Observing My Senses

For Today, October 30, 2010...

I am seeing...another beautiful but waaaay too hot South Florida day. It's supposed to start cooling off tomorrow. I hope so.

I am feeling...God in a special way. He's preparing me for something. I'm not entirely sure what that something is yet, but I feel Him taking me there by the hand, and it's very comforting.

I am hearing...my son and nephew playing. My nephew stayed over last night. He's 12 years old and my son's best friend. What's more important, he's developing a love for Jesus that truly excites me.

I am tasting...breakfast. Scrambled egg, one slice of bacon, hash browns (I love Simply Potatoes; makes my life so easy!), and coffee. Mmm....

I am smelling...my boy's room. It's a little stuffy in here, but not too bad. Think I'll open a window.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

The Friday Five

I found another 5 Friday question meme over at My Little Life. Let's have some fun with this, shall we?

1. If you could be a fly on any wall, which would you choose?
I don't know that I'd want to be a fly on any wall. If I'm not there to hear it, it must not be meant for me to know.

2. Do you budget your Christmas shopping or just get it done without budgeting?
I most definitely budget. If I didn't we'd go broke real quick.

3. What is the craziest fad diet you have ever done?
The Slim-Fast shakes. What gave me the idea I could live on those nasty things forever?!

4. Is there a TV show that you have seen every episode/season of?
The Duggars. Whether it's 17, 18 or 19 Kids and Counting, I've watched them and loved them all.

5. What one song always pulls at your heart?
I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.

Have a great weekend everybody!!

Thankful Thursdays

Today I want to share a poem I read in my devotions that came at just the right time, and I'm thankful that God provides these words at just the right time. This poem is by Amy Carmichael. Enjoy.

Our Father knows what's best for us, so why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine, but He knows there must be rain.
We love the sound of laughter and the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness if we never shed a tear.
For growing trees are strengthened when they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of the chisel gives the diamond grace and form.
God never hurts us needlessly, and He never wastes our pain,
For every loss He sends to us is followed by rich gain.
And when we count the blessings that God so freely sent,
We'll find no cause for murmuring, and no time to lament.
For our Father loves His children, and to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure when the soul's deep need is pain.
So Whenever we are troubled, and when everything goes wrong,
We know God's working in our hearts, to make our spirit strong.

This month Thankful Thursdays is hosted by Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Have a great day.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, October 26, 2010...

Outside my window...there's alot of cloud cover. Looks like it might rain, though the weather lady said probably not until tomorrow. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

I am thinking...of God's will, and what He wants to do next in my life. Am I open to His changes? I sure hope I am.

I am thankful for...Scripture. My life manual. I'd be lost without it.

I am going...to continue polishing floors today. I did the bedrooms yesterday, and they look fabulous!

I am wearing...a black and white top, white capris and white flip-flops. Interestingly enough, it's the same thing I was wearing last week when I wrote my daybook.

I am noticing...that change is in the air, though I don't know what exactly it is or where it's going.

I am currently...working on floors. I really want the house to look nice for the holidays, as it looks like we'll be having company here for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I am reading...Acts for morning devotions, and still devouring Agatha Christie mysteries. Just finished another one yesterday.

I am waiting...to see what the Lord is going to do next. I'm not good at waiting. I think that's why the Lord takes His time, to teach me patience.

On my mind...my hubby working in Central Florida while his co-worker recovers in the hospital from a heart attack. It makes me realize just how blessed I am.

From the learning rooms...the science project progresses. The cucumber seeds have sprouted, the green beans are a bit slower but it looks like they'll sprout as well.

I am pondering these words..."And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28.

From the kitchen today...leftovers. I made extra ground beef yesterday so we're good for today.

Around the house...floor polishing, door painting, laundry washing.

One of my favorite things...reading. I'd much rather read a good book than sit in front of the television.

A few plans for the rest of the week...same ole same ole. Library, Awana, Cub Scouts. J should be home on Saturday, Lord willing.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing...E at his first paintball party. I was so worried he'd get hurt, but he didn't. He had a great time with his friends, and experienced something new. I'm glad he had fun.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Move It Mondays

Good morning to all, and happy Monday. It's really quiet around here today. My hubby had to go to Central Florida again, this time for a week. The reason is a sad one; his co-worker who handles that territory had a heart attack. Thankfully he's in a hospital, he's awake and alert, and the doctors are running tests to see what caused it and what damage has been done. We're praying he can get home soon.

In the meantime, I have things to do here at home. I've had breakfast (cream of wheat, a banana, and coffee), and dropped E at school. For today, I hope to

*Fix beds
*Sweep and polish wood floors in bedrooms
*Get a couple of loads of laundry done, including bedding

It will be a quiet week, but I'm thankful. I need quiet time with God desperately. He's preparing me for changes, though I don't know what they are as of yet. Have you ever experienced that? God alerting you to changes He's planning, without going into detail? It's a learning process for me, to be still and wait on Him, but it's what I hope to do. He's in control.

Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. Have a blessed week everyone. Happy Monday!

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 23, 2010...

I am seeing...a dark rainy night.

I am feeling...tired after a long day of errands, laundry and a paintball birthday party.

I am hearing...my son singing in the shower. He had a great time playing paintball, but boy is he filthy!

I am tasting...light and fluffy chocolate birthday cake. Yum!

I am smelling...pizza and cake. Typical birthday fare.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

The Friday Five

Here's some neat questions I found on another Friday 5 website. I thought I'd give these a whirl:

1. Do you still have your senior yearbook? Where is it?
Yep, it's in the living room on the bottom shelf of a book/curio cabinet.

2. What souvenir did you bring back from your last trip?
A t-shirt for my oldest son. I usually don't buy stuff when we go on trips. I just take pictures.

3. What visible signs are there of your most recent injury?
I got a nice black-and-blue just above my right knee. I was climbing the ladder to paint around the kitchen window and was just a little too close to the granite countertop. Needless to say, it hurt like crazy.

4. What’s the neatest wedding favor you’ve ever seen?
I have yet to see a "neat" wedding favor. The only one I've ever liked is from my sister's wedding.

5. What do you do with playbills and movie-ticket stubs?
Trash 'em. I hate clutter.

And that's my Friday 5 for this week. Have a great weekend everyone!

Health-Wise Wednesdays

I weighed in at 132.4 lbs today. I'm thrilled that I'm maintaining my weight between 131 and 133 each week. Maintenance has been tough for me in the past; keeping a close watch on what I eat has helped me overcome that.

And how do I keep watch? By measuring calories and food portion size. It also helps to make meals that are low in fat, like in my trusty crockpot. Here's a recipe for jambalaya that has only 193 calories per serving, only 8 grams of fat, is filling and nutritious, and is easy to make. Can you beat that?! Not with a stick.

Homemade Jambalaya

6 chicken tenders, cut into bite sized pieces
1 polish kielbasa sausage link, sliced
1 medium sized onion, chopped
1 medium sized bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 14oz. can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
1 14oz. can diced tomatoes with chilis
1 tbs. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. Creole seasoning
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Put all ingredients except shrimp into crock pot on medium for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in shrimp and cook an additional 45 minutes. Serve over white rice.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, October 19, 2010...

Outside my window...is a perfect South Florida day. The temperatures are in the 70's, the breeze is cool, the sky is blue and the clouds are puffy white. I love this time of year!

I am thinking...about my friend and some challenges she's facing right now. Praying for guidance for her family.

I am thankful for...my family, my home, and my wonderful God who gives these things to me.

I am going...to finish painting today. Everything's done except for behind the fridge. I can move that and be done this morning. Yay!

I am wearing...a black and white top, white capris and white flip-flops.

I am noticing...that my youngest son is getting tall. He's 10 years old and is the 2nd or 3rd tallest boy in his class. He just got measured in school and he's 4'10". When did he get so big?!

I am currently...pretty caught up with laundry, which is nice. Of course that doesn't last long.

I am reading...Acts for morning devotions, and another Agatha Christie book. I think I'm gonna get a couple more at the library today.

I am waiting...no way, I'm not waiting anymore. I've started Christmas shopping. I've got 3 presents done so far. I need to get moving, though. It's already October!

On my mind...my hubby's possible trip to Central Florida tomorrow. He's not too excited about it.

From the learning rooms...it's science project time. This year we're doing "Do Frozen Seeds Grow?" We have cucumber and green bean seeds in the freezer right now.

I am pondering these words... "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13.

From the kitchen today...steaks, done in the crock pot. That way I can focus on other stuff without worrying about cooking.

Around the house...after painting, the next project will be polishing floors.

One of my favorite things...is crock pot cooking. I love coming home and the house smells delicious.

A few plans for the rest of the week: library, Awana, Cub Scouts, and E has a birthday party this Saturday at a paint-ball park. That should be interesting.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing...I got these on clearance at Lowe's. Isn't the bear cute? I put them out to surprise hubby, and boy was he surprised! He got home when it was already dark, and thought the thing was a possum! It made him jump out of his skin!! LOL!!!

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

Move It Mondays

Good Monday morning to all! Today is gonna be a great day, because God is in it. I have lots of stuff to do, so now that I've had my cream of wheat breakfast and dropped my son off at school, I'm hoping to get a bunch of things done. This is my to-do list for today:

Fix beds

Fold 2 loads of laundry

Clean bathrooms

Fix lunch

Mop floors

I'm almost done painting. Since the only area left is behind the fridge, I've decided to dedicate today to some major cleaning and leave the last of the painting for tomorrow. Of course I still have to paint baseboards in the kid's rooms, and closet doors and trim in the rest of the house, but that should be quick and easy. Hope everyone has a blessed and productive week!

Move it Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. God bless.

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 16, 2010...

I am seeing...a new sunshiny day, and painted walls! I'm almost completely done - just need to paint behind the fridge! Then there's baseboards that still need painting, but I can get that done quick.

I am feeling...elated that most of the painting is done, and my house looks bright and cheery and fresh and new. Just in time for the holidays!

I am hearing...someone watering plants outside, and kids playing soccer in the nearby park. The windows are open because it's a cool and crisp morning. Our neighborhood is a peaceful one, thank the Lord, so the sounds outside are sweet.

I am tasting...eggs, bacon, cinnamon raisin toast and coffee. My morning pick-me-up.

I am smelling...cinnamon and raisins. If that doesn't conjure up pictures of a warm home, I don't know what does.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Thankful Thursdays

Today I'm rejoicing for the families in Chile who saw their loved ones come out of the mine alive and safe. I cannot imagine the last 70 days for them. First, not knowing if the miners were even alive, and then wondering if the rescue efforts would work or if they were never going to get out. The joy and relief in their faces said it all. God was there with them the whole time. My prayer is that He be glorified in this, and that those who don't know Jesus will seek Him at this time, realizing how fleeting life can be and how desperately we all need a Savior. Nothing happens by chance; I hope they all see this and reach out to Him.



Thankful Thursdays is hosted this month by Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Have a blessed rest of your week.

Health-Wise Wednesdays

I'm back down to 131.8 lbs. this week. I think with all the painting I've gotten extra exercise and I haven't been adding calories, which explains the 2 lb drop. Still, I'm in my "zone" and I'm feeling good, which is what's important.

In the spirit of autumn, and because Jello Pumpkin Spice pudding is only available during the fall, I'm going to post another recipe, this for an easy-peasy-lemony-squeezy type of pie. If you don't like baking, or just don't have the time, this is for you.

Creamy Pumpkin Pie

1 and 3/4 cups cold milk
2 packages Jello Pumpkin Spice pudding
1 tub (8 ounces) Cool Whip, thawed
1 graham cracker crumb crust

Pour milk into a large bowl. Add pudding mixes. Beat until well mixed (mixture will be thick). Immediately fold in Cool Whip. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

And you're done! This is easy enough to make in the morning and have ready by lunch time. Happy Fall Ya'll!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, October 12, 2010...

Outside my window...the clouds are looming. Looks like it's gonna rain. Of course, here in South Florida, that might mean a 10 minute downpour and a sunshiny day. We'll just have to see.

I am thinking...about my grandfather. Today would have been his birthday. He died in 2002 just a few months shy of his 100th birthday.

I am thankful...my daughter is okay. She was having some pains in her chest, but thankfully it turned out to be a pulled muscle. No basketball for awhile.

I am going...to continue painting today. I got more done yesterday than I'd planned, for which I'm also thankful.

I am wearing...a navy blue shirt with a lavender paisley design, black capris and white flip-flops. It's 76 degrees outside, so still pretty warm.

I am noticing...the living room looks brighter with the lighter tone of paint. I'm glad I went lighter; with the dark accent wall it would have looked like a dungeon with darker paint.

I am currently...painting the living room and kitchen. I have one long wall in the living room to do today, and the walls by the garage door in the kitchen.

I am reading...John for morning devotions, and I finished both Agatha Christie books. Time for a new one!

I am waiting...for my son to finish getting ready so I can take him to school.

On my mind...the holidays. They're coming up, you know.

From the learning rooms...E is having trouble with word problems again. He was doing well in math, but he got a very low grade on one test. It's one step forward, two steps back sometimes, but I'm hoping we can work on this.

I am pondering these words..."In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18.


From the kitchen today...baho. It's a Nicaraguan beef stew made with lots of root vegetables. My hubby commented he'd like to eat it so I'm attempting to make it in the crock pot. Hopefully it will be delicious!

Around the house...I'll be doing some laundry, oh, and did I mention I'm painting?

One of my favorite things...the smell of good, quality paint. It smells like a new house.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I'll be painting, painting, and in between other stuff, painting. I have walls and baseboards to paint so it takes a while. I'm loving it though! Library today, Awana tomorrow, Cub scouts on Thursday. Typical week, if it weren't for the painting!

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

Move It Mondays

I'm here bright and early posting my Move it Mondays post because it's gonna be a busy day! It was a great weekend with my daughter at home, but now it's back to business - painting business, that is! I want to have everything completed before the holidays, and it's a lot of work. Little by little I hope to be finished in a couple of weeks.

I'm having my egg-cheese-bacon-on-an-english-muffin breakfast, and I'm gonna get dressed in a few minutes to take my son to school. Once I get home, the plan is to:

Have my morning time with God
Clean kitchen
Fix beds
Start painting living room
Get lunch made
Continue painting living room

Thankfully the laundry got caught up yesterday, since my daughter brought hers home and needed to take back clean clothes. It meant everything got washed, so I'm good for today. It's gonna be a busy couple of weeks, but I'm excited at the thought of having a freshly painted home for the holidays.

Move It Mondays is hosted by Kristilea at In The Lord's Path. Have a blessed week.

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 9, 2010...

I am seeing...the sun streaming through the window, making the new colors in my dining room pop!

I am feeling...great joy because my daughter is home for the weekend. An unexpected blessing!

I am hearing...birds chirping. The weather has been pleasant, especially in the mornings, so I'm able to open the windows and let fresh air and sweet sounds come in.

I am tasting...water. I try to have 8 glasses a day. Sometimes I make it, sometimes I don't, but at least I try.

I am smelling...fresh, clean, un-air conditioned air. It's a nice change of pace.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

The Friday Five

Time for some Friday 5 - on Saturday!! Okay, I'm a day late, but that's happened before. I'm just glad you all are patient!

1. Have you ever dressed up as a Disney character?
I haven't, I've never dressed up as anything, but my daughter has. She had Princess Jasmine and Pocahontas costumes when she was little.

2. What was your favorite Disney movie growing up?
I love just about everything Disney, but I think my favorite growing up was The Brave Little Toaster. They would show it at school during assemblies, and all the kids would be so quiet and well behaved!

3. Which Disney character can you relate to the most?
Mary Poppins, because we're both Practically Perfect In Every Way (NOT!! LOL)

4. Have you ever been to a Disney theme park?
Many, many times. The advantage of living in Florida is DisneyWorld, and we went almost every year when the older kids were little. Even my youngest son has been there at least 5 times and he's only 10 years old.

5. When does someone become "too old" for Disney?
Never. That's the beauty of Disney. It's fun for all ages.

Join the fun at the Friday Five. Have a blessed weekend.

Thankful Thursdays

It's a cool, crisp day! This morning it was 69 degrees out, and for South Florida, that's cold!! I'm so very thankful that the weather has cooled off. I know for many, 69 degrees is far from cool, but for South Floridians it's important in more ways than just enjoying nicer temperatures or being rid of humidity. We live in hurricane country, and hurricanes love the warmth of the South. The warmer the weather stays, the better chance of hurricanes forming and gaining strength. By the same token, the colder it gets, the faster the waters cool off and the less likelihood of a hurricane getting too strong or even coming our way. Subtropical storm Otto is out in the ocean, but thanks to these wonderful breezes it looks like he's gonna stay out there, and that is such a blessing and something to be very, very thankful for!

This month, Thankful Thursdays is hosted by Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. I pray you all have a blessed day.

My "New" Dining Room

I'm finally able to post some pictures of my "new" dining room. It's been so cloudy outside that all the pictures kept coming out dark. Even now they seem a bit dark, certainly darker than the room actually is, but I'm not complaining. The days have been cooler and breezy, which is just fine with me.

Okay, let's take a look at the before picture. I'd painted the dining room last year an apple green. It was pretty, but the paint I'd used was some left over from painting the bathroom 8 years before, so it wasn't the best looking paint. There wasn't enough paint for touch-ups either, so it wasn't the best paint job I'd done. Still, I enjoyed it for the time, as it made the dining room look cheery:

The problem now was that the green didn't work with the new accent walls in the living and dining room. Since our floor plan is open concept, all the colors need to work together. They don't have to match, but a cool green with a warm red? It wasn't working for me at all. So I decided to use some of the red in the dining room and bring the drama from the other rooms in here too. I brightened the rest of the walls with a very light maple color, and here's the result:

This is a better view. The accent wall against the curtains is gorgeous, and I love that the dining room looks so elegant. Now it's really a "formal" dining room.

I also wanted to draw some attention to my table centerpiece. The candleholders I got as a Christmas gift the last year I worked from one of the girls in our office. I found the candles at Kohl's for under $5 each, along with the pumpkin centerpiece which was $9.

My table, along with the rest of my home, is very ready for fall. I really like that the colors on the walls reflect my favorite season! Of course they'll work the rest of the year, but these colors make the home cozy and warm, and isn't that what we all want?

Health-Wise Wednesdays

Today I weighed in at 133.8 lbs, which is still between 130 and 135 so I'm good. I don't want to focus on whether I gained or lost, but rather that I stay in a healthy range. Weight can fluctuate, especially for women, so fretting over a few ounces one week can derail months worth of successes. Can't let that happen, for sure!

I've decided to include a recipe this week, one that's easy to make and healthy as well. Yesterday I made one of our favorites, Southwestern Chicken Soup. It takes all of 30 minutes to prepare, and the best part is that one serving has 250 calories. It's got lots of veggies and is very filling. Hope you try and enjoy.

Southwestern Chicken Soup

1 lb. chicken breast tenders, diced
1 tsp poultry seasoning (I use Mrs. Dash Grilling Seasoning for chicken)
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium sized zucchini, small dice
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 - 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions
1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce
2-3 cups chicken stock (depending how thick you like your soup)
1 can mexicorn

In a hot soup pot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken to pot. Season with poultry seasoning, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Lightly brown chicken on each side. Add zucchini, onions and garlic. Cook vegetables with chicken 5 - 7 minutes to soften. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce and stock. Bring soup to a boil, reduce heat to medium low. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add mexicorn. Stir, turn heat to low for another 5 minutes. Serve with corn chips, shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, or sour cream. For a spicier version, add 1 -2 chipotle in adobo peppers with the vegetables.

Eating healthy doesn't mean eating tasteless. Try this soup on for size, and see if it doesn't become one of your family's favorites too!

Pumpkin Spice Cake

I'm breaking one of my rules and giving a cake recipe - one of my all-time favorites. This is a recipe that is so easy, and most people won't believe it comes out of a box because it is so delicious. Trust me though, it's wonderful!

Pumpkin Spice Cake

1 package Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix (I've tried other cake mixes, but Duncan Hines works best)
1 package Jell-o Pumpkin Spice pudding mix (only available in the fall)
4 large eggs
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour bundt pan.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cake cool before frosting. My favorite frosting for this particular cake is cream cheese, but buttercream works great too. Even a simple sugar glaze would be fine.

I've had people who say they don't like pumpkin absolutely rave about this cake. Remember, Jell-o Pumpkin Spice pudding is only available now in the fall. If you don't see it in the stores, tell the store manager you want it. I usually get a dozen boxes because once it's off the shelves, you won't see it again. Try it, and let me know what you think. I'll bet it becomes one of your favorites, too!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, October 5, 2010...

I am seeing...a very cloudy day. It feels like fall outside, and I'm enjoying that.

I am thinking...about the holidays coming up. It's my favorite time of the year!

I am thankful...I was able to finish painting the dining room yesterday. Just a few touch-ups and I can put everything back where it belongs.

I am going...to Costco later today, and to vote for some town officials.

I am wearing...a mint green shirt, white capris and white flip flops. It's cooler outside, but still warm enough to dress like summertime.

I am noticing...a change in the weather. It's been crisp and cool in the mornings. That's a good thing; the cooler the weather, the less chance of hurricanes.

I am currently...done painting. At least for this week. I hope to start up again next week.

I am reading...John for morning devotions, and another Agatha Christie mystery, The Big Four.

I am waiting...till I get some stuff caught up around the house before I continue painting.

On my mind...my friend Kristi and her appointment this morning. Praying everything works out well for her.

From the learning rooms...it's Hispanic Heritage Month, so we're going to be doing a report on a famous Hispanic. Haven't decided who yet, though.

I am pondering these words..."I would rather be in this chair knowing Him, than on my feet without Him." - Joni Eareckson Tada.

From the kitchen today...Southwestern chicken soup.

Around the house...need to put all the dining room furniture back in it's place, clean bathrooms and get some laundry done.

One of my favorite things...a finished project. What a sense of accomplishment!

A few plans for the rest of the week: library and voting today, Awana and Cub Scouts. Looks like my daughter will be coming down this weekend. Can't wait!

I'll have some more pictures later, after I get all the dining room back to where it should be!

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. Have a blessed week.

I'm At It Again - Painting!

That's right, I'm painting again. This time it didn't start as my idea, though. Our master bedroom hadn't been painted in 9 years, and J said he was growing tired of the sage green. I thought it was pretty, but I could see the paint needed updating. I got a bunch of paint samples from Lowe's and brought them home to see what worked best with the furnishings. At the same time J told me he was going to Central Florida to work at some stores and would be gone for about a week. I thought it would be a perfect time to do the painting - since J is asthmatic, the smell of paint bothers him. I could do all the painting and the smell would be gone by the time he got home. So that's what I did.

When he left on Sunday, the bedroom looked like this:

When he got back on Friday, it looked like this:

Here's the view from the other side of the room:

In case you can't see much difference, let me show this view, of painting in process. The previous color was sage green; the new color is called Faint Maple. It's a taupe color, or what I like to call cafe con leche.

Because of the large wall unit in my room that I couldn't move because it's so heavy I wasn't able to finish the entire room before J got home. However, the paint samples I'd brought home started me thinking. The main living area, except for the dining room, hadn't been painted in over 5 years and was starting to look drab. I wanted to do something dramatic. I'd always loved the look of one wall a different color from the rest of the room, but couldn't find any combination of colors that worked well with the flooring we had. Just this March, though, we put in wood floors and new baseboards. I went through the paint samples and made my decision. I started in the formal living room, and came up with this:

The color is called Rare Sienna. Depending on the time of day, it might look more orangy or more red, but basically it's a kind of rust color (remember that Crayola crayon color burnt sienna? Pretty much like that). As soon as I started putting it on the wall I fell in love. The color is so beautiful! I couldn't stop at just this room, so I moved into the family room:

Since the furniture in our home is a golden maple color, it looks spectacular against the darker red tone. Here's a view of the kitchen:

The best part was J's reaction when he got home. R and I were sitting in the family room when he came in. We were expecting to hear him say something when he saw the living room. Instead, he went straight to the bathroom! J drove straight down from Central Florida, making no pit stops for 3 1/2 hours. He ran past the living room wall, into the bedroom, yet noticed absolutely nothing! We didn't know what to think, but R said, "Don't worry. The minute he walks out of the bedroom he'll be facing the family room, and he can't help but notice it then." Sure enough, J walked out and said, "Whoa!" R and I couldn't stop laughing! J came into the kitchen, looking totally surprised, and said, "I didn't know you were painting." I told him to turn around, and he let out another yell when he saw the living room! He turned back to me and said, "I thought we were going to paint the bedroom!" Nope, he still hadn't noticed! So I told him to go into the bedroom, and he was even more surprised than before! I asked how it was that he'd walked through the house and hadn't noticed or even smelled anything. Truth is, there's very little paint smell in the house. I bought Valspar paint from Lowe's, and it doesn't leave any lingering smell. It goes on smoothly too. Of course, J had other things on his mind when he came home - he needed a potty break! But he was all smiles as he looked at all that had been done while he was gone.

So, am I done? Not by a long shot! The rest of the walls in the main living area need to be painted, and the dining room will get a fresh coat too, since the garden green in there now doesn't work with the other colors. After seeing the Rare Sienna in the rooms, I've decided to go lighter on the rest of the walls so the rooms don't look too dark. The new color that'll be going on is called Churchill Hotel Maple. It's a much lighter shade than the Faint Maple in the bedroom, more like a beige color. I know it'll freshen the place up quite a bit. The darker wall will serve a purpose too - a dark accent wall recedes, giving the impression of a larger room. It tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it really is. I can already see the difference, and I'm loving it! There'll be more pics to come as I continue to beautify my home. Stay tuned!

Observing My Senses

For Today, October 2, 2010...

I am seeing...new colors emerge as a burst of creativity brings forth a new look in my home. More on that to come.

I am feeling...tired from lots of painting, but glad for what's been accomplished.

I am hearing...my cell phone beeping, which means a new text message or email has come in.

I am tasting...nothing right now. Very shortly we'll be tasting burgers and fries, made by yours truly.

I am smelling...paint. I love that new paint smell, though I'm thankful Lowe's paint doesn't have long-lasting paint smell. It fades away pretty quick.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Time for a Laugh

Our Sunday school Bible study teacher sent this email to us, and I laughed so hard tears were rolling down my face. I just HAVE to share them!

The economy is so bad that...

...I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

...I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"

...CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

...Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

...my ATM gave me an IOU.

...I saw a Mormon polygamist with only one wife.

...I bought a toaster oven and my free gift with purchase was a bank.

...if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

...Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

...McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

...Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America .

...parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.

...my cousin had an exorcism but couldn't afford to pay for it, and they re-possessed her!

...a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico .

...Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

...a picture is now only worth 200 words.

...they renamed Wall Street " Wal-Mart Street ."

...when Bill and Hillary travel together, they now have to share a room.

...the Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas is now managed by Somali pirates.

...Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh Great!! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!

I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide Hotline. I got a call center in Pakistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck!

Hope you enjoy! Remember, it's all in fun.

The Friday Five

Happy Friday! I know I haven't been posting much this week; it's been pretty busy. I'll have to post more on that later! Right now, sit back and listen to some silliness from you-know-who:

1. Do people contact you on your cell or house phone more?
Definitely cell phone. I don't even answer my house phone most of the time.

2. Do you call or e-mail your friends/family more?
Actually, most of my communications now are via text message. It's quick and easy.

3. Does your cat/dog/bird/baby/stuffed animal have a livejournal/e-mail/myspace account?
No. That would not only be silly, it's a serious waste of time. I have enough to do keeping up with my own Facebook account.

4. What do you think will replace the internet?
Who knows! Just when I think they've invented everything something new shows up on the market.

5. How do you feel about VHS's not being made anymore?
I don't mind. DVD's are better quality and there's no tape to get unwound by little fingers LOL!

What about you? Wanna join in the fun? Visit the Friday Five, and have a fun and blessed weekend.