Home Tour Continues...Master Bedroom

We'll continue the home tour with the master bedroom. Everything is ivory and black. The wallpaper is Ralph Lauren. The bed is Ikea and the dressers are 'good used' painted by moi. It is not a large room but it is our santuary. We have a TV and easy access to the patio/ hot tub. The French doors make it seem bigger and I don't use a bed skirt so the wood floors also help to make it seem more spacious. The snow scene is out our window this week. The black and white newspaper prints I bought about 30 years ago on an outting with my friend Doreen, the top one says, 'The greatest game in the world-his move." And the bottom one is a woman walking through a cemetary amongst the headstones and it says, 'She finds that exercise does not improve her spirits.' I think that is funny and they always make me smile. Yes, that is a feather boa draped over the mirror... The mirror was from Mr. and Mrs. Isom's estate sale and the trim matches the mouldings in our house. We live very close to the school named for Mr. Isom. The hubby and I had a blast at that estate sale-tried on clothes in the closets... Found many treasures include a custom made tux that my hubby wears for special occasions. It is gorgeous on that man!




We have spa robes from eddie bauer and they are heavenly cozy. We really enjoy our patio right off the bedroom and the spa. The little glass bootie on the dresser came from when my Mom had me. My aunt had it delivered to the hospital with pink tea roses. I love it. My night stand area is really hard for me to keep tidy-lots of books, glasses, notepad and pen for thoughts as I drift of to sleep, Burt's Bee products and lotion, journal, alarm clock and phone. It is a small area for all of those things. hence, the bin under the night stand. And on the dresser my latest vice---dark chocolate covered altoids. Hubby keeps Frangos on his side of the bed. Glad you could visit.

I'll Take a Regular Day, please!

I am going to work today. About time! Yesterday I decided to use some TSP and hot water and wash down the kitchen. Yikes! It was embarassingly dirty and grimey. It looks a lot better but the tips of fingers are bloody stumps. I have on six bandaids and it hurts. Next time I will wear gloves. I baked some Black Bottom Cupcakes for the girls' night at my place Friday night. I am not featuring that recipe because everyone has it, or should. So, if you don't have a recipe for Black Bottom Cupcakes email me and I'll fix that void in your life. Every big bottomed girl should have that one. My hubby worked on tiling the laundry room. So, all in all a fairly productive day. Today-every one goes to school and work---ON TIME! Yay!

Enough Said

Just Like Junior High

I couldn't decide what to wear to work this morning so I called someone. Just like junior high. I called Troy, the museum director, my boss. We had scheduled for the museum to be closed for cleaning yesterday and today. Yesterday no one wanted to drive and help us with that project. So we were closed. Today I wasn't sure if we would clean as the project was a two day deal and in order to just be open I would have to scramble to find docents as I had given them the day off because of the scheduled cleaning project... With me yet? Any way, it was all kind of a no win situation. I didn't know if I should wear my cleaning clothes or casual office clothes. Guess what? Neither. Day off. We are closed as scheduled but can not do the project in a day. So, I can put on my stay at home clothes and every Mom's dream come true...a Snow Day without kids! Yep, they have school an hour late. Hah! It is maybe a bit "junior high" of me to take such delight in this but hey this is going to be great.

Snow Day!

Love a snow day! Hawley, our dog gets to stay inside by the fire. Little Bit, our horse comes out of the barn, he is from Montana and likes the snow. I think the rain depresses him, sometimes he just stays in the barn and has a long face. We got to have lunch as a family. I had done a roast in the crockpot on Saturday, so sauted some peppers and onions, added the leftover roast and some Julio's. Julio's seasoning is not sold here, luckily we have a connection in Texas. Cupcakes are for the birthday, the birthday boy and little brother are gaming, all day. Fred and I went out to play in the snow this morning. It's nice out there and it's nice to come in by the fire too. And just when I didn't think it could get any better, the phone rings. It's Danny calling from Kosovo. He sounds good and it is gooood to hear his voice. Happy Mama today!

Happy Birthday Sam I Am

Happy 18th Birthday Sam. Sam is our middle child, born in Everett, Wa. He was late coming into the world and came in a big way, 10 lbs. and 4 oz. He came just before midnight, everyone in the delivery room was so excited about his size and how cute he was that they forgot to look at the clock. I got to pick if his birthday would be the 29th or 30th.
Sam has been a joy in our lives and a blessing to many friends and family. He is funny, focused, hard working, messy and really bright. He started reading at the age of two and I have a sweet video of him reading the Christmas A-Z book aloud. I always said Sam will be our 'ist'... geologist, scientist, biologist. He has such an interest in nature. Whatever he does he'll do it well.
He is eighteen and probably heading out soon. Whatcom Community College and then the military. Go Sam go! We know you can do it! The hubby and I are so proud of him. When God entrusted us with Sam we had no idea of the joys.
Celebrating:
Sam got what he wanted for his birthday. A snow day! No school! Yea! We took him to Pad Thai for dinner last night. I guess he is growing up, he thanked us for teaching him something, how to use chop sticks at a young age. We bought him some things he needed for skiing, his new found love. Fred has to go to work tonight so we started early. I'll make something Sam likes for dinner and he can game to his heart's content today without school getting in the way.
His little brother keeps reminding him that with this birthday he can get a tattoo and buy a pack of smokes. I guess our parenting isn't quite finished...

New Found Love

Mix one peach low fat yogurt with crushed ice, water and frozen mangos from Trader Joes. Really. Good. After church snack with my hubby today.

Check it off the List

You may remember that in my goals for the year I wanted to clean out our closet with my hubby. This morning, inspite of not really being in the mood, we dug in. I have had some issues this new year with not having the "declutter, reorganize buzz" that so many fellow bloggers and friends seem to have. Even the media and retail are against me, advertising and selling organization tools. Anyway, we did it. I feel so good to have it finished. It was ruthless and we kept each other accountable. This may be too much information but I completed the task in my underwear. I tried things on. We laughed, I cried. We keep all the cards and letters we have sent each other. Didn't read all of them but the stack makes me feel loved and makes me realize how many occasions we have had together.

My wedding shoes and lingerie

I am not sure what occassion demanded this torture but I like the idea that I fit in it.

I kept the 'patio only' two piece, please do not stop by unannounced in the summer, it's not pretty!

Garbage and thrift store...pretty good huh? Oh, and my levi's fit again. Glad I kept them. Somethings will never fit again. I probably shouldn't have worn them in the first place.
Oh and can you guess which room will be on the home tour next week?

Be Good to Yourself

I had an early start today, I had my annual exam before 8:30 a.m. I don't want this to be a sermon, just a reminder. Get you pap and your mam! Do it! Granted it is not the most fun I've had on a Friday morning but it is something I consider so important. I have a great connection with my doctor and I am sorry for the rest of the patients that follow my appt. because Dr. Margaret and myself just always have a lot to talk about. I have been losing weight, my blood pressure is excellent and she is just so happy with me. I have a family history of breast cancer and diabetes so I am proactive with my health. If you are skipping the pap and the mam- well, shame on you! You are not being fair to yourself or to those who love you. I guess this is part of my Friday morning me time. Anyway, I am good for the year. I love Dr. Margaret but she did bring up something today. that made me queasy. I will be 50 in December so at the next annual we will talk about the colon thing. Heaven help me.

She's Right

Last night Caleb and Emilyn came over. Caleb was happy about the new Wii game we acquired over the holidays and then he likes to spend time upstairs with the guys. Emilyn and I bowled, played with the Lego clickits that Hana passed on to Emilyn. Thanks Hana, that was fun and Emilyn was thrilled.
Every time Emilyn comes over she asks to feed the fish. I usually hold off for a few days before her visits and let her go for it. She feeds the fish and then asks if she can give the fish more food and I say yes. After all, this is the fish we have had for three years. I bought Victoria after Christmas because the house looked so bare. I gave her a girl's name because I was tired of being the only girl here. After three years I am sick of Icky Vicky. Fish bowls have to be cleaned and the fish has to be fed while gone on vacation and she stinks. The novelty has worn off. So, if she is overfed, I don't care. Anyway, here is the conversation Miss Emilyn and I had last night.
Emilyn-May I give her more food?
Me- Sure.
E-This much?
Me-Sure
E- May I hold the fish? (She asks me this everytime)
Me- No.
E- Please.
Me- No, fish don't like the be held, they have to stay in the water to live.
E-Let's try it.
Me- No. Fish are not like other pets.
E- Let's take the fish outside for a walk.
Me- No, it will die, Vicky has to stay in the water, and it's too cold even for me to go outside.
E- You can too take a fish for a walk.
Me- No, you can't.
E- Yes.
Me-NO.
E- YES.
Me- (Nothing, because I am not going to argue about this.)
E- Yes, You can, just pick up the bowl and carry it along.
HAH! She's right! Lesson learned, don't argue with a five year old because it is just like arguing with a teenage boy. There is no winning.

Dinner's Ready

These two photos are pretty much the recipe for taco soup. Brown the hamburger with a chopped onion, add taco seasoning and water. Open all cans and dump into crock pot. A real no brainer and I needed one today. Serve with the items in the next photo, crush tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Good meal in minutes for a cold winter's night. Enjoy!


And now that dinner is ready I have the whole afternoon for laundry. Lucky girl!

Virtual Home Tour

Okay, this is not the Street of Dreams but it is a home tour. I will be taking you through the stone house this year, room by room. First, upstairs is Sam's room. We have a vintage Hawaiian theme. He has a big bedroom and he has this room because of our three boys he is the nicest about sharing his space. Privacy was important to Dan and cleanliness was important to Max. Sam's room has a sleeping area, a spread things out area and a games area. The games area has a black futon which when we replaced the couch we had in there Blake came and said, "Ohhh, you got me a new bed." Blake is our spare kid. Last fall I had a DIY spurt and did Sam's study area. Went to the thrift store and painted frames black and framed some of his artwork. Painted the desk and chair, recovered the chair and made a bulletin board with same fabric. Made a scrapbook page collage thingy about Sam and framed that and I did a mosaic project, the mirror. You'll notice the stack of three TVs, this is for friends and WOW and Halo gatherings. He has gotten stuck with storing the playmobil and lego in his room, this is between the two areas and has a large area rug that is black with palms. Since this room gets used by many teenage boys it is hard for Sam to keep clean. Lots of dirty dishes, pop cans, popcorn and clothes that friends leave here.
Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Love Gone Bad

I just want to convey my deepest sympathy to my friend Ad. The love of her life has stepped out on her in a big way. Ad loves this guy and his boyish charm. I hope she can move on and find another. I've told her that he's been arrested for possession of drugs, that he doesn't wear deodorant and seems a bit spoiled but she still loved him and hung onto the dream.
And now...inspite of Ad's love and devotion.

Matthew McCoughey not only has another girlfriend but she's prego! Three months gone, as they say! Camila Alves, a Brazilian model (some skinny chick) is having his baby.
I am so sorry, Adelene. Really.

Urban Myth

You may have heard the old story where a cookie lover buys a recipe for $250, thinking that is was $2.50. I have one of those recipes, the Neiman Marcus Cookie. I had not made them in years and decided to do it this morning. It makes a huge batch but quite frankly I do not know what I was thinking. It is a lot of work. But Max is raving about them and can't stop eating them so they must be good.
Neiman Marcus Cookies
2 cups butter- yes folks, that is 1#
4 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
2 cups sugar
5 cups blended oatmeal***
24 oz. chocolate chips
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 8 oz. Hershey bar (grated)
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)
***Measure oatmeal and blend in a blender to a fine powder. I use my food processor.
Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, mix together flour, oatmeal, salt, baking pwd. and soda. Add chocolate ships, Hershey bar and nuts. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.
Makes 12 dozen.
Tami's way- I used a 5 oz Hershey bar and then added a semi sweet bar to finish up. I did not use nuts. My family just doesn't like them in cookies and since I mix my cookies by hand there was no way I could have mixed them into the dough. It was very stiff and my hand was tired. Grating that much chocolate makes a mess and next time I would use my food processor with the grating blade.
I have been in the kitchen for too long and am going to freeze some of the dough. You could half the recipe.
Yes, I am still on the Eat Less, Move More. I do still bake for my guys, there is no sense in punishing them with my need to lose weight. Turkey dinner tonight. They all worked today and I like them to come home to a hot meal. I rented Zelda for the Wii and the movie, '310 to Yuma' for later. Fun times!

Mii and the Wii

Emilyn came over this week, Caleb had plans. Max made her some chocolate pudding and we played cards, Old Maid and Crazy Eights. Then we decided to do some bowling. Watch for upcoming posts about the Wii and the Mii. I thought it would be fun to post about the striking resemble people have to their Mii's. So, Emilyn is first and I think she does look like her Mii, her Mii is called Emie instead of Emilyn. And she likes it. She beat me bowling and was calling herself "queen of the alley" and when she got a gutter ball she said,"better call Towmater", a tow truck character from the Cars movie. She makes me laugh.

Meanest Mom in the World

Good Morning! Here is your list. Yep, I greeted those boys with a smile and a list today. Meanest mom in the world. Things like clean your room, clean your backpack to get it ready for the new semester on Tuesday, clean the dog's kennel, wash the van, take down the outdoor Christmas lights, put your laundry away, and smile while you're working.
I just needed a little help and as you can see I am getting it.

Yep, they are really going for it and getting it done! Seriously, they (well one of them anyway) are about finished and there is no time limit per se. They just need to get it done before they leave the house. Sam has plans tonight ;)
The hubby is working this weekend, so a low key weekend and staying close to home. Cleaning, baking, maybe a movie tonight. Have a good one!

Shopping Tip or Survival Tip

No photo today folks, bear with me and you'll thank me later. I love my eddie bauer silk long under wear. If you don't have any, I am feeling bad for you. I have mine on right now and they leave no unsightly bulges with my jeans, nor do they make my upper look bigger than it already is. They actually smooth over any back fat that you may have. Now, you may be wondering if I am heading off to the slopes for some skiing or sledding today. NO, I am going to work, at the museum where it is *&%#* freezing. These silk babies have kept me going to work there in the winters. I have told my volunteers about them and really, eddie bauer should be paying me a commission. He owes me big. They wash well, they feel like, well like silk against your skin and they pack easy. Great layering pieces. Every soccer mom needs a pair, everyone who works in a cold office needs a pair, and any one who is cold blooded needs a pair. Love. them.
The photo just wasn't too pretty...they're great but it's not like they transform you into a skinny chick.

A Parent ly, I'm Failing

A certain middle child here at the stone house has NO respect for money. He is heading for his 18th birthday this month, goes to high school, works part time at the local feed store and is a busy guy. He works hard for his money. Yet he does not like to carry $1's. So they lay around. On his desk which should be clear to study for the exams he has this week, but it is covered with one dollar bills. Weird! Any change I find I keep, i.e. in the laundry and on the floor. Sometimes several dollars a day. Not enough to quit my day job but still money. Any ideas?

Trying Times

The word 'resolutions' can set me up for failure. The words 'diet & exercise' can set me up for failure. So, this is what I am working on this month. "Eat Less, Move More" (those words are also the entire contents of the diet book I hope to write and publish someday) is the goal. I can only do one thing at a time though so I am on an eat less. I am taking steps to make sure that I do this. I am journaling what I eat, counting the calories. I am drinking the EmergenCEE and taking a multi-vitamin everyday too. Drinking more water and green tea and taking it with fresh lemon to up the vitamin C. Trying to move more but not getting uptight about the exercise part yet. Baby steps.
Spiritual goals, I decided aside from any study I also needed to take time for a small devotion. While in Costco I saw a morning book and an evening book. I debated about what would be realistic for me. Decided on the morning, started for several days and then thought, "hmmm this book is thick, what is in the back?" Turn it over and there is the evening devotion book that I didn't buy. So, now I can do both. I also want to spend more time in prayer for my guys.
Housekeeping, I am going to take every last item out of our bedroom closet and put back in only what *fits, is still in style and things we actually wear. I'd like to do this with my hubby as kind of a bonding experience.
I am also going to try to read more memoirs, literature as opposed to chick lit, and some nonfiction.
I am also trying to cook differently, lighter, and try new things. I've been shopping the outer perimeter of the grocery store. We eat fairly healthy, fruits and veggies are easy for us, but just cooking lighter.
And lastly, have some fun! Hey, I needed a gimme.
*fits my body, not necessarily what fits in the closet. Just wanted to clarify.

OK I am trying, things happen and this happened Saturday night. Chocolate molted cake. It was terrible. Really.

Tidy iPhoto

I was just going through iPhoto to clean things up and came across this pic. Looks like someone had some fun at someone's expense. My guys are funny :) I am not even sure who is in the picture.