn't rubbed on me in that arena. Maybe someday soon I'll learn. I digress.

On to more fun water features.

Before

After

So proud...

I am so proud of my husband. He works very hard every day - with his hands. Not many men can claim such a feat in this day and age. He is skilled and loves his work. After a year of bugging him I've finally convinced him of the need to document his life's work. So, here ya go. This HGTV worthy water feature was created in just two days! Without further ado - here's my husbands play, oops, I mean work.

Outdoor grilling at it's finest. I didn't add the picture of the 1978 Holiday Rambler camper trailer that is behind my husband. Probably should have so you could get the full effect. But, we'll save it for another day. Gabe is hoping something will fall his way.

Our beautiful Great Pyranees, Gabriel, or Gabe.

This picture is self explanatory.

Matthew 18:5

Check this out! Thanks to September's Country Living I found a great new blog. It's chock full of interesting recipes, articles and more. And, on the bottom left column are Local Food Bloggers. Mmhm. I thought you'd like that! Read on...

http://eatlocalchallenge.com/

Ok. So, the above does NOT, I repeat does NOT supersede what I am about to disclose. In fact, I had to get the boring stuff out of the way because you are in for the shock of your life. Are you sitting down? Have you gripped the sides of your chairs? With both hands?

We are now preparing to bring home our son John's sister! Are your eyes as round as saucers? Yes, John has a 2 year old sister and their birth mother has decided to "come clean" and let her join John forever! The paperwork is still not 100% signed, sealed and delivered. So, would you pray with us that all goes smoothly for our little girl? I can't believe that I am actually writing these words. It doesn't seem real! Praise God for knowing all before time began. I could not have comprehended this turn of events years ago when we decided to pursue a family. We are overjoyed at this new (and a little daunting) miracle! Oh, and would you say a prayer that we learn our sweet girls' Chinese name soon??? :O

Matthew 18:5
And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name, welcomes me.

Below I've posted a link that I could spend all day touring! I am a little obsessed with beauty when it comes to homes and decorating. As a kid my folks and I would pile in the car (as my mom's family did when she was a child growing up in FL) and ride around Atlanta on a Sunday afternoon and take in the sites. I would usually end up reading in the backseat. But, of course, I've got the bug now that I'm older and wiser :).

This amazing blog has compiled all her blogger friends' homes in one location! Check it out and tell me it's not better than a Sunday drive!

On the right column is also a list of a few celebs homes, nurseries and more! Enjoy!

http://hookedonhouses.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/hooked-on-house-%20tours-blog-party-headquarters/

Marie Sue Chapman

http://eugenecho.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/praying-for-steven-curtis-chapmans-family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApIQXJqJmAs

Court

As many of you know, John's first court was today, August 4th. The words used to describe it were "it went relatively well." The judge hurried through his case as the case before John's was long and arduous. However, she had done her homework on him. We are praying that she is satisfied with the birth mothers answers today as to her inability to care for him and that she will put her seal of approval on the adoption quickly. She has several months to hold his case if she chooses. This is likely. So, I guess stagnant news is better than bad news. I know my tone sounds matter of fact and a little melancholy. That's because that's the way I'm feeling :). Thanks for your prayers and thoughts today!

Here's the latest on our little man:

John is doing very well. He is quite the ladies man. He loves to hold
hands with the other babies. He is smiling a lot more every passing day. He
also loves to touch his toes. He is getting pretty good on his feet. He
loves to bounce on our legs. He is eating very well. He sometimes has
trouble falling asleep but when he gets to sleep he does not wake up till
morning. We love having John with us but we cant wait till he goes home with
you all.

Monday, August 4th

This Monday, August 4th, is John's first court date. A lottery between judges is used to decided whom will see each child's case. We ended up with the slow judge. (There are only two judges!) So, more waiting probably...we won't know anything for two weeks after the first court date. August 18th will most likely be the 2nd court date. We don't how much we'll know after August 18th as to when we'll be able to travel. It's all up in the air. What's new!? Pray with us that all goes smoothly on Monday. Oh, pray for our sanity, too!