tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130170522012-02-16T18:00:18.089-08:00my thoughts on mothering, both gleeful and tearfulHilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.comBlogger2461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-30861892702516639752011-02-25T05:11:00.000-08:002011-02-25T05:35:50.196-08:00

Last Friday morning I was getting ready for my first airplane trip in almost 3 years. This was not something we had planned for many months like the majority of our trips, and it was the first trip we had made in the year since moving here. I don't think I have ever stayed somewhere for so long before. We had bought our tickets for our trip only 2 days previously. It was an emergent trip.It

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-28487857282488331292011-02-21T19:30:00.000-08:002011-02-21T19:45:47.722-08:00

FOR TODAYOutside my window...the curtains are drawn, and it is a very dark night, with clouds scudding overhead. The wind is whipping around the house, but not whistling in through the tight windows. I am glad to be inside.I am thinking...that I can't believe a glass falling off of the counter in the bathroom managed to not only smash itself, but break the toilet to a point of irreparable

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-35921300048541632092011-02-06T06:45:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:34:55.389-08:00

FOR TODAYOutside my window...it is a grey and cloudy day. Cold. Last Sunday it was gloriously warm and Sunday. Today is the polar opposite.I am thinking...how unusual it is for me to be alone. I am home from church (again) with a sick baby. And yet, I am thankful to be alone(ish) and have this time to do things like blogging that I have not had in many moons.I am thankful for...a house that

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-37158558246156148462011-02-06T06:34:00.000-08:002011-02-06T06:41:19.173-08:00

Two years. Two years since I wrote anything on here. Two years in which many, many things happened. Some incredibly sad and hard, and some incredibly delightful and joyful. Now, I am sure you are thinking that this could be said of any two years. That may be true to some extent. But I am serious when I say it. They were two hard years, and yet they also brought us a gift. A gift named Lily

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-24770980923524477552008-12-17T07:21:00.000-08:002008-12-17T08:08:13.768-08:00

So this year I actually managed to save up money for Christmas. I started either in August or September trying to save about $100 per month for Christmas this year. However, by the first of December I had a lot less than the $400 I had wanted to have, minimal. But with some budgeting magic, and God's blessing, we ended up with about $370 for Christmas after all. In the past we have either

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-76962406671847939902008-12-01T14:17:00.000-08:002008-12-01T14:18:59.037-08:00

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-25747862669499394592008-10-17T06:52:00.000-07:002008-10-17T07:11:24.828-07:00

Haven't written in awhile. I have still been trying to be frugal, and sometimes feeling like I'm not doing quite as great as I would like. A lot of it is still trial and failure. I need to look at my receipts for this month and try and figure out where I spent my money and on what. It feels like I have spent a lot of money, and have very little to show for it, at least food wise. Next month my

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-58233977176604118412008-09-23T16:17:00.000-07:002008-09-23T16:23:14.595-07:00

I know it isn't the true end of the month, but I spent the last of my money today, so it pretty much is! I went to Walgreens three more times since I posted, and WalMart once.Here are the month end totals.Totals of all receipts after discounts: $456Total after gift cards: $378Total after rebates: $334 amount I will never see again.Total retail worth of items: $821Total savings this month:

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-92113172483200563482008-09-17T12:02:00.000-07:002008-09-17T12:06:10.886-07:00

I got free things! Twice this week I have opened the mail box to find free things. Things I signed up for online. Wal-Mart gives a lot of free samples away. Right now I think I have signed up for at least another six on their website. They mail them rather quickly, and in nice litttle blue boxes.On Monday I received my free sample of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Heavy Duty which was a full size

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-32084583298488320942008-09-13T10:23:00.000-07:002008-09-13T10:30:16.110-07:00

Joey's birthday is this coming Tuesday. Happy Birthday!He decided to celebrate his birthday a bit over his Labor Day holiday from school, so we went out to dinner then. He chose to go to Umi which we now reserve for very special occassions. It was nice, though not as nice as it once was. The food was good though, and it made Gabbie happy as well, since that is also her favorite dumpling

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-29508553380807847012008-09-11T14:39:00.000-07:002008-09-11T14:52:29.287-07:00

Well, I did pretty well today, only one mistake. I meant to pick up the Excedrin Express Gels that have a free after rebate deal on them. For whatever reason I picked up extra strength tablets instead. Which were more expensive and have no deal on them whatsoever, so I am returning those and not reporting them in my totals for today. I bought 3 Robitussin syrups, each on sale for $3.99, with a

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-12369377978124100232008-09-04T11:22:00.000-07:002008-09-04T11:28:45.904-07:00

So I made my weekly trek to Walgreens. Here is what I got.2 boxes of Kellogg Smart Start at 2/$5 with 2 $1/1 MFG coupons, they were $1.50 each, much cheaper than even Wally world!2 Downy Ultra Fabric Softeners $3.50 each1 Crest ProHealth FAR1 Tide-2-Go Pen $2.153 Gillette Shave Gel $1.45 each1 Lipsyl lipbalm FAR1 Revlon Gel Nail Hardener FAR2 Pantene Expressions $2.50 eachTotal worth of products

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-38712691581458928612008-09-04T09:25:00.000-07:002008-09-04T09:37:25.001-07:00

Yesterday I realized that I should probably make a wal-mart trip. It was the beginning of the month, and we were out of a few things, like milk, juice, bread. Also, it dawned on me that yesterday was the last day of our self-imposed "vacation." Meaning today Joey went back to school after a week off for labor day. So yesterday was the last day for awhile where I could go to Wal-Mart all by

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-22161917358434627782008-08-30T18:25:00.001-07:002008-08-30T18:34:52.574-07:00

So Walgreens was super special this Friday and Saturday. The rebate and coupon books overlapped. Giving you double coupons for several items, very nice. Also, they had issued a $10 off of $40 coupon.Then today I got my first Walgreens rebate gift card in the mail. A whole $22! Yay! I know some of my previous posts said that because of rebates, I paid very little out of pocket. I decided

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-84262030884146669732008-08-25T07:14:00.000-07:002008-08-25T07:21:22.878-07:00

So, I made two more trips to Walgreens. I wasn't planning on this, but then, they came out with a coupon. A coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase. And I wanted to buy some of the free after rebate items. So I went and shopped on Friday.I bought 2 bottles organic conditioner, 2 bags Hershey Bliss candy, 3 packages batteries, 1 large vacuum bag, 4 pack light bulbs. Total: $43After Coupons: $28.34

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-18966695118940128072008-08-22T11:21:00.000-07:002008-08-22T11:25:59.239-07:00

I woke up this morning and was tired. I hate it when that happens. I tried to not get up for another two hours, only to get up and be tired. With a headache. Whine, whine, whine. Then it set in. My parents will be here in TWO DAYS! Aaahhhhhh! Last week I had the house in good order, and I have tried to keep it that way, but for some reason my two children have a remarkable power to make

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-63383057352651018732008-08-21T11:36:00.000-07:002008-08-21T11:42:44.038-07:00

So I made a last minute trip to Target this morning, after reading about some possible terrific deals there. I did okay, but not as good as some other people. Best deal was the soda. I got 5 12-packs for $1.50 each. They were on sale for 4/10 or $2.50 a piece, plus I had a Target coupon for $1 off each of them. So that was good. I also bought a box of diapers for $14 which made the diapers $

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-61260980768230861802008-08-21T11:29:00.000-07:002008-08-21T11:36:14.126-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Nothing else can really describe it. It was cloudy and misty all day long. The warmest it got was 70 degrees outside. I opened all the windows, turned off the A/C and turned on the fans. It got humid in here, but it also felt so good! It was a foretaste of fall. I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for lunch. My favorite cloudy day food in the

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-16241295362697352292008-08-19T12:46:00.000-07:002008-08-25T07:23:19.963-07:00

Hey all! If anyone out there still remembers my blog, or me, ha ha! I know, it has been what, two years since I managed to post anything here, maybe longer? Wow. Crazy.One of my friends asked me if I was going to start blogging about how much money I save with coupons, and I said, "No." Though I also said that I don't blog anymore. So apparently either I'm a liar, or just changed my mind. I am

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626280482556442006-12-08T17:04:00.002-08:002006-12-08T17:04:40.490-08:00

Berries encrusted in ice. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626262601810722006-12-08T17:04:00.001-08:002006-12-08T17:04:22.606-08:00

Snow Angel! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626247075224482006-12-08T17:04:00.000-08:002006-12-08T17:04:07.083-08:00

Gabbie shows how she can dig like a dog in the snow, you should have seen the snow flying! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626142394583692006-12-08T17:02:00.001-08:002006-12-08T17:02:22.400-08:00

SNOW! Yippee! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626123989611282006-12-08T17:02:00.000-08:002006-12-08T17:02:04.003-08:00

A brief hug in the midst of running around. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626102492453152006-12-08T17:01:00.001-08:002006-12-08T17:01:42.500-08:00

What??? Where is this end of the teeter-totter? It's stuck mom! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626069868986972006-12-08T17:01:00.000-08:002006-12-08T17:01:09.876-08:00

Almost time to go in, Gabbie was covered in snow, and her nose was pink! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1165626044608046162006-12-08T17:00:00.000-08:002006-12-08T17:00:44.750-08:00

I can't climb up the steps, they are too slippery! what happened to my slide!!! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477845822419482006-11-13T20:17:00.001-08:002006-11-13T20:17:25.826-08:00

Lantern silhouette. Enough said. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477828836282112006-11-13T20:17:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:17:08.846-08:00

Trying to capture the light. It was really pretty at that time of morning, 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477798191551602006-11-13T20:16:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:16:38.206-08:00

Panorama view. We scattered the lanterns in a zig-zag and tried to push them back into the pews so no one would trip over them or knock into them. That aisle was not very wide. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477737379078872006-11-13T20:15:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:15:37.380-08:00

Close up of one of the fabulous lantern decorations that I managed to create. I'm still rather proud of these! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477692983624692006-11-13T20:14:00.001-08:002006-11-13T20:14:52.990-08:00

Another shot of the bannister with the stained glass. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477673826529842006-11-13T20:14:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:14:33.833-08:00

The chapel area is actually on the second floor of the building. These are the stairs leading up to the chapel. We decorated the bannister so there could be pictures taken in front of the stained glass and on the stairs. It's tradition. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477599058361162006-11-13T20:13:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:13:19.066-08:00

Another shot of the appetizers, I missed the fondue fountain, which was everyone's favorite thing by far! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477556705452732006-11-13T20:12:00.001-08:002006-11-13T20:12:36.710-08:00

The appetizers were great, lots of cheese and fun stuff.  

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477533523698382006-11-13T20:12:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:12:13.530-08:00

Yay for a fountain of sparkling cider. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477506528180932006-11-13T20:11:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:11:46.533-08:00

The cake table decor. I made the vase, and cranes. The cake was by Marci Woodward and the bride and groom decorations were found by the bride's father. I also took the church's trellis and ugly leaves, and turned them into a nice backdrop for the cake area. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477416450348632006-11-13T20:10:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:10:16.456-08:00

One of the tall centerpieces that was on most of the tables. I have no idea what is hanging down in front of my camera lens, blast. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477359233605312006-11-13T20:09:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:09:19.240-08:00

One of the "low" centerpieces that didn't get in the way of pictures. I really liked these little half baskets, I should have brought one home! The plates and silverware that are heavy plastic looked great, held up great, but were still disposable. Those were a great find on the part of the parents. Thank you COSTCO. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477278545794472006-11-13T20:07:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:07:58.550-08:00

A look across the room. I was trying to get the ceiling where all the cranes were hovering above people. This picture unfortuantely turned out dark and is still fuzzy after working on it. But you get the idea of the whole. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1163477210990499972006-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:002006-11-13T20:06:51.056-08:00

Buffet table with lanterns hanging over it. The food was fantastic, Italian and Thai, yummy. I loved the lanterns, but they were battery operated and they only stayed lit for less than an hour. That was a rip off, oh well. They were still cute. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1159205037191271172006-09-25T10:23:00.000-07:002006-09-25T10:23:57.200-07:00

I have wanted a fall arrangement for my front door, but have never made one. Okay, that's not true. I made one when we lived in the apartment 5 years ago. Since then, I haven't done much with flowers. Well, Amber inspired me the other day, so I tried my hand at it again. I bought some flowers at half-off for a total of $20 instead of close to fifty, and got four arrangements out of them.

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1159204795505506922006-09-25T10:19:00.000-07:002006-09-25T10:19:55.516-07:00

With leftovers from the front door project, I made this for my mantle. I would have liked to put is eomwhere lower in the room, but that is not possible with two little kids running around and touching everything. It is nice though, sorry that the pic is a little blurry. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1159204728029802532006-09-25T10:18:00.000-07:002006-09-25T10:18:48.040-07:00

My table centerpiece for fall. Featuring the potpourri that I bought on Saturday. Aren't the "mini pumpkins" so cute? And they smell amazing too! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1158966505770887612006-09-22T16:08:00.000-07:002006-09-22T16:08:25.776-07:00

Anoter pic of my dining room with it's new lights and almost finished kitchen 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1158966476927262012006-09-22T16:07:00.003-07:002006-09-22T16:07:56.936-07:00

Back of kimono and obi 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1158966463140361172006-09-22T16:07:00.002-07:002006-09-22T16:07:43.146-07:00

Gabbie kimono 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1158966459604637592006-09-22T16:07:00.001-07:002006-09-22T16:07:39.610-07:00

Shooting star cowboy shoes 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1158966420780703242006-09-22T16:07:00.000-07:002006-09-22T16:07:01.013-07:00

shoes for "Prince" Isaac 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157599319266423312006-09-06T20:17:00.000-07:002006-09-06T20:21:59.280-07:00

Today's trip to Wal-Mart ended with me crying in the automotive office. I managed to smash my pinky and ring finger in the door of the automotive department on the way to the parking lot with my cart full of groceries and Davy in his sling. I actually had to use my other hand to remove my finger from the door. I still don't know exactly what happened and how it was possible to wedge my finger

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157599018565005402006-09-06T20:16:00.001-07:002006-09-06T20:16:58.580-07:00

My very swollen and stiff finger along with the damaged ring finger, also swollen and bruised. I am typing with the hurt finger, but it doesn't feel good. I got a splint for it, and that helps a lot. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157598964304962842006-09-06T20:16:00.000-07:002006-09-06T20:16:04.310-07:00

The pinky on my right hand which is NORMAL, just so you have a comparison for the next picture. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157598931827314792006-09-06T20:15:00.000-07:002006-09-06T20:15:31.840-07:00

Top of the squished finger. You can see the swelling and sausage-like fiinger. You can especially see the difference around the nail, where my finger is all poofy. My ring finger is also swollen enough that I can't get my fake ring off, and it actually chipped and broke off half of one of the fake stones in the impact, that is what cut my finger. Oh, and the brown stuff on my finger is

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157598818976741692006-09-06T20:13:00.000-07:002006-09-06T20:13:39.073-07:00

The underside of my smashed pinky finger. The red on the tip of my finger is where the blood pooled at the surface. My finger was pinched at about the first knuckle. And yes, the black spot on my ring finger is a lovely scab, and some nice bruising above that, where that finger got in the way too. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157243204187922812006-09-02T17:24:00.000-07:002006-09-02T17:26:44.206-07:00

If you have come to this site in reference to slings, baby shoes, diaper bags, cloth diapers, etc. then you are in the right place! To see some pictures of the great baby things that I have made, and can make for you, look in the June 06 and December 05 archives. If you have questions about what you see, or would like specific info on what I can make for you, please email me at gracie.hp@

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157152379477530502006-09-01T16:12:00.001-07:002006-09-01T16:12:59.476-07:00

Gabbie posing in the "before" shot of the dining room chairs. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157152359978743242006-09-01T16:12:00.000-07:002006-09-01T16:12:39.980-07:00

After picture of reupholstering the dining room chairs. Only 6 dollars of materials, and wa-la, new chairs! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157152178983189072006-09-01T16:09:00.000-07:002006-09-01T16:09:38.990-07:00

Looking through to the kitchen. The blue really isn't that bright! Still pretty though. Now I just need to clean up even more boxes! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157152131735369872006-09-01T16:08:00.000-07:002006-09-01T16:08:51.740-07:00

New track lighting in the kitchen. I decided to put 2 of the pendants over the "peninsula" area of the counter and the spots in the middle of the room. That way you don't see any of the pendants through the "window" of the dining room and they won't be in the way of the mural. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157152062251073022006-09-01T16:07:00.001-07:002006-09-01T16:07:42.256-07:00

The dimmer works, this is the chandelier on a medium setting. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157152043996954812006-09-01T16:07:00.000-07:002006-09-01T16:07:24.003-07:00

Ahh, elegance. I LOVE the new chandelier. I definitely made the right choice on this one. This is with the lights on high. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157152004027862972006-09-01T16:06:00.000-07:002006-09-01T16:06:44.033-07:00

New ceiling fan! I decided to use the cherry finish side of the blade. It really makes the nickel finish pop. The extension pole was a little bit longer than the old fan, but I think it is better this way. It still needs new chains though. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157151869390756162006-09-01T16:04:00.001-07:002006-09-01T16:04:29.396-07:00

looking down into entry way light 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1157151857084018562006-09-01T16:04:00.000-07:002006-09-01T16:04:17.200-07:00

Looking up at entry way light 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162883658169162006-08-09T15:34:00.001-07:002006-08-09T15:34:43.670-07:00

A picture of the green paint next to the cabinets. It looks greener in real life. I think it still needs something more to give it more depth. We'll see what I decide. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162844872807632006-08-09T15:34:00.000-07:002006-08-09T15:34:04.876-07:00

A picture of the china cabinet. I think it is so pretty now with all of the china and crystal on display. I can't wait until I have a chance to actually use it! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162811998698992006-08-09T15:33:00.000-07:002006-08-09T15:33:32.006-07:00

Gabbie wanted to be in the dining room pictures, can you tell? Pardon the things in the corner. They are all the things that still need to be moved back to the kitchen. The kitchen is still in chaos. But you can see the green in this picture. This blue looks a lot better in real life, much softer. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162670805930862006-08-09T15:31:00.000-07:002006-08-09T15:31:10.810-07:00

Gabbie posing in the dining room. I worked on cleaning and polishing everything in there this morning. Still not done. Am I ever done?  

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162592817526892006-08-09T15:29:00.000-07:002006-08-09T15:29:52.826-07:00

One of the new towel hooks, with ducky towel, and one of the new toilet paper holders. There is also a toilet paper holder on the cabinet by the toilet, so that Gabbie can reach the paper easier. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162537356197912006-08-09T15:28:00.001-07:002006-08-09T15:28:57.363-07:00

New shelves above the toilet instead of an etagere'. It will be a good place to stash soap and lotion where the kids can't reach it! ha ha! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162490748334772006-08-09T15:28:00.000-07:002006-08-09T15:28:10.756-07:00

New hand towel ring. The towel is actually navy blue, shows up black in pics though. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1155162463348302392006-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:002006-08-09T15:27:43.450-07:00

close up of kid's bathroom wall. The blue is not really this bright. Digital cameras are tricky to use for accurate colors. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1154399805637986262006-07-31T19:36:00.000-07:002006-07-31T19:36:45.646-07:00

Progress in the kitchen. First we have to take the surface layer off of the wallpaper. The "peelable" part. We can't steam over it, because it is vinyl. Scoring it, takes ages, but then so does this process. Also, you run the risk with scoring, that you might poke more holes in your wall that you will have to fix later. I don't know. You always second guess yourself in these projects. I

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1154399697082747962006-07-31T19:34:00.001-07:002006-07-31T19:34:57.090-07:00

Close up of the kitchen wallpaper, for posterity. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1154399668783955772006-07-31T19:34:00.000-07:002006-07-31T19:34:28.796-07:00

A detail of the last scrap of dining room wallpaper that I have left. Its gone, its gone! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1154399619945515202006-07-31T19:33:00.000-07:002006-07-31T19:33:39.950-07:00

Close up of the fabric that I picked up today to use on the dining room chairs. I'm going to reupholster. The other seats are worn out, and stained. It is not the best match for the room, but it is better than what we have right now, and I figure, if I can redo the chairs for $9.80, I will. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1154399540564101042006-07-31T19:32:00.000-07:002006-07-31T19:32:20.573-07:00

Detail of top of china cabinet against blue wall. Sorry for the blur, I was using natural light, and I moved a little while taking the picture and wrestling a little boy. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1154399474643233712006-07-31T19:31:00.000-07:002006-07-31T19:31:14.643-07:00

Detail of the sheers, valance and curtain rod in the dining room. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1154399446684158082006-07-31T19:30:00.000-07:002006-07-31T19:30:46.740-07:00

The very time consuming faux finish on the dining room wall. Please forgive the fact that this is not an exact color. That is hard to do with a camera flash. Also, please ignore that the wall is not super smooth. That would have taken a couple more days of work. Anyhoo. You can see this stripes pretty well in this pic. I'm happy with how it worked out. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150137890636413622006-06-12T11:44:00.000-07:002006-06-12T11:45:35.150-07:00

I did it, I did it! I knitted something all by myself. A tiny dolly hat. I used brown Lion's Wool-Ease and #9 needles. The first row was 40 stitches, the last row, 5 stitches.

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150137835242015972006-06-12T11:43:00.003-07:002006-06-12T11:43:55.253-07:00

hat on doll baby 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150137811635437602006-06-12T11:43:00.002-07:002006-06-12T11:46:01.853-07:00

the kool-aid dyes and dropper

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150137794416108732006-06-12T11:43:00.001-07:002006-06-12T11:43:14.423-07:00

pink and purple 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150137782454527432006-06-12T11:43:00.000-07:002006-06-12T11:43:02.460-07:00

rainbow 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150137769931428772006-06-12T11:42:00.000-07:002006-06-12T11:42:49.976-07:00

ice blue raspberry and arctic green apple 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134760725292582006-06-12T10:54:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:54:38.793-07:00

My third wool soaker. I made this with yarn I bought at Thread Peddlers. It is a single ply handspun varigated yarn, 100% wool. It makes a pretty heavy soaker, which is great for absorbency, yet still breathable, and oh so pretty. However, the ribbing needs to be tighter around the waist. And I still have almost a full ball left.

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134646469594352006-06-12T10:52:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:54:22.556-07:00

My second spinning attempt dyed with rainbow kool-aid colors and crocheted into a ribbon with single crochet. Not much yarn here!

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134605423183742006-06-12T10:50:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:50:05.436-07:00

My 3rd spinning attempt, dyed with kool-aid and crocheted with a close shell stitch. Very summery. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134549627573482006-06-12T10:49:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:55:03.283-07:00

The bag full of goodies I sent Julie and Hannah recently. It has 8 cloth diapers, one wetbag, one fitted cloth diaper, one doubler, one microfleece and flannel Pooh blanket, 2 handy pockets, great straps, and instructions on washing the diapers.

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134475698728242006-06-12T10:47:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:47:55.706-07:00

One of the eight cloth Pooh diapers that were in the back (on right). On left is the Pooh wetbag I also sent. A wetbag is a waterproof bag you can use to tuck used cloth diapers into while out and about, so they don't get your diaper bag yucky. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134407405910692006-06-12T10:46:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:46:47.420-07:00

Inside of cloth diaper, lined with pooh microfleece. This helps keep skin dry, while wicking moisture to internal absorbent layers. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134282660702062006-06-12T10:44:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:59:33.323-07:00

The amazing star and giraffe cake! This isn't really a "cake" per se. It is layers of chocolate wafer cookies and cool whip. Yes, it is a Martha Stewart recipe, from her KIDS magazine. Everyone said how fantastic the cake was, and we will definitely make it again! The original recipe actually calls for homemade heavy whipped cream, however, that would not be good for a little boy who is allergic

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134075406134442006-06-12T10:41:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:41:15.416-07:00

Davy's "smash cake." Five cookies, a lot of cool whip and a couple of cookies. He absolutely loved it! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134029950423612006-06-12T10:40:00.001-07:002006-06-12T10:40:29.960-07:00

Star cookies. Aren't they pretty! 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1150134008115669122006-06-12T10:40:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:40:08.133-07:00

The extra cookies we had left over from making the cookie cake. So we had fun decorating them. I made the argyle cookie, polka dot cookie and davy's name. Amber made the rest. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1149784363775605562006-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:55:33.503-07:00

My new wool top. Out of the bag, once fluffed, the top is about 6-8 inches in diameter, it is so thick! I'm going to have to separated into about 4-6 pieces to make the thickness of yarn I want, more for thread. The bottom piece is after it is separated into 4 pieces. Any suggestions anyone?

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1149784252593918682006-06-08T09:30:00.000-07:002006-06-08T09:30:52.603-07:00

spinning corner madness. Loose fibers, half made yarn, bits and pieces float around! On the spindle is my first attempt with my new wool top. Not so great, I'm having to re-learn my spinning for this new long fiber. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1149784046477394512006-06-08T09:27:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:55:53.793-07:00

Second wool soaker, much better, but the top is not snug enough and it likes to slip down. It is also stretched out after been worn several times before washing. Gabbie joins in the picture taking fun.

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1149783993544318922006-06-08T09:26:00.000-07:002006-06-08T09:26:33.556-07:00

first wool soaker attempt, too small! Mainly around the waist and legs, I did not have the right size of crochet hooks. So I am hoping that this fits baby Hannah. 

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13017052.post-1149783542920270122006-06-08T09:19:00.000-07:002006-06-12T10:56:41.043-07:00

sample of three different size and styles fo leather shoes that I have made. The one on the far right has been worn by Davy a lot!

Hilleryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10492194230713826799noreply@blogger.com0