tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16350518623304587832023-11-16T01:07:32.848-06:00month of the diamonda discussion of art, decorating, and lifeLaura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-64746579320100217192012-04-24T17:36:00.001-05:002012-04-24T17:38:47.979-05:00parisit is true what hadley hemingway said in the book, the paris wife, about hemingway's first of many wives...<strong>Though I often looked for one, I finally had to admit that there could be no cure for Paris. </strong>if you go with the people you love and have an open mind about the european lifestyle, paris will linger with you. it's an indescribable feeling.<br />
click the link below for a small portion of the 500 photos...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Bat2bZs2ctHgw"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Bat2bZs2ctHgw</span></strong></a><span id="goog_1893731391"></span><span id="goog_1893731392"></span>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-16480977760655256142012-02-29T14:50:00.000-06:002012-02-29T14:50:50.164-06:00on sunday i hosted a small baby girl shower at my house. it was fairly simple and considering my whole family was terribly sick the whole week prior, it was even more simple than i had imagined. turns out simple makes it more fun for everyone. thinking about 2 birthday parties to plan in the next <strike>month</strike> 3 weeks for my kids could be overwhelming, especially after coming across some of these crazy party blogs out there. like it or not, i am not concerned....all kids care about is having fun anyway, right!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnfaQUsWAtVxusUk6j3tPCw-VvVknwbpWno2PcG3v4N4YjcfVoza1EIwM892pGjY43Sms_lsk6z6wL8OIOFEeF8-_iKFqUVkfMg-Z7DlbaYEvknyjoqNUV18hXl-Xyz1ZoVqYA53-NEo/s1600/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnfaQUsWAtVxusUk6j3tPCw-VvVknwbpWno2PcG3v4N4YjcfVoza1EIwM892pGjY43Sms_lsk6z6wL8OIOFEeF8-_iKFqUVkfMg-Z7DlbaYEvknyjoqNUV18hXl-Xyz1ZoVqYA53-NEo/s640/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVTiaBaGbTbp7U-9BFlkvEXrfQNmn4jQx1PapduF2iCQ5mwsg6ccsXDKLFI_Tom3E5x-A_3JTPVMCoPC0VQqL-nQzgSIlU4H4XaN0uXXw9mAPsk2mG-OOMSfqS_L8LXsAwAe4IiPqJXY/s1600/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVTiaBaGbTbp7U-9BFlkvEXrfQNmn4jQx1PapduF2iCQ5mwsg6ccsXDKLFI_Tom3E5x-A_3JTPVMCoPC0VQqL-nQzgSIlU4H4XaN0uXXw9mAPsk2mG-OOMSfqS_L8LXsAwAe4IiPqJXY/s400/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j9mNC48540lfjdaPWU8D8-AG9S93x-CFTMAHqyRvCcShnSRntLT1jtdH-eCYY0zLjqhmYgKT0mMiiq8p5KCxPJBVtVwzc6r-UzmNAMiW4QRiU2mA1MFL4xUqhLXLCsusKPOlRby1Vnc/s1600/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j9mNC48540lfjdaPWU8D8-AG9S93x-CFTMAHqyRvCcShnSRntLT1jtdH-eCYY0zLjqhmYgKT0mMiiq8p5KCxPJBVtVwzc6r-UzmNAMiW4QRiU2mA1MFL4xUqhLXLCsusKPOlRby1Vnc/s640/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+026.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZSSUOZXEhLrPYT-fDY-S43_WORcKhLOulo0Wng0-IkTc9KMve5l2Wv-QP5XE-m14G1xvc2tUYpig19ovGoz5yW7KLFcIXz1sLUqmdyZ0qN71X-25a0xK0GqCGvoTbBTF2NqPuJMwvuY/s1600/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZSSUOZXEhLrPYT-fDY-S43_WORcKhLOulo0Wng0-IkTc9KMve5l2Wv-QP5XE-m14G1xvc2tUYpig19ovGoz5yW7KLFcIXz1sLUqmdyZ0qN71X-25a0xK0GqCGvoTbBTF2NqPuJMwvuY/s640/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+027.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznVEE9_gB5I5JWA7hxqucCDEojBHaqjTe42eOWpCtFr0Ck11Vn27X32Jos_iL80SRTsegYZ7seMeF26wj3bqBubhrCBSkzLepLzXk_Sg2pR_8a9ndTlDXqHRJFYEkukZetOK2jmwcrA8/s1600/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznVEE9_gB5I5JWA7hxqucCDEojBHaqjTe42eOWpCtFr0Ck11Vn27X32Jos_iL80SRTsegYZ7seMeF26wj3bqBubhrCBSkzLepLzXk_Sg2pR_8a9ndTlDXqHRJFYEkukZetOK2jmwcrA8/s400/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+033.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoX0PYjkyXqHVXLI8mJeHUpS_W5NFCrIFClKaR11Gbz1-cArLul4jLPHZL8Dd9rboe5HzRI1cc1LN6g9_bZVn_pM_RSPRDXctBwdtEPxJyPtRzH_syyhSsSj_HECircDcLc_XzzKFSsw/s1600/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoX0PYjkyXqHVXLI8mJeHUpS_W5NFCrIFClKaR11Gbz1-cArLul4jLPHZL8Dd9rboe5HzRI1cc1LN6g9_bZVn_pM_RSPRDXctBwdtEPxJyPtRzH_syyhSsSj_HECircDcLc_XzzKFSsw/s400/Melissa%2527s+baby+girl+029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-20495795267602890702012-02-24T14:26:00.000-06:002012-02-24T14:26:06.074-06:00selling two homes in one month is counted by most a blessing (including myself). the summer farm where my husband and i exchanged vows 5 years ago and my childhood home of 16 years will be sorely missed. they are two parts of my life that i will never forget and will always grieve at their loss, so it is better i let them go now rather than later, i suppose.<br />
blue heron farm is, as my mother-in-law describes it, "heaven." there is no description for it unless you have had the privilege of visiting. for the sake of my children and for the wonderful memories of our vineyard wedding, i am sorry to see it passed on.<br />
i see this as a new beginning for the whole family as "our" home is taking in a new sweet family(really my parents home but my siblings and i have memories there too). this move is a very unexpected surprise to everyone but from my perspective moving to a smaller home will be less maintenance and with all of our traveling, less worry too. selfishly, i will not be upset about my old bedroom or any room for that matter, it's the garden. my two year old loves to take walks in that grand yard. but, back to the new beginning...for my parents their new home will for once be their own. not shared with 4 children and not by millions of strangers who have frequented a great party in their home.<br />
the stresses of packing and organizing are taking place already and hopefully soon they will settle in their fresh spot. as my family prepares to get rid of clutter, my own home seems to be getting some pretty accessories. luckily, i am not a pack rat so i am not accepting much. what i have accumulated so far is mostly sentimental and all of the pieces are fitting beautifully in their new home. i look forward to updating pics of my fresh additions soon...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWPtbdXqIWMukMAgirpBqnKYKpSAxwp0mvtZ3VL-rdEI_enX46p3JUz1Wx6Yuc9SRUo7hcErKznNQxEXBmabsAESDHvtWSdt6juDP_DDjLj8c5lU6n8xI_CLJgmmqg5Zx0ubiLLmQ3S8/s1600/summer+%252710+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWPtbdXqIWMukMAgirpBqnKYKpSAxwp0mvtZ3VL-rdEI_enX46p3JUz1Wx6Yuc9SRUo7hcErKznNQxEXBmabsAESDHvtWSdt6juDP_DDjLj8c5lU6n8xI_CLJgmmqg5Zx0ubiLLmQ3S8/s640/summer+%252710+085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
BLUE HERON FARM<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SwcBfsD5lmcGrhlUvFYVorgojKXCbOEugVvXRGUMNMeFHwkNzvoYuL_O22m4qqS8DG6-7FSif3Fr9DlRSrFuLm4Ga2LX-KLz4PZHYQypZFmKWyN9Jr2GerbKPY1RapnEi-TyunCo2ic/s1600/CC%252C+eastover+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SwcBfsD5lmcGrhlUvFYVorgojKXCbOEugVvXRGUMNMeFHwkNzvoYuL_O22m4qqS8DG6-7FSif3Fr9DlRSrFuLm4Ga2LX-KLz4PZHYQypZFmKWyN9Jr2GerbKPY1RapnEi-TyunCo2ic/s640/CC%252C+eastover+028.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
CHILDHOOD HOME LIVING ROOM<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6jy_joyl14xr0wFJLBc4e8QMBxjZilOsBBUTYVhHK2G88k6GLnx8ovs0gctLjivYvjiKPaL5n-41sDh7bq_AMw2bTPMPRyJfbBeIdxbhZQ8HOV8w8QjS8iCtNuWFR-VEmobJlYILgOs/s1600/CC,+eastover+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6jy_joyl14xr0wFJLBc4e8QMBxjZilOsBBUTYVhHK2G88k6GLnx8ovs0gctLjivYvjiKPaL5n-41sDh7bq_AMw2bTPMPRyJfbBeIdxbhZQ8HOV8w8QjS8iCtNuWFR-VEmobJlYILgOs/s400/CC,+eastover+033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
AND THE DENLaura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-74601688661745960102011-09-15T06:27:00.001-05:002011-09-15T07:37:11.611-05:00not a bad place to be: homefor me, decorating is a never-ending project. being one of four siblings i can always pass along my college desk or my yard sale make-do side table. having the privilege to hand down or trade with my family adds excitement to the process especially since i am at home quite a bit. i never want decorating to feel like a job. one day if i am in the right place i would love to start my own decorating business BUT i want to be prepared. to do the job i desire it takes a lot of time and organization-both precious things i do not have at this point. for now, i will continue to decorate in the privacy of my own home. i wanted to share a few photos of places that i presently feel confident with. that doesn't mean i will never want to change anything...i might move furniture around tomorrow! my decorating advice is this: choose things you absolutely love (not just think you need to have because society tells you that) and everything will fall into place. OR don't listen to me because like my wise friend once said, "i love your decorating style, laura. it's so unique. nothing matches."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpixvmQm4fW3yjWtekZtAiZUoOoJFr4Y_KUn21AJa4cdsmxdmUVCWCLVkFBGw2fkOSxUBO0R-P2D3rPFrhFVMrUGmOV4UNn2iOgaHmjdVUuYo2DT1NnTy1edlL9juxkO6KKpWjAQyINVE/s1600/house+9-15-11+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpixvmQm4fW3yjWtekZtAiZUoOoJFr4Y_KUn21AJa4cdsmxdmUVCWCLVkFBGw2fkOSxUBO0R-P2D3rPFrhFVMrUGmOV4UNn2iOgaHmjdVUuYo2DT1NnTy1edlL9juxkO6KKpWjAQyINVE/s640/house+9-15-11+004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHKzwR3e4Q_eX987DDNhXYCXuyGkk27FwMho_4XmtGHMcz5MASSY3-qtzqJFEGTyhj-rqEawA3mgCBNKkglbe71TRnjmJeWPG1p5Sn12Zol1LmciAgXAYJe67E5XweA-OrZkse97D6OI/s1600/house+9-15-11+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHKzwR3e4Q_eX987DDNhXYCXuyGkk27FwMho_4XmtGHMcz5MASSY3-qtzqJFEGTyhj-rqEawA3mgCBNKkglbe71TRnjmJeWPG1p5Sn12Zol1LmciAgXAYJe67E5XweA-OrZkse97D6OI/s640/house+9-15-11+008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCRQSaHNvVLotg8_ykiMdry3-icjU3M5tCSkMAAXQyzaagMyPznZV5ZTo6-H1xGl_FMjaOOMyrHFjeQYtuL8LmhZW5oToXbNIwTC_luGqpq-6oQlJEaiN7s1GNa7KlZgsfuQHi83mLgI/s1600/house+9-15-11+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCRQSaHNvVLotg8_ykiMdry3-icjU3M5tCSkMAAXQyzaagMyPznZV5ZTo6-H1xGl_FMjaOOMyrHFjeQYtuL8LmhZW5oToXbNIwTC_luGqpq-6oQlJEaiN7s1GNa7KlZgsfuQHi83mLgI/s640/house+9-15-11+011.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XYzuHmUBALMrUuUSIKa__cJB7Yjk8lsok-ZxjWSNqKipMQBICKPwTAe0VX0C8Oj6wsxUqgd75czkv6bLY2Z1GXXeV6aQ-QcdnRJ1KxQ7ff0xyEFhC-7J9aTVDLl9vo4UDiPIyge6YSU/s1600/house+9-15-11+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XYzuHmUBALMrUuUSIKa__cJB7Yjk8lsok-ZxjWSNqKipMQBICKPwTAe0VX0C8Oj6wsxUqgd75czkv6bLY2Z1GXXeV6aQ-QcdnRJ1KxQ7ff0xyEFhC-7J9aTVDLl9vo4UDiPIyge6YSU/s640/house+9-15-11+009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wk1QQlL_7xhEP1T_F0XF5RunB29ZxK1jX0n6XIHwRI-m-3Q0wjCEpbyZAYhycDqz_sUk2nTCu_-5MUi9amJnUciOmwM3NsFHzdbvGXMjgP1YpUsab45s3MNg6hPOBtVrNzX7BfgjH4k/s1600/house+9-15-11+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wk1QQlL_7xhEP1T_F0XF5RunB29ZxK1jX0n6XIHwRI-m-3Q0wjCEpbyZAYhycDqz_sUk2nTCu_-5MUi9amJnUciOmwM3NsFHzdbvGXMjgP1YpUsab45s3MNg6hPOBtVrNzX7BfgjH4k/s640/house+9-15-11+017.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-52692239615996423382011-05-10T14:19:00.000-05:002011-05-10T14:19:08.999-05:00sewing sister<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">i don't feel creative. i haven't blogged in 4 months, haven't painted in a year, and frankly have been to busy with a 2 month old and a 2 year old :</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpARSF1HrpfXx2oK13xQasl2HkkIVc6dI8KZONZRE3M0VgnfpVlLr5rVnWMODj9_E-L_v-PgDyHsOk-XHmFBrXBr7JtTZ-wlrkLMkdh-nnnfIJNLKXCgsbIByS_08bd4f7F7p0OSoxhQ/s1600/Clara+Cate-2+mons+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="425" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpARSF1HrpfXx2oK13xQasl2HkkIVc6dI8KZONZRE3M0VgnfpVlLr5rVnWMODj9_E-L_v-PgDyHsOk-XHmFBrXBr7JtTZ-wlrkLMkdh-nnnfIJNLKXCgsbIByS_08bd4f7F7p0OSoxhQ/s640/Clara+Cate-2+mons+021.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to even think about the possibility of being creative. Lord willing i will eventually tap into that creativity but for now i am completely content being mommy. however, some of us are still carrying on with our talents like my sister anne (i blogged about her sock animals previously). she was given a sewing machine for Christmas and will spontaneously get an idea to sew something, run home sew it, and deliver something like this (below) and an hour (MAX!) later...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttMfj5SJS-fsNiXyq3B6n5F6Mw1MadE2kZH78vuQjXLjQh3Vt1EN_BB_OXFuRSrQkJSuCAA7E_R0XBZwVXtOaQoFj7xW8hopBzIZfen6lDTuaEyG7UslkXdGAwHjVY9H2OHg6KWPLC9A/s1600/CC%2527s+dedication+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttMfj5SJS-fsNiXyq3B6n5F6Mw1MadE2kZH78vuQjXLjQh3Vt1EN_BB_OXFuRSrQkJSuCAA7E_R0XBZwVXtOaQoFj7xW8hopBzIZfen6lDTuaEyG7UslkXdGAwHjVY9H2OHg6KWPLC9A/s640/CC%2527s+dedication+009.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">mollie's strawberry dress</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">yes, she made it. and she made this adorable piece of nursery art:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43gIVURZ4t_Yz7R5YjAyh4lelGmkyL23_aCbXzTmUK4TZdveyCYb7YgG_hfL1-x5-4sRxMah639Giu7fZJn1kL6EQ0_rB1uTQUL25AJWjkKWsaTJCKdnLt5aNVKn5fj0W67MCCxN4MCM/s1600/anne+crafts+etc+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43gIVURZ4t_Yz7R5YjAyh4lelGmkyL23_aCbXzTmUK4TZdveyCYb7YgG_hfL1-x5-4sRxMah639Giu7fZJn1kL6EQ0_rB1uTQUL25AJWjkKWsaTJCKdnLt5aNVKn5fj0W67MCCxN4MCM/s640/anne+crafts+etc+021.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvqsyDZuYH1uh8Q-ag0vpcBnRGywJP4QEAv4jSm8FJ0oPfUD5m80eFtI0Zx2Li3Wp27N3As_NZRI8_DY464lCdEjt_u5ylBXezn-zYzDH8L5fuJs-4L9uOSmYdMZjOuU4Y6rZerQuNvQ/s1600/anne+crafts+etc+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvqsyDZuYH1uh8Q-ag0vpcBnRGywJP4QEAv4jSm8FJ0oPfUD5m80eFtI0Zx2Li3Wp27N3As_NZRI8_DY464lCdEjt_u5ylBXezn-zYzDH8L5fuJs-4L9uOSmYdMZjOuU4Y6rZerQuNvQ/s640/anne+crafts+etc+018.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">she also made this sweetie pie dress (her first of many i believe) and the precious gold shirt...perfect for 9 holes with daddy:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX3j_KsApy7usZlM74M23sRa1nHFRnRw0xE3rnyUa1giqpSGLq3c_bo6rhNIEM8BpY9tsuSFjQgsBgBJ6yxwKIeBVVkQTvePl1Hgb4aYkosl16-6JqhHowlVnexx3h4LHYMfvZbwXvMA/s1600/anne+crafts+etc+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="425" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX3j_KsApy7usZlM74M23sRa1nHFRnRw0xE3rnyUa1giqpSGLq3c_bo6rhNIEM8BpY9tsuSFjQgsBgBJ6yxwKIeBVVkQTvePl1Hgb4aYkosl16-6JqhHowlVnexx3h4LHYMfvZbwXvMA/s640/anne+crafts+etc+003.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLZZvIP5nXh5MivVy-Lb0lZDxdf3GmpGqXGlXP2kuGnO_Fp4oWB9GWASQSPi7rsjCovX5H-xmMP19gVYk2IxKnElHkrOOG5FtvYzovLqHGkhCyWilMafwJiR98GEeCsSK9qdgL3T6_1w/s1600/anne+crafts+etc+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLZZvIP5nXh5MivVy-Lb0lZDxdf3GmpGqXGlXP2kuGnO_Fp4oWB9GWASQSPi7rsjCovX5H-xmMP19gVYk2IxKnElHkrOOG5FtvYzovLqHGkhCyWilMafwJiR98GEeCsSK9qdgL3T6_1w/s640/anne+crafts+etc+001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPFh-ArBlHW1HnPBJvri6NOJDEFKmi6z9yfFH_lgDNaxUHpxmwYxej3MKffmg-0vCwnLoPeVXVA_eHipndUJqEviMf8wK1y1RbMEN10KE5mJtFE1jfnqzObmwjOnKoss1YT0HUTe-BGc/s1600/anne+crafts+etc+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPFh-ArBlHW1HnPBJvri6NOJDEFKmi6z9yfFH_lgDNaxUHpxmwYxej3MKffmg-0vCwnLoPeVXVA_eHipndUJqEviMf8wK1y1RbMEN10KE5mJtFE1jfnqzObmwjOnKoss1YT0HUTe-BGc/s640/anne+crafts+etc+004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it makes me feel better to blog about someone being creative since i'm obviously not the one getting the juices lately. just happens to be my sister, best friend, and occasional babysitter. hopefully one day these sisters will share creative styles like we do:-)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD77swQLyX5xPgvhGUVklBPv5GjObVw82gcz7fIisID1k6VmFOBk2PT4mf5QMv844WZXiiqjThd0Qp-LCv3ThtsZf_8Tt9kOwwscY1igkP4nMwUG-G2nhct0GYEWUtOXmmytdxxDvSjGo/s1600/Mollie%2527s+E+Egg+Hunt+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD77swQLyX5xPgvhGUVklBPv5GjObVw82gcz7fIisID1k6VmFOBk2PT4mf5QMv844WZXiiqjThd0Qp-LCv3ThtsZf_8Tt9kOwwscY1igkP4nMwUG-G2nhct0GYEWUtOXmmytdxxDvSjGo/s640/Mollie%2527s+E+Egg+Hunt+157.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></div></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-35082378178817022372011-01-18T13:49:00.000-06:002011-01-18T13:49:11.321-06:00feeling crafty?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hello blogging buddies,</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it has been a while and i will tell you why. this is <em>not</em> why: we have moved states, which entails things that you would never imagine once you get settled somewhere. we have renovated a beautiful 1950's home. i am 7 months pregnant. yadda yadda. this is <em>why</em>: as stated in my mission for starting this blog, sweet mollie is my inspiration. she has become such an amazing and interesting person that it is difficult for me to focus on anything other than her. so in a nut shell: blogging and painting have been low on my list.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">moving on...my talented sister has moved to town for the time being. she has learned to sew. score! below are the cutest and softest nursery accessory she made out of fabric and buttons. also, an adorable puppy dog she gave mollie made from my brothers old socks (via none other than martha stewart's sewing book i gave her for christmas). you will be very disappointed if you don't stay tuned for the post on the dress she made for mollie. it is quite simply, amazing. she only received the sewing machine for christmas, mind you, AND she is also now hemming my living room curtains. side note: i took sewing classes for 3 weeks and gave up leaving with nothing, absolutely nothing. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">on another crafty, but not so creative note, included are also some shots of the hydrangea pressed flowers i made for our dining room. friends have asked, so i am answering. so easy...simply cut your favorite flower or leaf just before the end of it's life. for ex. i cut these hydrangeas in august. then, use newspaper and encyclopedias (or other heavy books) to press them. be patient....i left mine pressing for a month! the key is after mounting them- i used PVA glue </span><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/polyvinyl-acetate-pva/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.dickblick.com/products/polyvinyl-acetate-pva/</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on the paper of your choice- i used somerset velvet </span><a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/somerset-velvet-printmaking-paper/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.dickblick.com/products/somerset-velvet-printmaking-paper/</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> -then you will need a little bit of acrylic paint to touch up the pressed plant giving it more "life."</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2pJN1DwuDC4dmJEqmhMF448agXBjFy-I4E4y021VhZN0g-ZpWM_EBfd2JWOq8k0ZW3B_w_7zabRZ2ukxZ-d-urbh63j0PexMj-nfzD2U2RnP4wAplz_oxx1l_MWKRfu8CQM51ZGTKag/s1600/creative+projects+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2pJN1DwuDC4dmJEqmhMF448agXBjFy-I4E4y021VhZN0g-ZpWM_EBfd2JWOq8k0ZW3B_w_7zabRZ2ukxZ-d-urbh63j0PexMj-nfzD2U2RnP4wAplz_oxx1l_MWKRfu8CQM51ZGTKag/s640/creative+projects+015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eWP1Guc8xZul966-ot9dYuF0CPgem4L103rjst1O3hkwAwAm7CkSKhI6Qq7594LoqF6IazxYKHBT9_BJlU3wtHfYpj4J9U-RDEhSV_D1Ql0Ll2kOeBUlFA2O-vzN_GnTUeR9_9DnuaE/s1600/sheep+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eWP1Guc8xZul966-ot9dYuF0CPgem4L103rjst1O3hkwAwAm7CkSKhI6Qq7594LoqF6IazxYKHBT9_BJlU3wtHfYpj4J9U-RDEhSV_D1Ql0Ll2kOeBUlFA2O-vzN_GnTUeR9_9DnuaE/s640/sheep+003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">baaahhh, mollie's favorite</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHUZH2zpna_MmZatBzsd9Mede12fsg1CrYw8FKZh4sdoxvzBAdsMP_b4VXTn4bQvniEKugovej-e5QCSmVEzxpuNLYD0QwrdmFMCuJBouLWcHL4K0VT3dRBNqyp__vN0tY4lMpcCCS1A/s1600/sheep+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHUZH2zpna_MmZatBzsd9Mede12fsg1CrYw8FKZh4sdoxvzBAdsMP_b4VXTn4bQvniEKugovej-e5QCSmVEzxpuNLYD0QwrdmFMCuJBouLWcHL4K0VT3dRBNqyp__vN0tY4lMpcCCS1A/s640/sheep+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWV3rqfHnnZhtTYdSNJgd7exVJdYPQHKhKNCpeiz_4uF7K7oBgzS5bAwNU5aFrL5siv7PECu1GDaYpGMs58Rie64wZz_zVRGjIDFe_-p1_ia5GK5SmN7rbrb2JhCLCR3zR02hx6UTZ2I/s1600/creative+projects+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWV3rqfHnnZhtTYdSNJgd7exVJdYPQHKhKNCpeiz_4uF7K7oBgzS5bAwNU5aFrL5siv7PECu1GDaYpGMs58Rie64wZz_zVRGjIDFe_-p1_ia5GK5SmN7rbrb2JhCLCR3zR02hx6UTZ2I/s640/creative+projects+017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppcLOFToxcspOuy5otIn_EmscNk3mpaEcWBk0kvPPE8fcHYsxsc7N4FRmU-lsJwleS84zJGW1uGLOpKRBR957xkLS_xEumrWZeBYccFWDjH2aXStlDUyn8MEVcrZbmKnjwho7llifVR4/s1600/creative+projects+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppcLOFToxcspOuy5otIn_EmscNk3mpaEcWBk0kvPPE8fcHYsxsc7N4FRmU-lsJwleS84zJGW1uGLOpKRBR957xkLS_xEumrWZeBYccFWDjH2aXStlDUyn8MEVcrZbmKnjwho7llifVR4/s640/creative+projects+018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiad0z9iSPfgyHs9BLqqlpLEYneURXA1l06HycdHnss0U8I2wAd_v9aBZEROWKHqYY9U7K16BXVU5c9hkVNRxP39qxbbrcz_WnbN2VOfeQSDS9S-zg-CTuOv0AQiG6WGbywmJ8ARYJCww/s1600/creative+projects+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiad0z9iSPfgyHs9BLqqlpLEYneURXA1l06HycdHnss0U8I2wAd_v9aBZEROWKHqYY9U7K16BXVU5c9hkVNRxP39qxbbrcz_WnbN2VOfeQSDS9S-zg-CTuOv0AQiG6WGbywmJ8ARYJCww/s640/creative+projects+019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzrzPniJ-oj5L8IatKbfpHwZJmOXf7Aw6gMXCxfk9bRraQCcL87OzEXflh4m253ByawVuREco0oAIsOyeMqfmKsuv-Poc0hPFKEghyQDJ_GeJb-ru5t3EUe9WkhEwMJr6P23olx8H1rg/s1600/creative+projects+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzrzPniJ-oj5L8IatKbfpHwZJmOXf7Aw6gMXCxfk9bRraQCcL87OzEXflh4m253ByawVuREco0oAIsOyeMqfmKsuv-Poc0hPFKEghyQDJ_GeJb-ru5t3EUe9WkhEwMJr6P23olx8H1rg/s640/creative+projects+010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5k-S1b6gXje7qIYDyrSmZI8_F9AE0IvBxVm46HLCtfYlYCjSTDgOj_M_H9iDCcdepTGKp4VS3jyPH1zqQIDK-RXQh8ccehLef9v0i4bcoJr4Ayq6t3DacSec29DH4wSo806gJQlYUXI/s1600/creative+projects+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5k-S1b6gXje7qIYDyrSmZI8_F9AE0IvBxVm46HLCtfYlYCjSTDgOj_M_H9iDCcdepTGKp4VS3jyPH1zqQIDK-RXQh8ccehLef9v0i4bcoJr4Ayq6t3DacSec29DH4wSo806gJQlYUXI/s640/creative+projects+009.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">if you look closely you can see i added some shades of teal and periwinkle paint to the flower</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-15711003051961512532010-12-03T15:54:00.001-06:002010-12-03T19:10:33.216-06:00after!photos of our house a few days before moving in...yay! will update with furnishings soon and hopefully the back patio and porch too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp9U5e8NQ6o_p8MzCbcenOVe76y2N5qVq6reFyU1Vm2ZX8PuHCg6PMDaz8V8KndQYPXTua5ru_RBb__KurpNunmP8oCW6pNjOurZ-kCbU2MC6aKZdpjZiNaFuKu3XaLBcdD3ShwT1aD0/s1600/renovation+complete+593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp9U5e8NQ6o_p8MzCbcenOVe76y2N5qVq6reFyU1Vm2ZX8PuHCg6PMDaz8V8KndQYPXTua5ru_RBb__KurpNunmP8oCW6pNjOurZ-kCbU2MC6aKZdpjZiNaFuKu3XaLBcdD3ShwT1aD0/s400/renovation+complete+593.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NhSHdWo3Csb5P0U2NInUfknzJWbP8VjkNhFq2rEA56as__pFCp924mEqJPWgLkCMrryA7wxfCNTO2pndrdNLtCpX2Asb6aIf6YLIOtJAfpUAS97HgPpjNWOLS8TB1joI60Skeh54muw/s1600/renovation+complete+592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NhSHdWo3Csb5P0U2NInUfknzJWbP8VjkNhFq2rEA56as__pFCp924mEqJPWgLkCMrryA7wxfCNTO2pndrdNLtCpX2Asb6aIf6YLIOtJAfpUAS97HgPpjNWOLS8TB1joI60Skeh54muw/s640/renovation+complete+592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkdAbsUeOGAF5NY3fCUarGfJ26XMItQRVRoEndCe8fI67CUrnbLPuct5vaKMR9ikBrmRt1IS5BcDbYcIrr2DchoAImroQPaECZn-lM-Dkg1ENMWUPS2S0Lv3UXsQoEtShJH4AunptNOI/s1600/renovation+complete+599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkdAbsUeOGAF5NY3fCUarGfJ26XMItQRVRoEndCe8fI67CUrnbLPuct5vaKMR9ikBrmRt1IS5BcDbYcIrr2DchoAImroQPaECZn-lM-Dkg1ENMWUPS2S0Lv3UXsQoEtShJH4AunptNOI/s640/renovation+complete+599.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from kitchen through archway to den</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SywGyCKmWa0RoGOjTE3U8uJZYPTuQH_p8S1NadduqbMDzKn8NgG-YLqrio1m7gTa0GETnOBfYCWFZ52fBNZ-Thad8ki5HkiZPTTLQ4ePHKSFtlATsmIvfVKN2HLjCTdMxy-Fs1Q6tr4/s1600/renovation+complete+595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SywGyCKmWa0RoGOjTE3U8uJZYPTuQH_p8S1NadduqbMDzKn8NgG-YLqrio1m7gTa0GETnOBfYCWFZ52fBNZ-Thad8ki5HkiZPTTLQ4ePHKSFtlATsmIvfVKN2HLjCTdMxy-Fs1Q6tr4/s640/renovation+complete+595.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new butcher block island</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjnU8K2iZCcPsfYndjr5E_GXyjFg4UAg3v7uCLYlupotXuA-qMoeSkBgVeprrajXn6v2NRDoxRy87Z7GXwSQYagcIi-coFtZFxIdlYYHwphVLPhp1HEnTASJqUpcPS0-6mKMEh2dCq6U/s1600/renovation+complete+596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjnU8K2iZCcPsfYndjr5E_GXyjFg4UAg3v7uCLYlupotXuA-qMoeSkBgVeprrajXn6v2NRDoxRy87Z7GXwSQYagcIi-coFtZFxIdlYYHwphVLPhp1HEnTASJqUpcPS0-6mKMEh2dCq6U/s640/renovation+complete+596.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CkWzXgRKLmANpbsFtyPnfbnNo48xDN8tYhkKI-s9DTUKUm-FkiyRZyLzR8k4YwRMRQCxX68aFp0vhKxk0zjZjTP_QS7ohTN0fZvGwiM8UmAJghSerY3VYMV3i2gdXhk9p5dSs6qoBWY/s1600/renovation+complete+598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CkWzXgRKLmANpbsFtyPnfbnNo48xDN8tYhkKI-s9DTUKUm-FkiyRZyLzR8k4YwRMRQCxX68aFp0vhKxk0zjZjTP_QS7ohTN0fZvGwiM8UmAJghSerY3VYMV3i2gdXhk9p5dSs6qoBWY/s640/renovation+complete+598.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new pantry door, icemaker</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fKEv-ERCJUU7Jm3kVqrBPqmlF2EBu27xXcj4Qmxq9dk9y82M2bHH8w13Y2_IYcI4OAnn2UyK1fB7X26z9Py5rO0lhkigylj52tMl_mJFAnzxfiWGLle8lvt8V4YXh2F8unv92E44GgI/s1600/renovation+complete+601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fKEv-ERCJUU7Jm3kVqrBPqmlF2EBu27xXcj4Qmxq9dk9y82M2bHH8w13Y2_IYcI4OAnn2UyK1fB7X26z9Py5rO0lhkigylj52tMl_mJFAnzxfiWGLle8lvt8V4YXh2F8unv92E44GgI/s640/renovation+complete+601.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new built-in cabinets with old metal inlay</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpkgw3A8ZP9kiOzZTLweSYRWFW7oKKCUKojkQyhtV53xtsLnU7zwymzySTCCUqC3sdqh15sMUrhnAPWBHqCLKT_t9P4P5BITzVBWhyphenhypheniVrxmGC_m7nCC001xKqEeqYt899XW2WZ8LsQ2M/s1600/renovation+complete+603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpkgw3A8ZP9kiOzZTLweSYRWFW7oKKCUKojkQyhtV53xtsLnU7zwymzySTCCUqC3sdqh15sMUrhnAPWBHqCLKT_t9P4P5BITzVBWhyphenhypheniVrxmGC_m7nCC001xKqEeqYt899XW2WZ8LsQ2M/s640/renovation+complete+603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pw6F5XTYrPp-D9YloqbivE7ByCuyE6aSjkzR6ArVVFliRG44ZjtOWWbmzx_9s9FH_xH8CR8Z_4JPfJkYN4zTOTloMS_GwQ0yVE2gmjX-9zLQ8rGbnwAxF-3V5guB9OtFRzhMDgTHVTM/s1600/renovation+complete+604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pw6F5XTYrPp-D9YloqbivE7ByCuyE6aSjkzR6ArVVFliRG44ZjtOWWbmzx_9s9FH_xH8CR8Z_4JPfJkYN4zTOTloMS_GwQ0yVE2gmjX-9zLQ8rGbnwAxF-3V5guB9OtFRzhMDgTHVTM/s1600/renovation+complete+604.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpy6mL8aBDg-vGlyY98M4su7h683oneTv2YDSXaNqg0EbZyQhQGImA5OgTex6xfZhNZ8yqRwZKL21Xc0UzGVdoHkmwyF4BBp2H42qkCWjn_ladjDsE6KDtHG_h3sweh6YDe-y-izG8Nc/s1600/renovation+complete+606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpy6mL8aBDg-vGlyY98M4su7h683oneTv2YDSXaNqg0EbZyQhQGImA5OgTex6xfZhNZ8yqRwZKL21Xc0UzGVdoHkmwyF4BBp2H42qkCWjn_ladjDsE6KDtHG_h3sweh6YDe-y-izG8Nc/s640/renovation+complete+606.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of den vault and new fireplace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNEGDMG2Td3NDlwpS9FWQauqo-_PEZqS5htIf2wLnMjVgKk_zrfIz7Wys6O24mEvo-WAf94I5w3U7MOucpZa_iZ27NPzo9Ta18jUJVCiA30gurxpyMXpCiDnVuA1f4_4naDoURVKo-d4/s1600/renovation+complete+607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNEGDMG2Td3NDlwpS9FWQauqo-_PEZqS5htIf2wLnMjVgKk_zrfIz7Wys6O24mEvo-WAf94I5w3U7MOucpZa_iZ27NPzo9Ta18jUJVCiA30gurxpyMXpCiDnVuA1f4_4naDoURVKo-d4/s640/renovation+complete+607.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new heartpine doors to hallway</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRowaR7oqH0maVx5lKN-P4LoTX_ZSJVQGzF9vVM6Wsy3SWPQmTcSPQ4749ZEy4EalWPyUtPfm3CozBP-Wh7scGipQVXDYQ9wWNAw0xezRLib5DrH-ZPMPIwPk7bwypSH0FgDdKsxCqeto/s1600/renovation+complete+608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRowaR7oqH0maVx5lKN-P4LoTX_ZSJVQGzF9vVM6Wsy3SWPQmTcSPQ4749ZEy4EalWPyUtPfm3CozBP-Wh7scGipQVXDYQ9wWNAw0xezRLib5DrH-ZPMPIwPk7bwypSH0FgDdKsxCqeto/s400/renovation+complete+608.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO13dxK74C7Uvg4N8qAauL99-pQYds3Rcnkf5m_ITBX5E5qsN9mP-G-QX9AwWK9pmhH4DIGr3N3vSkUirilSIn2B_JNuS0VfadHtYAXBgNrfv_KcHi-QO2oUjFSVjX4GvjMFS13b3Pvjc/s1600/renovation+complete+610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO13dxK74C7Uvg4N8qAauL99-pQYds3Rcnkf5m_ITBX5E5qsN9mP-G-QX9AwWK9pmhH4DIGr3N3vSkUirilSIn2B_JNuS0VfadHtYAXBgNrfv_KcHi-QO2oUjFSVjX4GvjMFS13b3Pvjc/s400/renovation+complete+610.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from new opening to 2 bedrooms, cabinet doors added to existing shelving</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUea-AOKoTo5nIgHFDkByMkxAuiK882AoPl-3LL5UFPEmjT0GuoVh4AtJN_k-JYJFClQUSzNGy08m9gB4ALu7Mu5R1H82EuIQa7sWaWxp5IoixnN2Q107FW7OC9AQYIYdLqU-guAUWlgI/s1600/renovation+complete+614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUea-AOKoTo5nIgHFDkByMkxAuiK882AoPl-3LL5UFPEmjT0GuoVh4AtJN_k-JYJFClQUSzNGy08m9gB4ALu7Mu5R1H82EuIQa7sWaWxp5IoixnN2Q107FW7OC9AQYIYdLqU-guAUWlgI/s640/renovation+complete+614.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn1rpbNDjdp8DQAbu8Ko0vSXze1KEK7LThpSIReHPHPD-RFvuQC0TyDvmfCfTDXoIT7ZGJbtKpdLsSIsw5Zjpq-a2cwq3JWFemmiOWYoLMfM_lDbtHh8TRUsHgamqKf6ZSNCXAsVqq1s/s1600/renovation+complete+616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn1rpbNDjdp8DQAbu8Ko0vSXze1KEK7LThpSIReHPHPD-RFvuQC0TyDvmfCfTDXoIT7ZGJbtKpdLsSIsw5Zjpq-a2cwq3JWFemmiOWYoLMfM_lDbtHh8TRUsHgamqKf6ZSNCXAsVqq1s/s640/renovation+complete+616.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBB8ct3pTbyhIshvSrHqnG7C-Cvu_eD7hces-yjpx1nSi4-rMwuYknNahPcSHy7hVHQ1H_rZbAeBfcQ6KSa4PCuxg52smrPfyDXAd9SZyAGttAK5FCVVezdzJz4Ac9o1ZYl8TXTPLbnw/s1600/renovation+complete+612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBB8ct3pTbyhIshvSrHqnG7C-Cvu_eD7hces-yjpx1nSi4-rMwuYknNahPcSHy7hVHQ1H_rZbAeBfcQ6KSa4PCuxg52smrPfyDXAd9SZyAGttAK5FCVVezdzJz4Ac9o1ZYl8TXTPLbnw/s400/renovation+complete+612.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mollie's room, just painted and stained floors</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcblN8ZCfGmCYTyO7XObF0MDVDmXci75h72Cwr9v6jb1yvpNkF0P_CEzJVaPxsplirAfATR4nNg25VBpzGV7td4Yys5xKRLTZIui39zdbiJDer9OjYIG0HWpE5OSMtgs4V6_iy-q5RTOI/s1600/renovation+complete+624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcblN8ZCfGmCYTyO7XObF0MDVDmXci75h72Cwr9v6jb1yvpNkF0P_CEzJVaPxsplirAfATR4nNg25VBpzGV7td4Yys5xKRLTZIui39zdbiJDer9OjYIG0HWpE5OSMtgs4V6_iy-q5RTOI/s640/renovation+complete+624.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new master bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherHizHDMEkeKaNVeY8q9wUSKQjBbXdRnt7__fuel36-j2YjoUy0SAQW-QPugZd6SzIVYN514lLqvtuqXOPu2ZQKidtBVe4Y1Gjr9_mwEsLxGQ8rDrZn-FZqda6YeR0-Rgvxcau3USnP0/s1600/renovation+complete+625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherHizHDMEkeKaNVeY8q9wUSKQjBbXdRnt7__fuel36-j2YjoUy0SAQW-QPugZd6SzIVYN514lLqvtuqXOPu2ZQKidtBVe4Y1Gjr9_mwEsLxGQ8rDrZn-FZqda6YeR0-Rgvxcau3USnP0/s640/renovation+complete+625.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYxC5p9ItmEbHYJwNPBw0AyQaM6z9mZVQh7xHMmGC29N32pckC_AIVLkZDFp0o_m-fcVd4hi6-sCvYg0hze-JolxkuPI62b60or5pBw3eFqesCjzvPwEzyGJUleebF407n6XvbYmo8vU/s1600/renovation+complete+628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYxC5p9ItmEbHYJwNPBw0AyQaM6z9mZVQh7xHMmGC29N32pckC_AIVLkZDFp0o_m-fcVd4hi6-sCvYg0hze-JolxkuPI62b60or5pBw3eFqesCjzvPwEzyGJUleebF407n6XvbYmo8vU/s640/renovation+complete+628.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQNaoUmW9GdbVo4JpdvZcnAKNPis6cHIgX2RkkOJCn-agIqJzFi_94va_qCaSU4OR0c_5ne8U9-wJCV0G6GKXOwh24oUGORs_tclXMW84xuMBQxbeyAHGXT4PDMc_flP-SabPk4o7EqM/s1600/renovation+complete+627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQNaoUmW9GdbVo4JpdvZcnAKNPis6cHIgX2RkkOJCn-agIqJzFi_94va_qCaSU4OR0c_5ne8U9-wJCV0G6GKXOwh24oUGORs_tclXMW84xuMBQxbeyAHGXT4PDMc_flP-SabPk4o7EqM/s640/renovation+complete+627.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">doors to my walk-in closet:-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToMm9ZXXaU3zwyUOS8gcgSdwn8c0J2GtHT6ykLUqHXuqSbUdDxdOYQ7QJJtfZEtGVCmf7_tNu1QMWa3gA29OiPHQqNBX3RKDwX90hx4qTvfJbimmdfMqdXS25IVr07mUg1oA5Z-BMnh0/s1600/renovation+complete+629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToMm9ZXXaU3zwyUOS8gcgSdwn8c0J2GtHT6ykLUqHXuqSbUdDxdOYQ7QJJtfZEtGVCmf7_tNu1QMWa3gA29OiPHQqNBX3RKDwX90hx4qTvfJbimmdfMqdXS25IVr07mUg1oA5Z-BMnh0/s640/renovation+complete+629.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my new favorite hideout!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Wi7SvNPQYOkz11BDVWOQy2_CU49IN7JeDvgEPgzVKd_CXKcPPNg9F2leJWck0lT1qkJTGQLi6DQ6hgmrOEIYZzU2DPs6alugsJ_LmcYor1M3dOzZwY7qwBJbNlhyphenhyphenC2_Yue6J6ahS9SQ/s1600/renovation+complete+630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Wi7SvNPQYOkz11BDVWOQy2_CU49IN7JeDvgEPgzVKd_CXKcPPNg9F2leJWck0lT1qkJTGQLi6DQ6hgmrOEIYZzU2DPs6alugsJ_LmcYor1M3dOzZwY7qwBJbNlhyphenhyphenC2_Yue6J6ahS9SQ/s640/renovation+complete+630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUJkAKfTfdNtzMvwv_hNfmyLT_cGnqCEu74SFH72yhUamx4BPFPQCLbaAx9z-jlijC8TqWTvHaqwHtR0dLfMNMGibdr2MB1evSZ5aM0tKG-loOjhDRbvTyOSbc9fuR9b6x5WUjf8cjrg/s1600/renovation+complete+632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUJkAKfTfdNtzMvwv_hNfmyLT_cGnqCEu74SFH72yhUamx4BPFPQCLbaAx9z-jlijC8TqWTvHaqwHtR0dLfMNMGibdr2MB1evSZ5aM0tKG-loOjhDRbvTyOSbc9fuR9b6x5WUjf8cjrg/s400/renovation+complete+632.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new half bath off of playroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4g5adPG7LF0sZxqu6qXz9zVkEnKsDYpIz-rRrD3-RjhcDUxX7s4LuA4apgKS9B7D5jNpiGuI1IgZJkGX35l5_lirYusWZNhGwOjoxC3bbSGTE9FiSkzTrnnn0aV5Sezi66YhXOPy7yY/s1600/renovation+complete+633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4g5adPG7LF0sZxqu6qXz9zVkEnKsDYpIz-rRrD3-RjhcDUxX7s4LuA4apgKS9B7D5jNpiGuI1IgZJkGX35l5_lirYusWZNhGwOjoxC3bbSGTE9FiSkzTrnnn0aV5Sezi66YhXOPy7yY/s640/renovation+complete+633.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityhciBydttSIHEUvk0WNLZ49wWPiylYR4TNFSAbnhM9b-CcB393QuijDyiNHJRLD5FVlobaQFqG5UICqi3L89_cZt6hNwrXASWzcK2s9r4QktDtcfuzCwbnX3ITfvx5pyjuImKyQ_CcI/s1600/renovation+complete+634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityhciBydttSIHEUvk0WNLZ49wWPiylYR4TNFSAbnhM9b-CcB393QuijDyiNHJRLD5FVlobaQFqG5UICqi3L89_cZt6hNwrXASWzcK2s9r4QktDtcfuzCwbnX3ITfvx5pyjuImKyQ_CcI/s640/renovation+complete+634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-11634041820720374282010-09-27T12:03:00.001-05:002010-09-27T12:22:54.424-05:00resourcesjust thought i would share a list of my go-to websites during this wild ride. i don't know what i would do without these resources and it helps to have this list for personal reasons right here on my blog:-)<br />
<br />
a wonderful outlet for paint color dilemmas<br />
<a href="http://www.peacockpaint.com/paint_colors/">http://www.peacockpaint.com/paint_colors/</a><br />
<br />
such a cute girl with great ideas. very casual style like mine.<br />
<a href="http://www.nestegg.typepad.com/">http://www.nestegg.typepad.com/</a><br />
<br />
love these lighting ideas for out screen porch, kitchen, and casual lighting inside <a href="http://www.barnlightelectric.com/">http://www.barnlightelectric.com/</a><br />
but for more modern lighting, i ordered from <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/ceiling-lights">http://www.jonathanadler.com/ceiling-lights</a><br />
and for reasonably priced elegant lighting i used<a href="http://www.tarashaw.com/maison/index.php">http://www.tarashaw.com/maison/index.php</a> in NOLA<br />
<br />
great site when i need to show a visual to my contractors!<br />
<a href="http://www.decorpad.com/index.htm">http://www.decorpad.com/index.htm</a><br />
<br />
for everything in our bath<br />
<a href="http://www.ferguson.com/homeowner.shtml">http://www.ferguson.com/homeowner.shtml</a><br />
<br />
for pretty tile <br />
<a href="http://prosourcejackson.leads.com/Products/naturalstone/Pages/BrowseProducts.aspx">http://prosourcejackson.leads.com/Products/naturalstone/Pages/BrowseProducts.aspx</a><br />
<br />
for solid surface counter tops...ask for remnants!<br />
BJ's Ceramic Tile (couldn't locate a web address)<br />
<br />
for hardware i love getting ideas from <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/category/category.jsp?categoryId=cat160082">restoration hardware</a> and then matching them at lowes or ridgeland specialty hardware for better prices<br />
<br />
cool outdoor gardening stuff <a href="http://www.shopterrain.com/">http://www.shopterrain.com/</a><br />
<br />
hmmm that's about all i can come up with for now. will update when i start on interior decorating!Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-48987150556012615782010-09-26T10:31:00.000-05:002010-09-26T10:31:39.570-05:00during<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF_4XgIsXRJrZdJ3C5BGyLHtUJozFzHN2b04-9iGAxyNv_VqgUoVJBkPoqOvSE097UeO4LFtRb7qN0GVXg_erCHhsrHZUQd5hgpWUkHQUMWS0gc8S928Vt1v3BCAv2p6oYI_j2MzBIdA/s1600/renovation+418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGF_4XgIsXRJrZdJ3C5BGyLHtUJozFzHN2b04-9iGAxyNv_VqgUoVJBkPoqOvSE097UeO4LFtRb7qN0GVXg_erCHhsrHZUQd5hgpWUkHQUMWS0gc8S928Vt1v3BCAv2p6oYI_j2MzBIdA/s640/renovation+418.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">family room vault</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9eguO3EwL6ZXHiVCLgrNNH46uq8j9Nvz4Ef39PEmIp3HbzdYBBkWdBi_P8qaADq9oduVaMz6etYRKLu9vCPL1SoJojPfh_MpPZJVqFtUrHBFu_K58strk2Ri5k1a-phpFo1cgQbx3R4/s1600/renovation+433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9eguO3EwL6ZXHiVCLgrNNH46uq8j9Nvz4Ef39PEmIp3HbzdYBBkWdBi_P8qaADq9oduVaMz6etYRKLu9vCPL1SoJojPfh_MpPZJVqFtUrHBFu_K58strk2Ri5k1a-phpFo1cgQbx3R4/s400/renovation+433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUD_SfpzO6qfnj9x8qRMlReXGH7f2guY03JU5qpksrgCY0MAxfeMLgoIEk2GsqfRrItZ-i6KT5gmMcApRlIOVCcqLphqyDfqxsRYDCnHjExjdZetFmZnczSAzynSHG7sDfhbbfX7KCGo/s1600/renovation+442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUD_SfpzO6qfnj9x8qRMlReXGH7f2guY03JU5qpksrgCY0MAxfeMLgoIEk2GsqfRrItZ-i6KT5gmMcApRlIOVCcqLphqyDfqxsRYDCnHjExjdZetFmZnczSAzynSHG7sDfhbbfX7KCGo/s400/renovation+442.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MT7KgQ0RTc6A9xtJCGvHT3VGtb6y5VVhjMSAfRojORS0YG1p4YqMp5lt8kfk84qbxmjrcsoVDsNKS6lN_jDISMcq7W1wQ24fxc8vOiW9A5zHkOb4WIaskgppn-BaaNt0fPcHxJpAoM4/s1600/renovation+420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MT7KgQ0RTc6A9xtJCGvHT3VGtb6y5VVhjMSAfRojORS0YG1p4YqMp5lt8kfk84qbxmjrcsoVDsNKS6lN_jDISMcq7W1wQ24fxc8vOiW9A5zHkOb4WIaskgppn-BaaNt0fPcHxJpAoM4/s640/renovation+420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">master bath gutted</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sKpQQtNzmTSf9xzijApZhdQnBe0dN7vVjMQknL9Um1_uYJJcSR8xPVag6BI9qCayHbRzY08aaTmraMZtb5QymgSO_X9Cgc5B2gyl7o4NZNNmdOqYdpcoG3h9R4PsUe3P4H-VdTCj4Fw/s1600/renovation+421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sKpQQtNzmTSf9xzijApZhdQnBe0dN7vVjMQknL9Um1_uYJJcSR8xPVag6BI9qCayHbRzY08aaTmraMZtb5QymgSO_X9Cgc5B2gyl7o4NZNNmdOqYdpcoG3h9R4PsUe3P4H-VdTCj4Fw/s640/renovation+421.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOuLi2DddsON3QQNPo1_QPrVsZXcWhJnAWu5k9mTO2HsADlgOrn9yyC6peXNueO0_aSovQBV-rt8vV9ipvoH7alIJ5qaiwFnBGrrOdhxQiKZuORqHnKHMW9NV1PBJwA1ANdsKocVEB1g/s1600/renovation+440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOuLi2DddsON3QQNPo1_QPrVsZXcWhJnAWu5k9mTO2HsADlgOrn9yyC6peXNueO0_aSovQBV-rt8vV9ipvoH7alIJ5qaiwFnBGrrOdhxQiKZuORqHnKHMW9NV1PBJwA1ANdsKocVEB1g/s640/renovation+440.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxHnendt_bn0y0FgNk3akybxjUz5xOI6bOmGbge-Ya4Y1oVgNxJl011f3rU6FwjLuaz-EvMxvaeP6B-LPhtDE5phFkLs6FqNRWGECZ5kBYRxtJu2atLmZupxkmHVpOmcSjMQKY4L23sA/s1600/renovation+427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxHnendt_bn0y0FgNk3akybxjUz5xOI6bOmGbge-Ya4Y1oVgNxJl011f3rU6FwjLuaz-EvMxvaeP6B-LPhtDE5phFkLs6FqNRWGECZ5kBYRxtJu2atLmZupxkmHVpOmcSjMQKY4L23sA/s320/renovation+427.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pantry door from <a href="http://www.oldhousedepot.com/">old house depot</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE0W4Ce4y7xGdnMuMWeSo0GoXt3D6rhbPNXY7pdLN9tsnvwezkTQOV9WxZpKp_CnTrNHIt1EAh0s2reLybg7hIKlRUx7P6d5fsLQxWQHWtg8hqc8wzq1DVzUwoc7MQkaRRCl72tRGPWM/s1600/renovation+432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE0W4Ce4y7xGdnMuMWeSo0GoXt3D6rhbPNXY7pdLN9tsnvwezkTQOV9WxZpKp_CnTrNHIt1EAh0s2reLybg7hIKlRUx7P6d5fsLQxWQHWtg8hqc8wzq1DVzUwoc7MQkaRRCl72tRGPWM/s640/renovation+432.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pantry goes in middle door and brick archway to the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ-zHsFjJWkOdCsuDrJiqkn3J-Omglq3bumu5su4d8wP5q2FmUicTCDflMOpaQbuLaKKFcU-tItWtxKN4OwyvgN4_a7X2ahBf4NdCly4enTkVlSy6jHTywc1V4jX6wuF6oZufZ4CglIs/s1600/renovation+434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ-zHsFjJWkOdCsuDrJiqkn3J-Omglq3bumu5su4d8wP5q2FmUicTCDflMOpaQbuLaKKFcU-tItWtxKN4OwyvgN4_a7X2ahBf4NdCly4enTkVlSy6jHTywc1V4jX6wuF6oZufZ4CglIs/s640/renovation+434.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from family room of brick archway</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgnkXSVAg-a0rceW1eul8zOY0lOlmqyhyphenhyphenXf5ySC_Q0XlLAuaJcikyTmxZbVHbaBk-YbHlK4t-RuGtN0jhP8aLnSWUr-z2yEPetSGIAwr2DtMsHUCfGg7YyWi4VxuWWGAuP9Nj5DaAl2E/s1600/renovation+436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgnkXSVAg-a0rceW1eul8zOY0lOlmqyhyphenhyphenXf5ySC_Q0XlLAuaJcikyTmxZbVHbaBk-YbHlK4t-RuGtN0jhP8aLnSWUr-z2yEPetSGIAwr2DtMsHUCfGg7YyWi4VxuWWGAuP9Nj5DaAl2E/s640/renovation+436.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new opening to master</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkESkxpIwboOAehRUUdv90WJC0r4HXFVEpXaywHmifTNxu6GDJfmqmFrvw2liawwOhMMrFkzr4IoLyVZwguXXzDJCz9ywDh5sFkDQw1y2i8cJqEx0btLqS8DhR3QKmUNfkN_KptWL8YA/s1600/renovation+439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkESkxpIwboOAehRUUdv90WJC0r4HXFVEpXaywHmifTNxu6GDJfmqmFrvw2liawwOhMMrFkzr4IoLyVZwguXXzDJCz9ywDh5sFkDQw1y2i8cJqEx0btLqS8DhR3QKmUNfkN_KptWL8YA/s640/renovation+439.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mollie lost two small closets for a bigger master bath...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReNFCMnct4qUrgUWlRUhtAuLzDN8ZfkngKz_8DdjO6G1rBIO8sPzwUwx5W4BXLOE5UQh2RK70mSXVFTkHV2JQpuKit0Rh_4sRnlask-MUVJhN6SfHlTRG6_vTbGQXEuBYAAUtM8t6cJA/s1600/renovation+441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReNFCMnct4qUrgUWlRUhtAuLzDN8ZfkngKz_8DdjO6G1rBIO8sPzwUwx5W4BXLOE5UQh2RK70mSXVFTkHV2JQpuKit0Rh_4sRnlask-MUVJhN6SfHlTRG6_vTbGQXEuBYAAUtM8t6cJA/s640/renovation+441.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">raised casings to living, dining</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX1QB3t8QJUgweXnfEd3Jcv7BdLY8Q7Ia1Ms-g_oVZD_Wai64tUqNODvYTzlXlbTI4dGnOPynA8D7YqnkjPur-bgCa_9C2jLqWtgqmwJBycMiQqwYBTkM-BcaI-ZyKW4oVmp1lH8aiWQ/s1600/renovation+437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX1QB3t8QJUgweXnfEd3Jcv7BdLY8Q7Ia1Ms-g_oVZD_Wai64tUqNODvYTzlXlbTI4dGnOPynA8D7YqnkjPur-bgCa_9C2jLqWtgqmwJBycMiQqwYBTkM-BcaI-ZyKW4oVmp1lH8aiWQ/s640/renovation+437.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">made two bedroom closets more efficient</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FZC-muBeXfTLdAzsH6-144fWy1jXZMHDcYRuJ4JRSXl1FmYsUfNfHwNGoRd5boSV0KqUndc6d70dzS_Mbvt6fJXKdG96gHK8G3YmUhODOWMeOUg49W3p5dGwmSixtk5nFBlkxoWnawM/s1600/renovation+424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FZC-muBeXfTLdAzsH6-144fWy1jXZMHDcYRuJ4JRSXl1FmYsUfNfHwNGoRd5boSV0KqUndc6d70dzS_Mbvt6fJXKdG96gHK8G3YmUhODOWMeOUg49W3p5dGwmSixtk5nFBlkxoWnawM/s640/renovation+424.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">closed off lots of doorways in hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-33414389853434087412010-09-20T20:16:00.000-05:002010-09-20T20:16:33.118-05:00our soon to be homeafter searching (with the best, <a href="http://www.nixtann.com/">nix tann</a>) high and low for the perfect <em>new</em> home in jackson, we stumbled upon an <em>old</em> one. it was built in 1959 by a doctor and his family. they lived there until they sold it to us in July. after interviewing 13 different contractors to take on this project of a project we found the perfect candidate, <a href="http://www.precisionpilings.com/">structural solutions</a>. what i know is that their bid came in the lowest. what i also know is that they were formerly a foundation only company and decided in the past couple of years to take on the rebuild types of projects. let's not call my house a "guinea pig", although that is sort of what it is. scary. instead of going with a build+design firm, i bravely decided to be the "design" part. you would laugh if you saw my drawings. <br />
read my lips..."i will never build a house", although obviously renovating is more work since we're dealing with existing. moving states and getting settled in my parents home, while searching for a lender, contractor, etc was tough but the day-to-day quick decisions have been stressful too. <br />
<br />
below are the before pictures i took and i will also include some during pictures in my <br />
next post. this is all very difficult to explain without you seeing the space, by the way. just keep in mind that we are doing a TON of work:-) definitely looking forward to after pictures in a few weeks...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYLNJubX1o1tBdqYqq5d02B7kwadvb7qbRnhzOfVz8xHJfxy26xzZ52zjyCYHzIdo3DYYX81BoFUVpmSKjQhFKRQD5yQTp7bxgxbnoV8Itq-9btKOiIVWLtZbaN6pc6MfAvrrRFtUtys/s1600/renovation+397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYLNJubX1o1tBdqYqq5d02B7kwadvb7qbRnhzOfVz8xHJfxy26xzZ52zjyCYHzIdo3DYYX81BoFUVpmSKjQhFKRQD5yQTp7bxgxbnoV8Itq-9btKOiIVWLtZbaN6pc6MfAvrrRFtUtys/s400/renovation+397.JPG" width="400" /></a>the front is mostly cosmetic-painting the shutters, door, railing, and putting new stone on the walk-way and steps, new lanterns, landscaping</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcxmzU2TblOhLA0bv4cph8ZjMRl1gwieP-ETq47-RQTy-meczKb8chNrHQ8_0cJ78HD9VqI7r6J-8HaA7I8Wze3JCDul1S2NVr5sBFKCQJliBIa2KEM98IqyuquqRL2-uHmXtmL7laL4/s1600/renovation+129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcxmzU2TblOhLA0bv4cph8ZjMRl1gwieP-ETq47-RQTy-meczKb8chNrHQ8_0cJ78HD9VqI7r6J-8HaA7I8Wze3JCDul1S2NVr5sBFKCQJliBIa2KEM98IqyuquqRL2-uHmXtmL7laL4/s320/renovation+129.JPG" width="320" /></a>this is the family room. we are vaulting the ceiling with heart pine beams, re-working the fireplace (making it wood burning and more modern) and adding a french door leading outside on the left and the right side window will be a wall where you see a window and door</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-eZqqouV8kPpzc0AeZ1yW_dlZkZbgHy-gNEYoBsjoWoeW8Tw0ag8adlf0EhMT159xSdJfinIEB_y_5-HPAScquM3f0vmwg0wXFR7Lhf3MTz5oTMUndh2KKu4r6UhqrsoNX3ZwQY51pg/s1600/renovation+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-eZqqouV8kPpzc0AeZ1yW_dlZkZbgHy-gNEYoBsjoWoeW8Tw0ag8adlf0EhMT159xSdJfinIEB_y_5-HPAScquM3f0vmwg0wXFR7Lhf3MTz5oTMUndh2KKu4r6UhqrsoNX3ZwQY51pg/s400/renovation+130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">tearing out the book shelves, raising door ways, vaulting, all floors will be re-stained</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC8f5UbPx8qcFil4-W8bWOUZJHy8UPK9HjoZFvuJVPh5Mz3EuNyVFRPQTE2DJsCnsFgGvRxS5H9UgGI4Tl5URGyMsxKvOaVjDxAZ3cvW-h9X_WE9Knz53VwZIC_xWE2Y-uDKsyXohmj4/s1600/renovation+128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC8f5UbPx8qcFil4-W8bWOUZJHy8UPK9HjoZFvuJVPh5Mz3EuNyVFRPQTE2DJsCnsFgGvRxS5H9UgGI4Tl5URGyMsxKvOaVjDxAZ3cvW-h9X_WE9Knz53VwZIC_xWE2Y-uDKsyXohmj4/s400/renovation+128.JPG" width="267" /></a>long hall way from front foyer to all bedrooms: closing off doors, adding doors, etc</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPujxEveazw4brL78dzdBf3VIZ7EhawKKSo9smCrjOv5KZVdsD9ne8bdIVXcuN1QJlt9H7aGUZ7cD4PjruaSONM3Ds-O0o2tVnzKEWxwEbENQdfUrjNHWMJ7bWbhn3Sn8GJGT7ogNXX0/s1600/renovation+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPujxEveazw4brL78dzdBf3VIZ7EhawKKSo9smCrjOv5KZVdsD9ne8bdIVXcuN1QJlt9H7aGUZ7cD4PjruaSONM3Ds-O0o2tVnzKEWxwEbENQdfUrjNHWMJ7bWbhn3Sn8GJGT7ogNXX0/s400/renovation+131.JPG" width="400" /></a>the good ole master...the bathroom is discombobulated that i couldn't get in to take a before picture. we are gutting it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcAZrOGzdoGDmTDkjC7qs1kcOhbCsOOauPMJ72v83qltEiZviyRk3JCg2uH3oC1C1HaqQ7wdt7VqnjAx5vAqrOrmuDaXRno1811NDUu9ZvkgliEPZ_WItsLSbe-NdPzWXg2RRcrySpJA/s400/renovation+141.JPG" width="400" />the kitchen is generally ok. it's getting a brick archway to the family room and a new island. bye bye wallpaper.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8S-wY505my35dWnPSi68zP5pF460ZHso7jT_tj2MU28Su9Po6sVcHSe4-gdzUqeHHOkvHUFzBq3rlp49BGkXamQn5lZ0xCW0DEtDkVmIXPQ5tLi-3NUQRBJ_j4GhOdCQtSyUyLkz60s/s400/renovation+137.JPG" width="400" />impossible to explain but this nook will now be a pantry from the kitchen (and this is the window that's now wall)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXzDX00b6oHSl16QAcRqMKskZ2Uv5s4Gf4ufMLX27tQ-fTCaBL4wG6sUtgJH-_IfXIs_izcLcxSZUlb9fnDJWYrnglpth4oDg7E56eyo46MCKa6Q1UhMC1V_e_VCH_B2RH6JG5AUrRUM/s1600/renovation+144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXzDX00b6oHSl16QAcRqMKskZ2Uv5s4Gf4ufMLX27tQ-fTCaBL4wG6sUtgJH-_IfXIs_izcLcxSZUlb9fnDJWYrnglpth4oDg7E56eyo46MCKa6Q1UhMC1V_e_VCH_B2RH6JG5AUrRUM/s400/renovation+144.JPG" width="400" /></a>this is that window from the family room that's getting walled off, the door on the side is part of the pantry and the sliding doors are now french doors</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwOY1EKplWnnEwVQxHFuySVN5Tpb4a9MHozGiwfYHmkHrPJnwhBbsmBM45zIJzMlu1F-3Quj1FxxgjUe1GrKGw_WC6ZO7x0ahSEg-bn1450Sb0QCfagq63FHWmwdNAebRhNppW8pT6hw/s1600/renovation+140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwOY1EKplWnnEwVQxHFuySVN5Tpb4a9MHozGiwfYHmkHrPJnwhBbsmBM45zIJzMlu1F-3Quj1FxxgjUe1GrKGw_WC6ZO7x0ahSEg-bn1450Sb0QCfagq63FHWmwdNAebRhNppW8pT6hw/s400/renovation+140.JPG" width="400" /></a>carpeting the playroom/sunroom. the door i haven't explained yet leads to the garage. oh and guess what...a new half bath is going in this room.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ11BcqNaj-Hp42zOITl6jGjFWrzz2RUh-5JCoiBBC6TWqWIwiY4V4iE28KmVAQWDu6BTvjACn8N3SxOh1D0ppfSFYXTTT7efKlVCtDx4D0Z85mOiPwetibWs7QCTbXv7sw_J0F-tNYLs/s1600/renovation+146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ11BcqNaj-Hp42zOITl6jGjFWrzz2RUh-5JCoiBBC6TWqWIwiY4V4iE28KmVAQWDu6BTvjACn8N3SxOh1D0ppfSFYXTTT7efKlVCtDx4D0Z85mOiPwetibWs7QCTbXv7sw_J0F-tNYLs/s400/renovation+146.JPG" width="400" /></a>back patio is getting a screened in porch on part of the flagstone, new beams, and a fireplace</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogyeI-A8HY6HpEoImEqP5t0xiw9Xptui9ZTcJU9vrsUFDR6rnk1GLHw1iaRYWqmSENMXDnF7wB1UlTkaU_dJAoTSfpDAEV0cS_uyTnULIZ0I1t6uGxnBLNOQdVHBeW-Deh-1fpxtRvkQ/s1600/renovation+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogyeI-A8HY6HpEoImEqP5t0xiw9Xptui9ZTcJU9vrsUFDR6rnk1GLHw1iaRYWqmSENMXDnF7wB1UlTkaU_dJAoTSfpDAEV0cS_uyTnULIZ0I1t6uGxnBLNOQdVHBeW-Deh-1fpxtRvkQ/s320/renovation+154.JPG" /></a>existing half bath in guest room<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf3OOlVv1DJGxB5CTNLku6lD0iG7fKqyDq9SJ9KuJM-6iIXyTx_JUbI-rtidwmwTuU1IhB6ayC-FUJqSEYGU18DYDxVVuHhVw_t5HU4lVWKCfvNAttwVcVNe667vKURNm-oBzMg0eyF8/s1600/renovation+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf3OOlVv1DJGxB5CTNLku6lD0iG7fKqyDq9SJ9KuJM-6iIXyTx_JUbI-rtidwmwTuU1IhB6ayC-FUJqSEYGU18DYDxVVuHhVw_t5HU4lVWKCfvNAttwVcVNe667vKURNm-oBzMg0eyF8/s400/renovation+148.JPG" width="400" /></a>"nursery" is getting paint, lights and a bigger closet</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggusUwslepw4Q-8mPKGluzQEUmUHex74sMXdQMKxBvReorD8xkO28jRsjGepADDugJg_zKDpG55LnTR2UEWwuUdTXJ3gChZpScbdfngzekeeLwbD7VeN_EN3XC-4kcdTrxxByVfe-xs1Y/s1600/renovation+151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggusUwslepw4Q-8mPKGluzQEUmUHex74sMXdQMKxBvReorD8xkO28jRsjGepADDugJg_zKDpG55LnTR2UEWwuUdTXJ3gChZpScbdfngzekeeLwbD7VeN_EN3XC-4kcdTrxxByVfe-xs1Y/s400/renovation+151.JPG" width="400" /></a>mollie's room! just painting and lights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNq-c3UWi4C_zbKWO_ExwEVGq_cR7PStvhxY8BbiAIY6LwlISKkxjln6uZT-v3f9HrcBZJYwRoHZP3vN3YJVGgj5GQkgg-V73hked25RtdTiyaG0FE9nizCLqtcV6oF-T5txmg0Nmw98/s1600/renovation+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNq-c3UWi4C_zbKWO_ExwEVGq_cR7PStvhxY8BbiAIY6LwlISKkxjln6uZT-v3f9HrcBZJYwRoHZP3vN3YJVGgj5GQkgg-V73hked25RtdTiyaG0FE9nizCLqtcV6oF-T5txmg0Nmw98/s400/renovation+157.JPG" width="400" /></a>living room/dining room. new lighting, hardwoods, raised doorways</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUfhj-WbiHwC1iKUl3i0zoU9SS2UuBADgJk869_7TmgpFQ7qALNb7KX8JXZImvMcVLOu6MkJIlKlSV5mHpcd6Q8xQNfqLSrrM1Ba0CE1z4Lmw5dyo8EcOOHOpaarxrjyBXnRDxs6hxb8/s1600/renovation+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUfhj-WbiHwC1iKUl3i0zoU9SS2UuBADgJk869_7TmgpFQ7qALNb7KX8JXZImvMcVLOu6MkJIlKlSV5mHpcd6Q8xQNfqLSrrM1Ba0CE1z4Lmw5dyo8EcOOHOpaarxrjyBXnRDxs6hxb8/s400/renovation+125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-66506525826217431072010-07-28T12:54:00.000-05:002010-07-28T12:54:11.984-05:00check back soon!so, we have officially sold our house in dallas, moved our furniture to storage in mississippi, and started renovating our new home (before and after photos to come!). it's an exciting time but also very busy! please be patient. as soon as i have a computer to blog on and some free time for painting i will be in touch. XO lauraLaura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-20615736135062215482010-06-20T13:50:00.000-05:002010-06-20T13:50:52.962-05:00attempt at abstract<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E8MbdeXZJ29Kg4zPP0Zq5TJgkKtHCL4ZtnyQmcddkJkenlPai5uVyfO1MT4-LPGmlGk1AO3NoDGLqAMHy9VL5vcXhmWsUJPn5vDvv3z1ajoDkKruU5p_s1C2eNkP85js9uW2Lc95avE/s1600/art+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E8MbdeXZJ29Kg4zPP0Zq5TJgkKtHCL4ZtnyQmcddkJkenlPai5uVyfO1MT4-LPGmlGk1AO3NoDGLqAMHy9VL5vcXhmWsUJPn5vDvv3z1ajoDkKruU5p_s1C2eNkP85js9uW2Lc95avE/s400/art+103.JPG" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx6GuLOMY1K9XZcpFav_E5R17a95IvoLkyNb-Y3Fk0KszxuIU2lJPflih60TfqnaP114RxUsg76l9D029FoTqLJ4_9NaAXiHE2oK_Tl3yEvo37Yip6jSoKHA2LOmkgz7QvT78uGyQMKY/s1600/art+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx6GuLOMY1K9XZcpFav_E5R17a95IvoLkyNb-Y3Fk0KszxuIU2lJPflih60TfqnaP114RxUsg76l9D029FoTqLJ4_9NaAXiHE2oK_Tl3yEvo37Yip6jSoKHA2LOmkgz7QvT78uGyQMKY/s400/art+107.JPG" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDZ2HlxjrFAdwSSHnVe1IgipfHfrJnJQ3c8u9dCG-XZAsg7v-oR_D9gnvOSWWZi8vA9mdfY90hLYfNSw63Y4Tng6hHX23I-aeMR7gAj_MLCozabl2wTzNut1O1iyC3WLGykFYcLA6Uvw/s1600/art+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDZ2HlxjrFAdwSSHnVe1IgipfHfrJnJQ3c8u9dCG-XZAsg7v-oR_D9gnvOSWWZi8vA9mdfY90hLYfNSw63Y4Tng6hHX23I-aeMR7gAj_MLCozabl2wTzNut1O1iyC3WLGykFYcLA6Uvw/s400/art+110.JPG" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM899_d9XAdNb-iquCS3hIPYNVqNW_lJqGiNPl8n10-TduSOECRGY2BtjlD9W4zWwDWQCeF6hOGOzM9DoqXbXSxHa2aytTMPwxUgTgYhR8tpoYiP_8dIatvEx-AdJu0pjrGiHNAH-ymLg/s1600/art+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM899_d9XAdNb-iquCS3hIPYNVqNW_lJqGiNPl8n10-TduSOECRGY2BtjlD9W4zWwDWQCeF6hOGOzM9DoqXbXSxHa2aytTMPwxUgTgYhR8tpoYiP_8dIatvEx-AdJu0pjrGiHNAH-ymLg/s640/art+098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
one thing i have learned while being in limbo at this stage of life is that chaos is life. i have always been structured as a person and i am embracing a whole new outlook. this state to state move, searching for a new home for our family, and selling our first home has been one of the best times of my life. the reason being, i have learned more in this short amount of time about who i am as an artist, how important family is, and prayer. i have learned to pray for God's will and not what i think will make me/us happy. every decision made has been so smooth knowing that i am not in control and i am so thankful. that my friend is the key to my joyful spirit!<br />
<br />
i conclude that the abstract painting is a dipiction of beauty and freedom. Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-8403845280558677762010-05-18T21:05:00.000-05:002010-05-18T21:05:59.990-05:00so long lakewood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-h_TxJgN8SPXoHB3rfV2BM7dMQV_2ZDstDkQoWPsA3NLwL56djH5jQyjAGoyJTUfUXBR844vwwJBF85EX0WBA6zDxBpZiabbsQ8Ir3K1PyameRvXdfisSa9TkAEI9Saaf8mIyfQodXY/s1600/amy+crain+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-h_TxJgN8SPXoHB3rfV2BM7dMQV_2ZDstDkQoWPsA3NLwL56djH5jQyjAGoyJTUfUXBR844vwwJBF85EX0WBA6zDxBpZiabbsQ8Ir3K1PyameRvXdfisSa9TkAEI9Saaf8mIyfQodXY/s640/amy+crain+003.jpg" width="640" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p6r3A05BfLFTMoIX8l6zQD3TbWzED3n5Qjj_BmaIyjLhWQViP_ZZ7AGqwSndeo1iCF8RivDw3ybsdlvVGzqwbARifl0yzqm6tG65Zc4vZ-qN4qVHjpDL49pbrjGPCSLkH09Jg7G1jQ8/s1600/amy+crain+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p6r3A05BfLFTMoIX8l6zQD3TbWzED3n5Qjj_BmaIyjLhWQViP_ZZ7AGqwSndeo1iCF8RivDw3ybsdlvVGzqwbARifl0yzqm6tG65Zc4vZ-qN4qVHjpDL49pbrjGPCSLkH09Jg7G1jQ8/s640/amy+crain+002.jpg" width="640" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoGi7b2lBg6e-u7l2kPTBal9cy_ZhBwudxGg6k97NgKPLP7RZoK4wr3sQ5XgGvFE8zjUPbw1lyh8jN1un5YZ-RJuBznKE_m7IZJHRVmml9ahhKX7_HM3HwVpcpfmc2e9F8xrMevelSBs/s1600/amy+crain+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoGi7b2lBg6e-u7l2kPTBal9cy_ZhBwudxGg6k97NgKPLP7RZoK4wr3sQ5XgGvFE8zjUPbw1lyh8jN1un5YZ-RJuBznKE_m7IZJHRVmml9ahhKX7_HM3HwVpcpfmc2e9F8xrMevelSBs/s640/amy+crain+001.jpg" width="640" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
sitting here in tears i post my most current painting of a friends house in our beautiful neighborhood of Lakewood. a few months ago i was sad that my friend was leaving us for an amazing adventure in palo alto (or as i like to say, NAPA VALLEY). now, i am feeling the pain of our personal move from this lush, hilly, friendly, convenient, lovely neighborhood i call home. as a supportive wife this move is an opportunity of a lifetime for my husband's career. as a mother and lover of Dallas it is one of the saddest moments i have known in a long time. after much prayer we, as a family, have decided to move back to where i was born and raised in Mississippi. don't get me wrong, this is not a <em>bad</em> place (hey, i turned out ok) but back to Dallas...after 10 years of schooling, joining, meeting, birthing, eating, wine-ing, partying, cousin-ing, shopping, loving, and giving it's over. yeah yeah, part of our family still resides here so we will be visiting a lot, that is for sure, BUT what about my weekly strolls down the street to wholefoods, and my yoga studio, and my play group and my daughter's mother's day out program that i waited in line for at 4 am in Febuary to sign up for? all i know is whoever buys our house is one lucky family. man o man, i'm gonna miss this place. on a painting note, this is my favorite-if i had to choose a favorite because i'm not a big fan of myself in a painting way. thanks for the opportunity, lakewood friend...Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-24186715650762265882010-04-22T13:49:00.001-05:002010-04-22T20:41:20.711-05:00Mary Mary quite contrary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...how does your garden grow? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with silver bells and cockle shells </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and pretty maids all in a row</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FG5v00yBaIOTU9sRVeKLhxbAFxIifKNHy_Gk0wSJTEKYQ1fJwr-XgofgUUCYRl5m1eLZU5JSCKBfgHYqTpB73HCs8h3_68cno8NYHAq5TBb4z963F-6OokVIkQqUeMO4nLoBjlqovPQ/s1600/garden+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FG5v00yBaIOTU9sRVeKLhxbAFxIifKNHy_Gk0wSJTEKYQ1fJwr-XgofgUUCYRl5m1eLZU5JSCKBfgHYqTpB73HCs8h3_68cno8NYHAq5TBb4z963F-6OokVIkQqUeMO4nLoBjlqovPQ/s640/garden+002.jpg" width="640" wt="true" /></a></div>(from top left) strawberries, onion, potato, garlic. still working under ground (not pictured): tomatoes, carrots, herbs <br />
<br />
<div align="center">the garden is almost ready, now i just need to read up on how to harvest a garden. i can't say it looks like the garden i pictured as a child reciting that poem, but hopefully it will make some good eating!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">it won't be long before i can <a href="http://sfcarrots.wordpress.com/2010/03/16/learning-in-the-garden/">teach kiddos</a> first hand about the importance of eating clean. what better way than to start from the roots! jamie oliver's <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition">food revolution</a> is such an inspiring story.</div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-30275818160379982782010-04-05T16:39:00.000-05:002010-04-05T16:39:36.332-05:00year one, whew!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrdVBbRjqPPqOxsFnGD5OtINeJFJbIBNuWBYKCVlR5ix0pLSSWyy9u6WkmcB-Cc8Mi4aZdNEtNUCZy9lFznOZqiiggV0bV6ABv6ROyDuHVUepGhf15u1nfeljq7aGeRz9ic25kUQCZOU/s1600/happy+b-day+mollie!+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrdVBbRjqPPqOxsFnGD5OtINeJFJbIBNuWBYKCVlR5ix0pLSSWyy9u6WkmcB-Cc8Mi4aZdNEtNUCZy9lFznOZqiiggV0bV6ABv6ROyDuHVUepGhf15u1nfeljq7aGeRz9ic25kUQCZOU/s400/happy+b-day+mollie!+042.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY5KJOAId1G-xJ1unIMj0hKOCzPDLkp62OkzPVvrdv3cSbyv3hzz8pJeDGpgV9qT6AbO4adI5LU6xNVGpv7tHL3AxVGZtEctLApU32xC-GkJUol5_Pi4H1dCWEN8iy4cMkuEtqU3884E/s1600/happy+b-day+mollie!+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY5KJOAId1G-xJ1unIMj0hKOCzPDLkp62OkzPVvrdv3cSbyv3hzz8pJeDGpgV9qT6AbO4adI5LU6xNVGpv7tHL3AxVGZtEctLApU32xC-GkJUol5_Pi4H1dCWEN8iy4cMkuEtqU3884E/s400/happy+b-day+mollie!+020.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9ObFdv7Pvi-R7n9hjp3yY7hg14PVfJk6FaMLhEesfjlCMVyWpamBTU0IoJ00bYf46uzDjA58lDdxdMhGv8pQ06Y_mifnKc5SABmX8I9dLQrUVjoNac961s8dxDvEaID9XzqgFGk7CiM/s1600/happy+b-day+mollie!+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9ObFdv7Pvi-R7n9hjp3yY7hg14PVfJk6FaMLhEesfjlCMVyWpamBTU0IoJ00bYf46uzDjA58lDdxdMhGv8pQ06Y_mifnKc5SABmX8I9dLQrUVjoNac961s8dxDvEaID9XzqgFGk7CiM/s400/happy+b-day+mollie!+015.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw14l2ra5OEQOVf7ckDeuH1B-enLgFp4ViIuiQ6jw9t87-xVQ6XzM_eGrXon7Rga8eqPi3qkXPJgM7vfVMLOa2VZ3o3XymfGcwQfE1DBQamCmmGoFieuTdvhRPn-GE9obXrtPXFixbxU/s1600/happy+b-day+mollie!+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw14l2ra5OEQOVf7ckDeuH1B-enLgFp4ViIuiQ6jw9t87-xVQ6XzM_eGrXon7Rga8eqPi3qkXPJgM7vfVMLOa2VZ3o3XymfGcwQfE1DBQamCmmGoFieuTdvhRPn-GE9obXrtPXFixbxU/s400/happy+b-day+mollie!+013.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb_zeAHAJ-0RkHrTqYN5BP1uhNo7_IZuQlSPL9J2YsI6e0vE8HqOZVBUiMgffPeeolE7pYCDrB1Cp7xg0eFE4-0j5xtA-2BmkPx-E1cz-NqMunG-A2rSRsjG_dORBX0nres84yF_u048/s1600/happy+b-day+mollie!+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb_zeAHAJ-0RkHrTqYN5BP1uhNo7_IZuQlSPL9J2YsI6e0vE8HqOZVBUiMgffPeeolE7pYCDrB1Cp7xg0eFE4-0j5xtA-2BmkPx-E1cz-NqMunG-A2rSRsjG_dORBX0nres84yF_u048/s400/happy+b-day+mollie!+008.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlmJqVTx-5juh1E8Xnup9fyIXJQu1CvUygYhFnDCHj1V-iYiAulVhNHZcs0H31ZWeZd2oE9YW3r1yrmi3wpS3ENN_0i4XLeA4Vq4-K1fTdlyMGOp1UJ8MHog2ewLveWI24A_EEa45zMk/s1600/happy+b-day+mollie!+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlmJqVTx-5juh1E8Xnup9fyIXJQu1CvUygYhFnDCHj1V-iYiAulVhNHZcs0H31ZWeZd2oE9YW3r1yrmi3wpS3ENN_0i4XLeA4Vq4-K1fTdlyMGOp1UJ8MHog2ewLveWI24A_EEa45zMk/s400/happy+b-day+mollie!+075.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">don't laugh but a one year old birthday party is a lot of work!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
not only is this blog a way to showcase my art and decoarting tips, but also a way to document life. so, as mollie turned one year old last friday i had a chance to relect on how i have changed as a person because of her. i also thought of a few things that keep replaying in my mind as a new parent; ideas that have stuck this year as a result of reading, observing, and listening to others, and myself for the first time.<br />
<br />
1. obviousy, one of my revelations would be that a person under the age of one can teach you more about life than anyone on earth. from "searching for God knows what" by donald miller i found this quote life changing: "reality is like a fine wine. it will not appeal to children." once i grasped that idea, i realized that i am not a child any longer, therefore i am the adult and what it says to me is: A. i like wine, and B. life is difficult but can be enjoyable too. aging is a beautiful process and a positive part of life. take responsibility and look at struggles as growth. pray constantly.<br />
<br />
2. also, at a MOPS meeting our speaker said something (not sure what exactly) that stuck, and when i learned to sympathize with my child or any person that is when i connect and form a relationship. however, when i see the crying or complaining as negative, trying to solve the issue myself instead of simply understanding their grief and moving forward, it causes that person/child to hold things inside. basically, there is no perfect child/person and i want to embrace her differences, celebrate unique qualities instead of fitting into a mold. <br />
<br />
3. in the baptism preparation class they talked about how those books for kids that say, " my first bible" and have cute pictures of jesus...they aren't the real thing. when teaching children about the bible and God's word, use the real thing and don't pretend that these other cute books are Holy.<br />
<br />
<br />
4. i finally realized that i have a new job. at the beginning i was still trying to do too much aside from being a mother. "the mission of motherhood" by sally clarkson might be old-school but gets to the core of the beauty of being a stay-at-home mom. i feel so blessed to be at home, but i do look at it like a job everyday. maybe my painting has slacked lately, but i am fulfilled by a bright shining face running around me all day long! <strong> "the mission of motherhood is strategic in providing the next generation with whole-hearted, emotionally healthy, and spiritually alive adults. it is not simply a lifestyle choice. it is a divine calling that will indeed affect eternity."</strong><br />
<br />
5. and lastly, this first year has brought a few topics up about the future in discipline that i want to address. after reading the TIME mag article "the case against overparenting," i have concluded that there is a fine line between letting your children learn from mistakes and being their puppet master. i pray that over the years i can stay grounded in that aspect. i can't judge the NYC woman who let her 7 year old son on the subway alone. she <em>is</em> yale-educated and argues that letting her son ride the subway alone is just as dangerous as allowing kids to visit relatives, because as she points out 80% of kids who are molested are victims of friends or relative...or refusing the vaccinate your child for the swine flu as some have died from it.<br />
<br />
of course there are still issues to be dealt with over the next year, like the conflict over santa/easter bunny/tooth fairy thing. essentially, my husband agrees with me about being honest, but we need to find a way not to spoil the surprise for the other kids who believe!<br />
<br />
promise new art work next month....Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-56437991368845870152010-03-18T13:24:00.002-05:002010-03-18T13:28:56.363-05:00Dear Springtime,you are very inspiring. you make me do strange things. like plant a vegetable garden in my backyard. should be interesting to see if anything grows, considering i didn't take into detailed account the spacing of the seeds. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNSz2H7l5nmJI3TcFUnoA9pCcUabP210aY5I9HlbkQB2LLJn1f2snswnRsXXRZtW2KP24WwKk7HvAo-Pd4SptFg77oe5DmDEds8nzIp_vXpW9KJsAxfQs5qhEMO9HZDbTEbAgo3nbR-8/s1600-h/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNSz2H7l5nmJI3TcFUnoA9pCcUabP210aY5I9HlbkQB2LLJn1f2snswnRsXXRZtW2KP24WwKk7HvAo-Pd4SptFg77oe5DmDEds8nzIp_vXpW9KJsAxfQs5qhEMO9HZDbTEbAgo3nbR-8/s640/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+001.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>after reading this great article detailing how to plant everything in texas i might have done a few things differently. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx0VdKeb1MKtyVFyoi9namMhz3kqlr53FG2Lrd6cgVUp2yaJVsIww5WjWfbdjhO8U2kRYnDzrImKiLRuIh0MGxdLhJMCC7qO0Lelw1ohAYQrTNKUTC9n-ctVEoD5MgotGt8nK64e3Qj4/s1600-h/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDx0VdKeb1MKtyVFyoi9namMhz3kqlr53FG2Lrd6cgVUp2yaJVsIww5WjWfbdjhO8U2kRYnDzrImKiLRuIh0MGxdLhJMCC7qO0Lelw1ohAYQrTNKUTC9n-ctVEoD5MgotGt8nK64e3Qj4/s400/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+006.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
when life gives you eggs, make an egg tree. my thoughtful mother saved these hand painted wooden eggs from when we were growing up, and let me use them to make my own homemade egg tree. kinna funny that it only symolizes sweet childhood memories, not the reason for the easter holiday at all. every mother has their own way of doing things differently from their mother--no offense to mine, she did a wonderful job if i am trying to mimic her easter egg tree! well, one of my goals as an individual mom is to emphasize the special meanings behind the symbols of religious holidays (along with teaching about god's creation on a daily basis). did you know that in christian times, the egg was a symbol of new life just as a chick might hatch from the egg? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtCMrYEA5zppNK01qMRZ4zw9fydzeb3ydIhP9tGMOTcWNzs68YbFSljMgBr3sRCkrjkVEko0j03h2QPZGKdnIsU9bZ_MvhDB2Z65vgwkegBPiwxUC-gyfFJdstE-NyXIayFO2zvo6DOU/s1600-h/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtCMrYEA5zppNK01qMRZ4zw9fydzeb3ydIhP9tGMOTcWNzs68YbFSljMgBr3sRCkrjkVEko0j03h2QPZGKdnIsU9bZ_MvhDB2Z65vgwkegBPiwxUC-gyfFJdstE-NyXIayFO2zvo6DOU/s640/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+010.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>we know about the egg, but what about the rabbit? the hare was was associated with the pagan celebration of the goddess Eostre, from whom the word Easter is derived. Eostre was associated with fertility, so was connected to both hares and eggs as symbols. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQt6pabYvK6DBhu9M4i5klaGX6BscFksnFqRGcVTF6QQ_hJXFy3idNLcvUEi0w2XDeLyOv99z6rMXoqgyZnaScnj8Ts31JPqCkYhapzhtofzm-auBd97XQrGA8IjGnoSVDWViM9r7hYI/s1600-h/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQt6pabYvK6DBhu9M4i5klaGX6BscFksnFqRGcVTF6QQ_hJXFy3idNLcvUEi0w2XDeLyOv99z6rMXoqgyZnaScnj8Ts31JPqCkYhapzhtofzm-auBd97XQrGA8IjGnoSVDWViM9r7hYI/s400/egg+tree+and+veg+garden+007.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
there will always be some sort of symbol around a holiday and i think it is important not to be confused or confuse little ones. my hope is that my children will understand and question all things that god has created. when do you draw the line at letting them believe in a fairytale and showing them the true meaning? for example, the easter traditions of the easter bunny and easter eggs do not have any real ties to the christian celebration of easter, but rather these easter traditions, that are practiced today, are evolved from pagan symbols. if there is some significance that i can relay from praying/researching (ie. the egg symbolizing new life), then it is good. if it is a false representation of the holiday, ie. santa clause, and i cannot come up with any reasonable relation to christ, then i disagree. <br />
<br />
reminder: must discuss with husband tonight.Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-73175302019420907572010-03-10T09:55:00.000-06:002010-03-10T09:55:04.260-06:00new addition!NO, not that kind...<br />
guess what i finally have though? <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=18385">a new camera</a>. i know all of you are very relieved to give up squintting and turning your computer screen or your head to understand my postings. this thing is amazing...for the first 24 hours of it's adopted life it did not leave my neck. i snuggled with it in bed, put a shower cap on it for a shower, and annoyingly captured every moment of mollie's existence. i am thrilled for two main reasons: mollie's first birthday is coming up, and of course better photos for art. but the very best part--it was free! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">here are some interesting examples of what my new addition can do:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCwFLMgCGtjJcq_Sf9sTfitD-SiqHR62MKhLeIUMV_f2vKIvjU6W_5C-yZTqpi5V4sKtSncJUTLTIvyMYnNodynomEqBP9rsNYRSL9HuTo6HY2h9FsJ1hHBOO129PvZCfQywzVXPyUBc/s1600-h/mollie+2009-2010+259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCwFLMgCGtjJcq_Sf9sTfitD-SiqHR62MKhLeIUMV_f2vKIvjU6W_5C-yZTqpi5V4sKtSncJUTLTIvyMYnNodynomEqBP9rsNYRSL9HuTo6HY2h9FsJ1hHBOO129PvZCfQywzVXPyUBc/s640/mollie+2009-2010+259.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5SP-sunIgx6twVqElYL5chuYHiBwZ2ZG29JqomI5c0TCThPZkH2eWf8Ufqu1r1zmU5gSrvHEXutqbAGnhEczZIXpCxcLzdOextmqYZ5wdh06DGS4cz_FNJp_m90W27H-VL3JaRnxuJk/s1600-h/mollie+2009-2010+260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5SP-sunIgx6twVqElYL5chuYHiBwZ2ZG29JqomI5c0TCThPZkH2eWf8Ufqu1r1zmU5gSrvHEXutqbAGnhEczZIXpCxcLzdOextmqYZ5wdh06DGS4cz_FNJp_m90W27H-VL3JaRnxuJk/s640/mollie+2009-2010+260.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT21CTDIknD_eZU7Ekn-rv-1cw7K8Y5PAXnD8Hi7V9p8K-DX65i2Ky3Uo_qTg7sxXZ0Kh4YXSBGkghzLXrSW1zdKzgcvE_8g72EMhQM0DgaRvzlYAYft1LEZ-_ClENEWxFldhFmSVNlw/s1600-h/mollie+2009-2010+258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUT21CTDIknD_eZU7Ekn-rv-1cw7K8Y5PAXnD8Hi7V9p8K-DX65i2Ky3Uo_qTg7sxXZ0Kh4YXSBGkghzLXrSW1zdKzgcvE_8g72EMhQM0DgaRvzlYAYft1LEZ-_ClENEWxFldhFmSVNlw/s640/mollie+2009-2010+258.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-7235658281454045782010-03-01T13:43:00.011-06:002010-03-01T15:58:49.390-06:00soothing nurserywhile i realize this is a tad delayed, i thought i would post a few pics of my most favoritest room in our house just before mollie turns ONE. that reason being, it has calming abilities and it sleeps my most precious angel. <br />
<br />
personally, i see a nursery as being a neutral room. even before i found out her gender, i envisioned something that could carry over from the rest of the house, as opposed to being the typical pink or blue. while those are certainly cute rooms too, i saw the colors and textures as more organic and raw from nature. soothing for the baby as well as myself. i am pleased to say that my idea transpired into reality. thinking back when i would nurse 10 times a day in that room, i never really wanted to leave. and now when naptime or bedtime arrives, i feel mollie's calmness as we enter into her little haven.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3E2OwTxHTpj-2bPsp6GkOjvkV7i5qZEkOAVHIhIZBkRl_r5vsrl_T-KR_yB1xNoB-uCnieAo5_BO2viOhIf5F1m5A2V8FFSNoSBi7Stc3yVampLFCdX90-gb4c15E4sAA0sjrj_jFSk/s1600-h/crewel+sage,+blue+and+khaki+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3E2OwTxHTpj-2bPsp6GkOjvkV7i5qZEkOAVHIhIZBkRl_r5vsrl_T-KR_yB1xNoB-uCnieAo5_BO2viOhIf5F1m5A2V8FFSNoSBi7Stc3yVampLFCdX90-gb4c15E4sAA0sjrj_jFSk/s320/crewel+sage,+blue+and+khaki+fabric.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">crewel fabric for bumper, blanket, and pillow--leftovers from kitchen curtains in MV, thanks mom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tDfn46tf5XQjjuYCRWAQh8-b14Lu-v9NdLH2werOtDYilhBndILTngNgIK-iWjm6V4goBvzoQZc1nXx3GlFRHAdWnPuA9lqK_uhJTtCbK1UKoGoBR91lNIfPVwG2Y6cIeuaC28yin1I/s1600-h/nursery,+egg+tree+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tDfn46tf5XQjjuYCRWAQh8-b14Lu-v9NdLH2werOtDYilhBndILTngNgIK-iWjm6V4goBvzoQZc1nXx3GlFRHAdWnPuA9lqK_uhJTtCbK1UKoGoBR91lNIfPVwG2Y6cIeuaC28yin1I/s400/nursery,+egg+tree+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">i chose the jenny lend crib because that's what i had and i thought it was the most simplistic(plus it shows off the <a href="http://www.riorockerz.com/">pretty bedding</a> better than the bulkier ones)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bDLsYrrKyXw_LNzGabP8EJnFJMVtWoHLwYuUiWS84AV0f5T2BR3ZwLDmvKovZ_Sjqw7V4C8r_ysc7FDjrKV4_8K6qltJzDxz3lAlAgY9o9U_0muPhD4H7IGyMhtjnbfPzYsfEHepcoI/s1600-h/nursery,+egg+tree+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bDLsYrrKyXw_LNzGabP8EJnFJMVtWoHLwYuUiWS84AV0f5T2BR3ZwLDmvKovZ_Sjqw7V4C8r_ysc7FDjrKV4_8K6qltJzDxz3lAlAgY9o9U_0muPhD4H7IGyMhtjnbfPzYsfEHepcoI/s320/nursery,+egg+tree+002.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMuGCfdArInma9b0F6ZzMw5QyOj1uVhhg_vrSArnJHSS7361fTGyi1OsqY1l04pMjLcpJ__c6rih1A_frII4JbicNw6A3urSQ9JRjd-beyZoaYvqENFQ9XTwvl1Mvaqf4JzR0mbRPHCg/s1600-h/nursery,+egg+tree+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMuGCfdArInma9b0F6ZzMw5QyOj1uVhhg_vrSArnJHSS7361fTGyi1OsqY1l04pMjLcpJ__c6rih1A_frII4JbicNw6A3urSQ9JRjd-beyZoaYvqENFQ9XTwvl1Mvaqf4JzR0mbRPHCg/s320/nursery,+egg+tree+005.jpg" /></a>i am very thankful that the glider is so comfortable and sturdy. it was made by the same girl that did the bedding. i chose the brown mattlesse pipped in sage because it would be durable and comfortable. and it is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte08UorJ7QQE5aefUhh0K-LfIIFSKCALBBZz6Eahr08VCMOq5MpE6t-wXwEd5VhQuYTYJjhQ1PGBh3sX1qrEt2ZyEazNYaM0V8fj8jSkbnBSNLcxP6H5MF0X3Y-5z5jHYd-A-V3-foiU/s1600-h/nursery,+egg+tree+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte08UorJ7QQE5aefUhh0K-LfIIFSKCALBBZz6Eahr08VCMOq5MpE6t-wXwEd5VhQuYTYJjhQ1PGBh3sX1qrEt2ZyEazNYaM0V8fj8jSkbnBSNLcxP6H5MF0X3Y-5z5jHYd-A-V3-foiU/s400/nursery,+egg+tree+009.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIatwR62rW9E3xF2noLzpfzPQXb4YAf2cHlwruqccBmVS8rb25CKtifU6HP_5HIOuWbS74xWEiaWaIYqEZO3XOJdK2jVrPICl_3KuOxzvz97Iba9xaYWbrGHJyJOrIUY5MixMMc5jLyEE/s1600-h/nursery,+egg+tree+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIatwR62rW9E3xF2noLzpfzPQXb4YAf2cHlwruqccBmVS8rb25CKtifU6HP_5HIOuWbS74xWEiaWaIYqEZO3XOJdK2jVrPICl_3KuOxzvz97Iba9xaYWbrGHJyJOrIUY5MixMMc5jLyEE/s400/nursery,+egg+tree+011.jpg" width="300" /></a>the changing table is great. magic moon-think it closed recently. the black and white photos above (which are crooked b/c mollie likes to play with them while her diaper is being changed) are one of each of my parents-mollie and billy, tommy's parents-brenda and jim, and of course mollie's parents:-). we were all around 3 or 4 yrs old.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="mailto:clarebellekids@gmail.com">kathlyn</a> painted the toy chest. mollie loves it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO0wF_pxYUsxXoAvLTEWP-dZXQLuFWysi4AjtjeCh-tMA0jXMDnUvzLFyvYW5w2brAgqqVgzWTs3VdIY16itqJxVQcKb4KzLEpPRnvvPHNtHmBPOKXx7KUHiL0y6qPzO3ACB0FwLX5qo/s1600-h/nursery,+egg+tree+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO0wF_pxYUsxXoAvLTEWP-dZXQLuFWysi4AjtjeCh-tMA0jXMDnUvzLFyvYW5w2brAgqqVgzWTs3VdIY16itqJxVQcKb4KzLEpPRnvvPHNtHmBPOKXx7KUHiL0y6qPzO3ACB0FwLX5qo/s640/nursery,+egg+tree+015.jpg" width="640" /></a>these vintage nursery rhymes were a gift. a very creative, thoughtful and adored gift!</div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-81673124072331955592010-02-18T11:06:00.000-06:002010-02-18T11:06:53.374-06:00second in sequence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">enjoy the slanted photo of...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">finally! my second painting, in between michigan and my most recent, of perkins chapel at SMU. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKa5wI6W8QQI3oNS260_8SDBO4OR4552WCGucEYJ81xJU3zHqvwu7Sduur78p7s3e5U-ZkrbHP9sH3nIJ7FN4U4WxTtw1-dItg7e2Rnbaddk5u8JBBX6yOlEwb17K4pgxoDxk2Vbv5cU/s1600-h/art+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKa5wI6W8QQI3oNS260_8SDBO4OR4552WCGucEYJ81xJU3zHqvwu7Sduur78p7s3e5U-ZkrbHP9sH3nIJ7FN4U4WxTtw1-dItg7e2Rnbaddk5u8JBBX6yOlEwb17K4pgxoDxk2Vbv5cU/s640/art+002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for those that care, the delay in posting is due to daily life. a snow storm hit dallas and we had no power for a couple of days, also damaging one of our cars. it has been an interesting week trying to cope with no power and no car, while attempting to keep our normal routine. oh, and mollie caught a stomach bug to boot. thank God for electricity, automobiles, and healing and thank you for your patience.</div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-54022810144979120022010-02-05T19:59:00.001-06:002010-02-05T20:01:40.514-06:00our newest artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAygZVvgsGhANo8Z4xOOHRmwY8kRyOpR487joPiM05Q-PoJ8sxn8BSUX9oc58fMKIbgYpzGp1PwMFE8Jd2rzklgONUVfjNmO4yUhZj1AyguwA8zVjsiCOvNBBRWyvt1effYn9peHjrMQ/s1600-h/mollie+art+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAygZVvgsGhANo8Z4xOOHRmwY8kRyOpR487joPiM05Q-PoJ8sxn8BSUX9oc58fMKIbgYpzGp1PwMFE8Jd2rzklgONUVfjNmO4yUhZj1AyguwA8zVjsiCOvNBBRWyvt1effYn9peHjrMQ/s400/mollie+art+067.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjWvP7aruGHT1U84PgyveEOiNKagzDY6XLoBMnSVTMCxbGisyZIiOsZlDcMSGF7afNvM9zE6k_C8ZFKaL2QXc-AUMd6NE1svppwywSYmMHnMfLQLZaViGgy776YW6ROV7jq2-lqY69Uc/s1600-h/mollie+art+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjWvP7aruGHT1U84PgyveEOiNKagzDY6XLoBMnSVTMCxbGisyZIiOsZlDcMSGF7afNvM9zE6k_C8ZFKaL2QXc-AUMd6NE1svppwywSYmMHnMfLQLZaViGgy776YW6ROV7jq2-lqY69Uc/s400/mollie+art+070.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R0apVrjceLnzELnko3MLUaWIVKZjxBKOIIvTlZZz594Yku3pla1mmvcAVz3Q8LmGGgskBnPJHHu9Ab2Oye5xUKtUpUOjV0hi-LA2By-tVKSFnHaajXLM-F8aYce7OojgwZzjAeGZVEE/s1600-h/mollie+art+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R0apVrjceLnzELnko3MLUaWIVKZjxBKOIIvTlZZz594Yku3pla1mmvcAVz3Q8LmGGgskBnPJHHu9Ab2Oye5xUKtUpUOjV0hi-LA2By-tVKSFnHaajXLM-F8aYce7OojgwZzjAeGZVEE/s400/mollie+art+050.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEbQ5n_rjAW_wZljOiNuikL3DRQjsKvbBY3gn9Wvfe4pEsumFbSMB6ge160GA2F-75UaPtr0vMoGcwVJkZKQjZu2LHn3tksdLyHDc-REVbsNpkg3OWAPZ_ZQ0v8TJhmhc3nObTjAJnpI/s1600-h/mollie+art+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEbQ5n_rjAW_wZljOiNuikL3DRQjsKvbBY3gn9Wvfe4pEsumFbSMB6ge160GA2F-75UaPtr0vMoGcwVJkZKQjZu2LHn3tksdLyHDc-REVbsNpkg3OWAPZ_ZQ0v8TJhmhc3nObTjAJnpI/s400/mollie+art+053.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA8AFTmRREBwU4MG6UM1qJFwln7wKVjD9YCn0CSfGM8urzUT9IUb7ziF-Xb8_pV9MY_uZpZgv7xv89jUEm8IS1lK6i-sOQpR6KnSey_C5lxAUK9RxkTwaBlOZGa2IyYhMfsNL9PINJlQ/s1600-h/mollie+art+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA8AFTmRREBwU4MG6UM1qJFwln7wKVjD9YCn0CSfGM8urzUT9IUb7ziF-Xb8_pV9MY_uZpZgv7xv89jUEm8IS1lK6i-sOQpR6KnSey_C5lxAUK9RxkTwaBlOZGa2IyYhMfsNL9PINJlQ/s400/mollie+art+058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">i assure you this is my proudest mommy moment. i didn't even have to force it. mollie climbed into the chair herself at 9 months and began "drawing." she could care less that there were 100 kids running around her or that elmo was at the birthday party. back-up, maybe i shouldn't say proudest moment because mollie can be whatever and whoever she wants to be, but it gives me butterflies to think that possibly one day we can make art together. love her.</span></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-52938372960125273842010-01-28T06:41:00.001-06:002010-01-28T06:44:09.273-06:00back to basics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7C5yaFJnqE5oFIRhqLgksv7O0kXGxZsJdME5ABZf0T6CKDljO6r71xrVCF2NK4_Tw9x6KBpUtcYK34f1npwSQvqDHuGiYdNtTsXW4NwOBm_0AP7EZSczykWlVIgOwf7vZEYywIFX0ZQ/s1600-h/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7C5yaFJnqE5oFIRhqLgksv7O0kXGxZsJdME5ABZf0T6CKDljO6r71xrVCF2NK4_Tw9x6KBpUtcYK34f1npwSQvqDHuGiYdNtTsXW4NwOBm_0AP7EZSczykWlVIgOwf7vZEYywIFX0ZQ/s640/photo.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyone writing a blog for business purposes would never post another person’s work for publicity, but </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A. I am doing this as a fun hobby </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B. this is not just any person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my one and only “sissy” painted this. a-m-a-z-i-n-g. we have never been the type to fight (well, maybe when we were like 10 and under). i have always accepted her beauty, her <a href="http://www.wlu.edu/x31284.xml">outstanding athletic ability</a>, and her over-my-head geniusness. and, she has always appreciated the older, ditzy, outgoing sister in me. i believe our opposite personalities is what keeps us so close and interested! one of the qualities i think we have in common is our motherly instinct. we are both very nurturing and both multi-task with the best of them. enough of the boring stuff, let’s get down to this piece of art (she did for her boyfriend, or “lumber-jack”….love you, jack!). he is from NOLA, so her goal was to capture the Louisiana wetlands. as I recall, she questioned me back before Christmas about how to grid off a canvas….what??....grid?? i had not done that since like 4th grade (even forgot about it, for that matter). obviously, it worked.</span>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-32863213988249750372010-01-25T09:59:00.000-06:002010-01-25T09:59:36.158-06:00instant gratification<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we recently transformed part of the guest room into a play area. the idea seems simple, however, i seriously contimplated taking the king size bed out and moving a small day bed in, therefore having ample space for miss mollie and i to play; moving in new flooring, moving out side tables, etc. then, i was then reminded of how often "tini" comes to visit us (well, baby girl) and sleeps there. when there are too many "if's" it is never a good sign...IF we could find storage for our mattress(could give the bed away easily), IF we could find a replacement bed, IF IF IF. so, i decided to keep the large bed (my desk area too!!) and simply move furniture around to make a play area for us, while "baby-proofing" the dangerous areas and adding a baby gate to the door. the only thing i actually moved out of the room was an old leather chair. down the road when mollie grows out of her crib, i will be more mentally prepared to make the guest room into a "big girl" room for her, complete with her toys or whatever else she's accumulated by then. </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the room will be complete when her new </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Wooden-Art-Table-Chairs/dp/B001ZG5094"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">art table</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, from bebe and pops, is added (still unassembled in the garage). i can honestly say i have never been more excited about anything than to have an art table for mollie and i to share our creativity:-) gosh, i hope not to be that aggressive mom but i pray she will love art too. the blank wall above the chairs (where the art table will sit) will have </span><a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/flower-art-cable/?pkey=bwall-decor-decals"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> soon to feature friends and fun playdates. the vintage children's </span><a href="http://www.againandagain.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">chairs</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> you see will accompany the art table, and eventually we will have to improve the toy storage. just for the record (grandparents), if she is so generously given too many toys, they will kindly go to charity. the </span><a href="http://www.dashandalbert.com/product/view/gypsy-rose-cotton-hooked--RP2"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">rug</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is old...like college years old, so i don't mind <em>when</em> it gets messy. the baby gate and oh so exciting garden house was a christmas gift from aunt kiki & uncle E via babies r us. the large toy chest was my grandfather's, but i covered it with fabric, so the kiddos would be splinter-free. it's also a nice reading nook.</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">nothing glamorous, but it's the little things lately i have noticed make a huge difference in "mollie life." i am trying to appreciate every day, every moment with her. this small change makes a big difference. when i thought i needed a whole new room, what i really needed was a makeover(hince the post title). after careful review of the space, and not going with my initial reaction to a whole new room transformation, i was able to save money, time, and energy...and maybe gained a few extra visits from tini:-)</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">side note: i was reminded of a verse this morning in my bible study lesson that i thought applied to myself as a blogger. in a nut shell, i feel blessed to have friends and family that keep up with us here and i want to humbly say thank you for following along...</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Romans 12:15-16 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your </span></strong><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">own opinion."</span></strong><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbY3DDorif8X6yXgoMaO6JrRpuEBdeize-pLYZpACaVkiqKUT7gBHquexQrMzn0aaE9SClG2PQ3hW91qoVoyN10tEoYEvBjzFSpX9T4t1uKxbpK6hMFNFzFQrcaVJsRiXDoMpyBnMwfgo/s400/playroom+002.jpg" width="300" /><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">never in a million years thought i would own one of these</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKtkwI-9XM2nc1WPKq9KaLkJk9DQfp0jAJkklf5ZUy6eRapyMTavuydkpT2RPvtO2CodpGX7aIlkOeK0nSuODhiCvctjw4w6a2nm08Mfyp12nyVegvY4M7NwRyY-MUcReBrIDcO8nTcQ/s1600-h/playroom+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKtkwI-9XM2nc1WPKq9KaLkJk9DQfp0jAJkklf5ZUy6eRapyMTavuydkpT2RPvtO2CodpGX7aIlkOeK0nSuODhiCvctjw4w6a2nm08Mfyp12nyVegvY4M7NwRyY-MUcReBrIDcO8nTcQ/s400/playroom+001.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">garden house in front of toy bin and art area</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4fyNcgtbS5HL95fJppWqSmZkjndmlRqFvGgPexOQrOAicPte4J1RZevEzXsKlVJNNbteDT7pMN98F65Ko83qBQbG6pHlIa3N_6BXs64_nR9q6mRbFL_BJY8pPcW7OMoh5nLTivvZrQo/s1600-h/playroom+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4fyNcgtbS5HL95fJppWqSmZkjndmlRqFvGgPexOQrOAicPte4J1RZevEzXsKlVJNNbteDT7pMN98F65Ko83qBQbG6pHlIa3N_6BXs64_nR9q6mRbFL_BJY8pPcW7OMoh5nLTivvZrQo/s320/playroom+004.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">guest bed and my desk stay! Can you see the cute foam protectors on the sharp edge?</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipafe7o_AZ53a-kzDl8nRq5SCX6bBt6cYf5VCAX1CjUoJFKBWq_g82Gpmj8A0fIrTuDQp0yR6AbanL02QvlG_iRFnQwV8hs3KZlier2-3HmUscEHoyiCt6mrXOJlSr-chv5Vozn2Dz-es/s1600-h/playroom+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipafe7o_AZ53a-kzDl8nRq5SCX6bBt6cYf5VCAX1CjUoJFKBWq_g82Gpmj8A0fIrTuDQp0yR6AbanL02QvlG_iRFnQwV8hs3KZlier2-3HmUscEHoyiCt6mrXOJlSr-chv5Vozn2Dz-es/s400/playroom+005.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> vintage chairs & reading nook, complete with cheerios for snack time:-)</span><br />
</div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-10471813561389084302010-01-20T15:02:00.000-06:002010-01-20T15:02:48.678-06:00the knitty gritty<div><br />
<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtqoX6y9hhFULa3qYwat_zDTZqUR5d0kfXLoordBifVY8zL9PxFxRlDy0p0GfTNzCzIV2wfS6_AROBd7VNr6lNxLZmec9Bp4tC3ncaksWSn-SyMBYn2JcRG-IQmmNKizrLA-ktVyXvdc/s1600-h/blog+pics+003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412887681224974530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtqoX6y9hhFULa3qYwat_zDTZqUR5d0kfXLoordBifVY8zL9PxFxRlDy0p0GfTNzCzIV2wfS6_AROBd7VNr6lNxLZmec9Bp4tC3ncaksWSn-SyMBYn2JcRG-IQmmNKizrLA-ktVyXvdc/s320/blog+pics+003.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a>get nothing more from this pic but a good hard laugh:<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>my sweet sister started knitting and she decided i would love it too. not so. i guess you could say i "like" it but i would rather be painting or playing with baby girl. plus, this is how part of my first scarf turned out, so maybe now you understand my frustration with knitting...for those of you that are more detailed than yours truly, more power to you.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div><br />
ugh, now anne tells me she's learned to cableknit. going back to a previous post...some of us have more intention to do what we feel called to do. all i know is i can't wait for my new cable knit sweater from her:-)<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlOiFTsmifZFlpd-JtGAC86xtqJCLzhg1ORIEAviEiukot2B9NYNQjWazHDxuYbXQj6hQk7EWig8thMNXkSg3OrYF0iO_VahqY7IxLj9DtXrlFheLtSmtfPSeETDZcteXDymWdxMTY80/s1600-h/knit+blanket.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413243168606428322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlOiFTsmifZFlpd-JtGAC86xtqJCLzhg1ORIEAviEiukot2B9NYNQjWazHDxuYbXQj6hQk7EWig8thMNXkSg3OrYF0iO_VahqY7IxLj9DtXrlFheLtSmtfPSeETDZcteXDymWdxMTY80/s320/knit+blanket.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 240px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>now, this blanket was a gift for mollie when she was born from a dear friend's mother. the time that she put into this creation baffles me. please inform me of how she knitted these small textured squares?...is this blanket "knitted" at all or is it some other technique?<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8yo1VO13NljPu9TeHgM1tTiJ6aDd0Y3tK-JvmEpnHr8kbn_2YihxFm2wlvLen8KkydYIJwTGGYxR-dAa8d4JWLb43WMRMfTT95zb_-5Fb94wY1scUBHB_907aqacW5HCNdiec0Llchs/s1600-h/playroom,+quilt+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8yo1VO13NljPu9TeHgM1tTiJ6aDd0Y3tK-JvmEpnHr8kbn_2YihxFm2wlvLen8KkydYIJwTGGYxR-dAa8d4JWLb43WMRMfTT95zb_-5Fb94wY1scUBHB_907aqacW5HCNdiec0Llchs/s320/playroom,+quilt+004.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GpGBZJCGpY7Qh17n52T-jIpk8BJklzZCdPiGE5hBobQKsgXyqGSyuKM9Vhq1iED_FA9BW4mBSK5JXB0sJgAFnJHCChqJX1MNHwgjWwC0_WPXM6kvQLeG-kfYmxFHHQzA8mQqt-a_oXU/s1600-h/playroom,+quilt+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GpGBZJCGpY7Qh17n52T-jIpk8BJklzZCdPiGE5hBobQKsgXyqGSyuKM9Vhq1iED_FA9BW4mBSK5JXB0sJgAFnJHCChqJX1MNHwgjWwC0_WPXM6kvQLeG-kfYmxFHHQzA8mQqt-a_oXU/s320/playroom,+quilt+003.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>yeah, so my sister amazes me once again with her creative talent. just learning to knit a couple of months ago, she made the very generous size blanket for mollie for christmas. thank you sissy...miss mollie loves to snuggle with it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>once again, my imaginary new camera would show detail much better.<br />
</div></div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-57783547070977969402010-01-17T19:28:00.000-06:002010-01-17T19:28:05.560-06:00abstract art sos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfV-QiiTRNzuscFj3JnlbDLUwvKgA-CDTKxkmKyxaWQ-lDeQPFZx6T5ZMt1TRM5gYC_C8mbHxKUoSlvRVdYT-Rh88ua5SeZKmi5wSP3FQmpWILmoA7mSea6D8puJ9vCWqoTwY3jP3JFQI/s1600-h/abstract,+chairs,+cupcakes+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfV-QiiTRNzuscFj3JnlbDLUwvKgA-CDTKxkmKyxaWQ-lDeQPFZx6T5ZMt1TRM5gYC_C8mbHxKUoSlvRVdYT-Rh88ua5SeZKmi5wSP3FQmpWILmoA7mSea6D8puJ9vCWqoTwY3jP3JFQI/s400/abstract,+chairs,+cupcakes+006.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn3GAgVi90IgujCdXEukxiSXcHdVpTkxYeIrjUKRZ1OOrHUEpUu98K27UJmnduawtB7heK1NSkgPO_ZBNU98i6iOJGC776Y8So83jV0yAHi1ICmTTdQx4TTQJcfTfcFUolMdZpf3swMc/s1600-h/abstract,+chairs,+cupcakes+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn3GAgVi90IgujCdXEukxiSXcHdVpTkxYeIrjUKRZ1OOrHUEpUu98K27UJmnduawtB7heK1NSkgPO_ZBNU98i6iOJGC776Y8So83jV0yAHi1ICmTTdQx4TTQJcfTfcFUolMdZpf3swMc/s320/abstract,+chairs,+cupcakes+008.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweOF2LH0M_IDUSc9ZUwP_3-E5DySRgnkzhKg9Ih6KnLAAy0jCUipiaGMjat3oHO9J19jwQw_i-4PT9Qgi0W3UGwHHSLbl5Lfuia4Yl5-DAbCg4r2yXsNc_RAZqXAIm6-2RS0_4acAA8o/s1600-h/abstract,+chairs,+cupcakes+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweOF2LH0M_IDUSc9ZUwP_3-E5DySRgnkzhKg9Ih6KnLAAy0jCUipiaGMjat3oHO9J19jwQw_i-4PT9Qgi0W3UGwHHSLbl5Lfuia4Yl5-DAbCg4r2yXsNc_RAZqXAIm6-2RS0_4acAA8o/s320/abstract,+chairs,+cupcakes+009.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">amidst the unused exercise equipment, beer bucket, and yes, a bowling ball (not mine) is my easel. paints, canvases, and brushes are also there somewhere. anyway, just thought you might want to know what i’m working with here. on a walk the other day, i built my dream art studio in my head. it was basically the complete opposite of what i have now (since it is currently in a dark garage!). i am certainly not complaining, after the news from Haiti this week. all i am saying is that one day, if i am so blessed, i will have a small-medium size room with abundant light from large windows—the French kind that open. also, gracing my art studio are very organized storage spaces. little nooks and crannies where i can store my treasures too. a sturdy easel is a must. a comfortable lounge sofa for brainstorming (and napping) would be nice, but i guess not necessary. ok, ok enough. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">you will also find a random abstract (as far away from traditional as i am capable) painting above--once again the photo is horrible. i literally did in 20 minutes just for the coloring. i struggle with understanding contemporary art. every so often i will see pieces that i like and try to imbed them in my mind, but very rarely do i follow through with what I set out to paint a few weeks later. i would love to take a class one day on modern art to learn more about the importance of it, and then maybe i will appreciate it more, furthering my own ability to paint how i feel. i tried the MoMA when i lived in nyc one summer several times and just got frustrated!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">please help me understand ...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcAeEITaq0-EqJQ6P1yeFWxXONg9SxGeJSTKSQdLavED6IicXBXBuKEeZEp0O7MnXTYTAqYmZG-OKG0RlLZ0uMqoYZ55jvNz_3k0NFqQpmcsSqP1hCv4gQyUYjAjHZF0SdenY0djM-pA/s1600-h/rothko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcAeEITaq0-EqJQ6P1yeFWxXONg9SxGeJSTKSQdLavED6IicXBXBuKEeZEp0O7MnXTYTAqYmZG-OKG0RlLZ0uMqoYZ55jvNz_3k0NFqQpmcsSqP1hCv4gQyUYjAjHZF0SdenY0djM-pA/s320/rothko.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1635051862330458783.post-59876145209411615672010-01-12T15:09:00.002-06:002010-01-13T09:37:31.283-06:00reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV_SCM88mqmq2JSvukdXk6lF1Yn6apAmZZ4bVm6vSvG-z_FhFBJB13BUTukJI36k5NZFnWcd2ZRn0NPZYvQhbPTrQl19CRb9OElegaom3cJXjS38To-my8Z-6loWAOkm1FB1HEVXJ2p4/s1600-h/belly+pic-37+weeks+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV_SCM88mqmq2JSvukdXk6lF1Yn6apAmZZ4bVm6vSvG-z_FhFBJB13BUTukJI36k5NZFnWcd2ZRn0NPZYvQhbPTrQl19CRb9OElegaom3cJXjS38To-my8Z-6loWAOkm1FB1HEVXJ2p4/s320/belly+pic-37+weeks+002.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">37 weeks<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6dTh6bcE4arFnU8d7mt_pfHAzVmmMnX1-GkxzybHIZnO8FeYW12JRvghCB2CLdCcy2KYLC2q819hY_QF_lFaFuXUX-TrOTeLOsjiGD5JRcY51lORBNDcTXQ6XRulkzniSduGPI0vhcE/s1600-h/M.A.S+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6dTh6bcE4arFnU8d7mt_pfHAzVmmMnX1-GkxzybHIZnO8FeYW12JRvghCB2CLdCcy2KYLC2q819hY_QF_lFaFuXUX-TrOTeLOsjiGD5JRcY51lORBNDcTXQ6XRulkzniSduGPI0vhcE/s320/M.A.S+009.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4:35 AM 4-2-09<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vJQMkSEH8mnVGL1_rWnJeSQ0zjoStegse1Nyyo1lt4ihI_ztjDo7rGIrJSW-tdiyPbZOq00Kh7pQ3dkv9Jpl0_iQpj3_27PqSYVA6u1sblJESj6Du3GXmJaGCp4Kex0YGCBPgkAPCEI/s1600-h/M.A.S+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vJQMkSEH8mnVGL1_rWnJeSQ0zjoStegse1Nyyo1lt4ihI_ztjDo7rGIrJSW-tdiyPbZOq00Kh7pQ3dkv9Jpl0_iQpj3_27PqSYVA6u1sblJESj6Du3GXmJaGCp4Kex0YGCBPgkAPCEI/s320/M.A.S+020.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mia and Mollie meet!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u2CtgD9LXXRcV1hx61ZIBQ90AziA7pc7T7U3ANYPU9PtTRjjbYnBCqrfkLIDmT_-bsyeTNtXWfxaTooCqYw3JdZCldsiYBrgv1jb5ed5bVvsRcSG2485MPrvTjeOSBFKMSJch-utEVQ/s1600-h/random+M+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u2CtgD9LXXRcV1hx61ZIBQ90AziA7pc7T7U3ANYPU9PtTRjjbYnBCqrfkLIDmT_-bsyeTNtXWfxaTooCqYw3JdZCldsiYBrgv1jb5ed5bVvsRcSG2485MPrvTjeOSBFKMSJch-utEVQ/s320/random+M+001.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crested Butte<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9Dq1o6TZPSrCDfXYn3cwm-RCyI5EdVUM66idCCs1J_OlPL0Kpl2F05K1YoBkZj32uf3hANACyNeMVj0PzlsGzSDesEKwWqSyP7DzDuYsSy1Qgl_gcqQ-ASVqmOQ4Z0TK35yJifwGx_k/s1600-h/random+M+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9Dq1o6TZPSrCDfXYn3cwm-RCyI5EdVUM66idCCs1J_OlPL0Kpl2F05K1YoBkZj32uf3hANACyNeMVj0PzlsGzSDesEKwWqSyP7DzDuYsSy1Qgl_gcqQ-ASVqmOQ4Z0TK35yJifwGx_k/s320/random+M+006.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Returning for MV, first time sitting<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgC07xS27BinNVgB71mxf2MXhyXTAOiz9HT7A9Lp-_X6PDyYaQWF_KAA43SCZGpPUEV2U0GLbWKORZ0QMAQfBwsQWn8jxR3VmojsS7hm1CszAVMyAWHtKfxcNmvHEmivH1YJbZ4uGHhU/s1600-h/jeep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgC07xS27BinNVgB71mxf2MXhyXTAOiz9HT7A9Lp-_X6PDyYaQWF_KAA43SCZGpPUEV2U0GLbWKORZ0QMAQfBwsQWn8jxR3VmojsS7hm1CszAVMyAWHtKfxcNmvHEmivH1YJbZ4uGHhU/s320/jeep.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fitler, MS<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B0kZI3Ox5UUzfp6-6kNgOpjfRBE2L7FF1Kxxx747YsOA_4jDOuTP2QP5cMx6q0mWr_RGHXI_4r5x6-HbJ6AvRJ3GzvVVRNH9oNYcu5U8BMW2uVG4E5A_Q7MpG-hQTjUKubyx14GXRgw/s1600-h/CHRISTMAS!!!+2009+131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B0kZI3Ox5UUzfp6-6kNgOpjfRBE2L7FF1Kxxx747YsOA_4jDOuTP2QP5cMx6q0mWr_RGHXI_4r5x6-HbJ6AvRJ3GzvVVRNH9oNYcu5U8BMW2uVG4E5A_Q7MpG-hQTjUKubyx14GXRgw/s320/CHRISTMAS!!!+2009+131.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cold Christmas in Dallas<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">happy 2010! i am only 12 days into the new year and already realizing what a stress case i am and how difficult life can be if you let it. 2009 was an amazing year. God is good! our families were blessed with the love of our lives and over the 9 months she has been with us, we have all been amazed by her more each day. i cannot imagine a better year as long as i live! my mission as a mother has definitely had it's ups and downs. beginning in april with the sleep deprivation, the adjustment to nursing, the overwhelming amount of time and energy it requires to take care of this helpless child, and last but not least the shock that the company my husband worked for was shutting down. looking back on the year: the lack of sleep was worth it, the process of nursing was empowering, and my husband WILL succeed as he determines to start his own real estate company. the Lord only knows what this year will hold. i resolve not to make a new year's resolution because my failure will only cause more anxiety, but to look above each day and be thankful for whatever comes my way. </span>Laura Stansellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964195787228862105noreply@blogger.com0