Product Plug

Every once in a while, I come across a product so surprisingly impressive, I can't wait to share it with my friends. A couple of years ago, after spending the weekend at our house, my friend, Lori, left me some Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner as a "Thank You." I had noticed it before, but foolishly assumed that the product, itself, could never measure up to it's clever and cutesy packaging. But once I tried it, I was amazed by it's cleaning power and forever hooked. Not only is it safe for use around pets and babies, I think it works better than the stuff made with harsh chemicals. I use it regularly, around the house and shop, on cabinets, countertops, floors, walls, baseboards, toilets, shower doors, and more. The best part is the fragrance! My guests always compliment on how great my house smells. Lemon Verbena, Geranium, Basil, or Lavender...They are all so delightfully aromatic, I can't pick a favorite. So, I stock them all in my cleaning supply closet and switch it up according to my mood. It's important to note that a little goes a long way. Just dilute a small amount in a big bucket of warm water and get busy. Finally, Lori should be happy to know that whenever possible, I pay it forward, and give Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner as a housewarming or hostess gift. Great idea!

Oh, Happy Day!

Chris and Wanda showed up at the house this afternoon as Husband and Wife. Yes, they tied the knot in a romantic, secret ceremony. It took place beside the pool at Jeff's house. Alli was there, of course, as well as Jeff and the officiant. We are so glad they finally did it, and think it's fantastic that they kept it simple - no frill, no fluff, only the important stuff. The honeymooners (with Derrek and Jordan) are heading to San Antonio tonight, to stay in a motel near the hospital where the donor and donee are to report early in the morning for a final round of pre-transplant testing. Congratulations! And welcome to the family!

Breakfast with the Girls

This morning, Tara, Rebekah, and I met for breakfast with our girls at Rather Sweet. We enjoyed each other's company over omelettes and pancakes. Everybody noticed that Willa wasn't quite herself, though. I attributed her fussiness to her missed morning nap. But by the time we got home, she was running a temperature of 104 degrees. Dr. Stafford diagnosed her with a mild ear infection and prescribed her very first antibiotic. (Milestone!) Even Rather Sweet Pancakes couldn't pep her up...

Rebekah with Camden (15 months)...

All of the girls...

We can't all be picture-perfect, all of the time...

Gracie Jolie-Pitt (8 weeks)...

Harlie Lyn (3)...

Harlie and Camden...

Big-girl fascination...

Thankfully, the infected one did not partake in the love-fest...

Smiling Down

The whole family got together tonight to celebrate the wonderful exchange that is about to take place. On Wednesday, Derrek and Chris will undergo the greatly anticipated kidney transplant. For Derrek, it is about giving the gift of all gifts, the gift of life, to his oldest, dearest friend and cousin. And for Chris, it means a life-saving, life-changing act of selflessness and love from his oldest, dearest friend and cousin. Jimmy toasted the two of them on behalf of the family. It was very heartfelt and touching, and left everyone speechless. Except for Chris, who stood up and graciously expressed his gratitude. The whole evening was amazing. This is what family is about. Vernon and Zola would be so proud.

Billie Pride...Uber Alles!

We went to watch Alli cheer in the pep rally last Friday. It was the first time since I graduated (1995) that I have attended an FHS event. Wow, did it ever take me back! The familiar, pounding sounds from the band, the exact same cheerleading dance (yes, I managed to refrain from joining in...barely), the unbridled school spirit, the Billie Goat mascot and the silly skits, and that tear-jerking Alma Mater (school song.) You should've seen the goosebumps I got and the permasmile plastered across my face. Willa enjoyed it, too, and you can see from the pictures how she was enthralled with the noise and big-kid excitement. If only I could re-live a home-game Friday back at FHS. Those were the days...

My Plate Project

Well, here it is. I'm a day late to post, but did you really expect any different? When my mom came over, she was totally in, just as I predicted. But between the two of us, we decided that I needed a few more plates. So yesterday, I hit the antique mall and found 3 new ones to add to the mix. Once I laid them all out, I got really excited about it and just couldn't wait for my mom. She was with me in spirit, definitely, as I remembered and followed her no-fail tips for plate-hanging. #1 Lay out your design prior to hanging to avoid putting unneccesary nail holes in your wall...I wanted an arching pattern that would draw the eye up and emphasize the back door and it's sunny view of the yard. #2 Keep your spacing consistent...I went with about a 3 inch gap between all of my plates to give it a clean and airy feel. #3 Avoid placing plates of similar shape (with the exception of round ones,) size, pattern, and color next to one another. I tried to spread out the solids and mix up the styles, but kept with a set color palette. And #4 It's not permanent, so don't overthink it. I had to keep repeating this one like a mantra. I have a habit of overthinking (everything.) I am thoroughly pleased with the results and I love my kitchen again!

Calling in the Expert

Maybe the recent shift from shop-girl to stay-at-home-mom has given me an excess of pent-up creative energy. Or it could be that the construction in the backyard has re-birthed an enthusiasm toward our home. Likely it's the time I have been spending on various design blogs that is responsible for my feelings of domestic inadequacy and my urgent need for an interior overhaul. Problem is, it is very difficult to accomplish even the little projects, while tending to an active 8-month old. But yesterday, I just went for it and started multiple projects. Most of my walls (where photographs and miscellaneous art once hung) are now bare. With the current state of the economy and the expense of our garage addition, I need not spend frivolously on new decor. So I am attempting to move things around and revamp the place with what I already have. Here is a photo of a wall of bold, graphic plates in an interesting arrangement. I am going to try to achieve this look in my kitchen:

I am not new to the art of plate-hanging. In fact, my mom practically invented it. She is coming over today to see Willa, and I have a fool-proof plan will suck her right in. I will lay out all of my plates, leaving no room to play, work, or breathe. And I will cleverly direct her attention to my pathetically naked wall. She will be putty in my hands! Watch for the results tomorrow...